The Offbeat Goat Collection
Casa Palopó
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Guatemala / Lake Atitlan / Casa Palopo
A sophisticated hillside residence steeped in old colonial charm
Set in a beautifully restored villa perched atop a jungly hillside overlooking the lake, Casa Palopó is the epitome of colonial elegance complemented by delightful Guatemalan touches. Flanked by fragrant gardens and lush vegetation, the collection of red-tiled villas is designed to let the outside in.
Wander past stucco walls adorned in colorful masks or just sink smugly into plush sofas surrounded by oversized Botero-like paintings and vintage jukeboxes. Fabulously creative, this Casa whispers bold confidence in its design and aesthetics.
“The sustainability of our communities is essential for its proper development. This is the reason why we love being part of and getting involved with the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project, through which we ensure the growth, education, and development of our community through painting and art.”
—Casa Palopó
the look.
Taking inspiration from the country’s complex history, the hotel tastefully blends colonial charm with indigenous touches. Expansive communal rooms are chock full of terracotta vases spilling Diego Rivera-like lilies, wrought iron candelabras, brightly colored Botero look-alikes, and cobalt stucco walls adorned with hand-carved masks and Maximon hats. Individual rooms are decorated with hand-glazed terracotta tiles, vaulted beamed ceilings, and romantic windows overlooking the pool and lake beyond — a true feast for the senses and boutique luxury at its finest.
the experience.
luscious pool with view
Lounge poolside savor panoramic views of Lake Atitlán.
local art
Marvel at the hotel’s collection of artwork, and don’t miss the opportunity to join an art tour of the neighboring community street art project in the town of Santa Catarina Palopo. This positive-impact community art project was initiated by Guatemalan journalist Harris Whitbeck, who was inspired by the transformation of the Rio de Janeiro favelas and saw the Santa Catarina community painting project as an alternative to fishing and farming. Today, the technicolor streets of Santa Catarina have become one of the most photographed villages in Central America, sparking development, job opportunities, and empowerment in its local communities.
immersion
Book a cooking class at the Mayan Kitchen Cooking Class (San Pedro) or the cooking school (Santa Cruz). Or try weaving with a backstrap loom in San Juan at one of the women’s cooperatives. Or visit the incredible Mayan women’s weaving cooperative in Sololá, very close to Panajachel, where you can find high-quality textiles and support fair-trade practices.
the impact.
Eco-design
Tastefully restored in keeping with Antigua’s traditional architecture.
Community-focused
Supports the dazzling (and Instagram-worthy) community painting project that fuses art and sustainable development in Lake Atitlán. The project was initiated by journalist Harris Whitbeck, who was inspired by the transformation of the Rio de Janeiro favelas and saw this painting project as an alternative to fishing and farming. Today, the technicolor streets of Santa Catarina have become one of the most photographed villages in Central America, sparking development, job opportunities, and empowerment of the local communities.
Culinary sustainability
The hotel makes an effort to source all of its ingredients locally.
at a glance.
$$
Good to know
15 spacious room, 15 suites, and one contemporary villa.
Location
Santa Catarina Palopó.
*Photos courtesy of: Saskia Veendorp and Casa Palopó
Stays in Guatemala
We think you will also like…
