La Lancha

La Lancha, Near Tikal, Peten - Explore & Book

"Francis Ford Coppola clearly loves the wild corners of the earth. After filming Apocalypse Now in the Philippine rainforests, he opened his first lodge, Blancaneaux, in the mist-soaked highlands of Belize, and coastal Turtle Inn soon after. Then came La Lancha, on the shores of one of Guatemala's most stunning lakes, just 90 minutes' drive from the world-famous Maya ruins at Tikal.Like its brethren, this place is cool, civilised and classy. Within moments of our arrival from dusty Flores, we were sipping cocktails by the 2-tiered pool and gazing out at the turquoise mirror of Lake Peten Itzá. Perched on a hillside and enveloped by a forestful of parakeets and howler monkeys, the lodge unfurls down the hill: open-sided restaurant and bar at the top, pool and sunbathing terrace on the next level down, and 10 charming and comfortable casitas below. Paths lead to the water's edge, where we swam and kayaked across the lake. The ever-efficient staff arrange excellent tours and activities. Highs There's excellent friendly service and a convivial atmosphereIt's a great base for exploring Tikal and YaxhaThe refreshing swimming pool has a tinkling waterfall, as well as lake frontageThe Guatemalan-Italian menu, with Coppola's own wine listHigh-quality tours and activities can be arranged through the front desk Lows It's a remote location, far from any village, which ensures dependency on the hotel; and tours and extras aren't cheap The standards aren't quite as high as at the other 2 Coppola resortsThere are steep stone steps up and down the resort - it's not for the unfitThe La Lancha monogram on everything from plates to bathrobes may not be to your taste" - Nadine Mellor