Embarking on a spontaneous trip to Guatemala led me to the captivating shores of Lake Atitlan, a breathtaking lake merely a three-hour drive away from Guatemala City. Renowned for its vibrant towns, thoughtfully curated eco-luxury resorts, and the majestic presence of its twin volcanoes on the horizon, Lake Atitlan exudes an aura of mystique. During my enchanting visit, I had the pleasure of staying at Casa Prana. After a two year hiatus from embarking on a truly relaxing trip, this stay at Casa Prana is exactly what my soul needed.

Casa Prana is an eco-luxury boutique located on a secluded part of Lake Atitlan. Boasting a private swimming area, a tranquil pool overlooking the majestic volcanoes, wellness spaces, and a well-equipped gym, the resort presents a myriad of amenities to indulge in. Among them, my personal favorite was the enchanting lake-side swing, adding an element of whimsy to the experience. Access to Casa Prana is an adventure in itself, as guests arrive by boat. The hotel arranges a private pick-up from the nearby town of Panajachel, embarking on a scenic ride across the captivating waters of Lake Atitlan. The boat ride itself I adored, as it offers unbeatable views of the volcanoes. However, my favorite view was the arrival to Casa Prana. Arriving at this hotel felt like the equivalent of arriving to the most exquisite deserted island, exuding luxury and exclusivity. It truly felt like stumbling upon a well-kept secret in the heart of Guatemala’s lush jungles.

The entire property is compact, yet well-equipped and has everything you might desire for a luxury, relaxing stay. From friendly staff waiting on your hand and foot, to private yoga sessions for added mindfulness, to serene hotel guests who all feel like they’ve downed a bottle of CBD each. That’s just the effect of Casa Prana and the mystical nature of Lake Atitlan — true serenity. 

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One aspect that stood out during my stay was the array of picturesque seating areas scattered across Casa Prana’s grounds. Casa Prana has an in-house restaurant, serving farm-to-table meals from the gardens at the very hotel. Instead of being confined to the restaurant, guests get to pick any table around the grounds to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a setting for every mood — from candle-lit dinners under a vine covered terrace to a secluded table for two with the most awe-inspiring lake views, to pool-side snacks to keep you fueled for hours of swimming.  

While my stay at Casa Prana was just for a night, it was truly restoring for my mind and soul. Dipping into that pool after settling in my room, looking out at the peaceful waters of Lake Atitlan literally made me cry of happiness. As soon as I dove my head under water, the seaming sand bags that I was carrying on my shoulders broke open and dissipated to the bottom of the pool, getting washed away by the cleansing energy of Atitlan. My stay at Casa Prana was the most peace I had felt in a very long time, and I would have happily stayed there for an entire week. If you’re living in a bustling city like me (hi, NYC!), I highly recommend booking a quick flight to Guatemala and embarking on a scenic drive to Lake Atitlan. Just a few days at Casa Prana will be enough to cure any burnout and dissolve the sand bags I know you’re also carrying on your shoulders. 

SAVE TO PINTEREST @ITSKARENALEXANDRA