Takalik Maya Eco Lodge

First, like several other reviewers, let's be honest. This is a perfect place for certain kinds of people, and a perfect nightmare for others. If you need luxury, 24-hour a day electricity, smooth sailing, a masseuse and nail salon, find another place. You will hate Tak'alik. But, if you love off the road adventures, something new and different, give this some thought. My husband and I are retirees, not the most sedentary but you know, not marathoner's either. We are so in love with this place, not because it is easy, but because it is a challenge. We stayed in the bungalows, away from the main lodge, in electricity-free room lit at night by candles and kerosene lanterns. It was quiet, peaceful, the best bed I have ever had in a hotel, terrific food, and some hot games of Scrabble (we brought it with us). We rode horses (first time in 40+ years for me) and hiked trails, played with hummingbirds, saw a million and three flowers, and slept the sleep of the righteous. The room was huge, and the spiral staircase leading up the the porch was steep but worth every trip up and down. A word of warning. If you have bad hips or have difficulty walking, look elsewhere. Everywhere is up and down hill, and the steps are higher than normal, so require some extra work. But oh, it was so worth it.