If your heart has been longing for more beauty, intimacy, and truth in your spiritual path, this is your invitation...

A 7 Day Devotional Journey into Divine Relationship Archetypes

Bhakti is the path of sacred relationship. In the yogic tradition, the divine pairs—Saraswati & Brahma, Lakshmi & Vishnu, Radha & Krishna, Sita & Rama, Shiva & Parvati, and Shiva & Lalita—reveal profound teachings about love, devotion, balance, and awakening. Each partnership reflects sacred qualities that live within us and offer guidance for how we relate to the Divine, to ourselves, and to others.

Through sacred stories, mantra, kirtan, ritual, and embodied devotional practices, the Bhakti Beloved Retreat invites you on a journey into the heart of these teachings. Together we will explore how these archetypal energies awaken deeper love, compassion, wisdom, and connection in our lives.

Held at the sacred waters of Lake Atitlán at Villa Sumaya, this retreat is an opportunity to step out of your daily life and into a living experience of devotion and belovedship.

Bhakti Beloved is for those who:

• Feel a sincere longing to open their heart through devotion
• Want to experience a more intimate relationship with the Divine
• Are drawn to sacred stories, mantra, and ritual
• Desire to cultivate deeper compassion, love, and presence in their lives
• Feel nourished by practicing in a supportive spiritual community

*No musical experience or prior study is require, only an open heart.

You’ll be guided to:

• Open and trust your devotional voice through mantra & kirtan

• Experience bhakti as relationship—with the Divine, yourself, and community

• Learn chants, meanings, and embodied ways to practice devotion daily

• Enter ritual spaces that awaken tenderness, reverence, and inner beauty

• Soften protective layers and reconnect with love as your natural state

• Be held in a safe, supportive sangha devoted to authenticity and heart

Our days will include:

• Morning yoga practices themed to each Beloved.

• Vocal opening and mantra sessions

• Bhakti wisdom talks & story medicine

• Ritual, prayer, and devotional ceremonies

• Evening kirtans by candlelight

• Spacious time for rest, reflection, and the magic of the lake

Day 1 — Saraswati & Brahma

Sacred Origin · Wisdom · Creative Flow

We begin at the source. Saraswati and Brahma invite us into clarity, intention, and divine listening. This day is about opening the channel: refining our voice, aligning mind and heart, and remembering that devotion begins with attunement.

Themes: sound as creation, mantra as prayer, devotion through wisdom and truth.

Day 2 — Lakshmi & Vishnu

Support · Grace · Sacred Sustenance

Here we explore bhakti as being held by life. Lakshmi and Vishnu teach devotion through trust, abundance, service, and steady presence. We soften into receptivity, learning to receive grace as much as we offer love.

Themes: worthiness, devotion through service, prosperity of the heart.

Day 3 — Radha & Krishna

Longing · Ecstasy · Divine Romance

The heart of bhakti. Radha and Krishna awaken ecstatic devotion. Love fueled by longing, intimacy, and divine play. This day opens emotional expression, vulnerability, and devotional singing from the depths of the heart.

Themes: sacred longing, rasa, love beyond reason, chanting as prayerful union.

Day 4 — Sita & Rama

Devotion Through Integrity · Trust · Inner Strength

Sita and Rama embody steadfast love and dharmic devotion. This day explores devotion through commitment, courage, and faith, especially during challenge and uncertainty.

Themes: devotion in action, resilience, honoring truth while staying tender.

Day 5 — Shiva & Parvati

Union of Stillness & Shakti

This day is about balance—silence and sound, devotion and embodiment. Shiva and Parvati teach us how love integrates transcendence and intimacy, discipline and surrender.

Themes: devotional balance, masculine–feminine harmony, embodied prayer.

Day 6 — Shiva & Lalita (Tripura Sundari)

Devotion as Beauty · Sovereignty · Sacred Power

We culminate in the non-dual heart of bhakti. Lalita and Shiva awaken devotion that is radiant, embodied, and sovereign—where love, power, beauty, and awareness merge.

Themes: Sri Vidya essence, devotion beyond separation, beauty as a spiritual path.

Villa Sumaya is a world-renowned eco-retreat center nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala — a lake considered one of the most energetically charged places on Earth. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and vibrant indigenous culture, the center offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere for deep practice and transformation.

Each room is artfully designed with local textiles and cozy touches, offering stunning views of the lake or lush gardens. For this reason, I wanted to offer you the opportunity for you to select your room.

Enjoy organic, lovingly prepared vegetarian meals, daily yoga space, a healing spa, hot tub, ceremonial spaces, and a welcoming community. With no roads and no cars, Villa Sumaya is only accessible by boat — adding to the sense of sacred seclusion and timelessness.

See photos at the top for how stunning this place is!! My favorite retreat center in the world!

Ananda Das is an accomplished Bhakti Yoga teacher and kirtan artist. With over 17 albums and 3 million streams, his soulful mantras and music deeply resonate within the global yoga community. He is a Master Sattva and Kundalini Yoga teacher and is the founder of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy. He offers a 300 hour teacher training as well as hosts an online membership platform. Whether through his powerful chants or insightful teachings, Ananda Das guides students toward profound spiritual and personal growth.

This training also offers 50 hours of Yoga Alliance credits and counts towards the completion of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy 300-hour certification. Whether you're aiming to complete the full 300-hour certification or simply wish to experience this unique training, you're welcome to join. *Please note that the credits will be an additional $100.

(Schedule may vary slightly each day depending on the theme, group flow and outings)

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Morning Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama

8:30 – 9:30 AM: Breakfast

10:00 – 12:00 PM: Bhakti Teachings & Sacred Stories. Exploring the day’s deity pairing, philosophy, symbolism, and teachings.

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Rest, Integration & Lake Time-Swim, sauna, journaling, massage, or simply relax and enjoy Lake Atitlán

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Lunch

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Rest, Integration & Lake Time-Swim, sauna, journaling, massage, or simply relax and enjoy Lake Atitlán

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Singing, Mantra & Kirtan Practice

4:00 – 6:00 PM: Devotional Practices & Ritual: Guided practices, partner exercises, mantra meditation, or sacred ritual aligned with the day’s theme.

6:30 – 7:30 PM: Dinner

8:00 – 9:00 PM: Evening Kirtan or Free Time

Beyond our daily practices, we’ll also take time to explore the beauty and culture surrounding Lake Atitlán, one of the most spiritually vibrant places in the world. These outings offer an opportunity to integrate our practices while connecting with the land, the lake, and the rich Mayan traditions of the region.

Possible excursions may include:

• Boat trip across Lake Atitlán to explore nearby villages
• Visiting local artisan markets and traditional weaving communities
• A nature hike through the lush hills surrounding the lake
• Time to enjoy swimming, sauna, or relaxation by the water

These experiences help bring balance to the retreat, allowing space for adventure, cultural connection, and appreciation of the stunning natural beauty that makes Lake Atitlán such a sacred destination.

(Outings may vary depending on weather, group interest, and local conditions.)

1. International Arrival: Most visitors will begin their journey by flying into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, which is the primary gateway to Guatemala. 

2. Ground Transportation to Panajachel: From Guatemala City, you can take a shuttle or a private taxi to the town of Panajachel, which serves as the main access point to Lake Atitlan. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Villa Sumaya works exclusively with our trusted transportation company, Kan Tours. Contact them to arrange private shuttles or boats for your convenience, 24 hours a day. Please note, these costs are not included in your stay. 

3. Boat from Panajachel to Villa Sumaya: Once in Panajachel, head to the public docks. Villa Sumaya is accessible by a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan. Boats to the retreat center are available regularly throughout the day, and the journey across the lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and highlands. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. You will need to ask the regular boat taxis to drop you off at Villa Sumaya's private dock. 

4. Arrival at Villa Sumaya: Upon docking at the Villa Sumaya's private pier, you will be greeted by the tranquil ambiance and warm hospitality that defines the retreat. The staff can help with luggage and guide you to your accommodation.

• Check-In: 4 PM
• Check-Out: 11 AM

5. Local Tips:

• Travel Light: Since the final leg of the journey involves a boat ride, it's advisable to travel light.
• Weather Preparedness: The weather can be variable; pack layers to accommodate sunny days and cooler evenings.
• Currency: While US dollars are widely accepted, having some Guatemalan Quetzales for smaller expenses is recommended.

Embarking on the journey to Villa Sumaya not only brings you to a place of peace and rejuvenation but also offers a chance to witness the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan region.

It's important to note the following details regarding the deposit for your stay:

1. Payment Plans Available: Select the room style you want and then upon check out there is the option for a payment plan or to pay in full. 
2. Cancellation Policy: Please be aware that all payments made are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel, payments can be used for a future trainings or retreats.

For inquiries or to schedule a free consultation call, please email AnandaDasEvents@yahoo.com 

Understanding these terms will help you plan accordingly and make informed decisions regarding your booking and potential changes to your travel plans. This policy is designed to be fair and transparent, acknowledging the complexities of event planning while also considering the needs and circumstances of our participants.

If your heart feels drawn to this journey, trust that call. Join us at the sacred waters of Lake Atitlán for a week of mantra, devotion, sacred teachings, and heart-centered community.

Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate. Reserve your spot and step into this devotional journey with us.