Casa Palopó is perched on the hills that surround Guatemala's spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three majestic volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms and suites, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and locally handwoven textiles — all perfectly complemented by its invigorating views. Cultural experiences include Mayan shaman blessings on property, tours through Lake Atitlan’s villages, and visits to local artisans - as well as voluntourism opportunities viaPintando Santa Catarina Palopo. Casa Palopó is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an experience as exclusive as it is unique.
Opened in June 2021, Villa Bokéh is a luxury, seven-room hacienda in the heart of a 6-acre garden, situated in the lush outskirts of Antigua, Guatemala. Designed by Paliare Studio, guests experience an alluring blend of sophisticated architecture, Guatemalan colonial design, and modern details. Choose from private balconies, enclosed gardens with fire pits, and volcano vistas. A private art collection provides the finishing touch to each room with exquisite photography, remarkable sculptures, and elegant paintings inspired by Guatemala’s rich and colorful culture. Villa Bokéh redefines the Antigua experience, inviting guests to bask in the natural beauty of the area in a way that’s never been offered before with all the sights and sounds and colors of the local town just minutes away.
Guatemala, a Central American country south of Mexico, is home to volcanoes, rainforests and ancient Mayan sites. The capital, Guatemala City, features the stately National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Antigua, west of the capital, contains preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Lake Atitlán, formed in a massive volcanic crater, is surrounded by coffee fields and villages.
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal ($1 USD = 7.75 Q) Average Temperature: 75° F / 60° F
Casual chic evening wear / light sweater or jacket
Bathing suits
Sunglasses/Hat/SPF
Sandals and sneakers
Bug spray
Credit card to put on file
Hand sanitizer, masks, disinfecting wipes
YOUR PASSPORT!
WHAT'S INCLUDED FOR YOU:
Roundtrip airfare to GUA, roundtrip airport and ground transfers in Guatemala, accommodations, activities as outlined on the itinerary, and meals (group and those designated 'at leisure').
WHAT YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Gratuities at your discretion, long-distance phone calls, mini bar items, and any miscellaneous expenses. Please note you may be asked to provide a credit card at check-in for any incidentals not included in the trip.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Arrivals: Monday, July 18
Departures: Friday, July 22
ITINERARY
MONDAY, JULY 18TH
1:00 a.m Si Si Penaloza arrives to GUA Airport / United #1137 Welcome to Guatemala! Upon arrival, please clear customs and immigration, and make your way outside the terminal where a representative will be waiting for you.
11:45 a.m. Dayvee Sutton / Jody Diamond, Sydney Feldman, and Stephanie de la Hera arrive to GUA Airport / DL #1830 & AA #2241 Welcome to Guatemala! Upon arrival, please clear customs and immigration, and make your way outside the terminal where a representative will be waiting for you.
1:00 p.m. Check-in at Villa Bokéh Welcome to the latest in luxury hospitality - Villa Bokeh - a seven-bedroom estate turned boutique hotel celebrating Guatemala’s rich craftsmanship culture.
2:00 p.m. Lunch at 3.1 Bokéh with Owner Claudia Bosch and Marketing Coordinator Gabriela Camacho (Optional)
2.55 p.m. Jennifer Simonson arrives to GUA Airport / AA #1013 Welcome to Guatemala! Upon arrival, please clear customs and immigration, and make your way outside the terminal where a representative will be waiting for you.
3:30 p.m. Afternoon at leisure
5:00 p.m. Paint Your Own Hat Welcome Experience
7:30 p.m. Welcome Cocktails
8:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner at 3.1 Bokéh
9:00 p.m. Sleep and Bath Ritual
TUESDAY, JULY 19TH
At leisure Breakfast at 3.1 Bokéh
10:00 a.m. Morning in Antigua Enjoy a stroll through this historic city that is brimming with color and culture — including a stop at Doña Gavi’s.
1:00 p.m. Lunch in Antigua at NANA - a real treat!
2:30 p.m. Jade Tour
4:30 p.m. Return to hotel / afternoon at leisure
6:30 p.m. Maiz Experience A tea time-like experience inspired by one of the country’s most coveted ingredients.. Corn, or “elote”, is a superfood in Guatemala and the way it is cultivated and cooked is akin to textile weaving. It’s an artisanship. The experience is meant to celebrate the farmers, the process and the ingredient’s many uses, via a selection of bite-size pieces made with different varieties of elote.
7:00 p.m. Dinner at 3.1 Bokéh
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH
At leisure Breakfast at 3.1 Bokéh
10:00 a.m. Jody Diamond to transfer to GUA
10:00 a.m. Helicopter to Casa Palopó
11:00 p.m. Check-in at Casa Palopó Welcome to Casa Palopó, Guatemala’s first and only Relais & Chateaux hotel - that is, until Villa Bokéh arrived. Please make yourself at home and enjoy the (breathtaking) change of scenery.
11:30 p.m. Tortilla Bar Lunch
1:00 p.m. Spa Treatment / Si Si Penazola
2:30 p.m. Visit to Santa Catarina Palopó We’ll head to Santa Catarina Palopó, located just minutes from Casa Palopó, and where the Pintando Santa Catarina Project is transforming the lives of residents from the outside in.
4:30 p.m. Return to Casa Palopó / Afternoon at Leisure
6:30 p.m. Guatemalan Tea Time This brand new experience celebrates the hotel’s lovely outdoor spaces with a delightful afternoon ritual that now bears a local twist.
Evening at Leisure The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. If you find yourself hungry for a little something, please enjoy dinner at 6.8 Palopó. May we recommend the Black Bean Soup…with all the fixings!… and a nice glass of wine.
THURSDAY, JULY 21ST
At leisure Breakfast at 6.8 Palopó At Casa Palopó, breakfast is a ritual. From the ‘desayuno Chapin’ (native breakfast) to the French toast, you simply cannot go wrong.
8:00 a.m. Spa Treatment / Dayvee Sutton
9:30 a.m. Boat Tour and Visit to San Juan One of Lake Atitlan’s artsiest towns, San Juan La Laguna offers a close look at the local weaving and artisan culture.
12:30 p.m. Lunch at “El Artesano” in San Marcos Formerly in San Juan, this made-in-Guatemala charcuterie concept recently moved to San Marcos.
2:30 p.m. Return to Casa Palopó / Afternoon At Leisure
3:00 p.m. Spa Treatment / Jennifer Simonson
4:00 p.m. Shaman Blessing Experience a special ceremony to bring in positive energies and great health this year! 5:00 p.m. Spa Treatment / Sydney Feldman
6:00 p.m. Cocktails by the Fireplace
7:00 p.m. Farewell Dinner at 6.8 Palopó We recommend ordering a fresh San Antonio Sea Bass accompanied by Chayote Squash Puree and Asparagus.
9:00 p.m. Si Si Penaloza and Gabriela Camacho Transfer to GUA
FRIDAY, JULY 22ND Boxed Breakfast will be served
6:00 a.m. Jennifer Simonson to transfer from Casa Palopó to Guatemala City International Airport
7:00 a.m. Spa Treatment / Stephanie de la Hera
7:30 a.m. Dayvee Sutton to transfer from Casa Palopó to Guatemala City International Airport
9:00 a.m. Stephanie de la Hera and Sydney Feldman to transfer from Casa Palopó to Guatemala City International Airport
10:18 a.m. Jennifer leaves GUA on AA 1188
1:11 p.m. Dayvee Sutton leaves GUA on Delta 1831
3:55 p.m. Stephanie and Sydney leaves GUA on AA 1774