Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa - Caribbean Paradise on Little Corn Island

About Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa

Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa is a Caribbean dream made real — a boutique beachfront resort on the car-free island of Little Corn, one of the most remote and unspoiled destinations in all of Central America. Named after the Afro-Caribbean goddess of the ocean, Yemaya offers a rare combination of barefoot luxury and genuine seclusion that is increasingly difficult to find in today's connected world.

Little Corn Island is a tiny speck of land in the Caribbean Sea, about 70 kilometers off Nicaragua's Mosquito Coast. There are no cars, no paved roads, and no chain hotels — just a pristine tropical island with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a relaxed Creole culture that moves to its own rhythm. Yemaya is the island's premier accommodation, offering a level of comfort and sophistication that you would not expect to find in such a remote location.

The resort features 16 elegantly appointed cabañas set along a beautiful stretch of Caribbean beach, a full-service spa, an acclaimed restaurant, and a warmth of hospitality that has earned it recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor, and numerous Caribbean travel publications.

Location

Yemaya is located on the northern beach of Little Corn Island, in Nicaragua's South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (RACCN).

Getting There:

• From Managua: Fly to Big Corn Island (approximately 1.5 hours) on La Costeña airlines. From Big Corn, take a panga (open boat) to Little Corn Island (approximately 30 minutes). The lodge can arrange all transfers.
• From Big Corn Island: The panga boat operates several times daily and deposits passengers at Little Corn's main dock. From there, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk along the beach and jungle path to Yemaya, or the lodge can arrange a porter for your luggage.
• Important: There is no airport on Little Corn Island. The panga boat crossing can be rough in high seas. Travelers with mobility limitations should inquire about conditions before booking.

Rooms

Yemaya offers 16 private cabañas, each one designed with Caribbean elegance and positioned to maximize ocean views and privacy.

Cabaña Categories

• Beach Cabañas: Ground-level cabañas steps from the sand, featuring private verandas with hammocks, ocean views, king beds with premium linens, and open-air bathrooms with rain showers. Fall asleep to the sound of waves.
• Seaview Cabañas: Elevated cabañas on the hillside behind the beach, offering panoramic Caribbean views from private balconies. These units feature additional space and enhanced privacy.
• Honeymoon Cabaña: The most luxurious accommodation, featuring a private plunge pool, an oversized veranda with daybed, premium amenities, and the most secluded position on the property.

All cabañas include ceiling fans, mosquito nets, organic bath amenities, complimentary water and coffee, in-room safe, and daily housekeeping. There is no air conditioning — the Caribbean breeze and ceiling fans keep rooms comfortable, aligning with the lodge's eco-conscious philosophy.

Dining

Yemaya's restaurant is widely regarded as the finest on Little Corn Island, serving a creative menu that celebrates Caribbean coastal cuisine.

• Yemaya Restaurant: The open-air beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that changes daily based on what local fishermen bring in and what the garden produces. Expect fresh lobster (in season), whole grilled snapper, coconut-infused curries, and tropical ceviche.
• Beach Bar: A barefoot bar on the sand serving tropical cocktails, fresh coconut water, local Toña beer, and Flor de Caña rum drinks as the Caribbean sun sets.
• Chef's Table: A special multi-course dining experience available by reservation, where the chef prepares a bespoke tasting menu paired with wines and cocktails.
• Lobster BBQ Nights: During lobster season (March to June), the restaurant hosts special lobster barbecue evenings on the beach — a Little Corn Island tradition.

Things to Do

Little Corn Island is a paradise for water activities, nature exploration, and the art of doing absolutely nothing.

• Snorkeling and diving: Little Corn boasts some of the Caribbean's most pristine coral reefs. The waters are home to nurse sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and kaleidoscopic reef fish. Several dive shops on the island offer PADI certification courses
• Beach relaxation: Simply claim a hammock on Yemaya's beach and let the Caribbean rhythm take over — there is no better place in Nicaragua to completely unwind
• Yemaya Spa: Indulge in treatments inspired by Caribbean and indigenous healing traditions, including coconut oil massages, volcanic mud wraps, and herbal facials, all accompanied by the sound of the ocean
• Yoga: Daily yoga sessions on the beachfront yoga platform, suitable for all levels, with the Caribbean as your backdrop
• Island walk: Circumnavigate the entire island on foot in about two hours, discovering hidden beaches, local fishing communities, and jungle trails
• Fishing with locals: Join local fishermen for a traditional fishing excursion — catch your dinner and have the restaurant prepare it for you
• Sunset kayaking: Paddle along the coast at golden hour for unforgettable Caribbean sunset views
• Explore Nicaragua's mainland: Before or after your Corn Islands stay, explore Granada's colonial charm or the best hotels across Nicaragua

Why Stay Here

Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa offers a type of travel experience that is genuinely rare in the modern world — a place where you are completely disconnected from the rush of daily life, surrounded by pristine Caribbean nature, and cared for with warm, personal hospitality. There are no televisions, no traffic noise, no schedules to keep. There is only the ocean, the reef, the breeze, and the slow rhythm of island life.

What makes Yemaya exceptional is that it delivers this level of remoteness and tranquility without sacrificing comfort. The cabañas are beautifully appointed, the food is genuinely outstanding, the spa is a sanctuary, and the staff treats every guest like family. It is barefoot luxury in the truest sense.

Little Corn Island represents the undiscovered Caribbean — a place that feels like Belize or the San Blas Islands did twenty years ago, before the world found them. For travelers who crave authenticity over glitz, remoteness over convenience, and nature over nightlife, Yemaya is a revelation.

Combine your Corn Islands escape with other Nicaraguan highlights: a stay at Hotel Plaza Colón in Granada for colonial culture, or a beach experience at San Juan del Sur's surf lodges for Pacific waves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Little Corn Island?

Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island on La Costeña airlines (approximately 1.5 hours), then take a panga boat to Little Corn (approximately 30 minutes). The lodge arranges all transfers and provides detailed instructions upon booking.

Is there Wi-Fi on Little Corn Island?

Yes, Yemaya offers Wi-Fi, though speeds are slower than mainland Nicaragua. The island's remote location means internet connectivity is limited. Many guests find this to be one of the island's greatest charms — a genuine opportunity to disconnect.

What is the best time to visit Little Corn Island?

The driest months are March to May and August to October. Lobster season runs from March to June. February to April typically offers the calmest seas for the panga crossing. September and October can see some rain but also the fewest visitors and best diving visibility.

Are there mosquitoes on Little Corn Island?

Yes, as with all Caribbean islands, mosquitoes are present, especially at dawn and dusk. The lodge provides mosquito nets in all cabañas and recommends bringing insect repellent. The ocean breeze helps significantly.

Can I pay with credit cards?

Yemaya accepts credit cards. However, there are no ATMs on Little Corn Island, so it is advisable to bring some cash (US dollars or Nicaraguan córdobas) for tips and purchases at local shops.