Lomas de Tzununa

Magical Spot on the Cliffs

Lomas de Tzununa' is a very special place. It is a beautiful, tranquil, and perfectly situated lodge perched high on the green, tree covered hills above Lago de Atitlan. Because of its postion and setting high above the lake, there are incomparable views of the three volcanoes. I'm told that on a clear night you can see the lava glow on Vulcan Agua.

The 10 bungalows are extremely spacious, well appointed, comfortable and most incredibly all have large balconies high above the lake. The views are world class. Each room has comfortable beds, and roomy and well appointed bathrooms and showers. The term 'bungalows' isn't quite accurate, as they are actually very well constructed stone and timber chalets with tiles floors and high ceilings.

There is a dining room at the top of the hill that has incredibly amazing views, excellent home made European style and local dishes. The pool, has to have one of the best views in the entire world. In short you will have the sensation of having reached Shangri-la. We were absolutely giddy with joy about reaching this place, and were very sad that we had to leave the next day. I easily could have stayed for a week without a second thought.

As if that weren't enough, the prices at around US$50 per night per bungalow were a great bargain.

Unique Quality: Unique Qualities: Anybody with tons of money can stay at a luxury hotel, run by a hospitality conglomerate, but a place like Lomas de Tzununa' is real gem and a special place thanks to its friendly, charming, and honorable owners. Thierry and Maria live in a house just near the bungalows. You have the sense of sharing a beautiful place with people who really appreciate it, care about it and have shared it with you.

Thierry was a Director of Unicef in Guatemala during some of the worst years of the civil war. We had an excellent evening together at dinner chatting about Thierry's travels, his work, his tennis matches with Camoros strong man, Bob Denard, and learning about Guatemala. Maria, also a development worker (Unicef I believe) told us a lot about what was going on in the surrounding communities. Their charming, impish little son Lucas flitted about in the background - he's very cute and an excellent bread server at dinner, I'm told.

It's clear that the couple treat their staff well, with dignity and care, and it seems they have worked to help the local town of Tzununa'. Maria and Thierry are involved in helping Tzununa' with sanitation, and nutrition. When we were leaving, they politely asked if we minded settling up, because they needed to hike to town to help a family dealing with health and nutrition problems.

I was also pleased to see that they were running their place in a sustainable fashion, relying on solar energy and reducing use of plastics like water bottles. You'll get clean, fresh water in a sealed pitcher.

If you do go to Tzununa' which I guarantee you is not to be missed, please give them my regards! I hope to be back one day.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Eco-Tourism, Water Sports, Kayaking
• Written April 22, 2011

Lomas de Tzununa

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