Hotel Snapshot
There are beautiful hotels and then there is Casa Palopo, a Relais & Châteaux property. I’ve stayed in countless hotels over the course of my ten-year career, but few have stood out as much as this gem set on Lake Atitlán. It's, in a word, spectacular. Overlooking ancient and dormant volcanoes, it’s often lauded as one of the best boutique retreats in Guatemala, not just for its spellbinding lakeside location, but for its uniqueness and artistic flair. Rich in Guatemalan colours, its stucco walls painted in deep blues, reds, oranges and jewel box tones wow amongst Latin Americana art pieces, vintage photographs, totems and curios cluttered into weathered antique bookcases and cabinets soured throughout the land. The terrace, the hotel’s beating heart, spills onto the lake, and come golden hour, is eclipsed in a glow reminiscent of a semi-transparent luminous halo. Pair that with the flickers of hundreds of candles humming to the tunes of an old-fashion American jukebox, and you have what we call “peak ambience.”
The Rooms
The rooms in the main case are equally visually stunning. Imagine a mise-en-scene of only 15 rooms oozing traditional Mayan heritage perfumed with the scent of weathered sage. Overhead wooden beams and antique furnishings add to the former private estate’s character, alongside indigenous artefacts, décor and religious paintings. Thoughtful touches in the form of a French coffee press, fragrant candles and meditation set also give rooms the extra cool factor. Fun fact: the word Atitlán translates from the Mayan word meaning 'the place where the rainbow gets its colours'. As a nod to this, many rooms in the hotel have a 'pot of gold' trunk at their foot, a playful, yet subtle way of honouring the lake’s ancient roots. Those lucky enough to nab a terrace will find tables and cushty sofas perfectly aligned to sun rises bursting over the volcanoes to a soundtrack of birdsong. If you are one of those modern types, Villa Palopó is more your vibe. African tribal relics and Indonesian wood furniture crown all the modern white living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows and huge terraces showcase the hotel’s pretty gardens and showstopping infinity pool. While it verges on being a little out of place (Bali in Guatemala?) its alt experience only adds to its omnipresent cultural flair.
Food & Drink
The food here verges on modern European style to south American steakhouse. 6.8., the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, is a romantic affair masterminded by chef Jorge Peralta. Local culinary traditions are reinterpreted and are designed to seasonally and sustainably tell the story of Guatemala’s diverse regions on the terrace come nightfall. It’s all about showcasing the ingredient’s “connection to the land”, and as a result you’ll never eat the same thing twice here. That said, expect grand big fish numbers and an exquisite curation of some of the country’s finest roots and veggies. If like me you are more of a meat kinda boy, head down to the lake to gorge on steaks aplenty at restaurant Kinnk. Once you’re done, head to the main veranda. Come the evenings, the whole thing becomes almost Disney-esque with candles lit up everywhere. Combine that with the galactic mysticism of the stars and moon hovering above with a margarita in hand, and you’ve scored absolute perfection.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
As for R&R, the entire villa is designed to be relaxed in. Deck chairs are virtually everywhere in sight, along with poofs and loungers eyeing up the two pools. There’s also a small gym tucked away above the boutique and reception for fitness fanatics, and if you are brave enough, cold plunges in the lake. My advice? Just chill and enjoy the view come sunrise. It’s pure uninterrupted sorcery that even Walt himself could not have dreamt up.
Fast Facts
Location: Santa Catarina Palopó, Sololá, Guatemala
Address: Carretera a San Antonio Palopó, KM 6.8, Santa Catarina Palopó, Sololá, Guatemala
The vibe: You are a noble for a night, and this is your lakeside home to the stars.
Room Count: 15
Starting Rate: From about 400 USD per night.
Dining: It’s a journey through Guatemala. Expect a bit of finesse and some of the best meat cuts you’ve had in your life. Breakfast is a stingy medley of local breads, jams and fruits. Order off the menu to ensure you are full for the morning.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, spa, pool, activities centre.
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