From Pa'lante Yoga: Lake Atitlán - the sacred location for our deepest soul-dive yet. The itinerary includes significant commitment to the asana practice, hours of meditation, multiple workshops, daily Temazcal sauna sessions, and even one day of silence (Vippasana). We’ll find transformation through specialty formats like yoga nidra, breathwork, and creative movement. All with a view of the breathtaking crater.
Lake Atitlán, located in the Guatemalan Highlands, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by three stunning volcanoes and numerous small villages, Lake Atitlán is a peaceful and serene oasis that attracts visitors from all over the world. The clear blue waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving, while the surrounding hills and mountains offer incredible opportunities for hiking and exploring. The local villages offer a glimpse into the rich indigenous culture of the region, with traditional markets, colorful textiles, and delicious local cuisine. With its natural beauty and cultural richness, Lake Atitlán is a truly magical destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.
And I was ready to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and all I wanted to do was immerse myself in a week-long yoga retreat in this stunning paradise around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. I was ready to strike a pose with my dear friend Jax, all while disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life.
Just picture this: starting your day with a peaceful yoga session, followed by a delicious breakfast filled with fresh, local ingredients to fuel your body. Afterward, explore the surrounding area, relax at the retreat, or even go on a paddle boarding adventure. And let's not forget about the sauna sessions!
Yes, that was me and some other great women. Every day had at least one big highlight (don't get me wrong, every day all day was actually fantastic).
The first day we went paddle boarding. Yes, I can't believe I was paddle boarding on the stunning lake! The water was crystal clear, and I could see fish swimming underneath my board. The sun was shining down on us, and the cool breeze was blowing through our hair. This is the life! I could feel my core muscles working as I balanced on the board and paddled through the gentle waves and once in a while would even try a yoga pose. And the view? It was absolutely breathtaking! The three majestic volcanoes towering over the lake create the most epic backdrop.
Another day, we had a sacred cacao ceremony. As I sipped on the warm, rich cacao drink (and no, this has nothing to do with the sweet hot chocolate you have at home), I could feel my senses awakening, and my mind and body becoming more open and receptive. The facilitator led us through a series of rituals, creating a space for deep introspection and self-discovery. The cacao seemed to have a powerful effect on me, opening my heart and bringing me into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. As the ceremony came to an end, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and connection to the world around me. The sacred cacao ceremony was a truly beautiful and transformative experience that helped me to connect with myself and with the ancient traditions of the Mayan people.
Our silent day was a unique and profound experience for me. As I woke up in the morning, I realized that I wouldn't be speaking or communicating with anyone for the entire day. Surprisingly, it didn't feel strange and uncomfortable to not be able to talk, and as the day went on, I truly began to appreciate the peace and stillness that came with the silence. Without the constant chatter and distractions of everyday life, I was able to focus more deeply on my own thoughts and emotions. I spent the day in quiet contemplation, taking long walks, meditating, and writing in my journal. As the sun set, I felt a deep sense of calm and clarity. The silent day was a powerful reminder of the importance of slowing down and taking time for introspection.
Stepping into the Temazcal sauna almost every day was like entering another world! The fragrant steam surrounded me, and I could feel my skin tingling in the intense heat. But as I settled in, I started to feel a sense of calm and peace wash over me. As the heat intensified, I could feel my body releasing toxins and tension, and my mind becoming clearer and more centered. When we emerged from the Temazcal after some time and jumped into the cold pool, I felt like a completely new person - renewed, refreshed, and connected to the ancient Mayan traditions of Guatemala. The Temazcal was truly an unforgettable and transformative experience that I will always treasure.
What can I say? Overall, this was a very special experience that I will treasure forever. I learned a lot about myself, but also about the other women that shared the experience with me. While I can't share any tips around traveling in Guatemala, as everything but the flights were included, I can highly recommend my friend Jax' retreats. It's such an easy way to travel and not have to worry about organization.
Lots of love to you Jax!
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