Living it up at Francis Ford Coppola's La Lancha

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Today's blog post finds me enjoying some well-earned R&R at Francis Ford Coppola's La Lancha, on the shores of Guatemala's Lake Peten Itza. I've been traveling around the country for three weeks researching a new edition of Moon Guatemala.

La Lancha is easily one of my favorite places to stay in Guatemala on account of the spectacular natural surroundings, fine accommodations, excellent service and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers.

This morning, over breakfast, I chatted up some of my fellow guests. I made instant friends with Patricia, a U.S. traveler staying at La Lancha with her husband. She quickly showed me her copy of Moon Guatemala and asked if I'd autograph it for her. How could I resist? A world traveler, Patricia even gave me some tips on places to include in Antigua Guatemala for the forthcoming third edition of Moon Guatemala. I'll be visiting that area next week.

La Lancha is part of a hotel chain owned by Coppola that includes two other lodges in Belize. It's included, along with some other fabulous Guatemalan hotels, in the 'Living it Up' suggested itinerary found in Moon Guatemala. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Coppola via e-mail last year to glean his insights on buying property and doing business in Guatemala for the recently released Moon Living Abroad in Guatemala. The interview appears as a sidebar in the Prime Living Locations Peten chapter.

I have to say I'm tempted to follow in his footsteps and buy property on lovely Lake Peten Itza. Perhaps some day I'll have a lakeside retreat of my own. I'm already looking into it.