There’s nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might hear the songs of birds, monkeys chattering in the trees or the sea rolling ashore. Bringing you closer to nature and pictured here is a close up of a private courtyard outdoor shower at the Blancaneuax Lodge in Belize.
Photo: Blancaneaux
Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize
Nature takes center stage at this eco-lux resort, where rooms sit on a forested hillside overlooking the rushing waters of a jungle stream. After a day of exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, guests can freshen up under flowing water that emerges from the face of the garden’s rock wall. If the occasion calls for a soak instead of a shower, guests can immerse in a tiled bathtub overlooking the garden. Photo: Blancaneaux Lodge
Viceroy, Riviera Maya, Mexico
From the outside, the thatch-roofed palapa villas of this upscale coastal resort might seem rustic and quaint. But there’s nothing primitive about the bathing suite, which pairs a stand-alone soak tub with both indoor and outdoor shower areas facing a landscaped courtyard that also provides chaises, hammocks, plunge pools and outdoors showers. Each palapa is nestled into the native landscape of the Yucatan, with white sand beach just steps away. Photo: Viceroy
La Fortuna at Atitlan, Guatemala
With just four guest rooms, this lakeside eco lodge feels more like a home than a hotel. Bungalows and suites set on the shores of Lake Atitlan are built from locally sourced materials and showcase handcrafted furniture and local textiles. Each room opens to an outdoor shower alcove intricately fabricated from rock, surrounded by a wall made from recycled glass bottles. Photo: La Fortuna at Atitlan
Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran, Bali
Experience Balinese hospitality at this resort nestled right on the waterfront. Designed to look like a traditional Balinese village, the all villa property takes in 35 acres. The luxurious villas have private plunge pool and terrace surrounded by flowers with sea just steps away. Outdoor spaces are stone walled courtyards where outdoor showers, private space and garden settings are enjoyed in intimate moments. Photo: Ken Seet/Four Seasons
Lapaz Rios Lodge, Costa Rica
The jungle comes right up to the bathing area behind courtyard walls at Lapaz Rios Lodge, which is situated on a private 1000-acre rainforest reserve in Costa Rica’s wild Osa Peninsula. The grounds sit on the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce. Open-air bungalows allow nature to waft throughout while screens keep those uninvited creatures at bay. Here you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the waves offshore and wake to the chatter of howler monkeys. Photo: Lapaz Rios Lodge
Paradise Taveuni Island, Taveuni Island, Fiji
At this intimate oceanfront resort, guests can enjoy a private moment in an outdoor shower garden attached to an ocean-view villa. Known as bures in the Fijian language, these traditional thatch-roof cottages sit on the oceanfront grounds of a former coconut plantation, overlooking the colorful coral reefs of the Somosomo Straits. Guests can snorkel from shore, or take a boat into deeper water where whales and dolphin are often seen. Photo: Paradise Taveuni
The Perry Hotel, Key West, Florida
Old becomes new in an outdoor shower at the Perry. Each room at this Key West hotel has been carefully crafted with rustic touches like reclaimed materials and wood-paneled headboards. Guests will discover unique flooring reminiscent of sand, seashells, and driftwood. Each spacious guest room comes with a front-row seat to spectacular Stock Island views. First floor Mangrove rooms are highlighted with outdoor showers and views of Key West sunsets over the saltwater lagoon. Photo: The Perry Hotel
Four Seasons Hualalai, Kona, Hawaii
The decor at the Four Seasons draws inspiration from nature, and pays homage to the island’s traditions of outdoor living. So it’s fitting that the walls of the outdoor shower gardens of the Makaloa Villa are made from the same lava rock that forms the building blocks of the island itself. More than 125 of the property’s rooms and suites contain similar outdoor showers and private garden courtyards. Photo: Four Seasons
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Costa Rica
The jungle provides the soundtrack for a refreshing rinse at this unique jungle lodge. Each guest retreat is separate from the Main Lodge, and features private entrances, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air showers and wrap around terraces. Immersed in the rainforest and fronted by calm gulf waters off the Pacific Ocean, Playa Nicuesa is reachable only by boat. This environmentally sensitive lodge caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, and adventure sports. Photo: Playa Nicuesa
Jake’s Hotel, Jamaica
The beachcomber lifestyle comes to life at this eclectic resort set on Jamaica’s Treasure Beach. The property’s collection of one-of- a-kind oceanfront cottages and bungalows incorporate found materials such as driftwood, shells and sea glass, creating an ambiance that Robinson Crusoe would have appreciated. Ditto for the outdoor showers, which combine whimsical materials with beachside placements that usher in salt air and sheltered views of the ocean. Photo: Jake’s
Kukuiula Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
The combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and courtyard walls constructed from native volcanic rock allow guests at the Kukuiula Resort to experience a sense of outdoor living while also enjoying total privacy. A focal point of each courtyard is the open-air rainforest shower patio, where guests can take full advantage of Kauai’s year round mild weather. The resort’s island-style cottages and villas are close to fine dining, a spa and an 18-hole championship golf course. Photo: Kukuiula Resort
COMO Maalifishi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
The aptly named water suites at this private island retreat provide numerous options to immerse and refresh. These over-the-water rooms have window walls that bring in views of the waters of Thaa Atoll, and bathrooms feature sunken tubs and outdoor showers. If that isn’t enough, there’s also the private plunge pool on the sun deck, and steps leading right down to the waters of the lagoon. Ashore, the resort’s beach suites also offer outdoor showers and baths. Photo: COMO
Naraya Springs, Costa Rica
To follow up on a day of horseback riding, canopy tours, water rafting, or hiking the trails of the Arenal Volcano Nature Park, guests at Naraya Springs retire to their private walled garden. Here, they can step into a personal plunge pool or refresh under the twin cascades of their rainforest shower and take in the lush tropical setting. After drying off, you can end the day with a relaxing yoga session or a spa visit. Photo: Naraya Springs
Four Seasons Punta Mita, Punta Mita, Mexico
The outdoor shower goes upscale at this premier Pacific Coast resort. In the Four Season’s oceanfront suites, a glass wall connects the elegant marble bathroom and soak tub to the private shower courtyard, which also includes a day bed for relaxing, or perhaps using the sea breezes and sunshine drying off au natural. These suites also offer open terraces with direct views of the ocean, and the chance to see migrating whales passing offshore. Photo: Four Seasons
Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
The courtyard shower spaces at this hillside retreat epitomize the philosophy of nature plus nurture that has made St. Lucia the epicenter of the Caribbean’s eco-lux hotel trend. In addition to private courtyards, Ti Kaye’s gingerbread-style hillside cottages provide sea views from furnished balconies, where hammocks invite lazy afternoons and a ringside seat for sunsets. For added relaxation, guests can visit the resort’s wine cave, which has one of the most extensive collections in the Caribbean. Photo: Ti Kaye Resort
There’s nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might hear the songs of birds, monkeys chattering in the trees or the sea rolling ashore. Bringing you closer to nature and pictured here is a close up of a private courtyard outdoor shower at the Blancaneuax Lodge in Belize.
Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan has been called one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. Ringed by volcanic peaks, and more than 1,000 feet deep, this high altitude lake is one of the country’s most popular resort destinations. It’s a particular favorite with the backpacking crowd, and lakeside villages are filled with hostels and modest pension-style accommodations. But there are also several boutique lodges and hotels that blend upscale comforts with regional authenticity. Here are three of our favorites.
A stay at the Laguna Lodge begins with a boat ride, because this nine-room eco-luxe lodge can only be reached by water. Tucked into a private 100-acre nature preserve, the lodge rises from the shore in terraced levels of thatch- roofed rooms, each positioned to provide unobstructed views of the lake. In keeping with its sustainable ethos, the lodge was created by the owners using a combination of recycled materials and renewable resources. The structure integrates materials such as volcanic stone, palm wood and adobe bricks made on site. Each room has sliding glass doors that open to waterfront balconies. Inside, king-sized beds are covered in Guatemalan textiles and rooms feature locally made furnishings and handicrafts.
Rooms of the Laguna Lodge are designed to showcase lake views and the surrounding natural environment. Touches such as solar hot water add to the property’s eco-chic appeal. Photo: Laguna Lodge
The rambling multi-level terraces of the lodge offer a number of private sun decks and thatch-roof relaxation pavilions furnished with day beds, hammocks and couches. A stone terrace by the water offers a hot tub, and an on-site spa. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar and lounge. Guests can use the lodge’s kayaks to explore the lake, follow hillside paths into the nature preserve, or take a bit longer walk into the nearby village of Santa Cruz La Laguna. The dining room at the lodge’s award-winning Zotz restaurant delivers panoramic views by day, and is bathed in the warm light of a stone fireplace and antique candelabras at night. The gourmet vegetarian menu is based on items grown at the on-site organic garden, or locally sourced from small farms.
The bright colors and earth tones of the lounge at the Laguna Lodge were chosen to complement the greens of the surrounding nature reserve, and the blue waters of the lake. Photo: Picasa/Laguna Lodge
Perched on a hillside above Santa Catarina Palopo village, this former private estate has been transformed into one of the most luxurious and eclectic boutique hotels in Guatemala. The ambiance blends rustic and chic in equal measure, with rough-hewn beam ceilings, native stonework and brilliantly hued adobe walls that provide a backdrop for colonial-era antiques and original artwork. Guests mingle around the open fireplace of the drawing room, or straddle vintage barber chairs in the Martini Bar. The open-air Palopo 6.8 restaurant sits on a terrace high above the lake. It is a favorite dining destination for visitors from around the lake, and a gathering point for sunset socials. Another favorite gathering spot is the infinity edge pool, which perches dramatically on a bluff above the lake.
The intimate social area at the Casa Palopo is decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques and artifacts from around the world, including Asian sculptures, original art and a confessional booth. Photo: Casa Palopo
Guest rooms are tucked away on lakeside terraces and within sequestered courtyards, each uniquely finished in rich woods, tiles and bright adobe, and furnished with unique Colonial-era antiques. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors usher in light and views, and there are no televisions or other distractions to intrude on the mood. In addition to seven rooms, the Casa Palopo offers a two-suite villa atop the hill, with a private pool, and full-service kitchen. Guests can schedule day trips to a number of unique lakeside villages. San Marcos is a center for meditation, yoga, and massage, while Santiago and San Juan are filled with art galleries and crafts markets. A more ambitious trip awaits those who arrange for a climb on the volcano behind the village of San Pedro. And for the ultimate in upscale adventure, guests can soar over the landscape as they arrive at Casa Palopo aboard the hotel’s six- passenger helicopter.
The terrace at Casa Palopo’s villa delivers expansive views of Lake Atitlán. This hillside retreat can accommodate families and groups in a pair of fully appointed suites. Photo: Al Argueta/Casa Palopo
The largest and most elegant hotel on Lake Atitlán sits on a prime piece of waterfront that was once the estate of a family owned coffee plantation. Hotel Atitlán is set within a botanical garden filled with roses, orchids, bougainvillea and azaleas. Each of the hotel’s 60 rooms and suites provides lakes views from a private balcony, and some include fireplaces. Interiors showcase a design and décor that reflect the elegant Spanish colonial style of an 18th century Guatemalan plantation. Each room is individually decorated with artisan-crafted furniture, hand woven fabrics and authentic original artwork drawn from local Guatemalan villages. Floors are made from traditional tile and covered with beautifully hand-woven area rugs. Modern conveniences include complimentary Wi-Fi Internet, cable television and spa-style baths with plush towels and deluxe bath products.
Hotel Atitlán is surrounded by meticulously cultivated botanical gardens and a butterfly reserve that is home to more than 2,000 plants and 25 species of butterfly native to Guatemala. Photo: Hotel Atitlán
The hotel sits in a quiet oasis of greenery, but is just minutes away from the town of Panajachel. The restaurant is a favorite dining destination within the Lake Atitlán region, both for the food and the view. The cuisine is a fusion of regional and international specialties, based on fresh fruits, vegetables and produce sourced from nearby farms. Guests may dine in one of the two indoor dining rooms or out on the poolside terrace — with all three settings offering uninterrupted lake and volcano views. The main dining room is finished with elegant terracotta appointments, and features large bay windows. The intimate mahogany trimmed bar area is a favorite gathering spot at happy hour, and the sunsets over the water are not to be missed. Another favorite gathering area is the hotel’s infinity pool and hot tub deck, which feature an equally memorable view of the lake, along with poolside food and beverage service.
Sunset silhouettes the profiles of Atitlán, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes, as seen from the pool deck at the Hotel Atitlán. This setting is a favorite venue for weddings and other events. Photo: Hotel Atitlán
This summer, try something different. Head for the rainforests and waters of Central America, where a collection of unique eco-themed lodges puts guests in touch with nature and active adventure, while at the same time delivering the civilized comforts of good food, fine dining and relaxation. As an added incentive, each of these five premier properties is offering special rates on summer and fall stays.
Guests can stay rustic or go eco-luxe at Chaa Creek, with choices ranging from the off-grid seclusion of the Macal River Camp to comfortable thatch- roofed bungalows and the resort’s latest addition, the Ix Chel Villas. These stunning hillside residences sit on a forested bank overlooking the Macal River Valley, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors that offer spectacular views of the surrounding jungle. Upscale touches include private verandas enclosing personal plunge pools, Jacuzzis, al fresco showers and the services of a personal butler. The resort’s Mariposa restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine sourced from an on-site organic farm, and guests enjoy spa services and a wide range of daily adventures and indulgences. This summer, travelers can experience Chaa Creek for less with special rates for stays between June and August 2017. This $139 nightly rate provides luxury cottage accommodations and access to all of the resort’s amenities and activities. www.chaacreek.com
The Macal Cottage at Chaa Creek blends stylish simplicity and elegant furnishings that bring in the rainforest backdrop. Outdoor terraces provide a private Jacuzzi and views of the Macal River. Photo: Chaa Creek
Once the personal family retreat of film director Francis Ford Coppola, this 20-room luxury lodge sits on the banks of a jungle stream deep in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Each of the resort’s upscale cabanas is nestled into a garden-like setting where bird songs mingle with the sounds of waterfalls. Vaulted thatch roofs set the tone in guest rooms decorated with unique native art, regional antiques and local textiles. Upscale options include two luxury cabanas with plunge pools and outdoor showers, and the two-bedroom Coppola Villa, which showcases the family’s personal art and antiques and includes an open-air deck overlooking the tumbling waterfalls and deep rock pools of Privassion Creek. Fine dining is a hallmark of Blancaneaux Lodge, and the Montagna Ristorante features classic Italian cuisine based on Coppola family recipes. More indulgences await at the Waterfall Spa, and daily adventures can include everything from horseback rides, mountain bike tours and jungle hikes to cultural activities and tours of Mayan ruins. To encourage guests to linger and enjoy more of the lodge’s pleasures, every fourth night is free for any stay before December 16, 2017. www.thefamilycoppolahideaways.com/en/blancaneaux-lodge
Native materials and rustic design create a relaxing atmosphere within a riverfront villa at Blancaneaux Lodge, where the sounds of a rushing creek carry into the rooms. Photo: Gundolfo Pfotenhauer/Blancaneaux
If you like your eco-consciousness with an extra helping of luxury, Indura is the place to go. This new $133 million, 1,800 acre resort is located within a national park on the coast of Bahia de Tela, on the unspoiled northern coast of Honduras. Suite-style accommodations at the development’s 60-room hotel embrace sustainable materials, including bamboo floors, walls made of local pine, and decorative accents of Guanacaste wood. Footpaths lead through the garden-like grounds to a pristine beach, and the Meso- American Barrier Reef lies just offshore. In addition to beach time and water sports, there’s hiking, kayaking and birding to enjoy in nearby forests, or day trips to nearby Pico Bonito National Park. But Indura is also a five-star property that is home to the premier Maina Spa and a championship Gary- Player-designed golf course. To get the word out on this landmark new property, Indura is now offering special rates that begin at just $165 per room. www.induraresort.com
Guest suites at Indura Beach & Golf Resort are set in 15 buildings inspired by indigenous designs, spread across landscaped grounds facing Honduras’ Bahia de Tela. Photo: Craig Ambrosio/Indura Beach
Many have commented that they feel more like family friends than hotel guests when they stay at La Lancha. That’s understandable, because almost every detail of this intimate lodge was personally selected by the Coppola family, from the hand-made furniture and Guatemalan fabrics to the locally made carvings that adorn each room. A total of just 10 individual casitas perch on a wooded hillside above Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Sleeping and sitting areas open to covered decks offering hammocks and lake views. Guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can experience an authentic temazcal sweat lodge, indulge in spa treatments or spend quiet time at a waterfront palapa. Just across the lake are the cobblestone streets of the colonial-era town of Flores, which is home to lively open-air markets, galleries and cafes. More adventurous pursuits include lake excursions, jungle walks, horseback tours and trips to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. With so much to see and do, there’s reason enough to stay longer, and to encourage this, La Lancha is offering a special promotion that provides each third night free for stays before December 16, 2017. www.thefamilycoppola.com
The open-air restaurant at La Lancha features authentic Guatemalan cuisine. After dinner, guests can take in lake views from a new rooftop bar located just above the dining room. Photo: La Lancha
This intimate beachfront retreat epitomizes the phrase “going tropical.” You can step barefoot from the verandah of your thatch-room bungalow onto a white sand beach lined with swaying palms, and then wade into azure waters that stretch to the horizon. Set on a barrier island in southern Belize, the Turtle Inn combines rustic charm with indulgent luxury. The resort’s 25 native-style wood-and-thatch cottages blend seamlessly into the garden-like grounds, but surprises await inside, where hand-carved doors open to spaces with soaring ceilings and warm-toned Balinese furnishings. Guests can savor fresh seafood dishes with at Italian flair at the open-air dining room of Mare, or sample authentic regional fare at Auntie Luba’s Kitchen. Days can be filled with paddling, snorkeling, diving, fishing or exploring the forests of the Maya Mountains, all followed by spa time and a visit to the resort’s 1,200-bottle wine cellar. All this can be had for a bit less for guests who visit before December 16, 2017, thanks to a special offer that gives the sixth night of a stay for free. www.thefamilycoppolahideaways.com/en/turtle-inn
Guests at Belize’s Turtle Inn can relax by a pool set in a tropical garden, while the beach, coral reefs and Caribbean waters are just steps away. Photo: Gundolfo Pfotenhauer/Turtle Inn
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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
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.
The distinctive calls of howler monkeys are heard through the jungles of Guatemala. These primates may be seen around ruins. Photo: Sekar Baiasubsamariani/Stock
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.
Throughout Guatemala traditional skills such as hand weaving are still practiced by indigenous people of Mayan descent. Photo: iStock
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Central America’s deepest lake has been called one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. Plunging to depths of more than 1,000 feet, the sky-blue waters of Lake Atitlán provide a dramatic counterpoint to the towering green slopes of the volcanic peaks that ring the shore.
Located in the highlands of Guatemala, some 30 miles northwest of the historic city of Antigua, Atitlán is one of the country’s most popular scenic attractions. A growing number of international travelers are drawn to the surrounding mountains to enjoy activities ranging from lake tours and volcano hikes to immersion in the region’s traditional Mayan culture. No visitor to the lake should pass up a meal of fresh-caught fish, which are served up at a number of waterfront eateries.
Long before Europeans came to the Americas, the Mayan people lived in grand cities spread across Central America. Lying hidden under jungle growth for centuries, a growing number of these sites have become the focus of ongoing archeological reclamation. Guatemala is home to dozens of ancient cities, including some of the most significant edifices ever erected by the Mayan people. Here are three of the best.
The Temple of the Grand Jaguar rises above the Grand Plaza at Tikal. This site is Guatemala’s most popular attraction. Photo: Simon Dannhauer/iStock
Once the capital city of a powerful Mayan kingdom, Tikal is now one of the largest and most significant archeological sites in Central America. It is also the region’s most popular tourism destination. The site, which is the centerpiece of a 220-square-mile national park, currently includes more than 3,000 structures from the Classic Mayan period, and excavation is ongoing. Signature landmarks of the site include the Grand Plaza, which is overlooked at opposite ends by the towering Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks. Those up to the challenge can tackle the steep stone steps of the pyramids to discover panoramic views from 150 feet above the jungle floor. This vista may evoke a faint sense of deja vu, as it was featured briefly in a wide shot of the rebel base in the original Star Wars. A number of tour companies offer one-day and overnight excursions to Tikal from the nearby lakeside towns of Flores San Andrés, as well as Belize City, Antigua and Guatemala City.
Climbers who negotiate the steep steps of Yaxha’s pyramids are rewarded with a view of the nearby lake of the same name. Photo: iStock
The ruins at Yaxha don’t receive as many visitors as Tikal, but have as much or more to offer in terms of both historic interest and scenic beauty. Rising from the greenery of the Petén jungle, the city’s ceremonial pyramids provide sweeping views of nearby Lake Yaxha. At the height of the Mayan Classical period, this city was a center of both commerce and religion, and its more than 500 remaining structures include palaces, ball courts, temples and a celestial observatory. Fans of the reality show Survivor may recognize this site, as it was the featured setting for the show’s 2005 season. Visits to Yaxha can be staged from many of the same starting points as excursion to Tikal. Some operators bundle visits to both sites into a one-day or multiple- day itinerary, and another favorite add-on is a side trip to the ruins of Topoxte, which lies on an island at the western end of Lake Yaxha.
Earth and jungle still cover much of the ancient city of El Mirador, home to one of the largest pyramids in North America. Photo: Gerad Coles/iStock
Guatemala’s second-largest ancient city is reserved for those with a true sense of adventure—and sturdy walking shoes. Hidden in the rainforest near the Mexican border, El Mirador is one of the earliest known Mayan cities, with pre-Classic ruins dating back as far as 2,000 B.C. Much of this ancient metropolis remains covered in vegetation, but archeologists have reclaimed a number of impressive structures from the enveloping grasp of the jungle, including the 180-foot El Tigre Pyramid and the massive La Danta Pyramid, which at 230 feet is considered one of the largest man-made structures of the ancient world. There are no roads to El Mirador, and therefore no tour buses. Those willing to channel their inner Indian Jones can arrange for four- to seven-day expedition-style tours that begin with a four-wheel-drive ride, followed by a day of hiking or horseback riding through the jungle. An easier though pricier alternative is to charter a helicopter, which will whisk you to the site from the town of Flores in 45 minutes for a private guided tour of the site.
In the rugged highlands of central Guatemala, the waters of the Cahabon River flow over a series of limestone ledges that create small waterfalls and clear water pools. This is Semuc Champey, a national monument that has been called one of the most beautiful sites in Central America.
Were it closer to civilization, this aquatic Eden might be overrun by tourists. Instead, it remains the exclusive domain of local villagers and adventurous travelers willing to make an all-day pilgrimage from Guatemala City or Antigua over rough and winding country roads.
In addition to swimming and drifting the river, travelers can set out on scenic hikes through mountain rainforests and explore a spectacular cave system. Near the river are several rustic jungle lodges where one can fall asleep to birdcalls and the sound of flowing water.
Central America is a land shaped by subterranean fires and violent eruptions. A geological formation known as the volcanic arc stretches some 900 miles from southern Mexico into Panama, encompassing hundreds of active and dormant volcanoes and lava domes. These peaks dominate the landscape and influence weather patterns. They are also the setting for a new type of adventure travel: volcano hiking. Climbs can range from easy hour-long rambles up lesser peaks to strenuous all-day ascents of summits rising more than two miles in the air. Here is a sampling of what awaits.
Western Guatemala is dominated by towering volcanic peaks, some dormant, some still very active. The tallest ones rise to heights of more than 12,000 feet, providing challenging but manageable climbs for the fit and adventurous. The historic city of Antigua is the starting point for the most popular ascents, including the trek up the country’s third highest peak, Acatenango. It’s possible to tackle the four-hour uphill route to the summit as a day trip, passing from farm land to cloud forest, pine woods and finally open slopes to enjoy 360-degree views that include a bird’s-eye view of the active eruptions of the nearby Fuego volcano. If the long march doesn’t appeal, some outfitters break up the trip with an overnight campout on the upper slopes.
The adjacent peaks of Acatenango and Fuego tower over the Guatemalan city of Antigua. The former is a favorite hiking destination, while the latter remains too active for safe access. Photo: iStock
Nicaragua has 20 active and dormant volcanoes, many of which can be hiked or climbed. The most unusual of these is the Cerro Negro, or black hill. This ominous cinder cone, which rises to an elevation of 1,600 feet above the countryside, is actually Central America’s youngest volcano, having first erupted in 1850. It’s been quiet since 1999, giving hikers a chance to make the 45-minute uphill climb on an exposed but manageable slope of ash and rock. After taking in the 360-degree views, the more adventurous can opt to slide back down on a toboggan-like board. Many tour operators end the day with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Asososca Lake.
Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro is a young volcano comprised almost entirely of black volcanic ash. After making the climb to the top, some choose to descend on sled-like sand boards. Photo: iStock
Honduras is no longer a hotbed of volcanic activity, but the country’s highlands are home to dozens of long-dormant peaks crossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. A more unusual hike is Volcán el Tigre, which is a classic cone-shaped volcanic mountain that not only provides a challenging half-day hike, but also makes for an interesting arrival. To reach the base of the slope, you must first take a boat trip across the Gulf of Fonseca to Isla del Tigre. This region of Honduras doesn’t see much tourism activity, so you may have the trail to yourself as you ascend some 2,500 feet for views of the Gulf and the mangrove-covered coastal lowlands that stretch into the distance.
El Tigre volcano presents a classic conical that dominates the coastal mangrove forests of Honduras’ Gulf of Fonseca. It rises from an island that can be reached by ferry. Photo: iStock
Costa Rica has several active volcanoes. Some such as Arenal can only be viewed safely from a distance, while others offer bubbling crater lakes, geysers and steaming vents, which can be reached by user-friendly trails. One of the most popular of these is Irazú, which, despite being the country’s highest volcanic peak at just over 11,000 feet, is easy to reach, thanks to a paved road that leads right to the summit. From the parking area, trails spread outward to a lunar-like landscape that includes four craters, the largest of which holds an unusual green-water lake. Overlooks around the crater rim take in vistas that can stretch from the Pacific to the Caribbean on a clear day.
Irazú is Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, and the easiest to reach. Near the summit, the crater lake known as Diego de la Haya is filled with waters tinged green by volcanic activity. Photo: iStock
The ridge of volcanic peaks that stretches through much of Central America tapers as it reaches Panama, but not before the peak known as Volcán Barú rises to a height of two miles. Starting from the highland village of Boquete takes care of the first mile, but there’s still nearly 6,000 feet of climbing needed to reach the top. A nine-mile trail rambles through grasslands and wooded slopes before emerging onto a rock-covered upper slope. Along the way, there are stops to view historic craters and the lands below. Rather than attempt to make the summit and return the same day, most tour companies set up camp about a half mile below the top, giving trekkers a chance to sleep under the stars and make the short climb to the peak the following morning to view the sunrise.
Volcán Barú rises above its namesake national park. A hike to the top takes one from farmlands into highland forests and on to an open peak with panoramic views. Photo: Alfredo Maiquez/iStock
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