Owning A Private Lodge In HONDURAS
BY DEBORAH SATTLER
DEBORAH SATTLER OWNS LAS CASCADAS LODGE IN HONDURAS
LAS CASCADAS LODGE
In 2016, my husband and I with our 3 young children enjoyed a memorable and life-changing trip to Honduras. At first, we thought this was just another family vacation. We had a full itinerary of island, ocean and jungle adventures. But then we discovered Las Cascadas Lodge, nestled along the stunning Rio Cangrejal near La Ceiba in Honduras.
THE ‘QUEEN SUITE’ AND VIEW OF THE LOWER FALLS
THE VALLEY OF THE RIO CANGREJAL (CRAB RIVER)
NATURAL BEAUTY
We were immediately struck by the property, the staff and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. With only four cabins, the resort is intimate enough for a family compound but offers the amenities and security of a high-class resort. Plus over a hundred acres of pristine rainforest filled with waterfalls, natural swimming pools, butterflies, birds and jungle flowers. Situated near the city, the area serves as a convenient gateway to the Bay Islands and Pico Bonito National Park. This must-see destination is truly unique.
Upon our return home, we maintained communication with the lodge manager and embarked on the thrilling journey of acquiring a beautiful lodge in the unspoiled destination of Honduras!
OUR FIRST TRIP TO HONDURAS
OUR MISSION
“At Las Cascadas Lodge, we offer luxury nature-based tourism and sustainable, ethical hospitality at its best. We pride ourselves on the exclusive, personalized experiences we offer our guests. We also take our commitment to community development, habitat and wildlife protection and stewardship seriously.”
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
At Las Cascadas Lodge, we offer luxury nature-based tourism and sustainable, ethical hospitality at its best. We pride ourselves on the exclusive, personalized experiences we offer our guests. We also take our commitment to community development, habitat and wildlife protection and stewardship seriously.
the environment
The environment is becoming top of mind for many people because of the global impacts of climate change. People are realizing this world is a special and precious place and are looking more and more for experiences to absorb all the benefits of nature escape. We satisfy people’s desire to reconnect with nature and safely explore untamed wilderness combined with an immersive cultural experience that benefits the local people and area. We believe tourism done properly can be a sustainable and ethical way to showcase and preserve our pristine rainforest habitat while improving the lives of the people who live in this community.
We promote local businesses
– especially those owned by women We have engaged and supported local initiatives such as the Women’s Sewing Cooperative, women owned coffee farms, and guiding excursions like the Honduras Waterfall Descents, providing local residents with avenues to boost their earnings – and sharing the products and benefits of these relationships with our guests.
JAGUAR PICTURED BY A CAMERA TRAP AT LAS CASCADAS LODGE
HABITAT AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION
We protect our environment. One of the major factors that attracted us to purchasing the lodge was the vast expanse it covers, spanning more than 100 acres of lush jungle habitat teeming with a diverse array of avian species, wild animals, rare exotic plants, and towering hardwood trees. Situated in a region plagued by deforestation and rampant poaching, the significance of safeguarding this precious ecosystem resonated deeply with us.
After putting cameras around the property, we were more than excited to discover Jaguars and other large cats regularly visit our high trails at night (but are never seen through the day). The lodge has recently established a new partnership with the Panthera Project, collaborating on the installation and monitoring of camera traps to further wildlife research and conservation efforts in the surrounding areas. Panthera developed the bold Jaguar Corridor Initiative to connect core jaguar populations from Mexico to Argentina.
We are also in the process of “rewilding” the jungle within our property – removing cacoa, orange and other farmed trees which are no longer viable and replacing them with natural species that provide food and protection for the bird species that consider our jungle their home. Our property is a birding hot spot, offering access to a wide variety of rare and colorful species. We offer endless options for natural pursuits that combine birding and jungle exploration with activities like waterfall rappelling, cycling, white water rafting, diving/ snorkeling, and others. Here are some of the activities we offer at the resort.
TOUCANS ARE A COMMON SIGHTING AT THE RESORT
CARING FOR THE FUTURE
We care about the future. We support charities that advance children’s right, equality for girls, and give the gift of hope for children in Honduras. Family is everything to us. We bought the Lodge to give our children hope for the future, a chance to do better by the world, and a jungle they can call home.
JOURNEYWOMAN
In 2020, we also initiated a fruitful collaboration with JourneyWoman, introducing exclusive women-only excursions to Las Cascadas Lodge. Through this partnership, we meticulously design and organize unforgettable private trips catered to female travelers, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience during their stay with us.
ENJOYING THE BAY ISLANDS OF HONDURAS
TRAVEL TO HONDURAS
Traveling to our Lodge isn’t just about the destination or the journey, it’s about tailoring the experience to individual preferences. This includes everything from advice during the planning stages to offering curated excursions with local guides – a personalized trip from start to finish.
