"Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."

 ~Hermann Hesse

Villa Sumaya, located in Santa Cruz la Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, is “the land of eternal spring”.   This natural refuge with 3 majestic volcanoes surrounded by tranquil, teal freshwater offers a mystical, enchanting, and soulful journey of the senses.

This retreat inspires devotion to oneself.  An invitation to pause, breathe, reflect, and discover yourself again through sacred connection with the magic of Lake Atitlán, Mayan culture, and ancient wisdom… a harmonious journey calling you home to yourself.

The beauty is mesmerizing.  You’ll breathe deeper and feel lighter as the energy transforms you and the unhurried pace grounds you.

Our retreat home for the week is the spiritual sanctuary of Villa Sumaya on Lake Atitlán, recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes on Earth. 

In Sanskrit, Sumaya means a long-awaited dream come true, while in Arabic it translates as a little piece of paradise.  Both definitions mirror the hearts’ intentions and inspire the service of the many Mayan hands that brought this exquisite center to life. The creation of this paradise and Villa Sumaya's ongoing connection with their indigenous neighbors have been mutually respectful, rich, and gratifying. Everything you find here – every brick, every paving stone, every piece of window glass and decorative tile — has been lovingly transported to Sumaya by boat and then carried by hand and on strong backs to its respective location.

Our Destination:

Traveling to the Mayan stronghold of Lake Atitlán is a pilgrimage into your heart center. The Heart of the Mayan world, Guatemala treasures a unique heritage. Traditions are closely tied to Maya ancestors, and mysticism is widespread throughout the country. This land of eternal spring has average high temperatures between 70-80 degrees year-round.  You will encounter a vibrant culture that blends harmoniously with the country's natural beauty. There are endless places to visit, including lakes, rainforests, exotic wildlife, indigenous markets, Mayan villages, colonial towns, and beaches with volcanic sand.

But Atitlán’s true wonder lies beyond the view. The lake is surrounded by traditional Mayan villages, each with its own language, customs, and colorful traditional dress. Time seems to slow as you connect with living traditions passed down for generations. This enchanting corner of Guatemala’s western highlands doesn’t just leave an impression—it stays with you, calling you back long after you’ve gone.

Join Tara Beaulieu and Michele Maker for a week filled with yoga, meditation, exploring, hiking, swimming, and soaking in the culture of an ancient, yet vibrantly alive civilization!   During our time together, we have the unique opportunity to participate in a traditional Mayan day-count fire ceremony, a beautiful offering created and consumed by the fire, invoking awareness and connection with all that is. The Maya remind us to dwell in the innocent heart of the child, prompting us to leave behind our busy minds and conditioned concept of self. Our time together also includes a guided tour of the Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna, where we'll take in the fine art of naturally dyed and expertly handcrafted goods created by the talented Maya who inhabit this picturesque village. A journey to Lake Atitlan is a soul-stirring adventure. Here, the Mayan way of life endures among volcanic peaks and shimmering waters.

Our private studio for the week, the Tara Temple, has breathtaking views of the lake.  We'll also have opportunities to practice outdoors on a beautiful open-air yoga platform overlooking the lake and volcanoes. Homemade buffets are abundant and freshly prepared daily. Each meal is balanced to meet your nutritional needs. Breakfast buffets include a main dish, granola, yogurt, fruit, and daily specials. Lunch buffets include a hearty vegetarian main course, organic greens, homemade bread, and a local fruit platter. Dinner buffets include soup, vegetarian entrée, seasonal side dishes, organic greens, and a scrumptious dessert. Savor fresh breads and house-made tortillas. At the juice bar, you can order smoothies and home-brewed strawberry ginger kombucha. The self-service hot beverage bar offers 30 varieties of tea and organic coffee. Local beers, wine, and mixed drinks are served until 9:00 pm.  The kitchen at Villa Sumaya specializes in homemade treats including cacao bliss balls, fruit rolls, granola bars, and savory sprouted flax crackers. Try a delicious homemade panini or a selection of local chocolates!

Self-care comes in many forms here.  In addition to delicious, nutritious meals and snacks, you can treat yourself to several modalities of the Healing Arts.  Harmony Spa offers individual, customized sessions and readings with skilled practitioners.  The Apothecary offers a variety of useful homemade herbal remedies for common ailments, personal care items, and custom-crafted elixirs. The inspiration and knowledge for these panaceas draw from Chinese Medicine as well as traditional Mayan and European herbal lore.

Allow your days at Villa Sumaya to be slow and meandering, just like the pathways that wind through its lush, tropical surroundings.  Do as little or as much as you’d like, with plenty of time to rest, learn, commune, and explore both the inner landscape of your being and the magical landscape of Lake Atitlán, which holds you softly, so you can return home to yourself. 

“The lake does not ask anything of you. It simply holds you — and that, it turns out, is often exactly what is needed.”   – Atitlán Eco Retreat blog

ATMY+W retreats offer an opportunity to connect on a deeper level, beyond the studio, cultivating a community of support, or Sangha.

See, Hear, Breathe, Feel, and Heal as your surroundings welcome you on a path to inner peace.

Tara Beaulieu is a graduate of the Pranotthan Yoga School through All That Matters. Her teachings are informed by extensive study of sacred texts, yogic philosophy, and modern-day yoga and movement modalities, with teachers such as Doug Keller, Alanna Kaivalya, Trina Altman, and Georg + Brenda Feuerstein. She is trained in Deep Play for Kids, Yin Yoga and Meditation, Restorative Yoga, and recently completed a year-long intensive study of the Bhagavad Gitā. Tara is also a teacher in the Pranotthan 200 and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings, a Reiki Master, and Co-Director of All That Matters Yoga + Wellness. 

A lifelong student of yoga and the arts, Tara’s practice is guided by her creative process: finding a balance between intuitive living and mindful action. More than 20 years ago, she chose to step out of the workforce, stay home with her three boys, and pursue her art, and she learned that the secret to living a consciously happy life is to practice listening to oneself. She believes that doing the work to make space for inner knowing, learning to trust instincts, and above all, honoring personal truth paves a clear path for happiness in our lives. When we learn to interpret the signals that are inherent to our being (tuning in to our life force) we awaken an awareness and understanding that allows us to heal from within. In addition to teaching yoga and leading retreats, Tara is a mother to 3 amazing young men, a sea glass artist, and a silversmith. 

 
Michele Maker is a graduate of the Pranotthan Yoga School and is certified in Restorative Yoga, Reiki, and Transcendental Meditation.  She is also the Co-Director of All That Matters Yoga + Wellness.  Throughout her journey, Michele leans into her diverse experience in the arts and entertainment world, leading the marketing and promotions division for a radio and media group in Providence, overseeing a waterfront venue in Newport, RI, producing concerts and cultural festivals, an international boat show, and an outdoor skating rink. Over the past ten years, she has embarked on entrepreneurship and small business, creating an event production company, and expanding her portfolio to ownership of a contemporary art gallery in Newport, representing artists from all over the world, and most recently launching s’OM, the boutique alongside ATMY+W.  An avid yogi for over 30 years, Michele found her home within the All That Matters community.  

A seeker and explorer by nature, Michele enjoys finding innovative ways to share yoga and revolutionary healing through community, connection, and joyful experiences.  In her classes, she fuses vivid imagery, creativity, expansive breath practice, and a whimsical, playful flow, guiding her students on a journey of joy, presence, and empowerment.   Michele credits yoga and mindfulness practices as her anchor during the most pivotal times personally and professionally, and is committed to cultivating ATMY+W as a sacred space for healing and reflection.  She believes she is truly living her dharma at ATMY+W as a community builder, creating and holding space by curating a welcoming sanctuary for all through mind-body-spirit connection.