Tag Archives: Central America

Panama Overwater
Central America, Panama, Stay, Trip Ideas

Panama’s Amazing Over-Water Eco Lodges

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Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago is one of the last undeveloped coastlines in the Caribbean. Sandwiched between the surf and the clear waters of an expansive inland lagoon, these small, emerald-clad islands are the site of unique off-grid resorts that blend traditional know-how with modern eco-friendly technologies to deliver a comfortable yet authentic guest experience. Some add the extra element of over-water architecture. Here are three favorites.

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

Off-grid, solar-powered and supporting a privately funded mangrove reserve, the Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is an eco resort by any standard. The property includes nine thatch-roofed over-water bungalows fabricated from natural building materials that includes native woods and plants, clays, leafs, bamboo, and wild cane. The design is traditional, but the infrastructure is thoroughly modern. In addition to solar electrical and hot water generation, the lodge employs gas refrigeration technology and a waste treatment system that makes use of state-of-the-art aerobic systems for micro-processing and sewage treatment. Each of the nine bungalows has two-story floor plans, with upstairs sleeping lofts and 360-degree water views from wraparound porches.

Caracol Bedroom Punta

The second story sleeping lofts at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge are fitted with Colonial style four post beds and netting, and seating under a traditional roof made from natural materials. Photo: Punta Caracol

An all-inclusive room rate includes breakfasts, candlelight dinners and access to snorkeling, kayaking and beach excursions. The lodge is located on the western shore of Isla Colon, several miles removed from Bocas Town, but easy to reach by water taxi. Daily activities can include boat tours of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, island tours by bicycle, motorcycle or four- wheeler, surfing trips and scuba diving trips, and visits to coastal rainforest preserves. At the end of the day, the west facing porches of the bungalows are the place to be as the sun sets over the waters of Almirante Bay.

Punta Caracol

Bungalows at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge feature wraparound porches that deliver sweeping water views. Note the solar panels set atop the traditional thatch roofs. Photo: Punta Caracol

Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge

This off-grid resort is located along the northern shores of Bastimentos Island, which is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and scenic beaches. With just six over-water bungalows, it is one of the area’s smaller resorts, but it is also one of the most highly regarded. Bungalows follow traditional local designs that promote natural cross ventilation, with penca thatch roofs that create convective cooling. Amenities include private bathrooms with hot water, ceiling fans, hammocks, chaise lounges, wireless Wi-Fi and complimentary room service. Each Caribbean-style bungalow features glass- viewing panels in the floors and private decks with swim-up access. Families and groups can book the resort’s villa, which provides accommodations for six, and sits on the second story of the main lodge. 

EclypseMar EcoLodge

The waterfront restaurant at Eclypse de Mar Aqua Lodge delivers spectacular sunset views and Caribbean breezes. The menu showcases seafood and fresh local produce. Photo: Eclypse de Mar

The regional gateway of Bocas Town is just a ten-minute boat ride across the lagoon, but the property is private and is sequestered within coastal forests. A natural spring on Eclypse de Mar’s own nature reserve provides ample fresh water, and the lodge uses a special low-flow water system to make best use of this resource. All waste is treated and sorted for recycling, and Eclypse de Mar has assumed responsibility for the care and maintenance of nearby coastal areas and mangrove forests. Paths lead from the resort to the island’s interior, where rainforests and wetlands are home to a wide range of tropical birds, flowering plants and wildlife.

Eclypse EcoLodge

The distinctive thatch roofs of the Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge are based on a traditional regional design that creates natural cooling while also adding a touch of exotic appeal. Photo: Eclypse de Mar

Azul Paradise Panama

The newest eco-lodge in Panama’s Bocas del Toro area is a family owned collection of bungalows located on a remote and pristine white sand beach. Each of the 10 bungalows at Azul Paradise are designed to take full advantage of this idyllic setting, with features like private outdoor showers, and outdoor living areas with lounge seating areas over the water. Ladders lead right from the sundeck into the shallows. Interiors welcome sea breezes to create cool comfort, with king-sized beds and private bathrooms with walk in shower. To take full advantage of the setting, glass floor panels are positioned to take in views of the marine life below.

Azul Paradise Bungalows

White sands and clear waters are a hallmark of the Azul Paradise eco lodge. Outdoor living areas at each over-water bungalow give guests immediate access to the water. Photo: Azul Paradise

Azul Paradise is located on the more secluded southern coast of Bastimentos Island, which is a half-hour boat ride from the docks of Bocas Town. The resort includes a tiki bar with a beachfront grill, and a large clubhouse with a lounge area, private bar, and restaurant. Guests can swim or snorkel right from their rooms or the beach, and make use of kayaks, paddleboards and private lounge chairs on the beach. Additional off- property activities include daily scheduled tours, deep-sea fishing, dolphin encounters and surfing. At the end of the day, dinners can be served on private decks.

Azul Paradise

A remote beach on the southern coast of Panama’s Bastimentos Island provides an ideal setting for the native-style bungalows of the Azul Paradise lodge. Photo: Azul Paradise

The Brando
Belize, Central America, Florida, Guatemala, Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

The Best Celebrity Owned Resorts

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Fame has its perks, but even sophisticated jet setters may appreciate a bit of home-style comforts when they travel. For a select few stars, this wish has translated not just into favorite stays, but actual ownership where they are able to put their personal stamp on every detail of the property’s ambiance, décor and services. Here are five premier resorts formed and transformed by star power.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

When film director Francis Ford Coppola discovered an abandoned jungle camp deep in the jungles of Belize, he transformed it into a family retreat. A decade later, he opened the Blancaneaux Lodge to the public as a 20-room luxury hideaway. Here, nestled in the lush foliage of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a collection of thatched roof cabanas perch above a rushing jungle creek where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools. Each cabana is finished in a regional Guatemalan décor, with unique native art and local textiles. Some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers and open-air living rooms with kitchens.

Belize Biancaneaux Lodge

The dining terrace of Blancaneaux Lodge’s Montagna Ristorante serves classic southern Italian fare and surrounds guests with lush rainforest vegetation. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The lodge’s Montagna Ristorante features classic Italian cuisine with a special focus on Coppola family recipes drawn from the Basilicata region. Daily activities include hikes into the forest reserve, horseback rides, orchid hunts, mountain biking and tours of Mayan archeological sites. The Waterfall Spa specializes in the art of Thai massage, and features a professionally trained staff that has studied ancient techniques in Bangkok.

Belize Biancaneaux Lodge

Deep in the rainforests of western Belize, a hillside cabana at the Blancaneaux Lodge sits on a cliff above the flowing waters of a jungle stream. Photo: Coppola Resorts

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida

The décor says Miami-modern, but this beachfront retreat is far removed from the hustle of South Beach. Music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan lent their personal touches on every aspect of Costa d’Este, from the sea grass furniture and teak paneling to the iconic porthole windows. Sitting on 1,000 feet of golden sand in the heart of the quiet central Florida town of Vero Beach, this waterfront retreat is designed for unpretentious luxury. Each of the property’s 94 guest rooms and suites feature outdoor patios and balconies that usher in sea breezes and ocean vistas. The resort’s oceanfront pool deck takes a page directly from Collins Avenue properties, with manicured palms and market umbrellas shading parallel lines of chaise lounges.

Costa D Este Vero

Guest rooms at the Costa d’Este feature state-of-the-art electronics and are decorated in Miami modern style, with subdued warm tones that complement ocean views. Photo: Costa d’Este

Fine dining is a keystone of the Costa d’Este experience, and the acclaimed Wave Kitchen & Bar takes a creative approach to the culinary arts, utilizing fresh seafood and locally sourced produce in a range of original creations and select Cuban specialties. Another signature of Chef Armando Galeas’ menu is a special emphasis on premium wines and hand cut steaks. There is a full-service spa on site, and a range of water sports to enjoy, including ocean kayaking, paddleboards and snorkeling.

Vero Costa De Este

At first glance, you might think you were chilling poolside on South Beach, but the Costa d’Este Beach Resort sits well to the north in the quiet town of Vero Beach. Photo: Costa d’Este

Turtle Inn, Belize

This intimate beachside inn is a world away from high rises and tourism corridors. It sits on a narrow peninsula in the wilds of southern Belize, flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon. Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001 and transformed it into a relaxing refuge that could also become a base for adventures on land and sea. The Belize barrier reef lies just offshore, offering coral gardens for snorkelers and divers to enjoy, and expansive flats for exploration by fishermen and kayakers. To the west, the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak rise above wetlands and rainforests that is home to monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles and jaguars.

Belize Turtle Inn

The palm-lined beach at the Turtle Inn provides a quiet and secluded setting on Belize’s unspoiled southern coast, with coral reefs just offshore. Photo: Coppola Resorts

After a day of adventure, guests can relax in thatched cottages decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, Japanese baths and outdoor showers. Open floor plans usher in the ever-present sea breezes, and white sand beaches are just steps away from private decks. For those seeking the ultimate escape, the Inn also offers a private island villa that can only be reached by boat. The Turtle Inn is also home to the Mare Restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisines with an emphasis on fresh-caught local fish and vegetables from the on-site organic garden. For local flavors, guests also have the option of Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, the resort’s authentic Belizean diner, which serves regional fare in a setting overlooking the waters of Placencia Lagoon.

Belize Turtle Inn

The chefs at the Turtle Inn’s Mare restaurant pair local seafood with fruits and vegetables grown at the resort’s on-site gardens and groves. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The Brando

The island of Tetiaroa is home to one of the world’s most idyllic resorts. Once the exclusive retreat of Tahitian royalty, this private enclave delivers all the elements expected of a South Seas paradise, from swaying coconut palms to white sand beaches and a sparkling lagoon. Tetiaroa first caught the eye of Marlon Brando while scouting locations for his iconic movie, Mutiny on the Bounty. Years later, he would return to fulfill his vision of creating an eco-friendly resort that would both showcase and protect the island’s biodiversity and pristine environment.

Brando

Beachfront villas at The Brando are spaced around the island for privacy. Each offers separate bedrooms and social areas with high ceilings and large windows. Photo: The Brando

A 20-minute flight from Tahiti brings guests to the all-inclusive grounds of The Brando, where a collection of 35 beachfront villas are spread out across the island to provide serene privacy for each guest. Each 1,000-square foot villa includes separate sitting rooms that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a private media room, pool and large windows that frame lagoon views through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees. A pair of signature restaurants showcases Polynesian inspired dishes, East-West fusion and classic French cuisine. Amenities include an on-site spa, tennis courts, library and cultural center, two bars, a large infinity pool and an environmental research station with guest programs.

Brando

On the private island of Tetiaroa, villas at The Brando feature private pools, outdoor living areas and secluded settings where lush landscaping frames beach views. Photo: The Brando

La Lancha, Guatemala

A stay at La Lancha is akin to an invitation as a houseguest at a treasured family retreat. In fact, most every detail of this intimate 10-room lodge, from the furniture and fabrics to the locally sourced carvings that adorn each room, was personally selected by the Coppola family. The property sits on a rainforest-clad bluff above the sparkling waters of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Just across the lake are the cobblestone streets of the colonial- era town of Flores, and the area is home to a number of significant Mayan sites, including the expansive ruins of Tikal, where ancient temples rise above jungle green.

La Lancha Guatemala

At La Lancha lodge, locally sourced materials, traditional Guatemalan architecture and handcrafted accents create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Photo: La Lancha

The area’s rainforests offer a wide range of eco-experiences, from relaxing hikes and birding tours to adventures such as aerial walkways, zip lines, and jungle horseback rides. The lake can be enjoyed by canoe, kayak, or tour boat. Each of the lodge’s Casitas is furnished with pieces sourced from Guatemalan producers, and feature locally made arts and crafts. Covered decks feature hammocks and lake views. An open-air restaurant situated under the thatch roof of the main lodge provides dramatic views of the forest canopy and Lago Petén Itzá. The menu features authentic Guatemalan dishes. In the evening, the lake itself becomes a source of entertainment, with dramatic color changes that shift from cobalt blue to turquoise, and then take on the warm glows of sunset.

Guatemala La Lancha

A path leading from hillside rooms at La Lancha lodge brings guests to a private deck on the inviting shores of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Photo: La Lancha

Earth Day Costa Rica Frog
Africa, Asia, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Florida, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maldives, Plan, Seychelles, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

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On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants. 

Costa Rica Rain Forest
Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Florida, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Puerto Rico, Tahiti

Earth Day in the Tropics

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From a simple observance in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest secular civic event, involving more than 17,000 environmental groups and drawing support from more than 190 countries. Events are staged in major cities around the globe, but small islands and other tropical destinations also get in on the act.

1. On the Bahamian Out Island of Eleuthera, the One Eleuthera Foundation will sponsor a daylong celebration of the earth and ocean that includes musical performances, dance, art, cultural events and environmental education programs, plus plenty of good food.

2. Each year on Earth Day, the Sandals Foundation, which is sponsored by the Sandals Resort group, partners with environmental organizations across the Caribbean to help volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees.

3. The month-long Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will kick off on Earth Day. At dozens of islands throughout the region, organizers from the Birds Caribbean foundation will stage presentations, bird walks, art competitions, clean ups, and more.

4. On the big island of Hawaii, volunteers will head to Ke‘ei Beach to remove trash that could pose a hazard to turtles and other marine life. The cleanup is sponsored by the Kona Brew Pub, and will end with a beach barbecue.

5. In the Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon, the Liga Ecologica will stage an Earth Day Fair. Here, forums and talks with an ecological theme mix with a street fair offering local arts, crafts and foods. A highlight is the human-powered shaved ice machine.

6. The Florida-based Xtreme Adventures group will stage their third annual Earth Day Adventure Race, which will send participants biking, trekking and paddling across the central part of the state to spread the message: “reuse, recycle, and repurpose.”

7. If you can’t make it to Costa Rica’s Sloth Sanctuary to participate in Earth Day observances, you can sponsor a sloth with a donation to restore its natural habitat, and plant more of these animal’s favorite almond trees.

8. The Maldives are revered for their natural beauty, and a number of resorts across the island chain stage special Earth Day activities such as tree plantings and reef cleanings. Kurumba Resort will follow their annual lagoon cleaning with a party, while the Constance Resort has created a “Low Carbon Foot Print Menu,” and will observe an hour- long power shutdown.

9. On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Verde is staging a series of free cultural and musical events for Earth Day, including a slow foods festival and street dances in the historic district of Merida.

10. In the South Pacific, citizens of the small nation of Kiribati will come out in force to restore the mangrove forests that are essential to protecting their coastlines from erosion.

Antigua Guatemala
Central America, Guatemala, Plan, Trip Ideas

Guatemala: 10 Reasons to Go

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From ancient stone temples cloaked in rainforest greens to colorful village markets and colonial-era cities perched in the shadow of a towering volcano, Guatemala delivers a full range of scenic and cultural treasures. Here, echoes of the Mayan Empire blend with memories of Spanish governance, and nature takes center stage in forest reserves and mountain highlands.

1  Volcanic Heights

The highlands of Guatemala are formed by 33 volcanic peaks, including 13,800-foot Tajumulco, which is the highest summit in Central America. A trio of active volcanoes adds drama to the mix, while dormant and extinct peaks such as San Pedro are favorites with hikers. One of the most scenic profiles is Atitlán, which rises to a height of two miles above the lake of the same name.

2  Colonial Memories

Once the capital of the former Kingdom of Guatemala, this 16th century city has survived devastating earthquakes and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobblestone streets of the old town are lined with Colonial-era churches and Spanish Baroque- influenced architecture. Some landmark structures have been meticulously renovated, while others still show the ravages of past disasters. The city of Antigua is framed by three of the most photographed volcanoes in Guatemala: Volcán de Agua, the water volcano, Volcán de Fuego, the fire volcano and the Volcán Acatenango, which is known as the third sister.

3  The Deep Lake

Once called the most beautiful lake in the world by European explorers, Lake Atitlán remains Guatemala’s number one tourist attraction. Ringed by volcanic peaks, the clear waters of the lake plunge to depths of more than 1,000 feet. Traditional villages clustered around the shoreline are home to people of Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayan heritage, and it is common to see traditional styles of dress and hear local dialects spoken in markets and town squares.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán was formed by volcanic activity more than eighty thousand years ago. It is the deepest lake in Central American, and a favorite attraction. Photo: iStock

4  Wonderful Waterfalls

Falling water takes many forms in Guatemala, from bubbling hot springs to thundering cascades. One of the tallest waterfalls in Central America, El Salto de Chilascó, is reached by a hike through cloud forests in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. The Cahabón River flows through a series of limestone bridges and cascading pools known as the Semuc Champey. The spillways of the Siete Altares, or Seven Altars, fill fresh water pools hidden within a coastal rainforest.

Finca Waterfall

At the Finca el Paraiso, waters from an artesian hot spring mingle with a jungle stream to cascade into a refreshing bathing pool. Photo: iStock

5  A Wild Kingdom

The country once known as Goathemala, the land of the trees contains large tracts of natural habitat, including the region’s largest cloud forest and the approximately 3.5-million acre Maya Biosphere Reserve. Guatemala ranks among the 25 most bio- diverse countries in the world, with 18 ecosystems and more than 300 microclimates. Its jungles are home to big cats such as jaguar, cougar and ocelot. The trees hold spider monkey and the signature primate, the howler monkey is often seen in the jungles around Mayan temples.

Guatemala Howler Monkey

The distinctive calls of howler monkeys are heard through the jungles of Guatemala. These primates may be seen around ruins. Photo: Sekar Baiasubsamariani/Stock

6  Market Values

One of the world’s most colorful shopping experiences takes place in Chichicastanengo. Each Sunday and Thursday, cobblestone streets are lined with stalls as local artisans from across the region converge on this historic and scenic village to stage the largest open-air market in Central America. Tourists join locals to barter for hand-made goods like blankets, textiles and weavings, pottery, jewelry and woodcarvings. Conversations and deal making takes place in Spanish, broken English and the numerous local dialects of the region.

Basket Weaving

Throughout Guatemala traditional skills such as hand weaving are still practiced by indigenous people of Mayan descent. Photo: iStock

7  Two By Sea

The country’s two coastlines offer distinctly different settings. On the west, the cooler waters of the Pacific lure surfers with swells that break on black sand beaches. To the east, Guatemala stakes a toehold on the Gulf of Honduras where the Rio Dulce flows into the Caribbean. This coast is home to Garifuna culture, and includes the expansive wetlands reserves of Bocas del Polochic and Punta de Manabique, along with a sampling of palm-lined beaches.

8  Ancient Cities

Present day Guatemala was once the heart of Mayan civilization, and the long forgotten remains of grand stone cities now draw visitors from around the world. At the top of the list are the sprawling grounds and iconic pyramids of Tikal. To the west lies Zaculeu, which is known as the White City for its light colored stonework. Quiriguá is noted for the tallest stone sculpture erected in the New World and the temples of Yaxha are still being carved from the jungle. Just across the border in Honduras is Copan, which is famous for its hieroglyphic stairway and extensive carvings.

Tikal

The distinctive pyramids of Tikal draw visitors from around the world. This ancient city was once a major capital of the Mayan Empire. Photo: iStock

9  The Old Ways

Even after centuries of Spanish influence, traditions and languages handed down from the days of the Mayan Empire are still found in many regions of Guatemala. Indigenous populations of Mayan heritage make up more than half the country’s population, and groups including Q’eqchi, Cakchiquel, Mam, Tzutujil, Achi and Pokoman maintain traditional cultural identities and customs. More than 20 pre-Colombian languages and dozens more regional dialects are spoken across the country, though Spanish is used for universal communication.

10  Premium Brews

Some of the world’s finest coffees are grown on the volcanic slopes of Guatemala’s western highlands, where the traditional method known as shade growing is practiced. Many coffee plantations offer walking tours that showcase the growing, harvesting, and roasting process. Some farms are also established as private nature reserves, offering overnight stays and other activities such as bird watching, hiking and horseback rides.

 

Belize Blancaneaux Lodge
Belize, Central America, Guatemala, Stay, Trip Ideas

Three Top Central American Eco Lodges

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Eco-friendly resorts were once seen as destinations where comforts were sacrificed in favor of social consciousness. This is certainly not the case at these select Central American properties, which represent a Hollywood icon’s vision of how natural attractions and authentic adventures could blend with selective snippets of sybaritic indulgence.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

When Francis Ford Coppola discovered an abandoned jungle lodge deep in heart of Belize’s Maya Mountains, he knew he’d found the perfect location for a personal retreat for his family. Through the 1980s, he drew inspiration for his creative works from the lush surroundings and the cascading sounds of Privassion Creek. In 1993, he and his family opened Blancaneaux Lodge to the public as a 20-room luxury resort.

Blancaneaux Lodge Belize

Riverfront cabanas and the Blancaneaux Lodge open to views and sounds of a rushing jungle stream. These fast-moving waters provide the power that sustains the resort. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Blancaneaux

Today, the lodge has become a leading example of how luxury and eco- conscious design can come together to create a remarkable experience. Micro-hydro power from the creek powers the resort, and organic gardens provision the kitchen. Cabanas and cottages are fabricated from local materials, and feature artisanal furnishings and artwork. Though off-grid and self-sustaining, Blancaneaux offers a tempting range of luxuries and creature comforts, including a spa, stables, upscale dining and Internet connectivity via a satellite link. The lodge has garnered numerous awards from both environmental groups and the travel industry, and has repeatedly been named the best resort in Latin America.

Turtle Inn, Belize

The Coppola family’s love of Belize wasn’t confined to the forests of the mountains interior. In 2001, they discovered Turtle Inn, a small coastal resort near the Creole fishing village of Placencia. They acquired the property, only to see it destroyed a year later by a major hurricane. Turning disaster into opportunity, the Coppolas began a meticulous two-year restoration that brought inspirations from Bali to the Caribbean.

Turtle Inn Belize

The thatch-roofed cottages at Turtle Inn sit beachside, using design elements learned from native building traditions to usher in sea breezes. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Turtle Inn

Thatch-roofed cottages and villas feature hand carved woodwork and Indonesian artwork adorns the walls. The renovation also blended traditional design wisdom with modern eco-sensitive principles. Sea breezes and natural ventilation sooth, while sweeping views of the turquoise waters inspire. Offshore, the Caribbean’s longest barrier reef invites exploration by paddle, sail or scuba. To the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. Turtle Inn is now recognized as the premier waterfront resort in Central America.

Belize Turtle Inn Snorkel

Turtle Inn overlooks a vast lagoon of grass beds and coral heads inside the Caribbean’s longest barrier reef. Excellent snorkeling can be found just off the resort’s beach. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Turtle Inn

La Lancha, Guatemala

With Blancaneaux Lodge firmly established as one of the region’s premier destinations, and Turtle Inn up and running, the Coppolas discovered yet another property to add to their portfolio. On the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Peten Itza, a lakeside compound originally built by a young French couple offered elevated views of sparkling waters. The neighboring forest offered a wide range of adventures, while the lake provided an oasis of cool refreshment.

Guatemala La Lancha

The dock at La Lancha sits over the clear waters of Guatemala’s Lake Peten Itza. This expansive natural body of fresh water is fed by mountain streams. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/La Lancha

The Coppolas quickly recognized that in addition to the spectacular natural setting, this site was ideally suited for visits to enchanting Mayan sites such as Tikal, Uxactun, Yaxha, Topoxte and more. After extensive renovations and landscaping, La Lancha opened as an upscale 10-room resort. Structures blend the rustic authenticity of native woods and limestone with modern amenities. Rooms are decorated with bright fabrics and carvings from Guatemala personally selected by the Coppola family. Today, this trio of resorts offers guests spectacular natural settings that combine luxury with socially responsible operation.

Guatemala La Lancha

The lakeside cottages of La Lancha are centrally located for trips to a number of the most significant archaeological sites in Central America. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/La Lancha

Belize Jaguar
Belize, Central America, Plan, Trip Ideas

Belize Snapshots: Jaguars in the Wild

 

There was a time when the third largest cat in the world roamed freely across Central America. But as farms and cities replaced jungles, jaguar numbers began to dwindle along with their natural habitat. This decline became a prime concern of Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, who came to Belize in the early 1980s to study the region’s indigenous jungle cats. Thanks to the efforts of Rabinowitz and others, the government of Belize set aside 150 square miles of rain forest in the Cockscomb Basin as a forest preserve and jaguar sanctuary.

Today, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary provides a protected environment for around 200 jaguars, which is the largest concentration of this species in the world. The preserve is also home to some 300 species of birds, along with jaguarundi, peccaries, back howler monkeys, agouti, coatamundi and a host of other species found only in the tropical forests of Central and South America.

The Cockscomb Sanctuary can be accessed by a network of trails that provide prime wildlife viewing. But the one animal visitors are unlikely to see in this jaguar sanctuary is its namesake cat. Jaguars are masters of stealth who hunt primarily at night, and typically lay hidden during the day. A more likely sighting will be their paw prints on muddy sections of trail, which they often use to move about the preserve. Keen eyed hikers may also get a glimpse of one of the jaguar’s smaller cousins, the ocelot, which is often out and about during the day, and more likely to reveal itself.

Belize Ramons Village
Belize, Central America, Stay, Trip Ideas

Belize’s Best Diving Lodges

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Belize provides divers and snorkelers with some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. This small country also has some of the most memorable and picturesque places to stay. Instead of high-rise resorts, the small barrier islands that lie between the mainland and the Caribbean Sea are home to a number of lodge-style properties that deliver a more organic and personal beachfront experience. Here are four of Belize’s best dive lodges.

Ramon’s Village Resort

Just a short walk from the village of San Pedro, the thatched-roof cabanas of Ramon’s Village are Belize’s original dive resort. Situated on the shores of Ambergris Caye, within sight of the Belize Barrier Reef, Ramon’s caters to divers and snorkelers with boat trips to nearby reefs, and longer excursions to the famous animal interactions of Shark Ray Alley and day-long cruises to the pristine coral formations at Turneffe and Lighthouse reefs. The property is styled after a Polynesian village, but also incorporates Mayan sculptures into enveloping canopies of bougainvillea, lilies and hibiscus. The pool and a waterfront restaurant overlook a 500-foot stretch of coral-sand beach, and the on-site dive star is a PADI Gold Palm facility.

Ramons Village Belize Huts

The distinctive thatch-roofed cottages of Ramon’s Village are styled to resemble Polynesian long houses, but the resort grounds and interior room decors feature traditional Mayan artwork. Photo: Ramon’s Village

Hatchet Caye Resort

Several miles off the fishing village of Placencia, Hatchet Caye gives divers and snorkelers easy access to the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. This area is famous for seasonal appearances of the largest fish in the sea— the impressive but harmless whale shark. The reserve is also home to some of the best coral reefs in Belize, and miles of shallow flats ideal for fishing and paddling. Guests who stay on this private island resort enjoy easy and exclusive access to prime dive sites, along with a mile of private beach. The resort includes a central lodge with five guest rooms and several stand- alone cabanas set in a waterfront palm grove. Unique adventures are the night snorkel encounters that happen when lights at the end of the island pier attract rays, squid, octopus and lobster.

Hatchet Caye Belize

Hatchet Caye Resort is located in an undeveloped area of Belize’s south- central coast, giving guests easy access to the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, where whale sharks make seasonal visits. Photo: Hatchet Caye

St. George’s Caye Resort

There are no roads, no cars and no crowds on St. George’s Cay. This private island resort is just a short taxi boat away from Belize City, but blissfully removed from daily life. Forget television and phone service—though there is Wi-Fi connectivity in the main lodge. Scattered across the island are a collection of intimate garden, beachfront and over-water cabanas featuring open thatch roofs and rich Belizean hardwoods. Excellent diving and snorkeling sites are less than five minutes from shore. First-time divers can enjoy a complementary Discover Scuba program, and beach is stocked with complementary kayaks, windsurfers and sailboats. For an added indulgence, there is an on-site spa.

St George Caye Belize

St. George’s Caye is a private island where guests can leave the world behind while still enjoying the comforts of civilization, along with exclusive access to great diving and snorkeling reefs. Photo: St. George’s Caye

Itza Lodge

Forty miles off the coast of Belize, one of the only coral atolls in the Caribbean rises from blue water to provide divers with colorful reefs, towering underwater walls and one of the world’s natural wonders: the Great Blue Hole. Not far from this dramatic World Heritage site is the Itza Lodge, which sits on remote Long Caye, surrounded by the reefs, lagoons and mangrove forests of Lighthouse Reef. The lodge is a masterpiece of elegant rustic simplicity, with rooms finished in natural wood planking, and balconies and verandahs open to sea breezes. The lodge offers all-inclusive lodging, meal and diving packages that allow guests to focus only on what matters.

Belize Itza Lodge

Itza Lodge is located on the unspoiled coral atoll known as Lighthouse Reef. Located 40 miles off the coast, the lodge provides easy access to the famous Blue Hole and numerous other dive sites. Photo: Blake W. Ross/Itza Lodge

Costa Rica Waterfall
Central America, Costa Rica, Plan, Trip Ideas

Costa Rica: 10 Reasons to Go

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From surf washed beaches to mountain cloud forests, Costa Rica packs a lot of adventures into a compact country. You can snorkel a reef in the morning, climb a volcano that afternoon, and then dance to Cumbia rhythms that night. It’s also one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world. If you still need a reason to pack your bags, here are ten more.

1  Ring Of Fire

Volcanoes are one of Costa Rica’s big attractions, as a number of national parks lie within the Pacific Ring Of Fire. The country is laced with mountain ranges that offer fascinating hikes to dormant volcanoes, plus hot springs and hidden crater lakes. Today’s popular and active cones include mile-high Arenal, which was active as recently as 2010. Poás Volcano National Park is just an hour away from San José, making it a popular option for day- trippers. It’s also the country’s largest and most active volcano. The highest is Irazú, which rises from the central highlands to a height of 1,259 feet.

Costa Rica Horse Arenal Volcano

Horses graze in the shadow of Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. Although currently in a resting phase, mile-high Arenal remains the country’s most active volcano. Photo: Simon Dannhauer/iStock

2  Turtle Watch

All of the world’s five species of sea turtles visit Costa Rica, and at least one group or another are laying eggs on Atlantic or Pacific beaches every month of the year. This means that visitors have a chance to see hatchlings emerging at almost any time. Some species spend their lives far out to sea, and move ashore only to nest. Others are commonly seen by swimmers and snorkelers. The Caribbean is active July to October, with green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Leatherbacks come to shore from February to April. On the Pacific shore the greens and Olive Ridleys nest year- round, and favor Guanacaste’s Ostinal National Wildlife Refuge.

3  Adrenaline Junkies

Outdoor adventures play a key role in many Costa Rica vacations. Canopy tours include high-flying zip lining excursions that carry riders through forest canopies from platform to platform. There are even night zip line tours. More sedate are hanging bridges and aerial trams that allow more time to soak in the natural habitats. Other varieties of adrenaline-fueled outdoor activities include white water rafting, river and sea kayaking and mountain biking.

Zipline Costa Rica

Costa Rica was among the first countries to offer canopy tours and zip line adventures. Today, there are dozens of locations around the country where riders can take flight. Photo: iStock

4  Caribbean Culture

The country’s 125-mile eastern shore is a place of exotic nature preserves and uncrowded beaches. The province of Limón is the wettest and lushest region of the country, receiving rainfall almost year round. There are lush jungles to explore, a living coral reef that attracts divers and snorkelers and plenty of black and white sands to discover. The area is culturally diverse, with a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Ticos and foreign cultures that mesh together with a Caribbean island vibe.

5  Surf Central

Known as a surfing mecca, Costa Rica is home to a growing number of surf-centric resorts, schools and camps. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts have good breaks. On the eastern coast, the waves are less predictable but often much larger when they roll in, as they are produced when there are tropical storms off the coast of Mexico. The season is short and hard-core experts usually head to Puerto Viejo. On the Pacific side the surfing sites are numerous and more predictable. On the southern Pacific coast the popular break is at Dominical Beach. The central coast has Playa Escondido and Hermosa and on the northern coast surfers head to Playa Naranjo and Playa Grande.

Costa Rica Surfing

Costa Rica is considered a surfer’s paradise. Photo: iStock

6  Pacific Coast

Surfers, sunsets and sand are the big attractions on the west coast. The climate is dryer and a bit cooler than the Atlantic coast, and the area boasts more sunny days than anywhere else in the country. Surfers come for perfect waves at Tamarindo, Nosara and Dominical, fishermen and divers head for coastal islands where fish school, and an international crowd of sun worshipers flock to beach towns and resorts near the Gulf of Papagallo.

7  Animal Kingdom

Home to an array of weird and interesting animals, Costa Rica’s rain forests and natural preserves provide a habitat for some of the worlds most exotic creatures. There are four varieties of monkey, including the capuchin (white faced) spider, squirrel and the noisy and rowdy howler monkey. The two- and three-toed sloths make their home in the tree canopy and the coatimundi, a cross between a raccoon with a tail that is used like a monkey’s tail are common sightings as are the leafcutter ants that are seen marching along the ground.

Costa Rica Squirrel Monkey

A squirrel monkey perches on a branch in a Costa Rica rain forest. The animal’s long tail is not used for climbing, but rather for balance as it runs from branch to branch. Photo: iStock

8  Ticos

Warm and friendly, the people known as Ticos have reason to be happy. Decades ago, the country dismantled their military and focused government funds on education and health care. The country leads the world in literacy and environment protection, producing 99 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. According to the Happy Planet Index, they are among the most contented people in the world, and those living on the Nicoya peninsular are among those who live the longest.

9  Beaches

There are almost 300 beaches and 750 miles of shoreline along the country’s two coasts. Sand colors vary from white to brown and black while the beach of Playa Conchal is almost pink, as it is formed from conch shells. Some areas are known for deserted stretches of beaches that are far from civilization, while others are busy tourist hubs flanked by resorts, cafes and beach clubs. White sands are found at Uva and Manzanillo and waves attract surfers at Jaco and Hermosa.

Manzanillo Coast, Costa Rica

A deserted beach on Costa Rica’s central Caribbean coast. This sparsely settled region is popular with adventure travelers, surfers and divers. Photo: Simon Dannhauer/iStock

10  Biodiversity

Between it’s opposing coastlines and mountainous interior, Costa Rica nurtures one of the world’s highest levels of biodiversity. And this natural bounty is well protected. With 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves and a growing number of private reserves, Costa Rica maintains 25 percent of its total land in a protected and natural state. The 500,000 species that make their home there continue to thrive.