LAKE ATITLAN
Guatemala Retreat
with Paradise Taylor
February 20-26, 2027
Join Dr. Betsy Rippentrop for a sacred pilgrimage to a magical, Mayan retreat center on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala where you’ll be soothed by the tranquility of the water, held by the strength of the volcano, enticed by the sweetness of the flowers, and awakened by the wildness of the jungle.
On the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, we will spend a work in this powerful vortex working with energy medicine and the chakra system. Each day we will spend time exploring a chakra, its psychological and spiritual properties, and the practices that support balancing and healing it. You will walk away from this week with deep insights about your unique energy make-up and the tools you most need to find balance.
Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America (formed 85,000 years ago, is called the Belly Button of the Earth. Here you can step back from the routines of life and retreat into the care of mother nature. Connecting with the healing power of earth, water, fire and air, we’ll open to the nourishing practices of yoga, meditation, rest and play, grounding your body and uplifting your spirits.
Vacation Details
The 5,000 foot altitude of Lake Atitlan and its proximity to the equator offers a semi-tropical paradise often referred to as “the land of eternal spring.” The deep caldera walls of the lake form a powerful inverse vortex to the volcanic mountains and ridges above, creating powerful energies and striking natural beauty in this play of opposites. During your week, you’ll receive daily yoga classes and workshops, healing foods, and sacred Mayan ceremonies. There is plenty of time built in to rest, receive spa services, explore, play, and adventure!
On and Around Lake Atitlan, many options and extras are available including swimming, kayaking, boat rides around Lake Atitlan, birdwatching, hiking the San Pedro Volcano, a shopping excursion to Panajachel, guided village tours to Santiago, San Juan, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, and the Chichicastenango Market.
The opportunity to recharge in a natural setting such as this is a true gift from mother earth herself. Let the practice of yoga reflect the vision of your best self in this land of serene mountains and dancing waters.
Travel, Additional Information & FAQ’s
Villa Sumaya is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan near the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna.
Please plan your flights to arrive in and depart from Guatemala City. We will collect your flight details and group you together to share private shuttles to Panajachel. From Panajachel, you will take a short boat ride to the Villa Sumaya Dock. The shuttle and boat ride will be booked for us by Villa Sumaya. Please budget $50 each way for this service. (This may be less or slightly more depending on how many share your shuttle bus).
For ease of travel, please arrive as early as possible on day 1 for airport pick up and transfer to Villa Sumaya. On the last day, the retreat ends with breakfast on the last day. Afternoon flight departures are preferred, although any time can be accommodated. Please note that you will need to leave Villa Sumaya approximately 5 hours before your scheduled flight departure.
For flight patterns that arrive after 2pm on Day or or depart before 10am on the last day, many participants simply add a night in Guatemala city for ease of travel. (So adding Friday night on the front end or Saturday night on the back end) For this, we recommend Hotel Barcelo. (They offer a free airport shuttle and we can arrange a pick up / drop off from here)
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Guatemala. Visitors from the USA, Canada, and most European countries do not need visas. You will automatically receive a 90-day tourist visa upon entry.
What to bring:
Clothing
A hat for sun and for chilly nights (we will be at high altitudes of close to 5,000 feet)
A bathing suit, and a cover-up or sarong
Sunglasses
A windbreaker or raincoat
Layers for cool mornings and evenings
Warm weather clothing for sun protection
A shawl, sweatshirt, poncho or fleece (one warm thing for cold mornings and evenings)
Sunscreen and lip balm
A flashlight (we sell eco-flashlights in our store)
Insect repellent
Walking shoes or sport sandals
Health
Homeopathic remedies
Nutribiotic (grapefruit seed extract) tablets–these come highly recommended and can help bad travelers’ stomachs
Vitamins/energy drinks
Dramamine (for car sickness) for the winding roads to Panajachel
Any prescriptions
Eyeglasses
Feminine hygiene products
Food and other comforts
Decaf coffee, decaf black tea, or other special teas if desired–there is no decaf coffee in Guatemala
Clocks and hair dryers
Laptops–wireless is available in most of our center for a daily or weekly fee. Limited uploading and downloading permitted.
Any other items that will make you feel at home such as iPad, headphones
A snack for airplane and shuttle ride to hotel (3 hours)
Books and magazines (the center loves donations for the guest library)
A current passport, airplane tickets, and other form of ID (bringing a photocopy of these is recommended)
Personal checks, cash, or travelers checks to pay for incidentals and spa treatments are preferred. Credit cards have an 8% fee.
Additional Frequently asked Questions and Answers
Does Villa Sumaya accommodate special diets?
Yes! Our center does accommodate most special dietary restrictions like allergies, vegan and non-gluten diets. We serve wholesome, fresh, meals that are simple and delicious. If you are concerned you can bring some alternative snacks to supplement your meals.
Is the water safe to drink?
You must drink bottled water. At our center we provide unlimited filtered water. Bring your water bottle or buy a Villa Sumaya one. We do not sell bottled water (plastic bottles).
Will there be enough protein?
Most meals have a protein source (eggs, beans, cheese, nuts, etc.). If you are on a high protein diet, please let us know in advance. It may be a good idea to bring a protein bar per day. You can also order chicken or fish as a supplement for buffet meals ($7 per portion). We do have meat options on our cafe menu when retreats are not in session.
Should I bring my own snacks?
The meals are abundant and well balanced. If you have extreme allergies or strict dietary needs, you may want to bring some supplemental foods. We also have a raw fruit and veggie juice bar, with exotic smoothies, raw caco and granola treats, chocolates, kombucha and other delights for in between meals.
What drinks do you serve?
We have beer, wine, tequila, and rum cocktails. Healthy smoothies, kombucha and fresh juices and sodas are also available.
All of personal and group packages have 24/7 access to teas and coffee as a complimentary service.
Is there laundry service?
Yes, we do have laundry service for $3 per pound. Please allow a 24 hours turn around for the laundry service.
Communications….. Internet and Phone?
We do have 2 computers with complimentary internet service for quick email check-ins. If you’d like to have internet service on your own device we charge $3.00 a day or $20.00 for the week. Calls to the U.S. are $1.50 per minute.
Do I need to bring my yoga mat or props?
We have mats, blankets, blocks, straps, eye pillows, and some folding chairs. In most cases, you are all set. But if you want to bring your owns props, that is fine. We appreciate any mat donations.
What type of electricity do you have?
Same as the United States. No adapters necessary.
Do I need to bring shampoo, lotion, hair dryer, and a towel?
We provide soap, shampoo and conditioner. Please bring your own lotion and hair dryers. There are towels in the room for bathing and beach towels to use in the spa area at reception.
Is there a pool, sauna or hot tub?
Lake Atitlan has been rising the past 5 years and our pool is sometimes under water. We have a beautiful dock space with lounge chairs and guests are often found sunning on the lake and swimming off our dock.
We have a beautiful spa area with natural stone solar heated hot tub and a wood fire sauna. The hot tub is available sun permitting and is complimentary. The sauna must be ordered in advanced and is $30 for a 1.5 hour sweat.
Can someone with mobility issues get around?
If you have slight mobility issues, we can most likely accommodate you. Getting off boats and onto docks, walking on stone paths and stairs can be super challenging to impossible for those with moderate or severe issues.
Paradise Taylor
Paradise’s love of dance, fitness, and movement brought her to her yoga mat over 20 years ago. It didn’t take long for her to discover that Yoga was her true passion as it provides an endless journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and a sense of balance and calm throughout her life. After years of reaping the benefits of yoga personally Paradise felt the desire to give back and to share yoga with others through teaching. She has since become a certified 500-hour Yoga instructor and has held space at multiple studios in Austin (Sukha yoga, Balance Dance, Yoga Yoga, etc.). She has certification and experience teaching Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Yin yoga, as well as yoga for body positivity. Additionally, she has led/is leading multiple international yoga retreats.
Paradise combines energetic forms of yoga such as Flow and Vinyasa with quieter practices of Yin and Restorative, for a well-rounded class. In whatever style she is teaching she brings a warm, welcoming aura that empowers her students to grow in the practice by fostering a challenging and nurturing environment. She encourages playfulness, honesty, and enjoyment as each student explores and creates their individual practice and experience. Paradise believes passionately in yoga’s ability to unite oneself and those around you in a positive environment of personal growth. http://paradiseyogatx.com/
MAYA ROSE ROOMS & BUNGALOWS
MAYA ROSE ROOMS include lovely lake view patios and are conveniently located near the courtyard, dining room, gardens and boutique. Each has 1 or 2 beds, private bath and an outdoor seating area. These are best if someone has any mobility issues.
Double Occupancy $2695 per person
Single Occupancy: $3195
BUNGALOWS are set higher on the property with lovely views, Bungalows have 1 Queen bed and are great for couples or single travelers.
Double Occupancy $2695 per person
Single Occupancy: $3195
PETITE and PREMIUM GINGER SUITES
PETITE SUITES are cosy unique rooms higher on the property patios and beautiful views.
and largest rooms on property with premium views and space. They are higher on the property and some require a walk uphill to get to the spectacular views.
Suite #8 – Queen bed
Suite #18- Queen bed
Double Occupancy: $2795 per person
Single Occupancy: $3295
PREMIUM GINGER SUITES
These largest rooms on property have premium views and space. They are higher on the property and some require a significant walk uphill to get to the spectacular views.
Suite #17 – Queen plus twin bed – available for double occupancy
Suite #19 – King bed – available for single or double occupancy
Suite #22 – King bed – available for single or double occupancy
Suite #23 – King bed or 2 twins – available for double occupancy
Double Occupancy: $2895 per person
Single Occupancy: $3495
Your week includes: 6 nights accommodations, daily yoga classes anbd workshops with Paradise, 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day, a special shamanic blessing ceremony and a sacred cacao ceremony.
Not included: Airfare to Guatemala, airport shuttle, and short boat ride (we will help organize, please budget $35-$70 each way), as well as any gratuities you’d like to offer to the retreat center staff (suggested is $70-$100), spa services, and additional excursions.
Optional excursions include: Local village tours, kayak excursion with a hike, a volcano climb, a zip line tour, a day trip to San Juan, and more.
Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before November 1, 2026. No refunds after November 1, 2026. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
If you place a deposit, the balance due will be set to charge in equal installments starting the month after deposit through Nov 2026, unless other arrangements are made.
We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like TRAWICK INTERNATIONAL & TRAVEL GUARD offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), coverages for expenses incurred due to to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical. Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.
We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Travel Guard and Trawick International are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.
We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Trawick International and Travel Guard are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.
