Casa Paloma--a
- Minimum stay:Contact owner
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Featured in the New York Times “Escapes” column, in 2007 as the retreat of a well-known American writer, Casa Paloma is the ideal getaway or honeymoon spot for a couple, a family with children looking for adventure, Spanish school and an introduction to Mayan culture, or two families or a group of friends vacationing together, in a place of virtually unparalleled natural beauty, rich in indigenous culture. The weather is never uncomfortably hot or humid, and the stars over the lake (or if you time your visit right, the moon) as clear as you have ever seen.
Located on the shore of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, with great swimming , and spectacular views of three volcanoes and its own private dock, Casa Paloma offers a rare combination of first -world comfort with the charm and beauty of an unspoiled spot where your first experience every morning—as you sip your organically-grown Guatemalan coffee on the patio and slice a fresh mango or pineapple-- will be the sound of tropical birds on the balcony and the sight of fishermen in wooden canoes. The gardener brings fresh tortillas (made from blue corn, if you’re lucky) .
Our English-speaking property manager, Helmut, will arrange for your private transportation to the lake, stock the house with the basics, meet you on arrival, give you a cell phone to use while at the lake, and of course orient you to interesting things to do, restaurants, hikes and activities.
Situated on its own bay, a five minute walk to the charming Mayan village of San Marcos La Laguna --famed as a center for natural healing, yoga and massage—this home combines the pleasures of a peaceful getaway with easy access to the diverse culture of the lake and its markets, towns, indigenous weavers and painters, and hiking through spots of extraordinary natural beauty. You can choose to prepare meals at home or dine in any of a half dozen charming and unpretentious local restaurants, where a meal is likely to cost under $10.
The house—newly renovated and expanded by a prominent Guatemalan architect—is decorated with traditional textiles , a great library and local art and features spectacular lake views from every room: For a full description of rooms, email the owner. Home features a cathedral ceiling living room with fireplace, cathedral ceiling master bedroom with fireplace, opening onto balcony and a terrace with outdoor fireplace and outdoor shower, and master bath with huge tub. Sleeping/meditation loft; large kitchen equipped with modern appliances, guest room with private guest bath and separate patio. The kitchen opens onto a large dining room for cooler evenings, though you are likely to eat most meals on the large terrace with table that can seat ten—lined with roses , flowering vines and herb garden—overlooking the lake.
The house sits on an acre of landscaped gardens, featuring two waterfalls, fruit trees, an organic vegetable garden and dozens of rare exotic flowering plants and orchids, with a wood-fired pizza oven and outdoor fire pit.
Also on the property: a separate one-room thatch-roof ranchero, with double bed and meditation/sleeping loft, for watching the sunset, reading, or housing additional friends or family. Property comes with two gardeners, on duty daily, who will assist guests with bringing the kayak down to the water, fire up the sauna or pizza oven, or replace the bottled water from town. For those planning a longer stay, a once-a-week visit from a housekeeper is included in the rental . There is a third treehouse/guest house also available for a very large group for an additional fee.
Also available on occasion: Private catering of meals , who can also assist in locating a babysitter, private driver for excursions (if you can bear to tear yourself away) and answer questions about arranging for yoga or spanish classes, massage, guides, visits to local markets or Chichicastenango, volcano hike.
Home features satellite wireless internet, a washer and dryer, a safe to lock up valuables, and of course sheets, towels, and all the basics. Visits are one-week minimum, though guests have been known to stay as long as six weeks, and it is interesting to note that several former guests have subsequently purchased property in San Marcos.
PLEASE NOTE WHEN READING COMMENTS BY PAST GUESTS THAT CASA PALOMA WAS TOTALLY RENOVATED IN 2009, WITH A MAJOR ADDITION ADDED AND UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE HOME. THE HOUSE NOW COMFORTABLY ACCOMODATES UP TO TEN GUESTS.
Keywords: House
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, Beds for 8-10
Kitchen & Dining
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- CD Player
Communications
- Telephone
Pool & Spa
- Jetted Tub
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Parasailing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Shopping
- Sight Seeing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Unequivocally Beautiful!
Unequivocally Beautiful!
- Guest Helen M.
- Date of stay 04/13/13
- Review Submitted 05/02/13
My husband and I rented Casa Paloma for two weeks in mid-April. Words cannot begin to express the beauty, comfort, and allure of such an idyllic location. We followed Joyce’s guidance which eliminated all the typical stress which frequently occurs during travel. Each morning we were greeted by one of her gardeners with a friendly inquiry of our previous evening. Then each afternoon prior to departure, they checked in again. They were never intrusive, and it allowed us to make any inquiries regarding our rental. We truly enjoyed their visits, whether brief or prolonged from our invitation to join us. We do not speak Spanish; Miguel and Mateo do not speak English, but we could always communicate…actually we learned some Spanish from Miguel. An English speaking property manager is readily available for your rental questions, tours, village descriptions, and other inquiries you may have. The internet and phone service provided with the rental were exemplary. The spacious rental has numerous gathering/socialization areas with beautiful vistas of the lake and gardens. Whether you are a party of 10 or 2, you will have ample options for privacy or large group gatherings. We wandered around the property daily to appreciate the variety of vistas and flora. The rental is tastefully decorated with art, furnishings, pottery, and linens indicative of the region. Wood was amply provided for the fireplaces, chiminea, pizza oven, and sauna. The kitchen has all the modern conveniences and associated appliances that most would require for meal prep and clean-up. The village is a short walk away. There’s a variety of small markets, local vendors, and numerous dining options. Locals always had a friendly greeting, broad smile, and a willingness to assist with your request. Ex-pats were also helpful, especially with our language barrier. If you are a flower and tropical plant lover, you will be treated to a personal botanical garden. Almost every square inch is beautifully terraced and landscaped with a variety of plantings, arches, lighting effects, and waterfall fountains. Daily we would walk the grounds taking in the most recent blossoms, fragrances, and birds while enjoying the garden symphony. We are worldwide travelers of 25 years, and this has been our best private rental. Joyce calls this her “magical” place. It is apparent why she has this nomenclature for her for her rental….it truly exemplifies a private paradise.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Fantastic holidays!
Fantastic holidays!
- Guest Myriam
- Date of stay 01/11/13
- Review Submitted 02/14/13
We recently came back from Casa Paloma. What a great place to enjoy nature, visit Mayan villages, find wonderful textiles, ceramics, paintings done by the locals, etc. We hired Ines on a daily basis to cook our meals. She arrived each day by boat with the ingredients. One day we all prepared tamales. It was wonderful to have breakfast outdoors. The weather was perfect at this time of the year. Miguel and Mateo, the gardeners, were always ready to help. They prepared the sauna and the fire for the barbecue. We were sad to leave after a week. We got used to wake up in the morning and see the lake and the volcanos. Thanks Joyce for renting us the place.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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An Absolutely Lovely Property and Area
An Absolutely Lovely Property and Area
- Guest Kate
- Date of stay 11/20/12
- Review Submitted 01/10/13
I stayed at Casa Paloma in late Nov with four friends and had a lovely stay. The accommodations were diverse enough that we had a lot of flexibility in where people slept. I stayed up the hill in the "treehouse" and my four friends stayed in the main house. The walk up the hill was quite a workout but I welcomed it every day.....I needed a way to work off the great dinners we cooked in the well-appointed kitchen and the cocktails enjoyed on the patio. During the days, we did several hikes to neighboring towns and lookout points, kayaked in the lake, and took advantage of being able to flag down a taxi-boat right at the house pier. It can't get more convenient than that! San Marcos is a short 10 minute walk which we did nearly daily, whether to go to a restaurant, shop for food, or simply explore. Overall, it was delightful and Joyce's help with ground transport prior to our arrival there made the whole experience run very smoothly. She had plenty of people available to help with various needs/wants (we had tortillas delivered some mornings, the frig was stocked when we got there, we had Internet, phone numbers of guides, etc.). It all made traveling in another country where I don't speak the language a breeze.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Words can't describe....
Words can't describe....
- Guest Peter
- Date of stay 01/25/12
- Review Submitted 01/31/12
We recently stayed in Casa Paloma for 2 nights and it was perfect! The grounds in which it is situated are stunning - couldn't believe our eyes when we reached the main house to see the view from the front terrace, possibly the nicest view I've ever seen. The house itself is beautiful, really well thought out with huge kitchen, lovely living spaces with open fires and magnificent views across the lake from every room. Joyce was a pleasure to deal with, as was Tim the property manager who was always only a phone call away if we ever needed anything, and checked on us to make sure we were ok. Miguel and Mateo are extremely nice and friendly and always on hand during the day of you need anything. We are both dog lovers and Mia and Pedro were such a nice surprise - we played with them a lot! We made good use of the outside grill for barbequing some steaks and the gardens and terrace are ideal for eating al-fresco. I had planned on asking my girlfriend to marry me on Lake Atitlan and once I saw Joyce's place I knew it was the perfect spot - during our stay I asked and she accepted and it couldn't have been better. Thank you so much Joyce for sharing your piece of heaven with us. We will definitely be back! Peter & AineRecommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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An incredible stay at Casa Paloma
An incredible stay at Casa Paloma
- Guest Guy F.
- Date of stay 08/02/11
- Review Submitted 01/07/12
We had the most perfect time there at Casa Paloma. The house had just the right touch of comfort with tasteful artistic decorative accents. The gardens were a pleasure to stroll through after early mornings meditations. A swim and a little yoga on the dock was rejuvenating.The kitchen was a pleasure to cook in with the most picturesque views of the volcanoes. The house was clean and well maintained. Miguel and the staff were extremely attentive, friendly and cared for all our needs.The close walk to town and restaurants were a plus . It was the most incredible stay at Casa Paloma. My wife and I are looking forward in returning there on our next trip to the lake.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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So much more beautiful than the pictures!
So much more beautiful than the pictures!
- Guest Liz
- Date of stay 10/24/11
- Review Submitted 12/11/11
We were lucky enough to stay at Casa Paloma for one week in October, 2011. The house itself is beautiful and spacious. It has the warm feeling you get when staying at a friends house.....there was lovely local art work, candles and beautiful flowers. So much nicer than some of the very sterile impersonal houses we have stayed in! Without ever meeting Joyce, I feel like she shared so much of her warmth and personality with us through this beautifully constructed and decorated home. It took us a little while to get used to one of the bedrooms and the second bathroom being outside of the main house but this ended up working out perfectly and allowing both couples in our party to have "private space." The views from everywhere in the house were so incredibly that it was difficult for me to put my camera down! The house was very clean and furnished with everything we needed and either Mateo or Miguel brought us incredible fresh tortillas every morning. We had breakfasts on the patio overlooking the lake and volcano that I will dream about for years to come! Joyce was delightful to deal with and Mateo and Miguel took such good care of us while we were at the house. They were working on things daily so well maintained is an understatement. The one unfortunate thing about our stay was that there had recently been VERY significant flooding. Miguel and Mateo raised the dock for us but the sauna was underwater as was the lakeside path to San Marcos. This meant that we had to climb the hill and walk down into town. The steps up to the top of the hill and the walk to San Marcos was a bit daunting at first but we rapidly got used to it and had giddy tuk-tuk rides back to the house from town in the evening (I can't tell you how hard we laughed putting 4 huge gringos into one small tuk-tuk!) We had great food in San Marcos, we went all over by tuk-tuk, we kayaked, we swam off the end of the dock, we played with the dogs and we chatted with Miguel and Mateo (as best we could with limited Spanish.) Joyce suggested that we might want to bring some school supplies/shoes to a local school. We did this and had a lovely visit at Escuela Caracoal. It is easy to visit other towns on the lake, either by boat or by tuk-tuk and I would highly recommend doing so. We stopped in Pana to get groceries but found that really the small stores in San Marcos had everything we needed. Thank you Joyce for sharing your beautiful paradise with us! Pure delight!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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The most beautiful place in the World
The most beautiful place in the World
- Guest Rex and Lyn
- Date of stay 10/15/11
- Review Submitted 10/26/11
We arrived in Casa de Joyce after a nightmare drive on the landslide-ridden road from Guatemala City. We could hardly see the water-logged jetty as we landed. What a relief to be greeted by Tim, Mateo and Miguel and made immediately welcome AND to find the Casa itself delivered everything it offered. Four adults and 11 month-old Max spent 8 nights here and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It did rain for the first four days but we enjoyed the comforts of the house and then emerged, hermit-like, when the sun declared itself still alive, to savour the lake, its beautiful scenery and the quaint towns and villages on its shores. We were marvelously looked after by Tim, Miguel, Mateo and Inez (and appreciated the company of Domingo-the boatman- and his family) throughout the week. We recommend this location and the Casa to all potential guests whatever their preferences. In our case we had a most wonderful family holiday. We have been to Lake Como and we agree with Aldous Huxley that Lake Atitlan is more beautiful AND has three towering volcanoes overlooking it!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
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The Perfect Getaway!
The Perfect Getaway!
- Guest kespinal
- Date of stay 06/20/11
- Review Submitted 10/19/11
This was by far the most spectacular getaway imaginable. The house is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and is set right on the lake. With a pizza oven, wood burning sauna, kayak and private dock, you have everything you could possibly need right on the property. That being said, San Marcos is a wonderful little town and is within walking distance. There are great restaurants (our favorite was Ganesh Collective) and if you are in the mood for a massage or yoga, you are headed to the right place! Tim, the property manager is extremely helpful and is there to help with anything you may need. He was a pleasure to work with, see him in town and get to know him. The gardeners are also wonderful – friendly and happy to help with anything you may need (setting up the perfect fire at night was our frequent request!) The two property dogs are the BEST! They will take good care of you while you are there – greeting you with wagging tails at the gate when you return from town and escorting you down the majestic stairs to the property. All in all, this was the best getaway my husband and I could have imagined on our one year anniversary and we hope to return soon.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Serene lakeside hideaway
Serene lakeside hideaway
- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 07/16/11
- Review Submitted 09/30/11
Casa Paloma is set is the most beautiful garden filled with gardenias, heliconia, palms that surrounds the house and up the hill. The terrace and the numerous windows in the house overlook the most stunning view of the lake and the Volcanos. The house is large and well equiped with lots of little spots for private relaxation. The town of San Marcos is a small haven for new age adventures and great little places to eat.(Don't miss Cafe Fe). We also loved the zipline in Panajacel. This is a special corner of Guatemala, with wonderful people, beautiful scenery and delicious food. Our two weeks went by too quickly.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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More Beautiful than the Pictures!!!
More Beautiful than the Pictures!!!
- Guest Alisha
- Date of stay 04/03/11
- Review Submitted 04/20/11
Joyce's home was so beautiful and relaxing! We enjoyed walking to San Marcos, taking the public lancha to Panahachel, using the kayak, playing games at night and eating breakfast outside on the veranda overlooking the lake- among many other things. Best part about the home: it was very well kept and more beautiful than the pictures. The volcano and lake views were outstanding! Best kept secret about the home: great warm shower head out on the 2nd floor patio overlooking the lake. I would take a shower even when I wasn't dirty :) Thank you Joyce and thank you Miguel for helping us in every way possible while staying at Casa Paloma!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
1-4 guests ................. $ 1000/week. 5-7 guests ................. $1400/week 8-10 guests ................. $1850/week Holiday rates apply Christmas, New Year's , and Semana Santa (Easter)$2000-2400
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2002
About the owner: I first travelled to Lake Atitlan in 1973, at age 20, and fell in love with the lake then, vowing to return, though another twenty eight years passed before I made my way back. In 2001, I travelled to San Marcos for what was meant to be a two day vacation, fell in love with the town , and decided to rent a house there for the next eight months. I wrote a novel there (The Usual Rules, published in 2003) and decided to buy a house. Since then I've returned multiple times a year--sometimes for no more than a week or two, often for months at a stretch. It is the place I feel most at home in the world, in many ways. I established a writing workshop there in 2002. This winter (2010) will mark the eighth year I've been helping American travellers discover Lake Atitlan. Over my years in San Marcos, and running the workshop, I have learned a lot about how to make the experience of spending time there as magical as possible. Coming to Guatemala is definitely not the same as travelling to a place like Hawaii or Florida. One thing that helps a lot: having someone help you settle in and point you in the right direction . For this reason, I am very happy to have enlisted the assistance of a wonderful couple, Niels and Lily, who live very close by and manage the property while I'm away. Because they are in the hotel business (running my favorite San Marcos hotel, Aaculaax), they are enormously experienced in helping travellers explore the area and pointing out little known treasures of the lake. Lily's an American (who first travelled to the lake as a tourist, and like so many of us, fell in love with the place.) She'll be meeting you on arrival, and assisting in your arrangements. You could not be in better hands.
Why the Owner Chose San Marcos La Laguna:
Lake Atitlan is my favorite place on earth. The same aspects of live at the lake that can be challenging for some of us first-world types (how slowly things move, how un-modern it is) are the reasons why the experience is so precious. There is no television at my house, for a reason. (though there are many wonderful books ). I come to the lake to get away from all of that....and I do.
I will add that every time I return from the lake, friends say I look ten years younger. I know I feel that way.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
Swimming, health treatments, swimming, gardens, fresh fruits and vegetables, swimming, saunas, markets, swimming....
Can you tell I love to swim? (Night swims under the stars, best of all. followed by a sauna.)
Contact us
- Primary: (917) 714-2833 (New York, USA)
- Secondary: (415) 380-8565 (California, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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sleeping/meditation loft, extra bedroom with windowseat
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Guest bedroom (opening into private guest patio and guest bath)
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Dining room and view into kitchen
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This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - Wednesday, June 12, 2013
(917) 714-2833 (New York, USA)