Omega Lodge, La Ceiba

An experience we will not forget!

Having finally passed thru Ceiba in crawling traffic and funneled over the narrow bridge that withstood the recent storm we started the climb along the Cangrejal river.

At first almost level with it, the road slowly rose high above the river gorge between the La Cordillera Nombre de Dios mountain range allowing a spectacular view of the giant rocks, the blue-green rapids, inviting pools and patches of sandy beaches. Breathtaking! You could look upriver and downriver from any point, a curve or a sudden cliff. The road is well graded in the crests but it had suffered from that tremendous flow of water in November in areas closer to the river’s curves. Repairs had been impressively rapid. The numerous villages and farms higher up depended on this line of communication.

All of these impressions slowly but noticeably began replacing the tension accumulated from the previous three hours of highway driving.

The forest covered mountain walls to both sides, the slow winding road, loud rushing water below. No preoccupations could dominate these impressions.

After a twenty-minute drive we turned off the road at our destination, Omega Lodge.

Tucked away from the main road at the end of a winding driveway and into a hillside of fruit trees, palms and flowering bushes, we came upon the cluster of buildings and the welcome reception of the owners.

After cordial introductions we were shown the common areas, pool and restaurant. What we had seen so far had been built over years with craftsmanship and taste by the owners.

A beautiful array of wood structures on exposed rock foundations and columns repeating the impressions we had recently experienced on our drive up. Then we came to our rooms. Open spaces of wood structure, cool tiled floors, playful use of materials like glass block or driftwood against the clean soft surface of adobe type walls.

But the room was sober in comparison to the delightful surprise awaiting us in the bathrooms, a modern interpretation of the colorful art styles of the early last century where fine craft was mixed with the newest materials expressing a real enjoyment with their complimenting effects. I found a jewel in the side of this mountain and still very much a part of it.

Our stay was no less refreshing. The menu is varied and the flavors exquisite. The nights were cool and quiet and, in the morning, we woke up to a fresh breeze, the song of tropical birds, the rush of falling water nearby. During the day we bicycled, hiked and generally absorbed the surroundings. Then back to the lodge to be refreshed by the services of comfort, and cleanliness, providing relaxation amidst its pleasing artistic environment.

It was an experience to cherish !