Venture into the magic of Lake Atitlan and surrounding areas for a week of dynamic movement, heart-expanding community, and cultural immersion. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by a vortex of volcanos. It is known for its healing and mystical properties that seekers and believers feel upon arrival. The lake lies in the heart of an ancient volcano’s caldera, which filled with water after it’s final eruption 85,000 years ago. “Atitlan” in Nahuatl means “the place where the rainbow gets its colors.” Lake Atitlan and its surroundings make it the perfect backdrop for healing and transformation. 

On this retreat, we set the stage for getting real- intentionally quieting the noise from the outside world to hear clearly, our own inner voice. Expect to leave behind the accumulated pressures of life back home, and make space for the things that truly tug your heart and ignite your souls flame.

Your experienced retreat leaders Hawah and Diala have traveled the globe to practice, learn and teach yoga. You can count on them to share their vast knowledge of yoga while supporting you with laughter and attentiveness on this fun adventure.

This is a trip that will expand your world view, and even the view of your self. An experience that introduces you to new people, new beginnings, and contagious joy, bringing hope in a sometimes dim-seeming world.

You can expect two yoga classes per day,  breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet on the property, and group excursions throughout the week. You will have plenty of free time to relax or pick and choose your own excursions.

Generally the morning session is more active vinyasa/power/flow, 

and the evening is more passive like yin/restorative/gentle.

All classes are suitable for all levels. Beginners welcome.

Sample Itinerary 

6:30-7 am Meditation/journaling

7-8:30 am Morning Yoga

8:30 am Breakfast

9-12 pm Free time for relaxing on the property, hiking local trails, or going for longer excursions like kayaking & cliff jumping

12 pm Lunch

1-4 pm Free time for relaxing, dipping in the pool, massage & spa services, or other excursions.

4:30-6 pm Evening Yoga session

6:30 pm Dinner

7:30 Relax 

We will be posted up on the beautiful property of Villa Sumaya majestically located on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala. They are dedicated to rejuvenating holistic practices and healing modalities as well as preserving Mayan traditions and facilitating outdoor adventure in the heart of the Altiplano.  Within the vast, majestic horizons, you’ll find a deeper connection with your heart’s song and a rejuvenated sense of wellbeing. Some rooms are listed as shared, and if preferred you can upgrade the Maya Rose rooms to private with the add on option while booking.

Your deposit will stay valid for one year towards any other yoga retreat with Nova Retreats. 

The rest of the retreat cost is non-refundable.

This is Villa Sumaya's policy.

Pico de Cielo is 8,200 feet above sea level. Ride a boat to Panajachel and then a pick-up truck to the trailhead for a 45- minute walk to the vista point. At the vista point, enjoy a packed-lunch picnic while gazing at a spectacular view of the Atitlan basin below. 

Journey home to your heart with Xicoy, the Cacao Spirit, one of the most playful spiritual guides in ancient Mayan cosmology. The Mayans have used cacao in ceremony for ages to connect with their hearts. We invite you to do the same in this sacred ceremony steeped in ritual and reflective heart circle sharing. Be warned: your heart will expand beyond your imagination, leading to pure bliss, laughter, joy and allowing more of who you are to shine through. 

Tour the local village with Amigos de Santa Cruz. Learn about the work that Amigos has been doing since 2000 to support education, health and economic development. See the historic church, encounter village life and visit a home for a demonstration of back-strap weaving. Finally, visit CECAP’s vocational education center and enjoy lunch in their popular café, run by graduates of the culinary arts program. 

A Mayan spiritual guide will share a traditional Mayan Day Count Fire Ceremony with your group. You will be encouraged to participate in this interactive earth-work ceremony. This ritual includes foundational teachings about the Mayan calendar day count and the co-creation of the sacred fire. In the age-old custom, you’ll use chocolate, candles, cinnamon, myrrh, copal (tree resin) and the appropriate herbs to honor the energies of each day in the Mayan calendar. Those interested are encouraged to inquire in advance about booking a 15 or 30-minute personal reading with the spiritual guide which would take place after the ceremony.