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), 3 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: House
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.
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
- Convertible Bed
- Child Bed
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Sauna : wood fired sauna on lake shore
- CD Player
- 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) and very child-friendly two guard dogs who are 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
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- 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 ................. $ 1000/week.
5-7 guests ................. $1400/week
8-10 guests ................. $1850/week
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.
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
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- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
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- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
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- - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
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- sleeping/meditation loft, extra bedroom with windowseat
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- Dining room and view into kitchen
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- Guest bedroom (opening into private guest patio and guest bath)
Traveler Reviews (16)
Words can't describe....
Guest: Peter
(Bristol)
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 & Aine
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, pet owners, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
An incredible stay at Casa Paloma
Guest: Anonymous
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:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
So much more beautiful than the pictures!
Guest: Liz
(St. Paul, MN USA)
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:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
The most beautiful place in the World
Guest: Rex and Lyn
(Darwin, Australia)
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:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.
The Perfect Getaway!
Guest: kespinal
(Boston MA)
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:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
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:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
More Beautiful than the Pictures!!!
Guest: Alisha
(Rockville, MD)
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!!
Recommended for:
Highly recommended
Guest: Daniel
(New Hampshire)
Date of Stay: 02/27/11
Review Submitted: 03/21/11
Travelling with another couple, all in our 50's, we arrived at this beautiful property with the wonderful support and guidance of the owner Joyce. Through emails and phone contact, she was able to facilitate an easy transport from the airport, to the dock at Panajachel, then a 20 minute boat ride to her dock. From there, we walked each day into the culturally diverse town of San Marcos for provisions at the local grocery as well as for lunch, massage and use of the public dock as a launching point to visit other towns on the lake. At a cost of only a dollar or two for each one-way trip, the diverse experiences in each town were the highlight of our trip. From San Juan, the most typical and textile-rich destination, to Santiago as the biggest town on the lake (50,000 people) each destination has a unique feel that we all appreciated. Typical day for us involved such a trip with lunch at the destination town, then back through San Marcos for provisions for the evening meal. Swimming, use of the kayak and sitting out on the porch admiring the incredible beauty of the volcanoes across the lake (and a fantastic electrical lightening show one night) were daily events. The house is wonderful, large areas for cards and socializing, with tucked-away nooks for quiet times. Gardeners were on-site each day; no english but helpful and pleasant in keeping up with the maintenance on the grounds. Our collective spanish is limited, but we did just fine piecing together effective communications throught the trip. Property manager, Tim was always available by phone if needed, and did give us a nice intro tour of San Marcos when we arrived. The support people Joyce has in place were key in making this a wonderful week for us. One question you might ask is "would you go back", to which we would all offer a resounding YES!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Guest: Tom Simpson
(Toronto/Washington DC/Baltimore)
Date of Stay: 12/23/09
Review Submitted: 12/23/09
From Canada and the United States, we met at Joyce's home on Lake Atitlan. Several generations, varied interests and tastes and we each found what we were looking for. Hard to imagine that 6 people travel together and for totally different reasons all 6 want to return. The pictures do not do the home justice - it is far more beautiful than presented and we were instantily surprised. It is hard to say what is most special - and each would have their own observation. Lily - the manager is a little bit of perfection and we thank her for her attention to detail. At all times we felt safe and secure and each day as we walked into San Marcos we were greeted with joy. In 8 days we managed to see 6 villages, remember to go to the Nature Reserva in Pana and Zip Line - best I have done in the world - and do market day in Solola, Pana, Santiago, San Juan and for the adventurous few, a day in Chichi. It is the people that I will remember the most - and they are the reason that I will return. Each village a unique set of values. Each with different crops and clothing - yet all celebrating their families and their children. And it all begins at Casa Paloma - a base from which you can rest, explore, read, learn and recharge. The freshness of the air and the food and the unrivalled beauty of Lake Atitlan - thank you Lily and Joyce.
Recommended for:
Guest: Isabel Baquet
(Decatur, GA)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09
Review Submitted: 12/04/09
We had the wonderful experience of staying at Joyce's house about a week ago. "Paradise" is the word I would use to describe it and for a greater description; this house offers you peaceful beautiful scenery, unbelievable views of Volcanoes, the most beautiful Lake and well tended gardens with flowers throughout. The house itself is beautiful, decorated with paintings and local crafts. It also has a well stocked kitchen, including CD's to listen while cooking! The pictures pale in comparison and the service by Lilly, Chepe and Andres was friendly, useful and fast. Lilly also stocked the house with groceries before we arrived so we had fresh milk and fruit for our toddlers. She also arranged the trip back to the city at a reasonable rate. You also have to visit San Marcos, it is very close to the house. The city is unspoiled and you can find places for a good massage and wonderful restaurants! Also, I must add that Joyce was a pleasure to talk to, she didn't overstate any detail of the house, she was very straight forward and made choosing Casa Paloma easy. We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to going back and staying at Joyce's house again!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #101621
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