Earth Lodge – Stay in Antigua-Escape to Nature

THE “NEW” EARTH LODGE IS HERE

 

Earth Lodge still boasts the beautiful volcano vistas and charming mountain appeal that it’s always had, but under new ownership, a lot has changed to make the 15 minute drive from Antigua more than worth it!

While nature is a big part of the attraction, now there’s a whole lot more to do on your getaway to Earth Lodge, whether it’s just for the day or for an overnight stay. “Our focus is on escaping the everyday, and providing a space where all are welcome to explore what it means to truly feel happy and well”, says new managing owner Natasha Radick. Visitors can now enjoy avocado farm tours, a robust menu of wellness services at the all-new spa, morning yoga, tortilla making classes, guided hikes, the new farm-to-table restaurant, and of course – plenty of hammock time.

A WELLNESS HAVEN

 

The brand-new spa facilities and menu of wellness services are worth the visit alone. The property features a traditional wood-fired Temazcal (Mayan sauna) and sauna goers are treated to fresh aromatics (herbs) detox teas, and Temazcal ritual kits featuring jade & clay skin masks, deep hair masks, and infused oils to fully experience the traditions and benefits of a Mayan Temazcal. Follow up your Temazcal with a plunge into their new outdoor ice baths for the full health effect. At the spa you can also book a massage, a fully body red light infrared session, or a lymphatic facial. “Just be careful, our guests usually end up booking more than one massage, our therapist is that good” says Radick. And don’t forget, yoga is always on the menu, with classes offered daily at 9am.

FRESH FARM-TO-TABLE MENU

 

 

The restaurant didn’t just get a visual face-lift; the menu is also fresh and new. With a background in Mayan permaculture and gastronomy, the new chef brings bright tropical flavors and local ingredients to the table. Serving breakfast all day, the restaurant now features a delightful array of gourmet and utterly unique cafe beverages such as a lavender cold press tonic. You’ll also find natural and organic wines, impressive cocktails, and beer on-tap to quench your thirst. The food, unsurprisingly, features plenty of avocado, being that the property is a working organic avocado farm. You’ll have a hard time choosing from their extensive menu which also offers many gluten free and vegan options.

YOUR NATURE FIX

While overnight guests may be tempted to stay nestled inside the newly remodeled cabins, there are plenty of ways to soak up the sun (or hit the reset button in the shade) on the ample 15-acre property. Visitors can enjoy the hammocks scattered throughout the resort, watch the sun set behind the volcanoes snuggled up next to the bonfire, go forest bathing on the quiet nature path, or order a picnic basket (complete with blanket and a bottle of wine of course) to enjoy in a secluded corner of the property.

STAY IN ANTIGUA – ESCAPE TO NATURE

If it’s been a while since your last visit to Earth Lodge – or if you’ve never been – the “new” Earth Lodge is a must-see!

 

 

 

Getting There:

Driving: 15 minutes from Antigua, Earth Lodge is located up the hill from Cerro De La Cruz, parking available

Get a Ride: Grab a cab, tuk tuk, or call Earth Lodge to arrange for their driver to pick you up

Daily Shuttle: The Earth Lodge shuttle departs 7 days a week at 8am from Alegria Cafe. On weekends, a second shuttle departs from Alegria Cafe at 11:30am.

WHATSAPP Earth Lodge to arrange a ride or wellness service: +502 4980 2564

Website: www.earthlodgeguatemala.com

Facebook: earthlodgeguatemala

Instagram: earthlodgeguatemala

 

Earth Lodge: A Rustic Luxury Escape

 

 

Are you looking to escape from all the hustle and bustle that is Antigua? I certainly was and decided to head up to Earth Lodge for the night with my husband for some much-needed R&R. I came back feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and re-energized.  

This rustic luxury eco resort is located on an organic avocado farm in the mountains of Guatemala, just 15 minutes outside of Antigua, and has a restaurant, wellness center and nine gorgeous cabañas and tree houses that feature the most stunning volcano views.

One of its many charms is that you need to walk 300 meters down on a dirt walking path to reach the Lodge. In addition to being a great workout, it creates that feeling of disconnecting from your daily worries and (quite literally!) leaving everything behind.

As fans of French cuisine, we kicked off our mini-retreat with a late-afternoon Artisan Picnic that included a Charcuterie and Wine pairing of locally sourced meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, fruits, pickled vegetables, and sourdough bread – all served with a basket, blanket, and bottle of fine red. Delicious!

While we were enjoying the gorgeous sunset, the helpful staff prepared the Temazcal (“house of heat”). This traditional igloo-shaped Mayan Sauna is wood-heated, and water is poured over heated volcanic stones and aromatic plants to produce an herbal infused steam. In the ancient Maya world, the Temazcal was used as part of a curative ceremony to purify the body after exertion or for healing the sick and improving health. In modern times, it proved to be a very effective way of stress reduction!

 

 

The Restaurant menu offered many exciting and fresh dinner options characterized by authentic Guatemalan tropical fruits, herbs, and other ingredients. Fancy a wholesome soup, burger or a vegan, vegetarian and/or gluten free option?  It’s all there. And for the Panza Verdes, there are no fewer than 7 avocado dishes:  toast, fries, salad, tacos, burger, ceviche, and mousse!

We never slept better in our private and cozy Tree House, fully surrounded by nature, and waking up to the best views ever.

Rather than signing up to the diverse and interesting cultural and active adventure activities Earth Lodge also has to offer – hiking, biking, climbing, shamanic ceremonies and ATV tours to name a few – it put us in the mood to spend the rest of our stay slowing down, relaxing and enjoying the tranquility and luscious green spaces. A Full Body Infrared Red Light Treatment made our wellness experience complete.

Next time we’ll stay for a week!

Written by Joanne Stanton