Lake Atitlan, GUATEMALA
with Karlie Lemos and Dana Makover
June 15-22, 2019
$300 off to the next 2 registrants!
Join Karlie Lemos and Dana Makover on a sacred pilgrimage to the distant Mayan stronghold of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Nestled in a landlocked bay on the north shore of beautiful of the lake, our retreat center is located on 18 acres in the traditional homeland of the indigenous Maya. In this private setting, you will discover a deeply healing environment, an open-air yoga studio, and pristine waters surrounded by majestic landscapes including three spectacular volcanoes. This area is known to locals as “the belly button of the Earth,” and it is in this serene natural setting where yoga can do its best work, 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
- Diving
- Zip-lining
- Waterskiing
- Boat rides around Lake Atitlan
- Birdwatching
- Hiking the San Pedro Volcano
- Climbing El Pico del Cielo
- 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. Some of you may choose to arrive in Guatemala City one day early for morning pick up on Saturday, if so, we recommend Hotel Barcelo. (They offer a free airport shuttle and Villa Sumaya will pick you up from here) 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.
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.
Teachers
Karlie Lemos
Karlie Lemos, E-RYT-500, discovered her yoga practice in 1998. In 2005 she completed her 200 hour Hatha teacher training through the lens of Iyengar Yoga. Karlie went on to complete her 500 hour certification under the guidance of Christina Sell, after years spent immersed in Anusara Yoga. Karlie also draws from her background in Ashtanga Vinysasa, Yin and Restorative yoga.
She is known for her skill in sequencing asana and offering safe, well-rounded and grounded practices; as well as being able to meet all students from yoga beginners to seasoned practitioners where they’re at.
She is inspired by the deep well of yoga philosophy and threads these perspectives into her asana classes from a light-hearted and playful perspective. She offers a space for students to use their body as a vehicle for growth, healing, discovery and empowerment.
Dana Makover
Dana discovered yoga through a voice teacher who incorporated yoga asana into the art of singing when she was only fifteen years old. Having already suffered from a number of eating disorders and severe anxiety and depression, yoga and singing together created a safe space where being in her body didn’t seem so bad. Having spent her childhood travelling between Israel and Texas, “home” was a loosely defined word. Yoga became a major building block in the long process of making her body into her home.
Dana considers travel a necessary tool for opening her mind and heart. The process of purposely placing oneself in a strange environment surrounded by different sounds, cultures, languages and foods creates more flexibility in the mind than any yoga asana ever could. Through experiencing others in their environments, we learn to better understand ourselves. Travel can truly be a journey to the self through others, a beautifully human way to connect. [Read more about Dana]
Accommodations
MAYA ROSE ROOMS AND BUNGALOWS
MAYA ROSE ROOMS include lovely lake view patios and are conveniently located near the courtyard, dining room, gardens and boutique.
Double Occupancy: $1995 per person
Special: $1695 to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
Single Occupancy: $2595
Special: $2295 to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
BUNGALOWS – we have 3 sweet and unique bungalows with Queen beds higher on the property. They have great views, and privacy but are a bit of a walk uphill.
Bungalow 9 is our comfy thatched-roof lookout room with an expansive vista and rustic charm. Featuring one queen bed and a spacious bathroom built imaginatively into the hillside.
Bungalow 10 is an intimate accommodation showcasing a vaulted roof, antique wooden headboard, one queen bed, romantic seating area and a 100-year-old Chipilean tree in its sizable bathroom. RESERVED
Bungalow 20 the “Writers’ Roost” is located a 5-10 minute hike (up 100+ stairs) above the courtyard; perched on the top corner of the Villa Sumaya property. It has a queen bed, outstanding view and cozy patio.
Double Occupancy: $1995 per person
Special: $1695 to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
Single Occupancy: $2595
Special: $2295 to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
* once your deposit is received, we will contact you and confirm your room number *
PETITE and PREMIUM GINGER SUITES
PETITE GINGER SUITES have Queen beds and great views. They are set a little higher on the property, so require a walk uphill, but they all have great views! Great for single occupancy.
Petite Ginger Suite 8 is nestled in the trees and features a queen bed, separate twin bed in sitting room, large outdoor space, hammock and exceptional views from your large patio.
Petite Ginger Suite 18 features a queen bed, marble stylized bathroom, candlelit patio with panoramic views and charming window seat.
Double Occupancy: $2095 per person
Special: $1795 to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
Single Occupancy: $2695
Special: $2395to the next 2 registrants (save $300)
PREMIUM GINGER SUITES – These newest and largest rooms on property with premium views and space. They are higher on the property and require a walk uphill to get to the spectacular views.
Suite 17 has a queen bed, fold out couch, modern bathroom, fireplace, table and chairs, large patio with seating and hammock, panoramic views of the lake.
Suite 21 Located at the top of our property, is the crown jewel and features a queen-sized bed with an antique carved headboard, fireplace, loveseat a glorious 180-degree panoramic view of the lake, a cozy bathroom and wraparound patio includes seating for 3 and a hammock overlooking the exquisite gardens.
Double Occupancy: $2295 per person
Special: $1995to the first 5 registrants (save $300)
Single Occupancy: $2895
Special: $2595to the first 5 registrants (save $300)
* once your deposit is received, we will contact you and confirm your room number *
Your week includes: 7 nights accommodations, yoga classes withKarlie and Dana, 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 $30-$50 each way), as well as any gratuities you’d like to offer to the retreat center staff (suggested is $35-$60), 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 ($495) before January 15, 2019. No refunds afterJanuary 15, 2019. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify One Yoga Global 21+ days in advance. 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 February 2019, unless other arrangements are made.
We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like 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 in case you need to cancel your trip and/or flights AND for travel / Medical insurance. Travel Guard is one provider of this insurance. Please note that travel insurance may need to be purchased within a limited window of reserving your trip or purchasing airline tickets. Please click for details.