Lake Atitlan Hideaway Houses

Rooms

There are 2 two-bedroom houses and 3 one-bedroom hideaways. Jade and the Loft are set right on the lakeshore; Lakeview, Bamboo and the Studio are higher up the slope, with wonderful views (and lots of steps).

Of the larger houses, Lakeview House (sleeps 4-7) has the most spectacular views. The master bedroom has a kingsize bed (which can be converted into twin beds if required), a curved wall of windows overlooking the lake, an ensuite and a dressing area. The second bedroom has a queensize bed, a bathroom and a spacious private terrace. There’s also a living area with high ceilings and a wood-burning fire, a dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows, an upstairs area with 2 single beds and a sofabed, and a large terrace.

Bamboo House (sleeps 4-5) has similar lake views but a cosier feel, with an open-plan sitting and dining area, again with a fireplace, and doors onto a covered terrace overlooking the bamboo grove below. The main bedroom comes with a kingsize bed (again, this can be converted into twin beds) and an ensuite with a large marble tub; the second bedroom has a queensize bed, an ensuite shower room and a sofabed.

Of the smaller houses, Jade (sleeps 2) has walls of glass to pull in those lakey and leafy views. There's a small balcony, a bedroom with queensize bed, and a bathroom with jade-tiled shower and an old-fashioned clawfoot tub. Glass doors open up from the kitchen to a side patio with wrought-iron chairs and a table.

Cosier still are The Studio and The Loft (each sleeping 2). The Studio (the owner's favourite) is right at the top of the plot, with some of the best views of the lake thanks to its balcony and wraparound sliding windows. The Loft feels more like a treehouse perched above the lake.

All villas have stylish Kohler fixtures and come with hairdryers, bathrobes, TVs and reliable WiFi.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is included in the rates; for other meals you can choose between cooking or being cooked for by smiling local ladies (an aunt and her niece who can prepare meals in your kitchen).

Complimentary breakfast items include yoghurt topped with fresh fruit, granola, orange juice and coffee. For an additional sum, guests can also order hearty omelettes, accompanied by refried beans, tortillas and fried plantains. For lunch and dinner there's a set menu of 7 main dishes, but they're happy to accommodate any requests. Choices include fettucine alfredo, tenderloin with mustard sauce, steamed fish in foil, and the traditional Guatemalan dish of chicken pepián, made with a flavourful spicy tomato sauce called recado. Desserts are seasonal and usually fruit based.

All villas have kitchens with plates, glasses, cups, knifes, pots, pans and coffee makers if you want self-cater. Cupboards are pre-stocked with basic cooking ingredients such as herbs and spices, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar and ketchup, and other groceries can be arranged on request. There's also a minibar in each villa stocked with an assortment of snacks (granola bars, peanuts, corn chips and candy), and the refrigerator has local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and water. Wine is available on request - let them know in advance if you'd like a selection to choose from. Guests keep track of consumed items.

If you need something from the store, Panajachel (the largest town on the lake) is a 4km drive or ride in a public tuk-tuk taxi.

If you're eating out, try the delicious curry or wood-fired pizza at Restaurante Paco Real in the new-age enclave of San Marcos. For spontaneous dining, head to the restaurant-lined calle Santander in Panajachel.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Breakfast
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• In-house cook
• Oven
• Shopping service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Relax in these wonderful surroundings. Laze in the gazebo, soaking up the views and reading your book, bathe in the nearby natural hot springs, or swim in the lake
  
• Go diving with the diving school in Santa Cruz, which runs day trips and PADI courses
  
• Browse touristy calle Santander in central Panajachel for souvenirs, tour operators and outdoor cafés
  
• Take a tuk-tuk to nearby Santa Catarina, known for its ceramic art
  
• Explore Lake Atitlán in one of the 3 kayaks - best early in the morning when the water is calm
  
• Pour a glass of wine at sunset and watch the red sky frame the Atitlán, San Pedro and Toliman volcanoes
  
• A yoga teacher can come to the villas on request
  
• Each village surrounding the lake is named after a saint and has its own signature textiles. If you coordinate a visit during one of the local saint days such as San Pedro (June 29) and San Marcos (April 25), you can watch local festivals with music, fireworks and traditional dress
  
• Explore the Reserva Natural Atitlán, 10 minutes from Panajachel, which has a private beach, waterfowl, hummingbirds, butterflies, monkeys and lush nature trails
  
• There are several Spanish language schools around the lake if you want to improve your language skills

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Language courses
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Yoga

Kids

Only guests over 15 are allowed. If you're coming with older teenagers, choose Lakeview or Bamboo houses, which have 1 or 2 sofabeds that can be made up if required.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The houses are set on the shores of Lake Atitlán, between the town of Panajachel and the village of Santa Catarina Palopó. They're about 10 minutes by road from Panajachel, which is 90km (3 hours' drive) from Antigua.

By Air
International flights operate into Guatemala City La Aurora (145km away). Staff can arrange transfers from the airport or from Antigua. You can also book shuttle services to Panajachel through local agents, or take the bus (see below).

By Bus
Bus is by far the most common method of transport in Guatemala, and there are plenty of private shuttles and public buses. Lake Atitlán is some 3 hours from Antigua, and almost 4 hours from Guatemala City airport. Prices will vary according to the luxury status of the vehicle. Shuttle buses can drop off and collect from the villas. Public buses go to and from Panajachel to Antigua and Guatemala City airport.

By Car
Driving around Guatemala is certainly possible, but security can be a concern (a good working knowledge of Spanish will help). A car is useful here as the villas aren't within walking distance of any stores or restaurants, and there's secure parking on site. See our car rental recommendations.

By Boat
You can use water taxis to travel from Panajachel's Sun Juyu dock to the villas. Water taxis ply their trade from every small town on the lake, but note that most operators will not have heard of the villas or know where they are.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.