About this hotel
General information
Bolontiku Boutique Hotel climbs a slope above Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala’s northern Petén region, close to San Andrés. It is a small place of just 15 suites: buildings of stone and natural materials are scattered through landscaped gardens, half hidden under the forest canopy, looking out onto greenery or the lake, while the restaurant takes in the island town of Flores on the horizon. Guests usually arrive by boat, so the journey ends with an unhurried crossing of the lake.
The hotel is designed as a quiet base for the great Maya archaeological sites: Tikal is a little over an hour by road, Yaxhá an hour and a half to two, and the remote city of El Mirador is reached by helicopter. Between excursions the days centre on the lake – swimming from the hotel’s own dock, kayaks and paddleboards, a pool facing the water, massages on the spa terrace, a temazcal steam room and a forest trail up to a lookout. Evenings bring dinner above the water and, on clear nights, stars over the dock.
Location
The hotel stands on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá near San Andrés, across the water from the island town of Flores, which is 10–20 minutes away by boat or about 40 minutes by road. Guests fly from Guatemala City’s international airport to the airport at Flores, are met there and driven 10 minutes to the municipal dock in Flores, then cross to the hotel in 10–15 minutes by boat. Helicopter arrivals take about 90 minutes from Guatemala City’s international airport and land on one of the hotel’s two private helipads; there is parking for those who drive. Tikal is about 1 hour 20 minutes away by road.
Spa
The spa occupies a terrace overlooking Lake Petén Itzá, with two private treatment rooms, changing areas, showers and bathrooms. Massages run for 45, 60 or 90 minutes, for one guest or for couples; the signature treatments are a couples massage with a Jacuzzi session and a 20-minute treatment for tired feet. The temazcal, a traditional steam room that reaches up to 40 °C, is available by appointment. Yoga mats are provided for self-practice, and private sessions with an instructor can be arranged on request.
Sports & leisure
Many activities start at the water’s edge, and a weekly programme mixes time on the lake, yoga and cookery; longer guided excursions with transport are arranged by the hotel.
- Kayaks and a pedal boat for guests, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided kayak outings at sunrise or sunset.
- Weekly yoga, a baking class (banana bread, Guatemalan rellenitos and cookies made with ramón flour) and a session at the bar learning the signature Bolontiku cocktail.
- A forest trail leading uphill to a lookout – an easy 40-minute walk with views over the lake and Flores, passing El Santuario, the remains of a small Maya settlement. Walking sticks are provided.
- Monkeys, foxes, colourful birds and butterflies are often seen around the hotel.
- Tayasal, an archaeological site 15 minutes away by boat, with plazas, pyramids and platforms, raised wooden walkways and a small museum of finds from sites across Petén; excavations are still under way. It pairs easily with a stroll through the cobbled streets of Flores.
- Tikal on a full-day guided trip with English- and Spanish-speaking guides, leaving early in the cooler hours; highlights include Temple IV and its view over the forest.
- Yaxhá, with temples and plazas above its lake; Temple 216 looks out over the forest and the water. Sunrise and sunset visits are offered.
- El Mirador, a 35-minute private helicopter flight away, on a full day with a guide and lunch; the vast La Danta pyramid stands here.
Restaurants & bars
Mirador Itzá Restaurant & Bar is an open-air restaurant on the lakeshore, looking over the water to Flores. The cooking is refined with local touches, such as white fish from Lake Petén Itzá, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are offered. The bar pours a selection of wines, international labels and rarer spirits alongside the signature Bolontiku cocktail, and also serves guests at the pool. Meals can be brought to the suites and the villa.
Swimming
Lake Petén Itzá is swimmable here, its water clear, warm and calm all year. Guests can dive straight in from the swimming dock, sunbathe on a floating dock a few metres offshore, or settle on the lakeside loungers, with towels and private bathrooms with showers close by. Above the shore, a pool with panoramic lake views has sunbeds, lounge chairs and towels, and drinks and light snacks come from the Mirador Itzá bar.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at the hotel.
Rooms
Suites in three categories face either the gardens or Lake Petén Itzá, and a free-standing two-bedroom villa suits families and small groups. Every one has its own terrace with a seating area.
Each suite and the villa has air conditioning and a ceiling fan, king- or queen-size beds with quality linen, an aromatherapy selection, high-speed Wi-Fi, a TV with cable channels, a safe, minibar, coffee and tea maker, a desk with lamp, a full-length mirror, cotton robes, a hairdryer, a rainfall shower, daily housekeeping and room service.
Villa Retreat
A free-standing villa among forest and gardens with a full kitchen and two bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed and a bunk bed. Up to six adults, or six adults and two children.
Lake Breeze Suite
A suite with views of Lake Petén Itzá and a generous bathroom with a carved-stone Jacuzzi. One king-size bed for two guests or two queen-size beds for up to four.
Lake View Suite
A compact suite facing the lake, with a thoughtfully designed bathroom. One king-size bed for two guests or two queen-size beds for up to four.
Garden View Suite
A suite set in the greenery of the gardens, with the same comforts as the hotel’s other rooms. One king-size bed for two guests or two queen-size beds for up to four.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.