This is your invitation to P-A-U-S-E.
Breathe deeply.
Ask yourself - honestly - how would it feel to:
…get a little wild and adventurous in foreign lands to expand your mind, fortify your body, and just let loose?
…fully embrace, embody, and express the passionate purpose within your heart?
…indulge your spirit as you surrender to a magic wonderland of lush mountain forests, jaw-dropping volcanoes, healing fresh waters, intoxicating Mayan cultural traditions, and the infinite Wisdom of the Elements?
You probably answered that it would feel Pretty. Damn. Good.
It should! You deserve nothing less.
Join your tribe of fellow soul voyagers in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and experience this life-changing journey for yourself!
WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN "ADVENTURE RETREAT"
Begin each day with gentle sunrise yoga, meditation techniques, journaling processes, and soul-provoking conversation on how to courageously cultivate your dream life by harnessing the potent energy of the five great elements – Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
The cosmic insights you unfold in these introspective contemplative practices will be balanced and activated by “extrospective” adventurous excursions to sacred ceremonial sites, nature reserves, ziplining parks, local Mayan pueblos and more.
Speedboats, pick-up trucks, winding mountain road shuttles and your own two feet will take you to places that dreams are made of. Color, texture, wonder, inspiration and enthusiasm await you in each moment!
WHAT GOODIES ARE INCLUDED?
As the retreat unfolds, allow yourself to be spoiled from top to bottom, inside and out, with lots of other included goodies:
• 7 day / 6 night accommodation at a beautifully serene private lakefront villa
• ALL Locally-sourced Gourmet Vegetarian Meals (except 2 lunches)
• Healing Therapeutic Massage and Reiki
• A 90-minute personal Mayan Astrological reading *before* the retreat to align you with this potent, ancient energy and prepare you for the adventure
• Traditional Mayan and Vedic Rituals with Fire, Full Moon, Cacao, and Kirtan
• Inspired Intention Setting Workshops
• Day trips to Mayan spiritual ceremonial sites, waterfalls, a jungle adventure park, butterfly sanctuary, vibrant markets and more
• PLENTY of down time to laze in a hammock, swim or float in the lake, bathe in the sun, read, nap, and just BE
LOVE NOTES FROM PAST SOUL ADVENTURERS
“There was an ever-present sense of organic magic that tied us directly to the land, the air, the water. Kirtan was an amazing unexpected experience, dreamcatcher workshop provided an opportunity to create, the hikes were epic in the best way, and our [fire ceremony] was beyond exceptional. Very bonding!”
“Such a healing, cleansing, empowering retreat… just what I needed to come back into myself.”
“You are such a beautiful soul and I am so grateful to have you in my life. Absolutely love what you created with this retreat. So supportive and heart-opening.”
“Thank you for giving us this space to be! It was life changing!”
“From the moment of the opening ceremony… [the retreat] was highly creative and powerful. Instant connection to the elements.”
SOUL INVESTMENT
All accommodations are nestled in the natural Guatemalan landscape with stunning lake, volcano and full moon views.
Standard Pricing ::
Accommodations range from $1,488- $2,488 for shared and private spaces.
Please inquire for current availability.
Wisdom of the Elements is purposefully a very intimate retreat… only 8 spaces available!
Reserve your part in the adventure today by sending an email to monica@soulbare.com
**Pricing does not include airfare to/from Guatemala City or ground transportation to Lake Atitlan. But I’m here to serve as your personal travel guide and confidant for booking the easiest, fastest, or most adventurous route. Just ask!
FAQS and NEED-TO-KNOW DETAILS
When does the retreat begin and end?
We begin at 5:00pm CST on Thursday, March 22, 2018.
You may check in to our beautiful host venue anytime after noon.
I HIGHLY recommend that you plan to arrive to Guatemala a day early on November 1st. You can spend the night in Antigua and be very close to Lake Atitlan on the day our retreat begins. Travel in Guatemala can be unpredictable and take longer than expected.
The retreat ends at 9:00am CST on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
Check out is at 11:30am.
If you wish to come early or stay late, let me know and I will be happy to help arrange.
How do I get there?
STEP 1 - Take Flight
The best airport to fly in to is Guatemala City / La Aurora (airport code GUA).
STEP 2 - Cover Ground
Lake Atitlan is roughly 3.5 hours from Guatemala City. Your destination village at the Lake is called Panajachel (Pa-na-ha-shell). Be sure to consider this travel time when looking at arrivals to make sure you get to the Lake well before our start time of 5pm.
You can take a private shuttle (~$100), a public shuttle (~$25), or - for the truly adventurous and budget-minded! - a local Guatemalan Chicken Bus. The shuttle company I use and love is Xocomil Tours. You can view their schedule and book online. Xocomil can pick you up at the airport or at your hostel if you arrive early.
STEP 3 - Sail Away
Your shuttle/chicken bus will drop you off right at the dock in Panajachel. Your final leg of the journey is to take a 20-30 minute Lancha ride (motorized lake boat) to the Lodge.
Tell the Lancha driver that you are going to Maya Moon - it is a private dock and they will make a special stop for you. It's not uncommon that they forget along the way, so I always try to sit very near to the driver in the back or their assistant in the front so I am seen and their memory is jogged.
The cost is 20Q (~$3). Don't ask. Just have change ready and give it to the driver when you arrive at Maya Moon. He may ask you to pay en route - this is normal, it just helps him speed up the process of stopping at a private dock.
STEP 4 - Come get a big welcome hug from me and your Retreat SoulFam at the Lodge!
What's the money situation?
The local Guatemalan currency is Quetzales (symbol Q or q).
Current conversion rate is $1 = 7.5Q.
Be sure to check for most current info just before you travel.
You can exchange US dollars at the airport, but the conversion rate is much less. I suggest only converting enough for your ground transport - max $50.
There are ATM's in Panajachel and other villages at Lake Atitlan.
DO NOT BRING AN EXCESS of USD$ and plan to exchange at the Lake. It can be VERY difficult and most exchange places only accept $50 and $100 notes in perfect mint condition. I highly recommend only bringing enough for your transportation to the Lake and exchange at the airport before you set out into Guatemala. You can visit ATM's in Antigua or at Lake Atitlan for a fairly reasonable rate.
If I arrive in Guatemala before the retreat begins, where should I stay?
This is dependent on your flight's arrival time at GUA. The last public shuttle departs at 2:00pm. If you arrive after, you'll either need to stay in the City or book a private shuttle elsewhere.
I highly recommend you experience Antigua, a very quaint, picturesque colonial town built on ruins. It's adorable! Great night life, beautiful walking tours of the city, a ton of travelers and hostel options, and - if you've got longer to spare - chocolate making tours and multi-day volcano hikes. Red hot lava, people! Antigua is about 1 hour from Guatemala City and 2.5 hours from Panajachel. Many, many travels use this as a stop-over city when flying in/out of GUA.
My favorite site to use is www.booking.com. You can secure amazing "deals of the day" on hotels and hostels within all budget ranges, and the reviews are pretty spot on . A favorite in Antigua among past retreaters is El Hostal.
Of course, Maya Moon Lodge is option too if you want to get in super early :)
What should I bring to the retreat?
Great question! The following are Must-Have's:
-- Comfy Clothes! In which you can move well, breathe well, and just BE. Dress in layers, as the Lake can be quite chilly at sunrise and in the evening, but very sunny and warm during the day.
-- Yoga Mat or YogiToes
-- Large Refillable Water Bottle. Purified water provided at Maya Moon Lodge - you can fill up before we head out for the day.
-- Good Walking Shoes. Hiking boots aren't necessary, but do be prepared to climb a couple of mountains. Don't worry -- they're moderate, we will go slow and I promise our destinations will be VERY worth it! The altitude is quite high at the Lake - 5,000 feet. So will we pace ourselves accordingly.
-- Headlamp or flashlight
-- Small daypack or other "hands free" type of bag for our day excursions.
-- Bathing Suit. You'll have lots of time to swim and float in an inner tube to enjoy the healing waters of mama Atitlan.
-- Umbrella or light rain jacket
-- A Sacred Item for our SoulFam Altar. Anything special and sweet that represents a piece of your heart... a crystal, a special photo, a souvenir, spiritual momento, family heirloom, etc.
-- Toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, and your own personal essentials. If you forget something, no worries. You can purchase just about anything you'll need at the Lake.
-- Any extras that make you feel warm and fuzzy
-- An open heart <3
Bedding, towel and purified drinking water are provided.
You'll also receive a special Retreat Journal upon arrival (spoiler alert!), so no need to bring a notebook. Of course, if you have a special personal journal or pen, feel free.
What's the weather situation?
Expect temps of 70+ degrees during the day and mid 50's at night. Plan accordingly.
Do I *have* to participate in every activity?
This is YOUR retreat. You are the Shaman, you are the Guru, you are the Nurturer of your own Soul. If something doesn't feel like a Fuck Yes!, then feel free to sit it out and enjoy space.
That said, I will be there to instigate each of us to push past the boundaries of what's comfortable and flirt with the unknown, the terrain where true awakening and transformation take place. You'll thank me ;)
What is the cancellation policy?
After you've submitted payment for your space in the retreat (full or partial deposit), you have 10 business days to cancel for a complete refund, less a $150 administrative fee.
Cancellations made on or before September 15 may receive a refund of 50% of funds paid.
Cancellations made after September 15 will not be eligible for a refund, however 50% of funds paid will be made available in the form of a program voucher to be applied to any future workshop, retreat or private healing session.
have Other questions you don't see here?
I'm here for ya! Email monica@soulbare.com