During a recent visit to the lodge, our favorite romantic choices were a private rainforest walk at sunrise when birding is at its best (the two naturalist guides at Machaca Hill are superb); an expedition out to sea just for two to a Robinson Crusoe-style island to swim and snorkel, with lunch and cold fruit punch served under an umbrella; a spa treatment with a forest view; and candlelight dinner served afloat on the Rio Grande. Perhaps because Gardiner comes from the world of one-of-a-kind luxury safaris, he oversees a lodge that delivers good memories of comfort, service and customized guest experiences.
Through Oct. 31, the lodge offers a $650 pp dbl rate that includes canopy tree house accommodations; breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus high tea and pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres; a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; all sea- and land-based activities tailored to individual requests (fishing and scuba are extra); and transfers to and from the Punta Gorda airstrip. Effective Nov. 1 and valid through May is a $725 pp dbl rate.
After four nights in the treetops, suggest couples exchange their private-safari, jungle-love lifestyle for a few days of seaside amor, by taking a 15-minute flight from Punta Gorda to Placencia. There, they can stay at the Inn at Robert’s Grove, which starting Dec. 1, is offering a winter package rate of $1,377 pp that includes an oceanfront 1-bedroom suite on the second floor with a king bed, cathedral ceilings and wrap-around terrace, as well as three meals a day (beverages not included). There’s also wine or champagne and a fruit plate waiting for the honeymooners upon their arrival, and they’ll love the extras like one massage pp, a tennis game or a sunset soak in the rooftop jacuzzi.
