The following essay by Dirk and Karen Baxter was one of two runners up in the recent Cayuga Essay Contest, which ended on June 1, 2010. Cayuga asked our Facebook friends and fans to write a short essay about their visit to any Cayuga-managed resort and compete to win a 2-night complimentary stay at Harmony Hotel. Essays were to focus on Cayuga’s mission at each of its resorts to allow guests to Experience, Learn, Connect and Relax. The Harmony of these four elements provides the basis for a sustainable vacation at an eco-resort. Contest entrants were to tell us in roughly 300 words why they enjoyed their stay, touching on each of the harmonious elements. They were also asked to submit several photos illustrating their essay.
Stepping off the plane my husband and I quickly realized that we were in for a treat. We had just been married near Manuel Antonio, and were ready for some great food and wildlife experience. What we found was past our expectations.
My wife and I are fortunate enough to work in a profession that allows us to travel to boardrooms around the world. We also come from the background of camping as children, backpacking at college age, and taking a few weeks off yearly to hit the “outback” of different areas of the world. Particular favorites are the Canadian Rockies and Central America. We are just as comfortable in a black tie as we are working on cabins -- hence why we love Lapa Rios.
In addition to working well, we live well. We love experiencing the people at Lapa Rios. From helping “re-appropriate” the tarantula who was wandering through the dining room back into the wild (he came weekly), to succumbing to the daily treats of local fried chips made from local fare and learning about how it was made, that is just so cool. We loved it! As two leadership development people we work on improving big corporations on conscientiousness, helpfulness, whether or not guests are taken care of on all levels, and asking questions to make sure guests are fine. When we were there we realized this in such a great way. When we explored the jungle, the guides took us on a nature hike. They knew the flora and fauna at a deep level, and a great experience was swimming and seeing at the edge of the pool a dart frog. NOTHING gets better than that! That is living!
We still cook with the Lapa Rios Cookbook – and love the Pineapple cake recipe. We learned so much and connected to the people there, as well as making new friends. What more of a relaxing and wonderful vacation can one ask for? We look forward to the new property, and the new adventures it will bring!
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