“Project whose realization is impossible, imaginary concept”, such is the definition of an Utopia in a dictionary. However, Utopia Eco-Hotel exists for real, I promise you ! I’m even writing from there right now… How to do not be charmed, even just for the name ? And if you’re not convinced yet, type Semuc Champey in Google, that should do the trick 😉
The Beginnings of Utopia
The Utopia becomes reality in July 2012 for John and Rémy. At the beginning it is John’s project, U.S. citizen coming from a family working in building. John lived in different parts of Central America for years, before to eventually fall in love with the hills of this part of Guatemala. He buys a piece of land and starts drawing the draft of what could be a dream hotel according to him. He meets Rémy on the spot, a Frenchman from Orléans (yes mom, granny, from Orléans, almost like me, it’s the first time since I started this journey that I can introduce myself as being from Vendôme without having to face a polite smile, like “well, so it’s near Paris, right ?!” ).
John and Rémy get on well, and they partner up to realize the project together. During my stay at Utopia Rémy welcomes me : « Utopia Eco-Hotel is a business, it is not an association or an NGO, it is an economical model. Eco-hotels are in fashion and using this term attracts customers ». It is the rude way Rémy introduce the topic, with his straight speaking when we step into the subject of eco-tourism. Rémy tells it straight. But well, I learn to do not take him too seriously and to listen to what he has to say. He likes to provoke, but Utopia Eco-Hotel is more than that, it is a real eco-touristic project. One of the best examples since the adventure started.
A project in symbiosis with the local community
Fifteen or so persons from nearby villages are working for Utopia, but it also indirectly gives work to many people. John and Rémy could import foreign materials, or be self-sufficient by growing whatever they need. But it is not the point. The idea is to give as much work as possible to local communities. It has some costs reasons, of course, but not only. The objective is to live in symbiosis with the local community, like plants live in symbiosis with animals. I’m specifically thinking about a plant I discovered in Tikal’s rainforest. This plant is housing ants, and if the plant is attacked the ants come out in order to defend it.
Utopia brings work and a new income source to inhabitants of nearby small villages (building, tourist guides, cooking, transportation… ) and train them when necessary. The hotel partly pays for the maintenance of nearby roads and tracks, and help as much as it can when possible. An upcoming project is to set up a small medical center. The idea would be to invite volunteers, international doctors who would be hosted for free in exchange for first-necessity care of nearby villagers.
A place “from and for” the nature
Without the title (“natural monument” declared by Guatemala) Semuc Champey, Utopia would not exist. How could one imagine no respect to the diversity and richness of this natural treasure from the Hotel and its guests?
In order not to throw sewage into the river, septic tanks were installed. This may seem just a basic for some, but it is unfortunately not yet the norm in some regions. Waste management is an important issue. People here are used to burn and bury the waste. Utopia is trying to do the best, but it is not always easy without a regional initiative to collect waste. Compost will be set up. Metal cans and plastic bottles are set aside to give to professionals who resell them for recycling in the city.
Talking about energy, the hotel, despite its remoteness, is connected to the electrical system. There are a number of renewable energy generation projects such a turbine using the strength of the river (which would be strong enough around 10 months a year to operate) or installing solar panels. Unfortunately, these solutions require a high initial investment, and technology must be imported from the United States or Europe, which does not lower the total price.
Water is recovered from a creek. A draft pool is also under consideration. Remy and John found on internet plans to build a swimming pool without chlorine levels and with different pools and a natural filtration system using plants. I would have to come back in a few years to see the results!
My stay at Utopia
Utopia can accommodate up to sixty guests camping, hammocks or dorms for backpackers, private cabins along the river for couples or families. The offer is complete.
The hotel receives regular volunteers (for a minimum of 6 weeks) they get offered food and shelter in exchange for helping out at the reception and bar. So my approach was not surprised Remy. I could join the team of volunteers for 4 nights and lend a hand with the formatting of a Power Point presentation of the hotel. The place is just absolutely magical. I think I’ve never worked on my computer with such a view (see photo gallery). I’m very lucky.
My new french travelling mate, Guillaume, joined me there. And together we explored the caves, saw an underground river and natural pools of the Semuc Champey National Park. Also, I made a walk alone through the surrounding villages. People are really nice, and I can’t get used to the incredible view of the mountains, it is a continual amazement. Life is Beautiful!
And again it is time to leave … tomorrow 8am bus and back to the city, the former capital of Guatemala: Charming Antigua.
Translated by my friend Guillaume
and Joan Valls Schmitt
And you?
Have you ever heard about the existence of Semuc Champey before ?
Do you know an example of hotel which offers a chlore-free natural swimming pool ?
Would you like to join Utopia volunteers team for a few weeks / months ?
Send an e-mail to Remy: info@utopiaecohotel.com