It’s always a little nerve-racking to me to plan a trip for other people.  What if something goes wrong?  What if they don’t like it?  I have to use a lot of prayer and meditation to quiet those voices and say if they don’t like it, then it’s on them.  However, it still is a little bugaboo.  That being said, our driver, Eduardo, arrived promptly at 9:30.

We did have some concerns early in the week, when the Guatemala government sent us an e-mail stating that foreigners shouldn’t travel through Chimaltenango due to gang activity.  Bruce looked on his map and that was directly on the route so I promptly contacted our driver who said “no worries.”   So off we went and as we approached Chimaltenango the police presence was quite noticeable.

The ride went smoothly until we reached Solola with its steep and narrow streets.  Quite hair raising as Eduardo maneuvered around oncoming traffic and we prayed the brakes would hold.

Once we passed through the town we rode on some windy roads and made a stop to use the rest rooms.  We had to pay five quetzals for toilet paper.   We also spent a few minutes taking in the vista.

Bruce and I have been to Lake Atitlan two times.  Once, the first year we came to Guatemala where we had a two night stay which was a so so visit and far from memorable.  The second time was a day trip with Bruce and Scott which was a lot of fun.  This time was to prove magical.

We arrived at Kayucos Marina and our boat was waiting for us.  The captain took a Bruce and my bags and one young Guatemalan boy handled Sandy and Scott’s.  He looked like he was struggling a bit but he didn’t want his biddies to help because he wanted the entire tip!

Casa Prana – Elegance and Style

I love being on water and we had a fun, bumpy ride to Casa Prana.  It was about a 10 minute ride to the hotel.  The only way to get there is by boat or helicopter.  I think that was one of the selling points for me.

We were greeted at the dock by Monica who lead us through a gate to the most dazzling array of color.

In the orchid covered gazebo we were greeted with cool, wet towels and Rosa de Jamaica punch.  Monica told us that there were only eight guest rooms on the property and only 3 were occupied.  We basically had the place to ourselves.

As we walked further along the path we came upon the pool which even had a lounging bed.

Around every corner was flowers and statues.  The estate, which had once been a private home has over 2000 varieties of plants and flowers.

There was a yoga studio with a view of the lake and volcano.  They also do massages in the studio.

Casa Prana also has a well equipped gym.  Who wouldn’t love running on a treadmill looking out at the lake and volcano.

And for Bruce’s cigar smoking, they had a special smoking area that had comfortable cushioned chairs and a fabulous view.

We had a little lunch because our rooms would not be available until 3.  Bruce and I shared tacos which were very good.

I ordered a fresh coconut drink and when I was finished, the waiter opened it up and cut up the fresh coconut for me!  Heaven!

There were comfortable sitting areas inside and outside.

As we headed towards our suites, we passed a volleyball court.  I’m not sure how they get a game together with only 8 rooms.  There was also a ping pong table out on the sand.

Casa Prana grows a lot of their own salad greens and herbs.

Our suites, which are called junior suites, and not attached to the main building, are the least expensive rooms on the property.  Our suites were on the second floor with a dining area where we could make tea and coffee in between.  Our rooms were lavish.  The beds felt like falling in marshmallows, so soft and comfy after the hard beds in Antigua.

The bathrooms were lovely with a large, open shower area.  It had great pressure and a lot of hot water.

And there was even a toilet closet and concrete sinks.

Candles were lit everywhere as day slipped into night.  We decided to eat under an arbor of plants and miniature white lights.

It was a very romantic setting and we were all enjoying ourselves and relishing in the alluring atmosphere.

Bruce and I shared a sashimi appetizer and Mahi Mahi for dinner.  Then we shared mango sorbet and vanilla ice cream for dessert.  Very tasty!

After dinner we took a walk around the estate.  It was lovely all lit up with candles and miniature white lights.

Oh what a beautiful morning!  We woke to the cacophony of birds not at all pleasant at 6am but persistent nevertheless.  These fairly large black birds seemed to take residence on a tree rising above our balcony  and  do kamikaze dives into a water bowl directly below.  But once we opened the curtains and gazed upon the lake and volcano all irritation from the birds was gone.

We made coffee and tea in the kitchen and then a waiter came up and asked for our breakfast order.  We had and omelet and scone. While sitting on our balcony.

Check out was at 1 pm.  We settled up with Monica and Diana, who were such gracious hostesses and told them we would be back.

Casa Prana was charming, elegant and we felt like we were living at our own estate.   The grounds were impeccable and it was enjoyable to walk around a smell the roses.
The property has a lot of stairs, so mobility is important if you want to wander about.  There are I believe three suites on the first floor.  It’s also very quiet.  So if you want a place to party this is not the right place for you.  However, they do have a pool table and we did enjoy a game of pool before dinner.

But if you want a place that is filled with breathtaking scenery, settings to have enjoyable conversations or contemplative moments, and leave with a overall feeling of well being, this is that place – Casa Prana – Be With Us