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, indigienous homes, healing centers, 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:

• 8 days / 7 nights at the serene, luxurious lakefront eco retreat center, Villa Sumaya

• Locally-sourced Gourmet Vegetarian Meals.
ALL meals are included from Dinner on 1/11 through Breakfast on 1/18 - except (1) Lunch and (1) Breakfast, on days that we’re exploring local villages.

• Healing Therapeutic Massage and Reiki

• Mayan Astrological Fire Ceremony + Blessing

• Temescal Herbal Rebirthing Ceremony

• Surprise Cultural Activities #1 + #2. Details pending but trust - you’re going to LOVE it.

• PLENTY of down time to laze in a hammock, 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. Each workshop was an amazing unexpected experience… 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.”

VILLA SUMAYA

ACCOMODATIONS

Wisdom of the Elements is purposefully a very intimate retreat…
only 4 spaces left!!! 

Pricing below is ALL INCLUSIVE of almost every activity, ceremony, meal, excursion, and included goodie you see listed above (with the exception of TWO meals when we are out exploring local villages). It 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 for booking the easiest, fastest, or most adventurous route. Just ask!

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

A $1000 deposit is required to reserve your space.

Click the BOOK NOW button below to submit your deposit via PayPal.

In the “What’s This For?” comment box, please include the name of the room type you’d like to reserve. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.

50% of the balance is due on or before Oct 31.
Exact amount based on your room choice - see pricing below.
The remaining 50% of the balance is due on or before Nov 30.

Discount available for those paying in full and/or via Venmo.
Just ask if interested :)

Maya Rose Studios
Double Accommodation

CHARMING LAKEFRONT ROOMS WITH 2 TWIN BEDS, ANTIQUE CRAFTED FURNITURE, EN SUITE BATH, PRIVATE OUTDOOR PATIO WITH SPACIOUS SEATING AND BEAUTIFUL VOLCANIC VIEWS

two SPACES left

EARY BIRD - $3488 per person {Apr 1 - Jul 31}
STANDARD PRICING - $3988 per person {Aug 1 - Nov 30}

Maya Rose Studios
Private Accommodation

CHARMING LAKEFRONT ROOMS WITH 1 queen BED, ANTIQUE CRAFTED FURNITURE, private en suite BATH, PRIVATE OUTDOOR PATIO WITH SPACIOUS SEATING AND BEAUTIFUL VOLCANIC VIEWS

one SPACE LEFT

EARLY BIRD - $4488 {Apr 1 - Jul 31}
STANDARD PRICING - $4988 {Aug 1 - Nov 30}

Skyline Bungalow
Private Accommodation

brick and thatched-roof huT Surrounded by lush vegetation, queen bed, large private river rock bathroom, indoor/outdoor living with stunning panoramic volcano views

ONE SPACE LEFT

EARLY BIRD - $4488 {Apr 1 - Jul 31}
STANDARD PRICING - $4988 {Aug 1 - Nov 30}

Ginger Suites
Luxury Double Accommodation

SWEEPING PRIVATE VILLA, elegant rooftop lounge, QUEEN BED, QUEEN FUTON, PRIVATE BATH, CUSTOM ANTIQUE WOODWORK, LARGE PATIO WITH COLORFUL SEATING AND DRAMATIC LAKE/VOLCANO VIEWS

SOLD OUT

EARLY BIRD - $3988 {Apr 1 - Jul 31}
STANDARD PRICING - $4488 {Aug 1 - Nov 30}

FAQS and
NEED-TO-KNOW DETAILS

When does the retreat begin and end?

Check-in begins at 3:00pm CST on Saturday, January 11, 2025

I HIGHLY recommend that you plan to fly into Guatemala at least day early on January 10. Travel in Guatemala can be unpredictable and take longer than expected. You can stop over in Antigua - a super cool colonial town! - to explore along your way to Lake Atitlan. You’ll want to leave on the midday shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.

The retreat ends at on Saturday, January 18, 2025
We’ll enjoy our final movement class and one last breakfast together.
Lodge check out is 11:00am.

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 will drop you off right at the dock in Panajachel. Your final leg of the journey is to take a 10 minute Lancha ride (motorized lake boat) to the Lodge.

Tell the Lancha driver that you are going to Villa Sumaya- 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 Villa Sumaya. 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 Center!

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 travelers (myself included!) 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 are Meson de Maria and El Hostal.

What's the money situation?

The local Guatemalan currency is Quetzales (symbol Q or q).
Current conversion rate is $1 = 7.6Q
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. 

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. Plan to dress in LOTS OF LAYERS. The Lake can be very chilly before sunrise and after sunset, but very sunny and warm during the day.
-- Large Refillable Water Bottle. Purified water provided at Villa Sumaya - 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 mountain. Don't worry -- it’s moderate, we will go slow and I promise our destination will be VERY worth it! The altitude is quite high at the Lake - 5,000 feet. So will we pace ourselves accordingly. 
-- Headlamp
-- Small daypack or other "hands free" type of bag for our day excursions.
-- Bathing Suit. You'll have lots of time to swim and enjoy the healing waters of mama Atitlan.
-- Lightweight waterproof 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
-- Any extras that make you feel warm and fuzzy
-- An open heart <3

Bedding, towel, yoga mats, props 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 high 70s during the day and low 50s 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 PAYMENT/cancellation policy?

A $1000 deposit is required to reserve your space.

50% of the balance is due on or before August 31.
The remaining 50% of the balance is due on or before Nov 30.

$150 discount is offered for those paying in full and/or via Venmo.

Cancellations made on or before Aug 31 may receive a refund of 50% of total amount paid (minus $300 admin fee).

Cancellations made Sept 1 or after are ineligible for a cash refund. However your total amount paid (minus $300 admin fee) 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