Villa Sumaya

Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Activities

  • Marvel at the changing colours of the lake - photographers will be snapping from all angles and at all hours!

  • Swimming is perfectly safe, although the water isn't always pristine (it's at its best in the mornings); beach towels are supplied

  • Sunbathing and strolling through the gorgeous gardens are real highlights of your stay - explore hidden nooks, lounge in your own private pergola, and admire the orchid blooms

  • Practice yoga or meditation in the temple, looking out at the stunning view

  • Pamper yourself with massage therapy or energy work in the healing hut, or a sauna or hot tub

  • Hang out in your hammock with a good book

  • Explore one of the 12 villages around the lake - each has its own hand woven costume. Villa Sumaya can arrange tours for you with English or Spanish speaking guides, or you can walk 1km along to the jetty at Santa Cruz and pick up a boat (lancha). San Pedro La Laguna is a travellers' centre, with language schools, internet cafés, shops and a strong evangelical culture. Santiago Atitlán is renowned for its vibrant textiles and lively market. Larger Panajachel is the jumping off point for onward travel

  • Don't miss the colourful and unspoilt markets in Sololá (Tuesdays and Fridays) and Chichicastenango (Thursdays and Sundays) - they provide a fascinating insight into local culture

  • The only dive school on Lake Atitlán is in Santa Cruz, the nearest village

  • Wendy and her staff know all about Mayan culture and are actively involved in community projects through Amigos de Santa Cruz

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Bird watching
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Kayak/canoeing
  • Language courses
  • Plantlife/flora
  • Scuba diving
  • Shopping/markets
  • Swimming
  • Traditional cultures
  • Well being
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga
Save to favouritesPrintMailVilla SumayaThe Maya consider Lake Atitlán to be the centre of the universe. Aldous Huxley declared it the most beautiful lake in the world. Either way, you're left struggling for superlatives at the sight of these ever-changing waters surrounded by 3 perfectly conical volcanoes. Maya culture is alive and well here in the western highlands: 12 villages, each with its own dress, fringe the lake. It is easy to see how Californian Wendy Stauffer fell in love with Atitlán in the 80s and never left. Then in the early noughties she had the opportunity to create Villa Sumaya from a former ranch-style 1970s holiday home built on a sacred site. The result - traditionally thatched [r:GU005:accommodation], café and palapas - is in perfect harmony with its magical setting. It's only accessable by boat and on arrival you'll find tropical gardens terracing up from the lake, a yoga and spiritual temple, relaxed hospitality, healthy food, a sauna, hot tubs and a healing hut. You leave with your body and soul enriched.

Book this hotelRates from 50USD

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