Description
Villa Sumaya boasts a serene, quiet setting along the shores of Lake Atitlan. The villa, run by American Wendy Stauffer, consists of six rooms in a row, all facing the lake with partial views (the shrubbery, although lovely, is a bit of an impediment). There is plenty of space to relax around the property and overlook the lake. A private dock is available for guests to swim from. There is a pleasant courtyard by the reception desk with a fountain providing soothing running water in the background. The TV room and library is found below the dining room where you can curl up with a movie from their large VHS selection or borrow a great book. There is a small gift store here with local artwork, books and toiletries that you might need. An incredible solarium with wooden floors and outstanding views serves as a yoga room for retreats that are held here by various groups. Although mats and equipment are available, yoga classes are not held outside of the retreats. Spa treatments (including hot tub) are available here as well.

Insider Tips
Tell the boat driver that you want to get off at Paculax (the Mayan name for Villa Sumaya) so that you don't have to trek through the corn fields from town to get here.
Extra beach towels are available at the front desk if you venture into the lake.

Benefits
- Santa Cruz is the first town you will come to after Pana, so the boat ride here tends to be the quickest.
- Great cuisine served at the attached restaurant.
- Pleasant and friendly staff.

Drawbacks
- The property is relatively isolated here, which can also be a benefit. The tourist town of Santa Cruz is a 15 minute walk along a narrow dirt path that passes through corn fields. However, apart from a few backpacker hotels that have their own restaurants, there is very little here to see. The actual town is another 15 minutes straight up the hill. You would not want to make this walk at night.

Rooms
Rooms are small, but very comfortable. The beds are wonderful, and with the sounds of the lake you will have trouble getting yourself under way in the morning. Each of the six rooms has a private bathroom that is large and very clean and equipped with shampoo, conditioner, soap and a jug of drinking water. Each room opens out to the shared deck area in front that overlooks the lake with a loveseat and table as well as a hammock. The casita is a small hidden house situated on its own providing for a little more privacy than the rooms. However, the bathroom in the casita is much smaller than the others. Doubles US$55 - 75.

Food
There is a restaurant on the premise serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A different set menu (Q110 - 140) is served each night and the food is quite good including fish from the lake and Mediterranean chicken. Items from the menu are reasonably priced here.

Children
Children are welcome here. Wendy's own two children can often be found romping around the property. Beware of toddlers around the nearby waterfront.

	Information:
	Location Under the castle in Santa Cruz La Laguna with its own dock