Location: San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America (San Marcos La Laguna, 2.5 hrs from airport (pickup arranged))
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
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 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) .
We provide an American property manager, Lily, who lives with near the property, to arrange for your private transportation to the lake, stock the house with the basics and meet you on arrival.
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 .
Also available: Private catering of meals by Lily, 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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove: Wood fired pizza oven and sauna in gardens
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : Top quality mattress. Custom made bed in master bedroom is unusually high (to afford best volcano views) and features built-in steps
- Double Bed: double bed in separate cabin/rancho overlooking the water, great for add
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Sauna: wood fired sauna on lake shore
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: fully stocked with spices, cooking utensils, dishwasher. great for cooking for a big crowd or intimate dinner
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Catering Available: Property manager will cater meals if desired, or may be able to arrange for another local cook to prepare or deliver meals
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: outdoor grill next to pizza oven
- Deck/Patio: terrace overlooking the lake for outside dining, and a second large terrace on upper level , also balcony off the bedroom, and several levels of gardens on property
- Balcony
- Lanai
- Gazebo: There is also a thatch roof rancho overlooking the lake, suitable for sleeping
- View/Location
- Lakefront: Gorgeous lake views out every window. Sleep with the windows open and you will hear the lake . The swimming is great
- Mountain View: Mountains and volcanoes visible outside every window and from terraces and decks.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Cell Phone: Owner provides Guatemalan cell phone for the use of guests (and returnable upon departure). Can be used to make or receive calls from US or in country, much more affordably than using an American cell phone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Wi fi in house (and on terraces)
- Other Amenities
- Wood-Fired Lakefront Sauna, Private Dock, two person kayak, outdoor wood fired pizza oven, wireless internet, detached guesthouse/treehouse and ranchero with daybed, waterfalls, gardens, fruit trees
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: There is a very sweet old dog, Ghandi, who lives on the property (but stays outdoors) who is cared for by the gardeners.
- Kid Friendly: Many families with young children have loved staying at Casa Paloma. Of course all usual safety precautions apply, though efforts have been made to childproof. Guests should note that there is not a shallow place to wade into the lake. Water is deep almost immediately upon entry, so parents of young children or non swimmers need to be watchful. Life vests are available for use at the house.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Mayan Ruins, Visiting Local Artisan Markets, Spanish Lessons, Yoga and Massage, bike rentals, horsebackriding, local women will cater pizza night on great outdoor pizza oven (or cook it yourself)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
1-4 guests ................. $ 1200/week.
4-7 guests ................. $1450/week
8-10 guests ................. $1850/week. (includes treehouse guesthouse)
Easter (Semana Santa) Christmas & New Years Week .. $ 2000/week for up to 7 guests
Home is currently booked for Christmas 2009 and Feb 2010
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2002
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. You can learn more about this at my website, www.joycemaynard.com)
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 of 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.)
Property Photos
- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- sleeping/meditation loft, extra bedroom with windowseat
- Dining room and view into kitchen
- Guest bedroom (opening into private guest patio and guest bath)
Guest Comments (5)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #101621
There have been 22763 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2006.
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - October 24, 2009
Positive Rating
Molly Neuman , Brooklyn, NY
Positive Rating
It's been several weeks since I left Lake Atitlan, and there is still not a day that I don't think about it with longing. My husband and I stayed in Joyce's treehouse, and eventually, her home, in late January and early February and it was a trip that will stay with us the rest of our lives. It gave us a time to breathe, and remember things long forgotten in the course of our busy lives - the feel of gentle breezes off a lake, the sound of the birds at sunrise, the simple joy of eating fresh food while sitting in the sun with friends. We experienced new things as well. We were struck by the sheer physical beauty of the Mayan people, with their dark eyes and wide smiles and gracious ways. In our visits to their villages, we learned a little about their rich and glorious culture. We ate fresh tortillas and bought fresh crabs from the fisherman, Mr. Domingo, off Joyce's dock. We napped in hammocks and swam in cool blue water. Visit Shangrila. It is not to be missed.-- Lori Brasier and Mike Bencsik, Waterford, Michigan