ESSAY CONTEST RUNNER UP CHRISSY GRUNINGER

The following essay by Chrissy Gruninger 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.

After a long flight and drive to the boat dock, I was greeted with a big smile from Carolina, who showed me to the boat which would take me to Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Upon arrival at the Ecolodge, Claudia provided me with a refreshing iced tea made from a local grass. In the mid-afternoon sun, it was a pleasant and much needed surprise.

Chef Callie, Alex and Elben prepared and served modern meals based on traditional Nicaraguan food. In the open-air kitchen, I learned how the meals are created and that the food chosen for the Ecolodge is sourced from local farmers, which improves the local economy.

On my first night there, Matt taught me about sustainability efforts at the Lodge. It was interesting to learn how Jicaro was built – the salvaged wood, the attempts to bring in solar energy, but due to the number of trees (and not wanting to remove them), it just wasn’t possible, as well as hiring local staff and educating them on the importance of sustainability.

Fabian took me on guided tours of Granada, Mombacho Volcano and the artisan town of Catarina. He provided me with a detailed history of Nicaragua and I was impressed with his knowledge and ability to answer all of my questions – of which I had many! We also shared a delicious typical meal while in Catarina.

The entire staff of Jicaro welcomed me like a member of the family. It is apparent that teamwork is a priority amongst the staff as well as caring for their guests, ensuring a positive, relaxing and enlightening experience for anyone who stays there.

I look forward to returning to Jicaro and seeing how the Ecolodge develops. From what I can tell, their first steps have been positive for the guest experience, the staff and the local community and environment.

ESSAY CONTEST RUNNERS UP DIRK AND KAREN BAXTER

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!

CAYUGA ESSAY CONTEST WINNING ENTRY BY RENE & DAVE THOMAS

The following essay by Rene and Dave Thomas won the 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.

Staying at Lapa Rios gave us the opportunity to experience our honeymoon in a unique resort that allows the surrounding area to complement its many charms. From the local homemade chips and juices to the wonderful local staff, we were immersed in a world unlike the one we had left behind.

Instead of a rigid clockwork schedule, we used the rising and setting of the sun as our chronological guide. This allowed for many lazy days spent aimlessly walking and taking in the natural beauty and wonder surrounding us. Being able to leisurely walk the trails gave such a feeling of freedom that it was easy to forget the outside world even existed. We enjoyed finding new areas on the beach and walking to the local school. Everyone we met was very welcoming and took such pride in their locale. That made everything all the more special.

The wildlife of the Osa Peninsula was much more varied than I had imagined. After walking among the trails and jungles for several days we felt a certain kinship with the wildlife. Being able to observe the different birds and monkeys was truly an experience that we will forever remember. It was a remarkable feeling to be seemingly accepted by the jungle.

The ecolodge itself is remarkable. It is a rarity in this day and age to see a business that puts the needs of the people first and puts so much back into the community. We were thoroughly impressed by the compassion and help that Lapa Rios has provided for the locals.

Although the days were long and beautiful, whether on the beach or in the jungle, our five days seemed to go by in a flash. Our stay at Lapa Rios was the most memorable of our honeymoon in Cost Rica and will forever remain a cherished memory.