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When one hears the country name Guatemala, something other than luxury resorts may come to mind. While I was excited to visit the country for the first time eight years ago, luxury resorts in Guatemala were the furthest from my mind.
Instead, I was looking forward to learning the culture, practicing what little Spanish I know, eating good food and taking in the history and amazement of Tikal National Park. All of which I did.
However, within the two-week itinerary planned by Bella Guatemala Travel (no longer operating), I found myself relaxing and refreshing at two luxury resorts in Guatemala that many say “If you know, you know,” because they are certainly some of the hidden gems in the country. You may not see these resorts boasted on travel brochures, but with some research and recommendations, they may soon quickly become part of your planned travel to Guatemala.
The Central American country bordering Belize, El Salvador, Mexico, and Honduras has much more to offer than meets the eye. It’s a melting pot of cultures rooted in the ancient Maya people that is memorialized by architecture, iconography, and hieroglyphic writing. Coffee, chocolate, fabric weaving and nature, hiking and shopping easily become part of conversations and activities.
However, for those wanting to add a touch of luxury to their plans, these two luxury resorts in Guatemala will have you thinking about the country long after you leave. Again, it’s been eight for me and they are still fresh in my memory.
Serenity by the Water – Hotel Atitlan
Surrounded by three volcanoes and 12 lakeside communities, Lake Atitlan quickly became a tourist destination for foreign visitors and fellow Guatemalans. Its peaceful atmosphere and still blue waters remind me of Lake Tahoe in California. Similar efforts to keep the lake free of pollutants is an environmental fight that is all too familiar.
Book and lay your head down at one of these two luxury resorts in Guatemala, known as Hotel Atitlan. The hotel’s name is a natural fit given its location and the property, a former coffee plantation, is encapsulated by botanical gardens, singing birds and nature. Bella Guatemala Travel’s founder, Elsie YiDonoy, says her family used to come here when she was young, so naturally, I see why it was on my trip itinerary when I took her tour in 2017.
The 60 rooms offer breathtaking views that can be enjoyed on your private balcony while dining outside at the charming restaurant or during an afternoon dip in the pool. A gift shop off the lobby ensures you won’t forget to take a little memento home.
Just ten minutes away by car, or if you really want to be like the locals, jump in a tut tut (small three-wheel vehicle) and head over to Panajachel for shopping, happy hour or a night out. The town was invaded in the 1960s by hippies who clearly left their mark. Strike up a conversation with a stranger and sooner or later you will find someone who was so taken in by the laid-back style of living there that they never left.
If you’re planning to grab a few souvenirs for family and friends, Panajachel is the place to do it as you walk down the street with vendor after vendor vying for your attention and money for hand-crafted goods.
Other communities were just a boat ride away. A short walk to the hotel’s dock and you can board a small boat to the largest community, Santiago Atitlan, and then to San Juan La Laguna to visit at a co-op for Maya women weavers. These co-ops help women support their families and gain valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Be sure to plan your visits by boat earlier in the day, as the water can get a little choppy and make for a nail-biting ride on the way back.
Another short ride away is the Reserva Natural Atitlán. You don’t have to be a nature enthusiast to appreciate the beauty that makes this reserve one of the top places to visit. Be sure to wear hiking or other athletic shoes as you hike the trails, walk across the hanging bridges and zip line across the waterfalls.
The Butterfly Geodome will have you surrounded by thousands of monarch butterflies and other species that are eventually released into the wild. If you look carefully in a corner, you’ll see a rescued owl who watches over his winged flock with a vigilant eye.
The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is a blessing and a curse. If true relaxation is what you are looking for, you may soon trade in your desire to explore for a lounge chair, a good book and a glass of wine… or bottle.
Jungle Fever – Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa
Yes, I have jungle fever, and I am not talking about the kind in Spike Lee’s movie. I was given a heads-up about Las Laguna Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa, but I finally got a clue when the gates opened, and we were heading up to the hotel. The welcome drink upon arriving in the lobby just sealed the deal.
Located in the city of Petén, it is situated on 300 acres within a private reserve, the next hidden gem that is also one of the luxury resorts in Guatemala to put on our radar provides all of the luxurious comforts and amenities one would come to expect.
19 rooms equipped with their own open decks and Jacuzzis is just the beginning of what is in store. Whether you wake up to an amazing sunrise or celebrate the evening early with the sunset, there is not one bad view in sight.
The general manager at the time shared, “When I came here and I saw the property, I fell in love immediately and I was so amazed that it was in Guatemala because when I left, you couldn’t find things like this.”
Visitors worldwide rave about the property that Forbes magazine calls “Your Private Lakeside Retreat.” The tagline, “Luxury by Nature,” sums it up in three words as you ditch your significant other (or bring them along) for a well-deserved massage, facial treatment or mani-pedi at the spa.
Don’t let the day go by without sipping a drink as you lean over with just your head and arms exposed while in the infinity pool. Nothing makes the statement, “I am on vacation,” more than when you tell the staff, “One more please,” as they notice your empty glass and want to ensure your time in the pool or lounging is uninterrupted by having to get it yourself.
As you wake up in the morning, don’t be alarmed by the sounds of howler monkeys heard in the distance. If you want to see what the noise is all about, be sure to take the Monkey Island Tour so you can watch them in their natural habitat while they are fed each morning.
Buckle up as you ride through the grounds on 4×4 bikes. If you want to slow it down, check out the native species on a hike or watch the variety of exotic birds as they go about their daily routines.
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History is all around Guatemala, and you can get another lesson at the museum on the property. Displaying some of the owner’s personal collection, walk back in time with pieces that include masks, statues and jewelry. Some are said to date back as far as 400 B.C.
As you relax in your suite with a private dining deck, the question you’ll ask yourself each day is, “Do I dine at the restaurant or order room service.” Don’t think the answer will be easy as you gaze out into the lagoon, watch the birds play and become hypnotized by the sounds of nature that make you forget where you are.
Lastly, love is in the air at Las Lagunas, so you can go with your girls or your boys if you want, but if you’re looking to make memories that will last a lifetime, I recommend spending your time here with that special someone. You’ll thank me later.
To get a book and retreat at one or both of these luxury resorts in Guatemala, visit Hotel Atitlan online for rates and availability. It is located about 1.5 hours from Guatemala City. You can also follow the property on Facebook.
To get to Las Lagunas in Petén, take a 45-minute flight from Guatemala City. To book your stay, visit the website. You can also follow the property on Facebook and Instagram.
