Welcome to Casa "Water Hawk" at Campanario Estate, a luxurious main house nestled in the mountains above Antigua, Guatemala. This remarkable home is inspired by the Swainson's hawk, a majestic bird that migrates annually from Canada to Argentina, passing through Guatemala in October when the rains cease and returning in May when they resume. The Water Hawk holds significant historical importance to the Mayan people, with its presence deeply rooted in local culture.
Casa "Water Hawk" embodies this connection through its unique design. The roof is inverted, mimicking the wings of the hawk, and it captures rainwater into three cisterns integrated into the patio decks and the heart of the house. A water feature on the main patio symbolizes the beak and eyes of the hawk, further blending the natural world with the architectural elegance of Mayan and Colonial styles.
Your Unique Sanctuary
Casa "Water Hawk" is a spacious retreat designed to accommodate up to 12 guests. As you step through the main door, crafted by Caoba wood mills, you'll find yourself in a beautifully designed kitchen and dining room. This area features a wood-burning pizza oven, a kitchen with Mayan-inspired design elements, and a large, artistically crafted wooden table, perfect for gathering and enjoying meals.
To the left, you'll enter a grand living room with intricate inlay designs made from four different types of hardwood. This versatile space can be used as a cozy living area or transformed into a dance floor, adding to the home's charm and functionality.
The house also boasts three distinct patios: a front patio with a round seating area, firepit, and grill; a large side patio with a charming pergola perfect for serene mornings; and a quaint upper-level patio accessible from the Master bedroom for sunset views and views above the garden and panoramic view area.
The home includes five bedrooms: two queen-sized beds in the central part of the house, a Master bedroom on the top floor with a queen-sized bed, and an additional bed located on the rafters above. Two other cozy rooms are accessible via the large side patios. The Master bedroom includes a private bathroom, and there is an additional bathroom to serve the other rooms in the main house.
Casa "Water Hawk" is more than just a place to stay—it's a sanctuary where history, culture, and luxury converge, offering an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
A Retreat Like No Other
Set within the private Campanario Estate, this retreat spans a 150-acre working avocado farm and offers 7 km of hiking trails and beautifully landscaped gardens. Embrace the ecological off-grid lifestyle and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience amid the Mayan Highlands.
Architectural Marvel
Designed by Architect Craig Henritzy, the villa blends Mayan and Spanish Colonial architectural styles, featuring intricate details like Mayan pottery shards and obsidian. This creates a magical realism experience reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s work.
Discover and Enjoy
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the estate’s gardens and stunning views. The compound includes a main house and four additional villas, available for individual or collective rental. Enjoy a gourmet Guatemalan breakfast included with your stay, and take advantage of the high-end kitchens in each villa. Food delivery options from Antigua are available, and advance arrangements for lunch and dinner can be made.
Sustainable Luxury
We are committed to sustainability, operating fully off-the-grid with a complex micro-grid system that includes solar panels, inverters, and backup generators. Our rainwater is harvested and filtered using 14 cisterns and a 300,000-gallon reservoir. Explore our active greenhouse, carpentry shop, concrete countertop workshop, and state-of-the-art microbial inoculant laboratory, all part of our eco-friendly infrastructure.
Superior Internet Connectivity
Enjoy the best internet in the area with our dual-system setup. We offer both Starlink and Claro 150, ensuring reliable connectivity. Claro 150, delivered via a point-to-point Ubiquiti system, provides speeds of 75-130 Mbps but can be inconsistent. To guarantee dependable access, we also use SpaceX’s Starlink, which we were among the first to install in Guatemala. This combination provides a robust and redundant internet system, ideal for video conferences and other online needs. Our Ubiquiti mesh Wi-Fi routers ensure consistent coverage throughout the property.
Explore and Experience
With additional villas and a main house on the property, there is much to explore. Search for "Villas Campanario" on YouTube for a glimpse into our world.
Getting Here
Located just five kilometers above Antigua, reaching us is easy whether you drive, take a taxi, or use Uber. Your journey begins with a scenic ascent featuring ten switchbacks, leading through the charming village of San Cristobal El Alto. As you exit the village, the road sharply curves left, then right, becoming a one-lane dirt road for less than a kilometer. Along this peaceful stretch, you’ll notice only sweeping agricultural views, with no other homes in sight. Then, as if by magic, a beautifully paved road and a high stone wall will appear on your left for the next 250 meters—welcoming you to the entrance of our private estate. Most vehicles can manage the drive, though a higher wheelbase is recommended for added ease.
We offer free daily, on-demand trips to the village, as well as one complimentary trip from the farm to Antigua each day. For your return, you'll need to arrange transport by car, taxi, or Uber back to the village or directly to the farm.
Attentive Service
Our administrator, Claudia, will personally arrange your stay, ensuring that all your needs are met. Whether you desire privacy or attentive service, Claudia is here to assist. We provide a complimentary daily breakfast and a daily trip to Antigua for purchasing supplies or ordering food.
Book Your Stay
Escape to Casa "Water Hawk" and immerse yourself in the luxury and tranquility of the Mayan Highlands. Book your stay today for an unforgettable retreat!
House Rules overview:
1. Check-In/Check-Out:
o Check-in is anytime after 3 PM.
o Check-out is by 12 PM.
2. No Smoking:
o Please refrain from smoking, we do not allow smoking inside the property or in any shared areas of the property.
3. No Pets:
o Unfortunately, we can't accommodate pets unless pre-approved by us.
4. No Parties or Events:
o To keep the peace, parties and large gatherings aren’t allowed.
5. Respect for Neighbors:
o Please keep noise levels down, especially between 10 PM and 8 AM, to respect our other guests.
Safety and Security
6. Lock Up:
o Ensure all doors and windows are locked when you head out.
7. Registered Guests Only:
o For everyone's safety, only the guests included in your reservation are allowed on the property, unless pre-approved by us.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
8. Keep it Clean:
o Please treat our home with care and leave it as you found it. We are not a travel hotel.
9. Trash Disposal:
o Use the designated bins for trash and recycling.
10. Accidents Happen:
o If anything gets damaged, please let us know right away. You might be charged for repairs or replacements.
Amenities and Usage
11. Enjoy the Amenities:
o Use appliances and amenities as intended, and follow any specific instructions provided. We prefer you use our shampoo, conditioner and body soap as they are biodegradable.
12. Save Energy:
o Please turn off lights, appliances, and the air conditioning/heating when you’re not using them. We are completely off-grid and produce 100% of our electricity. We appreciate this more than you know.
13. Water and Towels:
o We capture all of our water and ask for you to moderate your usage. Consider using your towels and allow to dry for additional uses. These conservation actions help our eco-estate function.
Outdoor Areas
14. Respect the Outdoors:
o Enjoy the garden, outdoor seating areas, and please keep them tidy.
Special Requests
15. Need Something Special?:
o If you have any special requests or needs, just let us know in advance.
Health and Safety
16. Emergency Contact:
o In case of an emergency, contact us immediately using the provided information.
17. Stay Safe:
o Follow any provided COVID-19 guidelines, like social distancing and mask-wearing, if applicable.
We hope you have a wonderful stay! If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy your time here!
