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Yoga Retreats in Guatemala/
Yoga Retreats in Santa Cruz la Laguna/
New Year’s Yoga Retreat on Lake Atitlan
New Year’s Yoga Retreat on Lake Atitlan
December 27, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala
Hosted By
7 nights, 8 days
20 person retreat
Highlights
Study with two Highly Experience yoga Teachers
We will be staying at the nicest retreat center on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Guided tour with Vincent Stanzione, Mayan Shaman who has lived in Guatemala for 40 years and is the author of Los Nawales: The Ancient Ones
Celebrate the past year and welcome the New Year.
Details
Join us for a transformative New Year's Yoga Retreat from December 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, nestled on the serene shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, at the eco-luxury haven of Villa Sumaya. Surrounded by the majestic volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, this retreat offers a sacred space to pause and reconnect with your inner self. The tranquil ambiance of this secluded cove, accessible only by boat, invites deep relaxation and reflection, enhanced by the vibrant Mayan culture of nearby Santa Cruz La Laguna. Immerse yourself in a setting that blends natural beauty with spiritual depth, creating the perfect backdrop for renewal as you transition into the new year. This retreat is designed to help you release old patterns and set soul-aligned intentions for 2026. Guided by seasoned teachers Charles MacInerney and Michelle Margaret Fajkus, you’ll engage in a heart-centered blend of yoga, meditation, journaling, and workshops inspired by Charles’ book, Toxic Goals, Flow & the Pursuit of Excellence. The retreat draws on the Mayan cosmovision, a timeless wisdom tradition that encourages living in harmony with nature and spirit. Through practices like mind mapping and creative writing, you’ll clarify your deepest desires and craft an action plan that resonates with your authentic purpose, fostering clarity, courage, and joy. The unique fusion of yoga, Mayan spiritual teachings, and personal growth sets this retreat apart. You’ll receive a personalized Mayan day sign reading to illuminate your path and participate in a sacred Mayan fire ceremony to anchor your intentions for the year ahead. This soul-nourishing experience welcomes all—solo travelers, couples, creatives, and seekers—regardless of yoga or writing experience. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or simply craving a fresh start, this retreat offers a supportive community and transformative practices to help you step into the new year with renewed inspiration and a deeper connection to your true self.
Venue
Villa Sumaya
4.9 ★ 81 Reviews
In Sanskrit, Sumaya means a long-awaited dream come true, while in Arabic it translates as a little piece of paradise. Both of these definitions mirror our hearts’ intentions and inspire our service. Our logo is a Mayan glyph found in Chiapas, Mexico representing the fountain of life or the budding growth of a flower, and this too moves us ever forward. Villa Sumaya, located in Santa Cruz la Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlán, was conceived in 2001 with the purchase of the lakefront Maya Rose House, originally the vacation home of a Guatemalan family. Over time, in addition to renovating the Maya Rose House for style and comfort, we added a restaurant, a boutique shop, our welcoming courtyard, a hot tub, and a sauna, as well as four healing huts where we offer a wide variety of spa services.
Free Wifi
Yoga Studio
Pool
Garden
Spa
Laundry
Towels
Housekeeping
Cafe
Restaurant
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Organic · Kosher · Halal
At Villa Sumaya, meals are a nourishing highlight of the retreat experience, featuring three daily vegetarian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the fertile lands surrounding Lake Atitlán. The cuisine emphasizes wholesome, plant-based flavors inspired by Guatemalan traditions, incorporating seasonal produce, grains, beans, and herbs to create balanced, satisfying options that support vitality and well-being. While primarily vegetarian to align with the retreat's holistic ethos, the menu can accommodate vegan preferences upon request, ensuring everyone enjoys vibrant, flavorful meals that celebrate the region's natural bounty.
Host
Charles MacInerney
Austin, Texas, USA
Charles MacInerney holds the highest level of recognition from both the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT-500) and from the International Association of Yoga Therapists (1000 hr. Yoga Therapy Certification). Ch...
1 language
English
Teaching for 5 years
Joined Insight Timer in Oct 2020
What's Included
7 nights in deluxe eco-luxury at Villa Sumaya, a renowned retreat center overlooking the lake
3 nourishing vegetarian meals daily + unlimited tea, coffee, and fresh drinking water
2 daily yoga + meditation practices with Charles & Michelle
Soul-centered workshops to spark clarity, joy, and purpose
Personal Mayan calendar birth chart reading
Group Mayan fire ceremony
Ample downtime for hammocks, spa treatments, swimming, and stargazing
Hot Tub and swimming pool
Boat ride from Panajachel to the Villa Sumaya Retreat Center
Not Included
Airfare and transportation from airport to Panajachel
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sauna
Optional Excursions (some excursions have minimal expenses, like transportation or a guide)
Shopping
Mayan Ceremonies
FAQs
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.
