Yoga & Cultural Heritage Retreat in Guatemala
A Yoga & Cultural Heritage Retreat in Guatemala
February 6–13, 2027
on the shores of Lake Atitlan
Join Us for a 8 Days of Exploration
With Heather Haxo Phillips
at Villa Sumaya
This retreat is for Iyengar Yoga practitioners ready for renewal and a fresh perspective – through yoga practice, meaningful connection, and immersion in the beauty and culture of Lake Atitlán.
Retreat Highlights:
Retreat Highlights:- Enjoy daily Iyengar Yoga practice: Practice with Heather in a private space overlooking the sacred lake. Sessions are designed to support your personal growth.
- Explore Villa Sumaya and all that Lake Atitlán has to offer: Spend 8 days / 7 nights in the Guatemalan highlands, surrounded by lake views, volcanic landscape, and time to explore the villages around the lake.
- Nourish yourself: Connect over the sunrise beverages while enjoying three organic vegetarian meals each day. You will experience how impactful a week of nourishing food, deep rest and community support can be.
- Relax deeply: Enjoy your time in the solar hot tub, lakeside massage, quiet rest, and a slower rhythm of life on retreat.
- Experience cultural traditions: Learn the stories of the ancient textiles, participate in a sacred Fire Ceremony, and engage with the region’s culture.
A very unique offering, this retreat is for experienced Iyengar Yoga students with a sense of adventure and desire for personal growth. You can expect transformative practice sessions, meaningful connection, and time for self-discovery in the beauty and culture of Lake Atitlán.
This is Your Opportunity:
Step out of daily life
Make space for self-reflection and discovery
Get a fresh perspective
See What Awaits You:
It gave room from introspection and time in nature. I liked connecting with the community of like minded folks and getting to be in appreciation of the beautiful people, culture and how alive the land is.
~Preethi Aylard
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
Join us if you are looking for:
- Renewal, reflection, and a fresh perspective
- Daily Iyengar Yoga practice in a focused retreat setting
- Meaningful connection with fellow students and travelers
- Time to reconnect with yourself through practice, community, and place
- Support during a season of stress, grief, change, or life transition
- A deeper experience of yoga, culture, and spiritual connection
- An opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Lake Atitlán with presence and respect
Because this is an active retreat setting, students must feel comfortable with uneven terrain, hills, steep stairs, and getting on and off boats.
This retreat is best suited for people who have at least one year of experience studying consistently in Continuing Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced classes with a CIYT. You ought to be well-steeped in the standing poses and inversions like Sirsasana and Sarvangasana. We will build progressively toward intermediate and even some advanced poses including inversions, arm balances and back extensions.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR & TRIP LEADER
Heather Haxo Phillips (she/her) is a Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher and the Director of Adeline Yoga. She is a Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher, and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor.
Certified at Level 3, Heather mentors aspiring teachers and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers, and has served as a mentor, assessor, and member of the IYNAUS Assessment Committee. Her teaching is rooted in yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, chant, and steady Iyengar Yoga practice.
Heather has traveled widely, especially to places off the beaten path, and is known for her well-organized retreats. This will be her sixth trip to Villa Sumaya.
What’s Included in Your Retreat Experience
This retreat brings together daily Iyengar Yoga practice, shared meals, cultural experiences, and time for rest and reflection at Villa Sumaya on Lake Atitlán.
- Daily Iyengar Yoga practice with Heather, including morning asana classes and afternoon sessions shaped around student interests, with restorative asana included
- A focused retreat setting with time to step out of daily life, reconnect with practice, and make space for reflection
- Homemade meals at Villa Sumaya, with abundant buffet-style meals prepared from local ingredients, often from the Villa Sumaya gardens
- Tea, coffee, snacks, and other beverages available throughout the day and evening
- Dietary accommodations, including support for allergies, vegan, and non-gluten diets
- Cultural experiences around Lake Atitlán, including time to explore nearby villages, food markets, textiles, chocolate, coffee, and local traditions
- Ceremonies and reflective study, including Mayan and yoga-related experiences that support presence, self-discovery, and connection
- A traditional Mayan Fire Ceremony led by a local shaman on the final day of the retreat
- Time in community, with shared meals, conversation, practice, and space to connect with fellow students
- Time for rest and renewal, whether you spend quiet time by the lake, read, journal, or simply take in the beauty of the retreat setting
“The views of the Volcanos along Lake Atitlan were breathtaking and provided me with a deep sense of calm to start and end the day with. The in-person pranayama and progression of sequencing in asana everyday was playful, restorative, inspiring and rejuvenating. Having such a fun group to practice with, chat with over meals about life, and go out on excursions, reminded me how necessary community is to healing and growing. “
Our Schedule
Each day will have its own rhythm, with time for Iyengar Yoga practice, shared meals, rest, cultural experiences and exploration. The week is designed to give students a balance of structure and spaciousness.
- Arrival day: Check in begins at 3:00 pm, followed by asana practice, dinner, and a welcome ceremony.
- Morning rhythm: Most days begin with contemplative practice, a light breakfast or morning swim, and a longer morning asana class.
- Midday: Lunch is followed by free time for rest, reflection, reading, or exploring the around the Lake.
- Afternoon practice: Some of our afternoons will include restorative asana and practices shaped around student interests.
- Evenings: Dinner is shared together, with some evenings including philosophy discussion, cultural experiences, or special activities.
- Possible afternoon activities: Students may choose to receive a Mayan horoscope reading, experience the temazcal, book bodywork or spa treatments, kayak, hike to San Marcos, visit Chichi Market, or enjoy quiet time in a hammock.
- Final day: The retreat closes with a final class, breakfast, check-out, and departure. Return flights should be scheduled for 2:30 pm or later to allow enough time to travel from Lake Atitlán to the airport.
Villa Sumaya Accommodations, Meals & Amenities
Villa Sumaya is a secluded lakefront retreat center on Lake Atitlán in the rural highlands. We are surrounded by lush forests and volcanic views. During the retreat, you’ll have space to rest, reflect, enjoy nourishing meals, and settle into the slower rhythm of the week.
- Lakefront retreat setting: Villa Sumaya is located in a quiet lakeside cove with views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes.
- Warm, inviting rooms: Each room includes private bathrooms and outdoor seating areas just for you! You can expect lake views, orthopedic beds, and quality linens. The private space are gorgeous!
- Homemade meals: Meals are served buffet-style and freshly prepared in the Villa Sumaya kitchen, often with local ingredients from the retreat center’s gardens.
- Dietary accommodations: Villa Sumaya can accommodate most special dietary needs, including allergies, vegan, and non-gluten diets. Chicken or fish options can be arranged.
- Creature comforts: Snacks, tea, coffee, and other beverages are available throughout the day and evening. We love the special smoothies and energy balls at Villa Sumaya.
- Harmony Spa: Onsite bodywork and healing services are abundant, including Swedish, Ayurvedic, Thai massage and energy work. These offerings are a highlight of the trip for many people.
- Hot tubs and sauna: Villa Sumaya offers a complimentary solar-heated stone hot tub, a lakeside fire-heated hot tub, and a wood-burning traditional sauna. Some amenities are reserved for an additional fee.
- Wi-Fi and unplugging: Villa Sumaya offers complimentary Wi-Fi. And a setting that supports rest, reflection, and time away from the devices.
- Concierge support: Villa Sumaya’s concierge team will help organize transportation, spa services, and cultural outings.
- Community connection: Villa Sumaya has a major initiative to feed hungry mothers, which includes fathers too and medical care like eye surgery. Adeline Yoga provides financial support for this important work – and you can too. Villa Sumaya also works closely with Amigos de Santa Cruz, a local nonprofit supporting the Indigenous people of Santa Cruz. We will provide information for those wish to bring donations.
“Villa Sumaya team is next level – all of the services offered, and the exquisite meals, knowledge and support. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped off the boat to our departure. I loved the ease and trust with which the retreat center operated—adding things to the bill/tab over the course of the week as to reduce any monetary transactions. It felt so right. Learning about the local villages, and Mayan weaving collectives, and Mayan cosmovisions, and Mayan Sacred Fire Ceremony was incredibly special. I’ll marinate in those lessons and spiritual guidance for a long time.”
~ Sara Jo Neubauer
Pricing, Deposit & Payment Options
Early Bird Rates Available for a Limited Time—Register Now
Retreat Rates—Early Bird
$2695 Double Occupancy
-or-
$2995 for Single Occupancy
$2495 Triple Occupancy
$2195 for participants not doing yoga
Reserve Your Spot Today!
You can pay a deposit, pay in full, or design a payment plan that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Reserve your room with a $500 deposit. You can also pay in full or request a payment plan that works for you. We recommend you sign up early. Space is definitely limited. And, each room is unique! We assign rooms to the first people to register – deliberately pairing you with the room best suited to your interests.
What is included in the price?
The retreat includes accommodations, three vegetarian meals daily, all yoga sessions, special programs including a group fire ceremony led by a local shaman, internet, unlimited tea/coffee/water, use of the Villa Sumaya grounds, the solar-heated hot tub, and taxes.
What is not included in the price?
Airfare, airport shuttle, boat rides, spa services, the lakeside hot tub and additional ceremonies are not included. Meat or fish can be added to your meals for a small additional price. Specialty drinks, staff tips, shopping, and additional activities around Lake Atitlán are also not included.
What is the cancellation policy?
When we receive your deposit, we reserve your room. Your $500 deposit will not be refundable.
Cancellations received before October 1 are entitled to a full refund minus the $500 deposit. Cancellations received by Nov 30 are entitled to a 50% refund minus the $500 deposit. Cancellations received after December 1 will not receive a refund. Due to arrangements made with our hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
Please make sure you have insurance coverage that can help you if you need to cancel close to your departure date.
Can I bring a friend or loved one?
Yes! There is a no-yoga option for participants who want to enjoy Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlán, and the surrounding area without joining the yoga classes.
What about special dietary needs?
Villa Sumaya provide gluten-free and vegan options at every meal. They can also accommodate some food allergies. As the retreat gets closer, we will ask for details about your specific dietary needs.
Do I need to bring yoga props or books?
Villa Sumaya has basic yoga props for group use. A copy of the Yoga Sutras may be helpful.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is highly recommended in case you need to cancel your trip or need support with medical, weather, travel delay, or personal property concerns. Please review policies carefully and choose the coverage that works for your needs.
Do I need special vaccinations?
Visitors to Guatemala do not usually need additional vaccinations, but it is best to review CDC guidelines and check with your doctor.
How do I get to Lake Atitlán and Villa Sumaya?
Most people fly into Guatemala City. We will help you arrange tTransportation from Guatemala City or Antigua.
Villa Sumaya is located on Lake Atitlán near the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Most travelers go by van shuttle to Panajachel, then take a short boat ride to the Villa Sumaya dock.
Can I visit Antigua before or after the retreat?
Yes. Many participants choose to spend a night or two in Antigua before the retreat. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 45 minutes from the Guatemala City airport, known for its cobblestone streets, historic plazas, vibrant culture, and beautiful food scene. It can be a lovely way to settle into Guatemala before traveling to Lake Atitlán.
What is the weather like?
The climate is temperate and spring-like year-round. Because Lake Atitlán is at a high altitude, mornings and evenings can be cool.
Once you register we will provide you with an extensive FAQ and guide for getting ready
Still have more questions right now?
Learn more by emailing support@adelineyoga.com.
Reserve Your Spot
If this retreat feels like the right fit, we invite you to reserve your place for The Yoga & Cultural Heritage Retreat in Guatemala with Heather Haxo Phillips.
Space is limited, and each room at Villa Sumaya is unique. Your room is reserved once your $500 deposit is received. You may pay in full or request a payment plan that works for you.
Join us for a week of Iyengar Yoga practice, renewal, meaningful connection, and immersion in the beauty and culture of Lake Atitlán.
REGISTER HERE