A gap in the market

It's fair to say that tourism isn't as developed in Central America as it is in other parts of the world I've travelled to. That, of course, is part of the attraction in coming here but it also means that Gemma and I have spent the last six weeks spotting potential (and often gaping) gaps in the market. In fact, it's become a bit of a running joke.

What this region desperately needs is two intelligent, business-headed women with exquisite taste to sort it out!

Take our hotel here on Isla de Ometepe as an example. The location is spectacular - remote, lakeside, on the edge of a lush banana plantation, with beautiful unspoilt beach spreading out in both directions. And the building itself is attractive - sort of hacienda style with rocking chairs dotted about on cool terracotta-tiled porches.

But they've got the rest oh so wrong. It takes at least 45 minutes to walk to the next nearest restaurant, so the food here ought to be exceptional, right? It's not. In fact, I would struggle to call it mediocre. And it's expensive. We're having cookies and crisps and beer from our emergency supplies for dinner.

The service is chaotic and slow. And the decor in the rooms bland and uninspiring. Which is unfortunate as there's nowhere else to go after dark!

We're the only people staying here.

You want to knock their heads together and show them how the money could be rolling in with just a few tweaks here and there.

But, on second thoughts, I expect if I come back in 10 years time, this beach will be lined with well-run, commercially successful luxury hotels... and will be a lot worse for it. I take it all back... as you were folks!

Walking along 'our' beach this afternoon was good for the soul. We met just a few other people, all locals, doing their washing in the lake's fresh water or simply playing with their children. We also ran into all manner of farmyard animals... a pig, a goat, some hens... and some majestic horses taking respite from the afternoon heat. And it's all in the shadow of Ometepe's two awe-inspiring volcanoes - Concepcion and Maderas.

Carrying on around the headland we reached Ometepe's equivalent of the Costa del Sol. There must have been ooh about 5 hotels... and at least 6 or 7 tourists sunbathing on the sand. We found it all a bit much and retreated to blissful isolation.

Now where's that hammock? Time to work on my business plan...

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Location:Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua