Imagine wandering by a lush, verdant panorama looking for the right oasis to reconnect with nature and feeling such as you’ve chanced on one thing out of a postcard. That is precisely what it’s like arriving at Anzan Atitlán, one of the charming locations on the shore of Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America positioned within the Southwest a part of Guatemala.
Upon arriving at Panajachel, one of many largest and busiest cities three hours away by bus from Guatemala Metropolis, which surrounds the lake, I took a public boat for roughly half-hour towards San Marcos la Laguna, one other close by village. I used to be dropped off on the boutique lodge, Anzan, and was greeted by probably the most breathtaking view of the lake. The colours of the dawn danced throughout the crystalline water, making a spectacular and serene sight that left me spellbound. The sounds of the birds and the tranquility of the second had been unforgettable.
This hidden gem can also be identified inside the space as Casa Rosada, which suggests pink home in Spanish, due to its rosy façade. Initially constructed as a household dwelling in 2006, it is a beautiful juxtaposition of contemporary design and is surrounded by pure magnificence. Its identify, Anzan, references peaceable mountains in Buddhism, which is exactly what this tranquil place embodies. Ringed by majestic volcanoes, Anzan affords a serene and calming escape from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life.
Quick ahead to 2023, the 12 months Anzan advanced right into a resort for extraordinary experiences, providing a mix of rest, gourmand meals, up to date artwork, and cultural immersion. Now it’s the newest choice for Room Key, The Every day Beast’s column on thrilling new inns. The lodge’s designs had been impressed by the Mexican architects Luis Barragán and Ricardo Legorreta, two of probably the most outstanding artists of contemporary Latin American structure. Among the many parts that stand out all through the development are the easy designs and open areas that enable pure mild to enter the world. And we won’t miss the shade of pink, which was one of many favourite colours utilized by Barragán.
The lodge has simply 4 bedrooms and a fully-equipped loft; every evening prices between $250 to 350. I stayed in one of many bedrooms with a spectacular lake view that was subtly embellished with minimalist furnishings. My favourite place was undoubtedly the lavatory because it was a large room adorned in a really simplistic manner with a bath positioned in entrance of a window with views of the volcanoes and the lake. I loved ingesting a glass of wine there, listening to enjoyable music, and studying a e book.
At Anzan, visitors are inspired to disconnect from their digital gadgets and let the fantastic thing about the place enchant them. The lodge affords numerous actions, together with yoga, meditation, paddle boarding, kayaking, and climbing, offering vacationers alternatives to discover their interior selves and reconnect with the setting.
The lodge does not have a swimming pool, jacuzzi, or perhaps a entrance desk. In contrast to different inns within the San Marcos la Laguna space, which frequently concentrate on arranging events and different full of life celebrations, Anzan is devoted to serving to visitors join with nature and recognize the lake’s beautiful surroundings and wealthy cultural heritage.
One notably notable providing the lodge places ahead is “The Anzan Desk” menu, providing a culinary journey by Guatemala’s cultural heritage with dishes crafted from locally-sourced sustainable substances, comparable to greens like tomatoes, corn, beans, and cheese produced by folks from the neighborhood. From up to date culinary strategies to conventional Guatemalan cooking strategies, Anzan’s meals celebrates the native tradition.
I had the chance to take pleasure in a scrumptious multi-course gourmand dinner; three appetizers, a predominant course, and a pleasant dessert. Though it seems like numerous meals, I used to be happy reasonably than full because it was made with pure substances.
However Anzan is not nearly rest and indulgence–it is also a spot to make a distinction. In 2004, Anzan established and now helps the non-profit referred to as Ecolibri. This group empowers communities round Lake Atitlán, permitting visitors to find out about how folks from susceptible backgrounds stay and get the prospect to collaborate and volunteer to impression the setting and native societies. Anzan affords excursions for guests to return and uncover the communities and be taught extra about how the group promotes sustainable agriculture, alleviates malnutrition and meals insecurity within the space.
For these open to it, Anzan on Lake Atitlán isn’t just a pink home, however is usually a transformative expertise in a serene setting.
You possibly can keep
for one evening, a couple of days, or a month-long retreat. It is the sort of place that stays with you lengthy after you permit, beckoning you again to its peaceable embrace time and time once more.