Casa Palopó stands at kilometre 6.8 on the road to San Antonio Palopó, on the shore of Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America, with the volcanoes Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro across the water. The villages around it keep strong Mayan traditions, and their hand-painted façades set the tone for the house itself. A private home that became a hotel in 2000, it is decorated with handwoven textiles, contemporary and indigenous Guatemalan art and older pieces, and the rooms are full of colour. Guests choose between the main house by the road, with its deluxe rooms and suites, and the villa above, which has panoramic views, soaking tubs facing the lake and a heated infinity pool, a fireplace and a hot tub. Food is a real part of the stay: Kinnik cooks over open fire at the water's edge, while Palopó 6.8 is the more seasonal, considered table. The hotel is a member of Relais & Châteaux and pairs naturally with its sister house, Villa Bokéh, in Antigua.
- Rooms
- 15 rooms and suites, plus a villa
Insider tip Ask the hotel to arrange the helicopter transfer from La Aurora airport in Guatemala City; it replaces a long mountain drive with a short flight over the highlands.
Why I choose it A small, characterful house on the lake with good cooking and a strong sense of Guatemala, and an easy pairing with Antigua.
