A boutique jungle hotel on the Río Dulce

Gaël Misselyn

★★★★★ · 7 months ago

This place truly exceeded my expectations! Douglas and Daria are incredibly warm and welcoming hosts, both with a very calm and soothing energy. Douglas helped organize trips and shuttles, making everything easy and stress-free. Daria is always happy to assist and loves sharing her knowledge about the local fauna and flora. They have a wonderful team: four sisters who prepare incredibly flavorful, fresh dishes every day, and Victoria, whose vibrant personality makes guests feel completely at home (she also makes amazing margaritas!). Every day at 4PM, Douglas takes Oso, their lovely dog, on his daily ‘walk’ on the barking boat. Don’t miss this because it’s unique and so much fun! They also own a gentle black cat named Pedro. The other guests were great company as well. We even went on a day trip together, and in the evenings we shared dinners followed by long after-dinner conversations and games. I stayed in the little hut above the dock. It can get a bit humid and there are some bugs, but that’s part of the ‘camping’ vibe, or rather glamping. The view from the hut is amazing! There are also plenty of cozy communal spaces to relax. Overall, it felt like a warm and familiar experience. It was a perfect and relaxing way to end my holidays in Guatemala, and exactly the reason why I chose to book this place.

A S

★★★★★ · 9 months ago

If comfort had a personality, it would look a lot like La Isla Dulce. Douglas and Daria have that rare talent where everything feels effortless like you didn’t “check in,” you were simply folded into the place. The guest count is intentionally small, and it changes everything: mornings are unhurried, conversations happen naturally, and the whole atmosphere feels quietly family-like without being intrusive. It’s the opposite of a conveyor-belt hotel experience. Then there’s the food, which deserves real praise. You can taste that it’s made with care and fresh ingredients, not “hotel food,” not an afterthought. And the ice cream… I genuinely don’t have a sensible sentence for it. It’s the kind of ice cream that makes you pause mid-spoon and recalibrate your standards. Next-level is an understatement. The pizzas are equally dangerous: you’ll tell yourself “one slice” and then watch that plan collapse. What I appreciated most is that everyone here is kind in a human way, not a scripted way. Every interaction … owners, staff, everyone … lands like you’re among people who actually want you to have a great time. If you’re the type who values warmth, coziness, and details done with heart (and you believe dessert should be taken seriously), this place is not just a stay it’s a memory.

Sien Sergooris

★★★★★ · 11 months ago

This is one of the most beautiful places I stayed in. douglas and Darya are so sweet and oh their dog and cat are lovely. The food, the drinks, the vibe and social contact with the other guests was amazing. If I ever get the chance to come back I will.

Eddie Pinto

★★★★★ · 11 months ago

Is definitely a must visit place if you’re exploring the area, it’s a hidden gem but accessible only by boat. My wife and I had a great time, the rooms are amazing and very cozy. Big thank you to Douglas the host for accommodating us in such a short notice and make our experience even more special. Our only regret is that we wish we would stay there one more night but we definitely come back in the future.

מיכל לדרגרבר

★★★★★ · a year ago

This place is a piece of heaven in Guatemala! Dougles and Daria the hosts welcomed us nicely, the rooms are clean and beautiful, the shower is hot and perfect. They make the food fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere is like a family. You can relax on one of the spots near the lake, hear the birds singing and even take the kayak for free for a tour. Definitely the best place we stayed in this country!