Psyche, Soma, and Spirit Renewal
A Yoga and Cultural Retreat in the Heart of Guatemala
with Machelle Lee

Thursday, February 26th - Saturday, March 7th 2026

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. The embedded links in the text below are only to show you the beautiful spaces we will be staying.
Follow “Book Your Reservation” links to register.

Machelle Lee and her husband, Eric, invite you to join them for a transformative journey in the spiritually rich highlands of Guatemala—often called “the land of eternal spring.” Step beyond the studio and deepen your connection to yourself, community, and the beauty of the world through daily rejuvenating yoga, garden-to-table cuisine, meaningful rituals, and immersive cultural experiences. Surrounded by natural beauty, this unique retreat offers space to restore, explore, and remember for a lifetime.

Your 10-day, 9-night adventure begins Thursday, February 26th, with two nights in the historic city of Antigua—Guatemala’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first two nights, we will stay at the elegant El Convento Boutique Hotel and explore Antigua’s cobblestone streets, where preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, colonial churches, and ancient ruins tell stories of the past. Enjoy the freedom to wander, savor incredible cuisine, browse vibrant open-air markets, and people-watch in the lively Parque Central.

On Saturday, February 28th, we’ll journey by private shuttle through the mountains to the magnificent Lake Atitlan—one of the most stunning natural wonders in Central America. Surrounded by the majestic volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, this vast crater lake, formed over 84,000 years ago, stretches more than 11 miles and plunges over 1,000 feet deep.

We’ll arrive in the lively lakeside town of Panajachel, where Eric lived for several years and Machelle has visited many times. From “Pana,” we’ll take a scenic 10–15 minute lancha (boat) ride across the lake to our retreat destination, Villa Sumaya, nestled near the village of Santa Cruz La Laguna. Here, you’ll settle in for seven restful nights—time to truly calm your nervous system and renew your body, mind, and spirit.

Tucked into the mountainside along the shores of Lake Atitlán, Villa Sumaya offers an ideal sanctuary—whether you're seeking quiet introspection, meaningful community, or outdoor adventure.
Wander into nearby towns, relax by the water, or simply soak in the stillness of this peaceful retreat center.

The weather in both Antigua and at the lake is generally mild and comfortable. We will be there during the dry season, so little or no rain is expected — though a few light showers are possible. Mornings and evenings are cool—perfect for a sweater—while daytime temperatures typically range from 70–80°F with low humidity. At 5,000 feet elevation and under mostly sunny skies, 75°F can feel surprisingly warm—ideal for sundresses, shorts, and even swimming or paddling in the lake. Temperatures can drop into the upper 50’s overnight.

The Lake Atitlán region is home to vibrant Indigenous Maya communities with deep cultural roots and enduring traditions.
Kaqchikel communities have lived along the lake’s northern shores for centuries, while the Tz’utujil people have settled primarily in the south. Across the villages, you’ll encounter Maya locals wearing traje típico—traditional clothing unique to each community. With over 800 distinct styles of Indigenous dress across Guatemala, the textiles offer a rich visual tapestry of cultural identity.

Many of the lake’s towns are now a dynamic crossroads of cultures—Indigenous, Ladino, and expatriate—each contributing to the region’s remarkable spirit and diversity.

At Villa Sumaya, Machelle will guide 1–2 daily yoga sessions in the Tiger Temple—a serene, open air studio with stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. Classes will include a nourishing mix of Yin Yoga, Gentle Joint Care, Slow Flow, and Yoga Nidra. You'll enjoy three delicious vegetarian buffets each day, with ample vegan and gluten-free options available for every meal.

Some days will feature optional rituals, ceremonies, or group outings and activities. There is also ample free time which allows you to shape the retreat to your own desires—whether that means deep rest, quiet reflection, or exploration. On-site wellness offerings include massage, energy work, astrology readings, acupuncture and sound healing and more. Each day also brings the opportunity to swim, hike, kayak, or explore the vibrant villages and diverse ecosystems surrounding the lake. The warm and attentive Villa Sumaya staff, along with Machelle and Eric, will support you in creating a retreat that is personally meaningful and deeply restorative.

However your chose to spend your day, most evenings will offer up an incredible sunset 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:

ACCOMMODATIONS

• 2 nights at El Convento Boutique Hotel (Thursday, February 26th - Saturday, February 28th)

• 7 nights at Villa Sumaya on Lake Atitlan (Saturday, February 28th - Saturday, March 7th)

  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

Machelle and Eric will personally meet the group at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) on Thursday, February 26th, the official arrival day (unless you choose to arrive earlier). We will give you each 100 Quetzals (about $13) when you get off the plane to buy yourself a snack/coffee/tea. A private group shuttle will transport us from the airport to El Convento Boutique Hotel in Antigua.

➡️ IMPORTANT: Please choose a flight that arrives at GUA airport before/at 1:00 PM on the 26th. Machelle and Eric plan to arrive at the airport by 11:00am to begin greeting people as they come out of baggage claim. If you are scheduled to arrive after 1pm, you may have to arrange your own shuttle transport to Antigua.
Flight recommendations will be provided to all registrants.

Included Group Transportation:

• February 26th: Private shuttle from La Aurora Airport (GUA) to Antigua

• February 28th: Private shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel at Lake Atitlán

• February 28th and March 7th: Private boat (lancha) transfers between Panajachel and Villa Sumaya

• March 7th: Private shuttle from Panajachel to La Aurora Airport (GUA) for departure

➡️ IMPORTANT: Schedule your departing flight from GUA for 2:00 PM or later on Saturday, March 7th. We will already have a very early morning departure from Villa Sumaya. Any flights before 2pm are too early to make it in time since we have to travel from Villa Sumaya to the Airport that morning and it is a 5+ hour commute by boat and shuttle!

Important Note:
To use our private group transportation, your flights must align with the arrival and departure windows listed above. While we will make every effort to accommodate reasonable delays, participants arriving outside the suggested windows may be responsible for their own transportation. If you plan to arrive earlier or stay later, we’re happy to recommend shuttle services and hotel options to suit your travel plans.

MEALS INCLUDED

• Breakfast at El Convento Boutique Hotel in Antigua on the mornings Feb. 27th and 28th

• Three delicious and abundant buffet-style vegetarian meals each day at Villa Sumaya. Ample Vegan and gluten-free options are available at every meal. Chicken or fish can be added to a meal for an 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, boat drivers, and for the cleaning/cooking staff at the retreat center. If you wish to tip housekeeping at El Convento Boutique Hotel or offer an additional gratuity to any individual staff member at Villa Sumaya, 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 (mediocre) bolsters for you to use. Feel free to bring any of your own props, if you wish.

• We have reserved the 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.

Not Included in the Retreat Package

The following expenses are not included and should be arranged and purchased independently:

• Round-trip airfare to Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport – GUA)
  Plan to arrive by 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 26th, and depart at 2:00 PM or later on Saturday, March 7th to align with our group shuttle service.
  Flights outside this window may require you to arrange your own airport transportation.
  We’ll send flight recommendations upon registration. If you’d like to arrive early or extend your stay, we’re happy to suggest hotels and shuttle options.

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Lunches/Dinners in Antigua February 26th and 27th are not included.
  You’ll have the option to join Machelle, Eric, and fellow retreat participants for group dinners at two specially selected local restaurants.

• Tips Outside of the Retreat Center

  • For breakfast staff at El Convento Boutique Hotel (breakfast itself is included)

  • For spa and healing practitioners at Villa Sumaya

• Optional add-ons

  • Extra excursions or guided tours

  • Spa treatments (massage, energy work, astrology, etc.)

  • Additional ceremonies and services offered at Villa Sumaya

Other Retreat 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 El Convento 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 some of 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. 

Package Price

Your estimated overall costs for the retreat will include the following:

The Retreat Packages range from $3550 to $4390 and include 2 nights at El Convento in Antigua (including breakfasts), 7 nights at Villa Sumaya (including all meals), ground/water transportation, yoga classes, a Cacao ceremony, and basic 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 El Convento and Villa Sumaya, so you will reserve your rooms directly with us. Do not reach out to Villa Sumaya or El Convento to book your stay.

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 info@rootsandriveryoga.com with any questions.

We hope you’ll join us for a magical time!