Reservation Policy & Guest Terms

The Lighthouse Retreat – Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Last Updated: October 2025.

By confirming your booking and making a reservation, you explicitly agree to the following terms, conditions, and policies.

1. Booking, Payments & Island Logistics

Official Booking: All reservations must be secured through our official website or approved booking partners.
Payment Requirement: Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Taxes & Processing Fees: Rates are listed in USD and do not include the mandatory 15% Nicaraguan VAT or staff gratuities. A 6% credit card processing fee applies to all card transactions. Cash-back requests processed on-site will incur a 10% administrative fee.
Island Financials Notice: There are no ATMs or banks on Little Corn Island. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient cash for your personal expenses.

2. Cancellations & Reservation Transfers

Refund Policy: All bookings are strictly non-refundable.
Reservation Transfers: Guests are permitted a one-time reservation transfer to a future date, subject to a mandatory 30 days’ prior notice. This transfer option can only be applied once per original booking.
Travel Insurance: Because we enforce a strict non-refundable policy, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected trip disruptions or travel delays.

3. Arrival, Check-In & Strict Check-Out Policy

Standard Timeline: Check-in is available from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Check-out is strictly by 9:00 AM.
Mandatory Pre-Arrival Check-In: Online check-in must be completed prior to your arrival on the island to prevent registration delays.
Late Check-Out Fees: Subject to availability and prior management approval, late check-out may be extended until 12:00 PM for a fee of $50 USD + 15% VAT.
Overstay Charges: Any guest remaining on the property past 12:00 PM without prior written approval will automatically be charged the full additional night rate plus tax, with no exceptions.
Property Damage & Missing Items: Guests are fully responsible for the condition of their cabaña during their stay. Any physical damage to the room, structural elements, decor, or missing property items (including, but not limited to, room keys and towels) will result in a minimum automatic charge of $100 USD + 15% VAT.
Payment Authorization: All applicable charges—including late check-out fees, overstay rates, or property damage/missing item fees—will be automatically billed to the credit card provided on the authorization form, with no exceptions.
Operational Context:

Please note that our check-out times must be strictly respected due to our unique island structure. We do not operate 24/7 hotel staffing; our team schedules and regional island transportation (including public panga boat transfers) operate on fixed, rigid times. Prompt check-outs ensure smooth transitions for incoming guests and local staff operations.

4. Group & Retreat Buyout Bookings

Property Capacity: The property accommodates a maximum of 11 adults (or up to 14 guests if utilizing double occupancy for couples).
Leader Responsibility: Retreat leaders and facilitators hold sole responsibility for the marketing, promotion, and filling of their respective retreat spots.
Securing Dates: A customized, non-refundable deposit is required to lock in calendar dates for custom retreat packages.

5. Guest Guidelines & On-Property Rules

Adults-Only Atmosphere: The Lighthouse Retreat is a sanctuary reserved exclusively for adults. Children and pets are not permitted on the property.
Eco-Sanctuary Standards: To protect our fragile island ecosystem, guests are required to bring reusable water bottles and use exclusively eco-friendly, biodegradable toiletries.
Island Power Schedule: As an eco-conscious property, electricity is intentionally turned off daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Smoking & Fire Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all cabañas and enclosed spaces.
Outside Food & Beverage: No outside food or beverages are permitted anywhere on the property.
Day Visitors: For security and privacy, outside visitors are not permitted in guest cabañas. Any outside visitors wishing to access the communal property must be registered and confirmed by management in advance.

6. Arrival & Island Transport

Dockside Meet-and-Greet: Luggage assistance and a dockside welcome are complimentary with your stay. Guests must notify us of their scheduled arrival time in advance to coordinate staff. Gratuities for our hardworking luggage team are highly appreciated and encouraged.
The Hilltop Walk: The retreat is beautifully perched atop the island’s highest point on the path toward the lighthouse viewpoint. It is a scenic, active 10-to-15-minute walk uphill from the main dock and village, rewarding you with panoramic ocean views.
Curated Excursions: For your safety and peace of mind, private island excursions can be booked directly through the retreat using our network of trusted, verified local boat captains and guests are free to book outside tours on their own.

7. Liability & Guest Acknowledgment Release

Personal Property: The Lighthouse Retreat is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items. Guests are advised to keep valuables in their possession.
Assumption of Risk: By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge that participation in all on-site or off-site activities—including but not limited to yoga, breathwork, spa treatments, ocean sports, and island excursions—is entirely voluntary and undertaken at your own risk. The Lighthouse Retreat, its owners, staff, and affiliates assume no liability for personal injuries, property losses, health complications, or damages incurred during your stay.
Right of Refusal: All guests must present a valid government-issued ID and a valid credit card upon arrival. The Lighthouse Retreat reserves the right to refuse entry, cancel a reservation, or evict any guest displaying abusive, disruptive, or damaging behavior without a refund.

8. Policy Modifications & Contact

Policy Adjustments: The Lighthouse Retreat reserves the right to modify these policies at any time without prior notice. The most current version will always be posted on our website.
Inquiries: For questions regarding these terms, please contact us at book@thelighthouselci.com.

Terms and Conditions