Guatemala is not exactly littered with resorts, much
like you would expect to find in Mexico
or Costa Rica.
However, as Guatemala continues to distance itself from
the 36-year-long Civil War that defines latter 20th century
Guatemala history, it is safe
to assume that more Guatemala resorts will arise in the
future. As for now, your pick of Guatemala resorts
is fairly limited, but there exist a few luxurious locales
where you can relax in resort comfort. Cruises to
Guatemala operating throughout the Caribbean continue
to grow in popularity, which has led to the construction
of Guatemala resorts near the major cruise
docking ports of Santo
Tomás de Castilla in the east, and Puerto Quetzal
to the west. Along the shores of beautiful Lake
Atitlan, a few options for resorts offer the best
in lakeside relaxation.
As most flights
to Guatemala arrive in the capital of Guatemala
City, you might be looking for the nearest Guatemala
resorts off the plane. While Guatemala
City hotels present a fair choice of luxury options,
your best bet for a resort is the Jamaril Resort Club,
offering mainly timeshare rentals. To the near west,
the city of Antigua
attracts a number of visitors with its cobblestone streets
and colonial architecture. Some of the most popular
Guatemala tours can be
arranged out of Antigua, including beautiful Lake Atitlan
and the Pacaya volcano. The Filadelfia
Coffee Resort and Spa in Antigua offers a truly unique
resort atmosphere. Within walking distance of the
city’s only Gothic chapel, The Filadelfia Coffee
Resort and Spa’s position on the edge of town affords
it sprawling mountainside terrain, most of which bears
the resort’s coffee. The estate has been family
owned for generations, since Manuel Matheu Sinibaldi first
began planting coffee there in 1864. The present
day resort offers 20 luxurious rooms, from the 240 square-foot
standard doubles to the 1,200 square-foot superior suites.
Every room features king sized beds, WiFi internet access
and LCD televisions among the upscale amenities.
While not a Guatemala all-inclusive resort, the resort
offers complimentary breakfast with its rates. Guests
can use the onsite tennis courts, relax at the pool and
jacuzzi or soothe tired muscles with an on-premise massage.
Drinks at the elegant bar can be followed by an exquisite
meal at the resort’s international gourmet restaurant.
Weddings and meetings can be enjoyed either in the landscaped
gardens or in the private dining room. Various tours
of the coffee plantation and surrounding mountains can
be arranged for an extra fee, as well as helicopter tours
throughout Guatemala.
Among the top Guatemala resorts is the Amatique Bay Resort & Marina, which can be found along the eastern shores of Guatemala near the port at Santo Tomás de Castilla. Often offered to cruise guests as an option for onshore excursions, the Amatique Bay Resort & Marina has a myriad of recreation opportunities, from swimming pools and swimming channels to its own private beach. Guests can peruse the souvenir shop, play beach volleyball, rent bicycles or golf carts, go fishing or take diving lessons, among other activities. The resort’s marina can handle ships up to 160 feet and its onsite restaurants offer some of the finest dining around. With 57 fully equipped villas, you have the space to relax comfortably between activities. One of the resort’s most unique features is the large replica Spanish Galleon that lies at the end of the swimming pool area. Also boasting a grocery-convenience store, you can grab the necessary items to prepare meals in your villa kitchen. With agreeable rates and so much to offer, the Amatique Bay Resort makes an ideal base for area tours and extended tours to the great Mayan ruins at Tikal and El Mirador, if you should ever want to leave the complex.
Located near some of the black sand Guatemalan
beaches that characterize the country’s Pacific
coast is one of your best bets for a Guatemala all-inclusive
resort. The Hotel Villas del Pacifico Resort and
Conference Center can be found in Chulamar, near the important
port of San José. A couple hours trip by
bus or car from either Guatemala City or Antigua, the
resort’s lowland, seaside location provides a stark
contrast to the Guatemalan highlands. Each of the
128 rooms and bungalows feature much needed air conditioning,
televisions, large double-bed bedrooms, sizeable bathrooms
and garden-view balconies. For extra safety, you
can lock any valuable items in your in-room deposit box.
Guests can relax at the outdoor pool or enjoy a languid
day at the beach. Various indoor entertainment options
compliment lunch or dinner at one of several resort restaurants,
and the resort’s bars are a great place to grab
a drink. The hotel Villas del Pacifico offers all-inclusive
plans, or you can choose to just include breakfast with
your rates. Fishing enthusiasts may wish to choose
a Guatemala all-inclusive resort and sportfishing package
with Villas del Pacifico and the Great Sailfishing Company.
