West of Puerto San José, Chulamar is home to many of the weekend vacation homes of wealthy folks from Guatemala City. Here you’ll find one of the Pacific Coast’s most luxurious lodging options, built to satisfy the demands of the Guatemalan elite.

The Villas del Pacífico (tel. 2277-7777, www.villasdelpacifico.com), formerly a Radisson property, is a huge all- inclusive resort complex on a clean private beach with all the feel of an Acapulco beachside megaresort. Although it’s popular on weekends, you may just have the place all to yourself if you visit during the middle of the week. There are two swimming pools and a variety of dining options.

Double rooms start at $160 per room per night, all-inclusive, Sunday–Thursday or $200 on weekends. There are also deluxe suites and bungalows for $300 and $400 a night, respectively. You can get a day pass to enjoy the swimming pool and the hotel grounds for $50 per person, a popular option with cruise-ship passengers.

Many of the sailfishing outfits also accommodate their clients here. Transport to the hotel is available from Guatemala City and Antigua with prior arrangement. Its sister hotel is the Villa Antigua.