Immerse and Renew Your Psyche and Spirit with
a Roots & River Yoga Retreat in Guatemala
November 7 - 16, 2024
THIS RETREAT IS FULL - Please email info@RootsandRiverYoga.com if you would like to be on our waitlist.
NOTE: This is an adults-only retreat (ages 18+).
Rooms in both locations are to be booked through us not, through the hotels or retreat center links below.
Machelle Lee invites you to join her and her husband, Eric, in a unique personal and cultural experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Beyond the studio, dive into new depths of your being and your yoga practice in the spiritually charged highlands of Guatemala, often referred to as “the land of eternal spring.” Immerse and nurture yourself in natural beauty, daily rejuvenating yoga, garden-to-table cuisine, special rituals, mind broadening cultural exposure and so much more.
This 10 day/9 night adventure will begin on Thursday, November 7th with two nights in the old capital city of Antigua, built in the 1500s, and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stay at the charming Hotel Soleil la Antigua. You will be able to explore Antigua’s cobble stone streets that are lined with preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced homes and buildings, colonial churches and ruins. You will be free to wander this small city to admire its historic architecture, enjoy incredible cuisine, experience open air markets, and people-watch in the Parque Central (central plaza).
Please Note: Travel around the lake is by boat. The step in and out of the boats is quite large and docks and boats often rock with the current. This may be challenging or inaccessible for those with mobility limitations.
On Saturday, November 9th, the group will take a private shuttle through the mountains to the magnificent Lake Atitlan. Surrounded by three giant volcanos, Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, Lake Atitlan is massive crater lake formed approximately 84,000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption. The lake measures over 11 miles long and is more than 1000 feet deep!
We will arrive in the quaint and bustling town of Panajachel where Eric lived for several years and Machelle has visited many times. From “Pana” we will catch a lancha, for a spectacular 10-15 minute boat ride to the yoga retreat center, Villa Sumaya, near the lakeside town of Santa Cruz La Laguna. There we will settle in for the remaining 7 nights, giving you time to truly dial down your nervous system and renew your body, mind, and spirit.
Aerial photo of Villa Sumaya
Built into the side of a mountain on Lake Atitlan’s shore, Villa Sumaya is an ideal sanctuary, whether you are looking for quiet time for introspection, community connection, or time to adventure into the surrounding towns or outdoor activities.
Weather in Antigua and at the lake is cool, sweater weather in the morning and the evenings. During the day, typical temperatures are a comfortable 70-80 degrees with low humidity. Because the altitude is 5,000 feet with mostly clear, sunny skies, a 75 degree day can feel really very warm is perfect for a sundress, shorts and even swimming/paddling.
Many Guatemalans wear traditional clothing (tajes ) as a way to connect to their roots ancestors. Most traje ensembles are made up of, huipil (blouse), the faja (belt/sash), the corte (skirt) and the cinta (headband).
There are prevalent Mayan communities in the region and strong traditions prevail. Kaqchikel communities have lived for centuries on the north side of the lake, while the Tz’utujil have done the same on the south side. In all of the villages around the lake, you will experience and meet Indigenous Maya who wear traje tipico (traditional clothing). The designs in their clothing is unique for each village, and there are more than 800 different styles of indigenous clothing across the country. Overall, many of the lake’s towns have become locations for a remarkable intersection of people and cultures — indigenous, Ladino, and expatriate, all calling the lake their home.
Cacao ceremony in the Tiger Temple
At Villa Sumaya, Machelle will lead 1-2 yoga classes per day from the Blue Tiger Temple, a private studio space with incredible views of the lake and volcanos. Practices will be a mix of Yin Yoga, Gentle Joint Care, Morning Slow Flow, and Yoga Nidra. You will be served three incredibly delicious vegetarian meals each day, with vegan and gluten-free options available, (fish or chicken available for $8/meal).
Some days will offer special rituals or ceremonies or outings you can join. You will also have ample free time to create the retreat that you desire, whether you wish to rest deeply or dive into a good book. There are spa and wellness services at the retreat center that include massage, energy balancing, astrology reading, and sound healing. Each day, you will have the opportunity to swim, hike, take a kayak out, or explore the unique towns and ecosystems that surround the lake. The incredible staff of Villa Sumaya, as well as Machelle and Eric, will be there to assist you in creating a most meaningful retreat for you.
Sunset view from the dock at Villa Sumaya
Whatever you choose, every evening will offer up an incredible sunsets and a stunning array of stars. Our time together in retreat will be a delight to your senses and your soul.
INCLUDED in the Retreat Package Price:
ACCOMMODATIONS (9 nights in total)
2 nights at Hotel Soleil la Antigua (Thursday, November 7th - Saturday, November 9th)
7 nights at Villa Sumaya on Lake Atitlan (Saturday, November 9th - Saturday, November 16th)
NOTE: This is an adults-only retreat (ages 18+). Rooms in both locations are to be booked through us not through the hotels or retreat center.
TRANSPORTATION
Eric and I will meet you at the airport on the group arrival day, Thurs. Nov. 7th. A private, group shuttle bus will take us from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to Hotel Soleil in Antigua. Plan to arrive at La Aurora (GUA) by no later than 1:00pm. We will send flight recommendations to registrants.
Private Shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel at Lake Atitlan on Saturday, November 9th.
Private boat shuttle between Panajachel and Villa Sumaya on travel days.
Private airport shuttle on departure day, Saturday, November 16th from Panajachel to La Aurora International Airport (GUA). Schedule your flight to depart at 1:40pm or later
NOTE: Your use of these chartered group shuttle services requires you to book your flights according to the time parameters we describe above. We will try to accommodate for reasonable flight delays but participants may be need to be responsible for transportation if they arrive/depart outside of the suggested shuttle window. We will suggest shuttle options if you choose to arrive/leave a day+ earlier/later. We can suggest options for shuttles or hotels if you arrive/leave outside of our group travel plans.
MEALS
Breakfast at Hotel Soleil in Antigua on the mornings of November 8th and 9th.
Three delicious and abundant buffet-style vegetarian meals each day at Villa Sumaya. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Chicken or fish can be added to a meal at a small extra charge. Meal times are at 8:30am, 1pm and 6:30pm. Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase.
Filtered water, coffee and a wide variety of tea available anytime at Villa Sumaya (note that there is no decaf coffee at the retreat center)
BASIC GRATUITIES
We have built basic tips into the retreat cost for the shuttle drivers and for the cleaning/cooking staff at the hotel and retreat center. If you wish to tip more to any individual staff member that you connect with, please feel free.
DAILY YOGA AND A SPECIAL CACOA CEREMONY
Machelle will offer 1-2 yoga classes each day at Villa Sumaya including Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Morning Slow Flow, and Bedtime Yoga Nidra
Villa Sumaya has mats, blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters for you to use. Feel free to bring any of your own props, if you wish.
We have reserved the Blue Tiger Temple, which has an epic view of the lake, for our group’s exclusive use. You will have access to that practice space anytime for your own private practice, meditation or journalling.
We will share a Mayan Cacao Heart Opening Ceremony together as a group.
Other Information
Phone/Internet: If you want to have phone and texting access in Guatemala, talk with your service provider to set up international service. For general wifi use of your phone, there will be free wifi service at Hotel Soleil in Antigua. Once at the lake, Villa Sumaya encourages people to unplug during their stay. There is wifi in the dinning room but it can be hard to access from the guest rooms. Please note that the Internet at the lake is slower and streaming speed is limited.
Packing List
We will provide an additional suggested packing list with other considerations in a packet once you have reserved your space.
Price
Your estimated overall costs for the retreat will include the following:
INCLUDED IN RETREAT PACKAGE - PURCHASED THROUGH US:
The Retreat Packages range from $3350 to $4090 and include 2 nights at Hotel Soleil in Antigua (including breakfasts), 7 nights at Villa Sumaya (including all meals), ground/water transportation, yoga classes, a Cacao ceremony, and gratuities. Your rate depends on which room you select at Villa Sumaya, and whether you reserve a room as a single, double or triple occupancy. Please remember that we have already booked a set of rooms at both Hotel Soleil and Villa Sumaya, so you will reserve your rooms directly with us. Do not reach out to Villa Sumaya or Hotel Soleil to book your stay.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT PACKAGE PRICE AND NOT PURCHASED THROUGH US:
The following expenses are to be purchased on your own:
Airfare to Guatemala City, La Aurora Airport (GUA). Participants are advised to fly into Guatemala City, arriving by 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 7th. Book return flights for 1:40pm or later on the afternoon of Saturday, November 16th. It is imperative that you follow this window of suggestions to work with our shuttle service. If you arrive or depart outside this window, you will be responsible for your own shuttle service to or from the airport. We will send you flight suggestions upon registration. If you want to stay extra time on the front or back side of the trip - we can recommend hotel and shuttle services.
Travel insurance (strongly suggested)
Lunch and dinner meals in Antiqua on November 7th and 8th. You will have the option to join Machelle,Eric, and others from the group for dinner at two delicious local restaurants that we have selected for those evenings.
Tips for breakfast staff at Hotel Soleil (breakfast is included)
Additional day excursions/tours
Spa treatments and tips
Additional ceremonies that can be booked at Villa Sumaya
Click below to go to the Rooms and Registration page to review available room options at Villa Sumaya and to fill out the reservation form to reserve your space!
Please contact Machelle at (240) 938-8622 or machelle@rootsandriveryoga.com with any questions you have.
