La Lancha Hotel-The Family Coppola Hideaways, Guatemala Lake Peten Itza, el Remate, Guatemala

Sleep and Sanctuary

Above the magical shores of Lago Peten Itza you’ll find ten individual dwellings teeming with enticing rainforest charm, ranging from Lakeview Suites, Rainforest Junior Suites and Rainforest Casitas. In all you’ll find Guatemalan furnishings and locally made arts and crafts, covered decks with hammocks (for two), organic soaps and products, and sprawling to partial lake views. The non-luddites will enjoy comped Wi-Fi, fridges stocked with healthy snacks and air-conditioning. Oh, and don’t be surprised if a howler monkey or two pops by to, you know, start up a little political discourse.

Eat. Pray. Eat.

Thanks to the peaceful seclusion of La Lancha, you’re likely to spend the lion’s share of your meals under the thatched-roof palapa of the lodge’s open-air restaurant gazing at panoramic lake vistas. Seriously, thanks. Here, you’ll enjoy breakfast serenaded by the local chorus of parakeet and howler monkeys, or as the day moves along dishes like chilaquiles, fresh fish and local veggies cooked on the parilla, hand made tortillas on the comal. Afterwards, be sure to enjoy your (as they say in the movies), “martini shot” with a Guatemalan aged rum down at the lakefront bar.

The Art of De-stressing

In keeping with local traditions of Guatemala, La Lancha offers both a mirador and a temazcal. A temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge and provides a place for a meditative transforming cultural experience to detox and heal one’s soul with copal incense burning. While the mirador area is a peaceful setting to take in the views of the lake below or have a private dinner for two or indulge in al-fresco Mayan moon oil massage.

You’ll find de-stressing elements simply by the presence of Lago Peten Itza, in fact, the lake is famous for its dramatic changes in color, shifting from cobalt blue to a green turquoise hue in an instant. Some in the local community believe the cool waters contain almost magical powers, because of the powerful sense of rejuvenation many people experience after swimming in the lake. A leisurely day can be spent in the lake or on, with complimentary paddle boards, kayaks or canoes provided by La Lancha. Horseback rides through hilly pastoral lands are also at your fingertips as are guided tours of the lake and Flores, as well as boat rides out to Ixpanjapul’s magnificent suspension skyways.