Casa Valdres

Wake to the sound of morning bird songs, open your eyes to the rising sun & sip Guatemalan coffee as you watch lanchas/boats drive by from the top deck.

Casa Valdres has welcomed guests from around the world since 2012 and has long been one of the lake’s most loved retreat vacation homes. Since becoming its new owners in 2022, we’ve thoughtfully refreshed the property while preserving everything that has made it such a special place for families, friends, retreats, and celebrations.

The space This is one of the most up-market properties around the lake. We've been hosting families, friends, wellness retreats and even weddings since 2012. Spacious rooms, amazing views of active volcanoes, and stunning grounds where you can pick bananas, avocados, limes, manderin oranges, papaya or ginger right off the plant. Incredible!

Guest access Adventure and relaxation are both within easy reach.

Begin your day on the calm morning waters with 2 paddleboards provided, wake to a cacophone of bird songs, spend your day poolside, swim in the lake, stroll along the shoreline, hike to the new scenic lookout, shop the Saturday Farmers Market, explore nearby villages, or spend the afternoon in a hammock swaying in the Xoxomil winds, while listening to your favorite tunes on the JBL connected via bluetooth.

The home is perfectly situated: ● 5-minute walk to the dock or 200 meters from the lake ● 10-minute walk to cafés, restaurants, and bars ● 15-20 minute boat ride to Panajachel

The unique charm of Santa Cruz is it is car free. Blissfully excape the noise of a large city, and drop into nature.

Other things to note The Rooms:

Each room is furnished with “European King” beds of locally sourced bamboo 3” bed toppers, comforters and a locally sourced Wool throw: quintessential to Guatemala, available for an extra layer of warmth at night. These are available to purchase in Panajachel, from a vendor on Calle Santander.

We have named each room after the elements, which we are surrounded by in the highlands of Guatemala. The 1st floor bedroom: Earth: has a private attached bathroom with a shower, the router for the lower level is found in this room. Easy access to the main living space, kitchen, pool, and deck.

The 2nd floor bedroom: Water; has a private attached bathroom with a shower, bidet, sliding french doors that open to the wrap around deck, and a walk-through closet. This also provides access to the private bodega Dominga uses to make up the rooms. The painting on the wall of this room is our local Xepoj dock, painted from a photograph, by Philippe, an artist from San Juan. He is a skilled artisan available to meet your request. His craft could take up to a week + depending on the request. And, it is a tremendous keepsake.

The 2nd floor bedrooms: Fire (front bedroom) & Wind (back bedroom), are a “Jack and Jill” style with a shared bathroom with a shower. These rooms have easy access to the wrap around deck, and filtered water purifier, sitting next to the TV.

The 3rd floor bedroom: Space, has a private attached bathroom with a shower, bidet, double sink, view of the lake from the shower, walk-in closet, sliding french doors that open to a private deck, with breathtaking views of the lake, local volcanoes, and an erupting volcano near Antigua, over the mountains to the left.

Water: The house has a whole house filtration system of reverse osmoses. It is safe to shower and swim. On the 2nd floor and in the kitchen, we’ve added an Auga Pura water dispenser for additional filtration of your drinking water.

The only way to arrive to Santa Cruz is by boat. If you arrive by car you can easily leave it parked in a secure car park in Panajachel called Kayucos Marino for approx 75Q / $10 a night. Current rates may vary.

If you want any meals cooked during your stay, our housekeeper is available to hire. Do ask and I will provide details for your consideration.

Provided for your enjoyment are 2 each: Stand Up Paddles, hammocks and yoga mats.