Sierra Lago: The Resort

I was going to write a rhapsodic description of Sierra Lago Resort and Spa, but decided that since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'd let the visuals do the talking. 

After our bumpy drive up the mountainside, we were greeted by an impressive, yet somewhat understated, entry gate.

It took another 5 minutes of winding through the mountains to get to the reception building. We were met with freshly squeezed orange-pineapple juice and a light lunch (more on the restaurants and food tomorrow).

Yes, the reception desk is in an open-air covered patio.

The reception building houses a very nice sitting area with satellite-powered wifi, and the El Lago restaurant and bar. The restaurant only seats about 20 people. Nice and cozy.

After we ate, we headed to our cabana, Espiga. We actually drove back around to the cabana, since we had our luggage. But at all other times, we hiked this set of stairs to access our lakefront cabana.

A view of Espiga from an upper path. The bump-out towards the front of the photo is our shower.

Inside was all glamor - heavy wooden furniture, silver wall-mounted candle holders, artwork, king-size bed, lots of open windows, fireplace, hardwood and poured concrete floors.

And a canopied jetted bathtub, overlooking the lake.

Each afternoon the staff brought a fresh load of pinon wood and set up a fire for us. The Boy, a master fire-starter, got it roaring in the evening to keep us warm while we read.

Keeping warm was a necessity at an elevation of 2300+ feet. It was typical mountain cool with strong sun, except when it was raining. Since we were there during the rainy season, it rained nearly every afternoon for an hour or so.

The resort is fairly spread out along one side of the lake. There are only 23 cabanas, so it's never very crowded. At the beginning and end of our stay, The Boy and I were one of three cabanas. During the weekend, the resort was full and we barely noticed a difference.

So what was there to do? You could grab a bike and explore the property.

Or you could hike the paths and enjoy the scenery. This was the first time I'd ever seen rose bushes trained to grow up through trees. I'm in love!! Must do this at the Hayley House when we redo the landscape!!!

Or you could grab a paddleboat (or kayak) and head out on the lake.

Or you could go for an early morning run (sunrise at 8 am) around the path.

Or hop in the outdoor spa, spend time in the wet sauna or get the most amazing massage you've ever had in the massage cabana.

Or you could stop at the open-air chapel at the far end of the property. Though it looks old, it's relatively new - built for weddings and other special occasions.

Even though each cabana had its own flashlight (torch) for evening strolls, the staff lit oil lamps to guide you to dinner every evening (sunset at 8 pm!). Very very very romantic...

And on that note, I'll leave you to wonder until tomorrow what type of food a Mexican mountain eco-resort would serve. (A hint: It was amazing!)