Sunny In Guatemala

Hello World. Happy Friday. Hope you all had a great week. Another Flashback post from last year. Last August for my birthday, I chose Guatemala for a bit of work and play.

2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 hour flight from Atlanta. If you look in advance, airfares prices are very reasonable with Delta or American Airline. I wanted to go somewhere with nature, relaxation to refresh my mind.I started doing research about resorts in Guatemala. Laguna Lodge was my first and only option after seeing pictures of this amazing place. So when I received an invitation from the Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort in Guatemala I was literally jumping for joy! I spent days doing research about the resort and its surroundings. Looking at its pictures. Oh, little did these pictures do justice! There are no words to describe Laguna Lodge other than: MAGICAL PARADISE.

We arrived at Guatemala City (GUA) super excited.

The custom officer was so nice. He gave me a beautiful gift, and I though to myself, wow, This is the nicest custom officer I have ever seen.

From Guatemala City you can rent a car, take a bus, or arrange with the hotel a private shuttle to Panajachel where a boat picks you up and takes you to the resort. The resort is located in Panajachel which is 2.5 hours drive from Guatemala City.

The drive is long, but is totally worth it. I was in total awed the entire ride of absolutely stunning views of Guatemala.

As we were driving to Panajachel, our driver was nice enough to let us pop out to take pictures when we first got amazing views of Lake Atitlan and its 3 volcanoes.

When we got to Panajachel, there was a boat waiting to take us to this secluded paradise. The lodge is set lakeside and offers breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan, which is the deepest lake in Central America and the surrounding volcanoes.

Since my sister is afraid of water, she decided to wear the life jacket while I was too busy taking pictures of this magical place.

As we got closer, Laguna Lodge was just distinguishable against its rugged volcanic surroundings.

We were warmly welcomed by the amazing staff and Shiva, sweet and friendly guardian of Laguna Lodge on the wooden jetty and led past the infinity pool guarded by a fearsome stone warrior. Through a tropical garden filled with plantain trees, creepers, and up cobbled steps past a little rock garden scattered with colour from the flowers and butterflies that tended them.

We were welcome with organic delicious juices and  very tasty snack.

After a warm welcome, we were given a quick tour of the property

The design and interior of Laguna Lodge adds to the experience, and the elements of Mayan tradition and history blended with luxury make Laguna Lodge stand out as the place to stay to experience Lake Atitlan. My first impression of Laguna Lodge made me realise attention to detail was an integral part of making the lodge unique.  Every corner and every wall had been considered to create a magical experience.

You can’t stare out at the lake and volcanoes and occasional boats and not feel a sense of calm wash over you.

The lounge where we were introduced to Saint Maximon, the Mayans smoking and alcohol consuming Saint. Admired by many who believe he brings good fortune and health, a mix of Catholic and Mayan beliefs.

Were were told there is another lounge area at the top of the property so we went up to watch the view at the top terrace. Just when I thought I’ve seen all the beauty of this magical lodge. I was wrong again. The top terrace has the most spectacular view I have ever seen.

Yes there’s a mini gym, beautiful sitting area, and hammock  with full lake views at the top terrace

 

My sister admiring the view from our bedroom balcony. 

 

The next day, it was my birthday (August 26) so I got up at 5am to watch the sunrise. 

I was completely speechless of the beauty I was seeing and thankful that I got to see another birthday in a magical paradise I didn’t think exist in Guatemala. 

Dining at Laguna Lodge is also an experience.  A fixed vegetarian menu changes daily based on local produce sourced. 

My faves were their breakfast menu and the most spectular view. I literally ate everything.

After Breakfast, it was time for some lounging by the Lake.  

We went to the local market for souvenirs and interacts with the locals. 

Light dinner after the market

 The next day we hiked the top of the mountain. It was intense but the view was worth. 

My sister suggested to take sexy pictures and even gave directions on how to pose. While doing this pose, my hat that I bought from the local market fell in the water. 

My reaction after one of the staffs rescued my hat and my sister asked if I wanted more sexy photos. lol

Later that day, we climbed the highest mountains for some adventure. 

 After jumping off 8,000 feat cliff, this was my view. Paragliding was absolutely magical. We soared passed mountain cliffs, beyond dormant volcanoes, over the village of Panajachel, atop the lake, and all around the mountainside that surrounded. Highly recommend for the adventurous travelers when in Guatemala. 

Traveling forces you to trust strangers and loose sight of all familiar comfort of home and friends.  I had an amazing time paragliding with these men. They were fighting to do my peace sign pose. 

 Hanging out with the resort’s dog, Shiva

 

 

 Rudy, the resort manger is the reason I got to experience paradise in Guatemala. From offering their luxury suites, to arranging a surprise birthday cake for me once he found out it was my birthday. Such an amazing should. 

With the amazing staffs. 

The lodge can be book several ways: Online click here  Call (502) 4066.8135 or email Rudy
info @ thelagunalodge.com and tell him you heard about the hotel through Sunny to get my returning discount and get ready to enjoy a wonderful and blissful stay at Laguna Lodge!!! Don’t forget to tell the staff I said hi!

My time at Laguna Lodge was divine.  I can see why it has received many awards  as one of the best lodges in the world.  It perfect for honeymooners, the solo traveller or the adventurer, Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort and Nature Reserve is definitely a jewel on Lake Atitlan. 

I hope these pictures shows at least a little of what Laguna Lodge is all about. It’s love for nature, it’s kind hearted staffs, the amazing food, and the spectular view 

 DO NOT USE MY PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION