Awaken Your Creative Spirit: Transformational Yoga Retreat

Tzununa, Guatemala

SK
Steph K Yoga
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Mar 1 - 7, 2020
Group size: 1 - 10
Awaken Your Creative Spirit: Transformational Yoga Retreat
Tzununa, Guatemala

Steph K Yoga
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified

Mar 1 - 7, 2020
Group size: 1 - 10

About this trip

 Your life is a blank canvas, upon which limitless possibilities can be painted. Your heart holds a song that is waiting to be be heard. Dormant within you lies a wellspring of creative energy. Your inner child is longing to come out and play. To express!


But what’s holding you back? And how might you unleash your creative potential while also focusing this energy in a more meaningful and holistic way?




THE INVITATION:

I invite you to join me in the fertile and feral lands where my own seeds of deep transformation were sewn - majestic Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Take a break from the relentless grind of city life and give yourself permission to re-wild! Allow your bare feet to kiss the Earth. Breathe the fresh mountain air. Let your playful spirit be inspired by the colourful local Mayan culture. Bask in the panoramic views of fiery volcanoes and serene waters. Tune in to Mother Nature’s rhythm, while reconnecting to your own drumbeat.

THE INTENTION:

 With ample space to breathe, play, and be - and with compassionate curiosity - we’ll peel back the physical, mental, and emotional layers that block us. Stirring the source of our boundless creative spirits.


The fabric of this transformative journey will be woven with practices of yoga, movement, meditation, sound medicine, creative expression and deep immersion in nature. These practices are open and inclusive to all (regardless of your experience or abilities), and all activities are optional. You are invited to honour your needs and your space. Of course, the alchemy is in the sharing! We’ll be co-creating an intimate container - a loving and encouraging space to move your body, free your authentic voice, empower your possibilities, and connect more deeply within and with each other.


You’ll leave refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered with a helpful toolkit of practices and deep experiential insights to continue the creative expansion!

THE INGREDIENTS:

 Stunning location in the heart of nature


3 delicious & nourishing plant-based meals per day


Daily morning meditation, movement & yoga practices


Daily creative expression workshops (exploring the medicines of word & writing, voice & song, sacred sound, intuitive movement, and visual art)


Sacred Ceremonies: Mayan Sauna & Plant Bath, Cacao & Sound Bath, Mayan Fire Ceremony


Ample breaks for swimming, hiking, boating, kayaking/SUPing, massage & healing therapies, visiting villages, rest & reflection

THE ITINERARY:

This is a suggested daily schedule that may ebb and flow to best facilitate our journey together.


Guests will arrive on Sunday March 1st (check-in is 2pm onwards) to relax and settle in. We'll share dinner and open our circle in the evening. Our daily flow will begin on Monday, March 2nd.


6:30 - 7:00 - Meditation

7:00 - 8:30 - Yoga / Movement

8:30 - 9:30 - Breakfast

10:00 - 12:30 - Creative Expression Workshops / Discussion

12.30 - 1:30 - Lunch

3:30 - 6:30 - TBD (Nature Hike, Sound Bath, Traditional Mayan Sauna, Cacao Ceremony, free time to relax & reflect & explore, etc.)

6.30 - 7.30 - Dinner

7:45 - 9:00 - TBD (Some evenings we’ll hold sacred fire circles, and other surprises!)


On our final day, March 7th, we will have closing ceremony, breakfast, and then departure.


Guests are advised to fly into Guatemala City before noon on March 1st and book return flights for the evening of March 7th, or the following day. We can help you to organize any additional overnight stays in Tzununá, neighbouring hotspot San Marcos or vibrant Antigua - as well as the appropriate ground transportation.

THE INSIDE OUTSIDE:

 

This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature. The natural world is our greatest teacher and this newly awakened retreat space is a harmonious co-creation with the Spirits of the land. Enjoy walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.


Accommodations are sweet and stylish while also comfortable and down-to-earth (furnished cabins / glamping), and in harmony with sustainable living (compost toilets, outdoor spring-fed solar-powered shower), with options to share space or choose privacy.


Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.


Meals are nutritious, delicious, entirely plant-based vegan, homemade with love, well-balanced with quality ingredients, mostly organic, and locally-sourced - often right from the property’s own permaculture gardens!


You’ll enjoy three abundant meals per day. Herbal tea and purified drinking water are available throughout the day. Fresh coffee is available with breakfast.

THE INTRODUCTION:

 

Hello! I’m your host & facilitator, Stephanie Kittell. ?


Originally from Toronto, Canada - now a citizen of the world, my mantra is ‘Breathe well. Play well. Be well.’. Whether in nature, on the yoga mat, in life’s most mundane moments, or in the midst of great challenge, I believe in wholeheartedly living and sharing the practice of being human - cultivating compassionate curiosity and body-mind resilience through yogic wisdoms, movement arts, mindfulness, creative expression, sound medicine, and travel. The practices I share are playful, creative, exploratory, insightful, inclusive, and deeply nourishing. Because when you thrive - we all thrive! 


Through a decade-long digital media production career (with a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Film from Ryerson University), I’ve framed life through many lenses. It was only when I turned the lens upon myself that I realized how powerful perception can be. Over the years, my yoga, movement, and mindfulness practices have continued to take me to places that no camera can go - revealing the depths of body-mind-heart, becoming intimate with samskaras (deeply entrenched habit patterns & trauma impressions), and awakening and expressing the silent centres of my being. Feeling it all.


As a student of yoga for over 12 years, and a teacher for more than 5 years, my Yoga Alliance registered 500 RYT Trainings, and continued diverse trainings in movement, mindfulness, and sacred sound, have led me to deeper awakenings. Unfolding my practice into one of service & compassionate curiosity.


I am practising being human - and making a beautiful mess!

Aren’t we all? 


MY STORY, CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

stephkyoga.com/meet-steph

THE INTERESTING NEWS:

 This just in!

Creative entrepreneur, multi-talented musician, trained yogi & innovative eco crusader VJ Bala (0f HeyJute & LifeShip) is joining the retreat team as a co-facilitator.


His courageous heart, expertise, creative spirit, and deep connection to this sacred land will serve as an invaluable addition to our process.


Together, we are here to support you.

THE INVESTMENT:

 SINGLE OCCUPANCY (PRIVATE *shared washroom) - $1,196 USD Per Person

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED) - $1,126 USD Per Person

TRIPLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED) - $1,091 USD Per Person

Want to be even closer to the Earth? Try our fully equipped TENT CAMPING.

Tent & all bedding provided - starting at $996 USD Per Person

Flights & Ground Transportation not included (though we will happily consult with you to provide the options best suited to you, your flow, and your budget). Lake Atitlán is located 3-5 hours from the Guatemala City airport depending on traffic. It’s advisable to book shuttles in advance. Available options and pricing will be dependent on arrival times, but are typically in the range of $30-$50 USD per person for shared transport.

THE INTEGRATION - CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

 Our dearest retreat location hosts, Ananda and Coby, also serve as plant medicine journey facilitators. I have had the great privilege to study with them and explore plant medicine journeys under their expert guidance and care on multiple occasions. The insights gained continue to permeate every cell of my creative being.


They have extended a special offer for our group. If plant medicines call you, and you’d like to continue the awakening through their wisdom, we invite you to extend your stay for 3 more nights. This will include one guided Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony, and one guided Ayahuasca ceremony. The additional cost is only $500 USD per person, which also includes all your accommodations & food.


If you’re curious, and would like to learn more, please contact me to discuss.

hello@stephkyoga.com

THE INCIDENTALS:

Additional services available to you throughout your stay include Massage, Mud Baths, Shamanic Illumination, Private Boat Tours, Stand Up Paddleboard & Kayaking, Intro to Permaculture, and Essential Oils Distillation & Herbal Healing lessons with neighbouring Casa Curativa. Just name your desire, and we’ll make it so!

THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS:

With gratitude, 6% of all profit will be donated to Niños de Guatemala- a charitable organization providing underprivileged children in Guatemala with a quality education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship opportunities so they can break the cycle of poverty. NDG is continually striving to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of their students, as well as the academic. All of the children in their programs receive two nutritionally balanced meals a day, medical and dental care, instruction on proper health and hygiene, sexual education, and access to their on-site social work and psychology departments.

What’s included

  • ACCOMMODATIONS
    Stunning location in the heart of nature. This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”).
  • VEGAN FOOD
    All meals are nutritious, delicious, entirely plant-based vegan, homemade with love, well-balanced with quality ingredients, mostly organic, and locally-sourced.
  • YOGA, MEDITATION
    Daily meditation, movement & yoga practices to awaken, invigorate, and inspire your creative spirit!
  • CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
    Daily creative expression workshops (exploring the medicines of word & writing, voice & song, sacred sound, intuitive movement, and visual art)
  • SACRED CEREMONIES
    Sacred Ceremonies: Mayan Sauna & Plant Bath, Cacao & Sound Bath, Mayan Fire Ceremony
  • FREE TIME
    Ample breaks for swimming, hiking, boating, kayaking/SUPing, massage & healing therapies, visiting villages, rest & reflection
  • TEA, COFFEE, WATER
    Herbal tea and purified drinking water are available throughout the day. Fresh coffee is available with breakfast.
  • WIFI & ELECTRICITY
    Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.
  • CONTINUED CREATIVITY
    You’ll leave refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered with a helpful toolkit of practices and deep experiential insights, as well as a new community of creative souls to continue the creative expansion!

What’s not included

  • FLIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION
    Flights & Ground Transportation not included (though we will happily consult with you to provide the options best suited to you, your flow, and your budget).

Available Packages

SINGLE OCCUPANCY (PRIVATE) - CABIN

SINGLE OCCUPANCY (PRIVATE *shared washroom)


This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature. The natural world is our greatest teacher and this newly awakened retreat space is a harmonious co-creation with the Spirits of the land. Enjoy walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.

Accommodations are sweet and stylish while also comfortable and down-to-earth (furnished cabins / glamping), and in harmony with sustainable living (compost toilets, outdoor spring-fed solar-powered shower), with options to share space or choose privacy.

Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.

$1,196
Deposit: $598
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED) - CABIN

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED)


This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature. The natural world is our greatest teacher and this newly awakened retreat space is a harmonious co-creation with the Spirits of the land. Enjoy walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.

Accommodations are sweet and stylish while also comfortable and down-to-earth (furnished cabins / glamping), and in harmony with sustainable living (compost toilets, outdoor spring-fed solar-powered shower), with options to share space or choose privacy.

Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.

$1,126
Deposit: $563
TRIPLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED) - CABIN

TRIPLE OCCUPANCY (SHARED) 


This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature. The natural world is our greatest teacher and this newly awakened retreat space is a harmonious co-creation with the Spirits of the land. Enjoy walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.

Accommodations are sweet and stylish while also comfortable and down-to-earth (furnished cabins / glamping), and in harmony with sustainable living (compost toilets, outdoor spring-fed solar-powered shower), with options to share space or choose privacy.

Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.

$1,091
Deposit: $546
TENT (SINGLE) - GLAMPING

Want to be even closer to the Earth? Try our fully equipped TENT CAMPING. Mattress and all bedding provided.


This earthy retreat oasis is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature. The natural world is our greatest teacher and this newly awakened retreat space is a harmonious co-creation with the Spirits of the land. Enjoy walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.

Accommodations are sweet and stylish while also comfortable and down-to-earth (furnished cabins / glamping), and in harmony with sustainable living (compost toilets, outdoor spring-fed solar-powered shower), with options to share space or choose privacy.

Wifi and charging stations are available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug and plug in to nature.



$1,066
Deposit: $533


Itinerary

DAILY ITINERARY
HERE'S HOW WE'LL FLOW

This is a suggested daily schedule that may ebb and flow to best facilitate our journey together.

Guests will arrive on Sunday March 1st (check-in is 2pm onwards) to relax and settle in. We'll share dinner and open our circle in the evening. Our daily flow will begin on Monday, March 2nd.

6:30 - 7:00 - Meditation

7:00 - 8:30 - Yoga / Movement

8:30 - 9:30 - Breakfast

10:00 - 12:30 - Creative Expression Workshops / Discussion

12.30 - 1:30 - Lunch

3:30 - 6:30 - TBD (Nature Hike, Sound Bath, Traditional Mayan Sauna, Cacao Ceremony, free time to relax & reflect & explore, etc.)

6.30 - 7.30 - Dinner

7:45 - 9:00 - TBD (Some evenings we’ll hold sacred fire circles, and other surprises!)

On our final day, March 7th, we will have closing ceremony, breakfast, and then departure.

Guests are advised to fly into Guatemala City before noon on March 1st and book return flights for the evening of March 7th, or the following day. We can help you to organize any additional overnight stays in Tzununá, neighbouring hotspot San Marcos or vibrant Antigua - as well as the appropriate ground transportation.

Your Organizer


SK
Steph K Yoga
Hello! I’m your host & facilitator, Stephanie Kittell. ? Originally from Toronto, Canada - now a citizen of the world, my mantra is ‘Breathe well. Play well. Be well.’. I believe in wholeheartedly living and sharing the practice of being human - cultivating compassionate curiosity and body-mind resilience through yogic wisdoms, movement arts, mindfulness, creative expression, sound medicine, and travel. The practices I share are playful, creative, exploratory, insightful, inclusive, and deeply nourishing. MORE INFO: stephkyoga.com