Five New-ish Things About the Casa Vieja Lodge Experience
We first went to Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala in February 2020 to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was supposed to be a “once in a lifetime” trip. That plan fell by the wayside, as we’ve returned with a different couple every February since then and we already have a 2024 trip on the books. It’s a very special place.
After the first few times, most places become somewhat predictable. While we’ll never see Casa Vieja with virgin eyes again, we enjoy showing newcomers one of our happy places and revisiting that novelty through their eyes. I don’t think the sight of a leaping sailfish will ever get old, and the constantly-changing menu keeps things fresh, but nevertheless there are always slight changes that enhance this special experience. Here are five that we noticed in February of 2023:
Yeti Colors – As part of the “Kick Plastic” campaign, each guest is given a Yeti Rambler to use throughout the trip and then to take home. After three trips, we’d accumulated what we thought were all of the colors, but this time CVL (and of course Yeti) added colors like Alpine Yellow and a sharp blue, so we enhanced our palette.
Yeti Engraving – In addition to the new Yeti colors, the lodge has added a laser engraving machine, and for a small fee will add whatever lettering you want. It’s a great way to stand out or to make sure that your boatmate doesn’t slobber all over your water bottle.
Umbrellas – These may have been there before and I didn’t notice them, but either way there are multiple loaded umbrella racks around the compound so you can stay dry when going from your room to the bar or vice versa.
Cold Towel – After fishing each day you’re shuttled back to the lodge in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter, but now a driver hands you a chilled wet towel to wipe off the salt air and speed up the cooling process. It’s a wonderful touch.
Sushi – The poolside appetizers, including guacamole, chicken wings and steak tacos are exceptional, but this was the first time we’ve had sushi there in the afternoon. Any time we can get fresh yellowfin tuna we’re down for it.
