Help Rebuild Swell After Devastating Fire

Help Rebuild Swell and Support the Team!

On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, a forest fire spread through the quiet surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala. The fire arrived suddenly and spread through the town quickly.

It all happened so quickly. First came the sound. Some guests and staff heard the roar coming from across the field. Realizing this was no joke - They quickly sprung into action within minutes the entire hotel was in action with hoses and buckets doing everything we could to tame the flame.

The fire was too strong and too fast and despite everyone’s help it had already caught our yoga studio roof at the bottom of the property a swell as our rooms at the top of the property. From this point everything escalated very quickly. One palm roof would pass the fire to the next and burn up in minutes. Spreading incredibly fast and jumping into our neighbours and friends Olivier and Lucy, as well as Buena Vista. The flames and smoke were everywhere, the entrance of swell surrounded by fire, we all had to give up and run out quick. It looked like the entire town would burn. And despite all the community mobilizing , we all felt so helpless.

When the fire got controlled and the smoke finally settled a few hours later, we were shocked to see that the heart of Swell had resisted the fire. Thanks to the help of all of our guests, our team and to the incredible community of El Paredon who came running to help without a second of hesitation - they were able to save much of Swell. We are forever grateful.

Half of our rooms and our yoga studio burnt completely in the fire. But we feel blessed that the heart of Swell - main reception area, restaurant and pool, as well as six guest rooms - were miraculously spared from the flames.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster the past two days. But most importantly we are so grateful that everyone is safe. We are so thankful for all of the love and support from the El Paredon community that has been incredibly helpful as well as our friends and neighbours both here and abroad that continue to reach out and show support. We feel so much love.

Swell is more than just a hotel—its a home, a gathering place, and a livelihood for its team and local employees.

Every Dollar Counts

We’re launching this fundraiser to help us financially through this tough time. Every contribution makes a difference and we are forever grateful.

The proceeds of this fundraiser will be used to continue providing full salaries to our swell family of 18 staff during this challenging time.

On behalf of the Swell team, thank you for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time. It means the world to us.

We feel so blessed from all of your messages of love and support.

Forever grateful,

Marie & Elan