The Family Coppola Hideaways has introduced Cassa Zenda, an exclusive use private waterfront villa perched on the banks of Lake Izabal in Guatemala’s stunning Rio Dulce region. With four elegantly-appointed suite bungalows accommodating a maximum of 16 guests, Cassa Zenda is ideally situated where the fresh waters of the Rio Dulce meet the vast expanse of Lake Izabal, Guatemala’s largest lake. An idyllic combination with visits to Coppola’s Turtle Inn, Blancaneaux Lodge and Coral Caye in Belize or Coppola’s La Lancha in Guatemala, Cassa Zenda sets the perfect background for the ultimate tailored vacation surrounded by nature.
“Cassa Zenda is an experience like no other in the world, brimming with sublime natural beauty in an intimate, serene setting which combines adventure and a complete sense of relaxation,” said Turtle Inn General Manager, Martin Krediet. “We knew instantly that Cassa Zenda would complement our portfolio of unique Central American hideaways. It’s a journey that takes travelers to sea, river and lakes with excursions to extraordinary Mayan ruins, waterfalls and local villages – all accessed by boat through the enchanting Rio Dulce.”
Cassa Zenda’s charming house host, Elena Garces, is also the curator of the dramatic interior design of the villa. Four thatched roof bungalow suites comfortably sleep 16 people and are each decorated with sophisticated custom furnishings complemented by hand-made details and contemporary Guatemalan textiles. To maintain the indoor/outdoor sense of living, the layout features three completely open-air lounge spaces with fully equipped bars, a full kitchen and an al-fresco dining room. An expansive dock with water sport amenities includes two WaveRunners, Jet Ski, Nautique ski boat and 38-foot yacht, and a saltwater pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi. The intimacy of Cassa Zenda makes it a perfect venue for multi-generation families or couples traveling together.
Guests experience unparalleled service at their fingertips with a concierge and house manager, house butler, private chef, housekeeping service and boat captain. The villa’s staff will tailor adventure experiences -- adding to the sense of exclusivity. Guests can customize itineraries that include exploration of Cassa Zenda’s jungle ecology and immersion in the local Rio Dulce culture; water sports adventure with water skiing, kayaking and hydrofoiling; hiking to nearby thermal pools; restorative yoga under a palapa; or lying by the saltwater Jacuzzi pool while sampling Guatemalan cuisine al-fresco.
“In Spanish ‘senda’ means path or journey, and our intention is to encourage your own journey,” said Elena Garces. “We curate your stay to engage all of your senses: the best of local flavors in imaginative and authentic dishes; the scent of blood orange and jasmine in our organic handmade bath products; the rich texture of Guatemala’s artisanal textiles; the intense green of the jungle against the golden light of the lake; the sounds of water that lull you to sleep and the birdsong you wake to each morning.”
Cassa Zenda is ideally situated for a two- three or four-resort getaway together with Turtle Inn, Blancaneaux Lodge and Coral Caye in Belize and/or La Lancha, Guatemala. Guests will embrace the highlights of these two countries’ greatest features – the Barrier Reef in Belize, Rio Dulce in Guatemala and Tikal in Guatemala.
For a stunning sense of arrival, guests ideally travel by boat from Turtle Inn to Cassa Zenda, first taking in the coastal views of the Belizean great barrier reef dotted with famous local cayes and islands, passing to the coastal town of Livingston where a seamless passport check in is handled by the captain of your vessel. Next is the breathtaking views on the winding Rio Dulce river approach, flanked by verdant green cliffs teaming with bird life (egrets, pelicans, cormorants) – perhaps the tallest living wall journey to any vacation experience one might find outside of Vietnam. For a two-resort stay combined with La Lancha, guests may opt for a road, helicopter or private charter flight transfer.
Cassa Zenda is now accepting reservations. Rates start at $3,500/night for 1-8 persons and an additional $200 per person, per night for guests 9 – 16 (three-night minimum). Rates are inclusive of all meals, Nautique ski boat, wave runners and many water toys. Please visit www.cassazenda.com or call toll free (855) 968-0117.
