A Cultural Immersion Retreat on Lake Atitlán

January 30 – February 4, 2027

Optional Antigua Extension: February 4 – 6, 2027

Nestled along the shores of Lake Atitlán and surrounded by volcanoes, vibrant villages, and rich cultural traditions, The Guatemala Experience is a 5-night cultural immersion retreat designed for those seeking meaningful travel, adventure, connection, and a deeper way of experiencing the world around them.

This retreat is less about escaping life and more about fully experiencing the beauty around us.

Together we’ll spend our days exploring the lake and surrounding villages, hiking scenic trails, sharing nourishing meals, experiencing local traditions, enjoying daily movement practices, and slowing down enough to truly take in the magic of Guatemala. From weaving with local artisans and sipping coffee grown in the surrounding mountains to paddleboarding on the lake and watching sunset over the volcanoes, this retreat offers an opportunity to experience Guatemala in a grounded, authentic, and intentional way.

With only 8 guest spots available, this intimate retreat is designed to create space for adventure, connection, wellness, culture, and unforgettable shared experiences.

Why Guatemala?

There’s something deeply special about Guatemala.

From the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Atitlán to the vibrant indigenous culture woven into everyday life, this is a destination that invites you to experience travel differently.

The lake is surrounded by small Mayan villages, each with its own traditions, colors, energy, and way of life. Mornings begin with boats crossing the lake, women weaving intricate textiles by hand, and the aroma of fresh coffee grown in the surrounding mountains.

January and February are among the most beautiful times to experience Guatemala, offering warm sunny days, cool evenings, and clear views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Our Home at Lake Atitlán

For the first five nights of the retreat, we’ll stay in a beautiful private villa tucked into the hills of Santa Cruz La Laguna overlooking Lake Atitlán.

Surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic volcano views, the home offers a peaceful and grounding space to gather, rest, and reconnect after days spent exploring the lake and surrounding villages.

The villa features:

• Beautiful lakeview bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms

• An infinity pool overlooking Lake Atitlán

• Handcrafted Guatemalan textiles and artisan decor

• Farm-to-table meals prepared in-house

• Shared indoor and outdoor gathering spaces

• Stand-up paddleboards available for use

• Easy access to the lake and nearby villages

Designed for both relaxation and adventure, this space allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and culture of Guatemala while feeling completely at home.

What's Included

• 5 nights accommodations at our private lakeview villa on Lake Atitlán

• Airport transfers between Guatemala City and Lake Atitlán

• Daily farm-to-table meals prepared in-house

• Select meals at local restaurants around the lake

• Daily yoga and grounding movement practices

• Traditional weaving experience with local artisans

• Nature reserve excursion

• Optional hanging bridges & ziplining experience

• Cacao ceremony

• Stand-up paddleboard access

• Guided hikes and village experiences around Lake Atitlán

What's Not Included

• Flights to and from Guatemala

• First night hotel if arrival is on the 29th

• Travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages

• Additional spa services or optional excursions

• Personal purchases and souvenirs

• Gratuities for retreat staff and guides

• 1 dinner and 2 lunch in Antigua (if adding extension)

Sample Daily Flow

7:30 AM
Coffee overlooking the lake & optional quiet morning time

8:00 AM
Morning yoga and grounding movement practice

9:30 AM
Fresh breakfast prepared in-house

11:00 AM
Daily excursion, cultural experience, village exploration, hike, or time on the lake

2:00 PM
Lunch together overlooking Lake Atitlán

Afternoon
Free time to relax by the pool, paddleboard, explore the village, receive a massage, journal, or simply slow down and take in the beauty around you

6:00 PM
Sunset gathering, cacao ceremony, or evening connection practice

7:30 PM
Farm-to-table dinner shared together

Evening
Rest, conversation, stargazing, music, or quiet time to unwind

Please note: each day will vary depending on excursions, experiences, and the natural flow of the retreat.

Optional Antigua Extension

For those wanting to experience even more of Guatemala, I’m excited to offer an optional two-night extension in Antigua from February 4 – 6.

This has become a bit of a tradition on my retreats — guests often want a little extra time to explore more deeply and make the most of traveling all the way to another part of the world.

Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, artisan markets, historic churches, cafés, and vibrant energy, Antigua offers the perfect final chapter to the retreat.

The Antigua extension includes:

• 2 nights accommodations

• Daily breakfast

• Transportation transfers

• A final group dinner together

Beyond that, the city is yours to explore at your own pace. Enjoy spa services at our beautiful hotel, wander the historic streets, visit cultural sites within walking distance, shop local markets, relax at cafés, or simply soak in the atmosphere before heading home.

Ending in Antigua also creates a much easier and more comfortable transition back to the airport before flying home.

During our stay in Antigua, we’ll settle into a beautiful historic luxury hotel tucked within the heart of the city. Surrounded by lush gardens, stone archways, and centuries-old architecture, the property blends Guatemalan history and culture with rest, comfort, and tranquility.

Guests can enjoy spa services, peaceful courtyards, pools, museums, and walkable access to many of Antigua’s most iconic cafés, colorful markets, cultural sites, and spectacular colonial ruins — making it the perfect place to soak in the final moments of our journey together.

Investment

Shared Accommodation

$2,295 per person

January 30 – February 4, 2027
5 nights at Lake Atitlán

Shared rooms include two twin beds or shared king accommodations with lake views and ensuite bathrooms.

Perfect for solo travelers, friends, or anyone open to sharing space and connection within the retreat experience.

Optional Antigua Extension

+$695 per person

February 4 – 6, 2027
2 additional nights in Antigua including accommodations, daily breakfast, transportation transfers, and a final group dinner together.

Private Accommodation

Starting at $2895 (only 2 available)

A limited number of private rooms are available for guests seeking additional space and privacy during the retreat.

All private rooms feature lake views and ensuite bathrooms.

Optional Antigua Extension

+$995 per person

February 4 – 6, 2027
2 additional nights in Antigua including accommodations, daily breakfast, transportation transfers, and a final group dinner together.

Payment plans are available.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your spot. Please view the Payment Policy for full details.

Only 8 guest spots available for this intimate retreat experience.

YOur Guide

Alisha Petak

Alisha Petak is the founder and operator of Mindful Balance Retreats a company that she started in the year 2013 to guide yoga students on adventurous journeys around the world. Having led over 13 retreats herself she has found a way of integrating the excitement of travel with a holistic approach to health and wellness that provides a supportive and nurturing environment for healing. Alisha carefully plans and organizes every detail of the retreat so the student can relax and focus on their well-being. By creating a nurturing and transformative experience Alisha inspires students to connect to the depths of their being, the glorious mother earth, and each other all with a fun and casual approach.

Alisha’s style of teaching reflects upon the many teachers that she has studied with over the past 20+ years, offering a varied and challenging practice of strength, stability and focus balanced with mindfulness and meditation. She has had the opportunity to work with thousands of different bodies and is well suited to adapt the practice to each student. Her detailed verbal cues allow the student to mindfully turn inward and focus on what is needed for their own personal journey. She empowers each person to explore their boundaries and make choices based on that intuition, on and off the mat. Her compassion is seen in her eyes and love is felt in her presence.

She is passionate about health and wellness and teaches that all aspects of our being make up the our happiness. With her background in Holistic Nutrition and Therapeutic Recreation she is well suited to make sure her guests/students have a fun, healthy and transformative vacation!