This was my 5th time to Guatemala, but the first time I’ve connected so closely to the land and local communities. Lila facilitated a very special & meaningful retreat experience. The retreat center was lush and peaceful, maintained by a local plant and herb expert (shout out to Cheyo!). The food was locally sourced and lovingly prepared by talented kitchen staff. Yoga was restorative and mindful, with a focus on breath work. Unique to this retreat were 2 traditional Mayan ceremonies - a temezcal and fire ceremony. These were exceptionally meaningful and I consider them to be some of the highlights of my life. We had ample opportunities to explore the towns around the lake, adding to the value of the whole experience. Lila did an exceptional job coordinating, instructing, & leading this group who I now call dear friends. This was exactly the reset and recharge I needed to start my year. Definitely one of the best trips of my life!

I have been on several previous retreats (Bali, Greece, US) with Lila and each has been a unique and meaningful experience. Lila's New Years Reset Retreat was no exception. For me, there was the right amount of experiencing and embracing the local culture without overstepping, giving back in gratitude, yoga practice and learning, and just general fun and enjoying time with fellow retreaters. On every retreat, I feel that Lila seeks to respectfully use the experience of a new and ancient culture as a lens through which participants can self-examine, learn, and grow individually and as a group with the other participants. Lila is always good about balancing yoga, workshops, experiences, and free time. which is probably a factor in why I already knew so many of my fellow retreaters from previous Lila retreats. Experiences included a tour of Holy Wow Cacao's facility with cacao purchasing options, an afternoon at Maya Moon Lodge, as well as short trips to nearby towns around the lake (San Marcos, San Juan, and Panajachel) for shopping and sightseeing. Also, for some reason, the food on Lila's retreats is always great and Casa Awänímä did not disappoint. The kitchen staff provided three delicious local, homemade meals a day that nourished body and soul. I could have had nothing but the main meals at Casa Awänímä and been completely satisfied, but they also kept a refrigerator stocked with locally made kombucha and hand made delicious chocolates and snacks. Additionally, many retreat goers sampled the excellent pizza and kombucha across the street at Love Probiotics. I seem to put on a little weight on these retreats despite the vegan and vegetarian options and trying to be mindful of the portions. The food is always just too good. My most sincere thanks to Lindsay, Cheyo, Rosa, Maria, and Sandra at Casa Awänímä for the wonderful meals and making the retreat center feel like home. I can't recommend Lila's retreats enough. I get to see new places, experience new cultures, eat great food, and leave healthier and happier than when I arrived.

I had the most incredible time in the magical land of Guatemala with Nova Yoga. Everything was so well organized, creating a beautiful balance between deep connection with an amazing group and meaningful time for yourself. We shared powerful experiences, gave back to the local community, and were guided throughout the journey with so much love and light. Thank you from my heart for holding such a safe and sacred space, and for inviting us to truly slow down, reconnect, and dedicate time to ourselves in the beautiful energy of Guatemala.

Lila’s Lake Atitlan retreat blew my expectations out the water. It was such an amazing, transformational week. It was the perfect amount of yoga mixed with other activities- all so well thought through. I left feeling inspired by the people I had met and the depth of the connections and totally reset and ready for the new year. The retreat centre itself was literally paradise and lake Atitlan has a very special energy. So glad I attended this retreat and would recommend Lila’s retreats to anyone !!

Wonderful yoga retreat led by Nova and Lila Hamed and her team. It was held in a beautiful location in the mountains of North Carolina held at Moonlight Rising retreat center.