Relax & Reignite: Reflections from My Sold-Out Guatemala Yoga Retreat
As the sun rose over Lake Atitlán, the soft morning clouds revealed layers of volcanic peaks. I remember taking a deep breath, feeling both awe and gratitude, this was it. Relax & Reignite: Guatemala Yoga Retreat had officially begun.
Hosting my first sold-out retreat in Guatemala was more than a milestone, it was a dream (almost 5 years in the making) finally coming true. Eleven of us gathered from across the world at Eagle’s Nest, an eco-chic, sustainable venue perched high above the water in San Marcos La Laguna, to rest, reconnect, and rediscover our spark. With every class, hike, and shared meal, I witnessed transformation, not just in my students, but within myself.
Open-air dining deck at Eagle’s Nest with wooden tables overlooking Lake Atitlán. Group of yoga retreat participants sharing a meal at a wooden table. Two retreat guests smiling at the group table with a new cat friend on a guest's lap. Participants chatting around a long table under hanging vines during the day. Evening dinner gathering with retreat guests seated around a candlelit table under hanging plants.
Highlights from the Lake: Connection, Perspective, and Flow
Each day of the retreat was intentionally themed to create a journey inward:
Wednesday – Grounding & Opening:
After a long travel day, we had a slow evening flow to help students settle in, followed by intention setting using our custom retreat workbooks.
Thursday – Connection & Flow:
A powerful vinyasa practice on the main platform where I offered one-on-one alignment workshops and guided students into Crow Pose for the first time. Later that day, we explored the nearby town of San Marcos La Laguna and the Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil, where we went on a hike, went swimming in the lake and a few brave students jumped from the platform into the lake!
Yoga mats on the main platform at Eagle’s Nest overlooking Lake Atitlán at sunrise. Elisha, yoga teacher, demonstrating crow pose on the platform with volcano view in the background. Students resting in savasana on the main yoga deck surrounded by greenery. Side view of the yoga deck structure with suspended aerial silks and mountain scenery. Student practicing crow pose at the yoga platform overlooking the lake. Group hiking through lush forest path near Lake Atitlán. Hikers smiling on a rocky trail with lake and mountains in the background. Group photo in the water at Lake Atitlán’s edge near a stone platform. Participant jumping into Lake Atitlán from a dock.
Friday – Perspective & Restoration
We began before dawn with a sunrise hike to Indian Nose (Rostro de Maya), watching light spill across the lake, then spent the afternoon at a local spa for massages and lakefront rest. That evening’s slow flow invited students to literally shift their perspective by practicing with a creative sequence featuring all sides of the mat and seeing the world from new angles.
Group of yoga retreat participants posing at Indian Nose viewpoint with Guatemala flag and sunrise o Elisha practicing crow pose at the summit with sunrise and flag in the background. Wide sunrise view from Indian Nose showing golden sky and lake below. Group selfie at the summit during sunrise overlooking Lake Atitlán. Group hiking through green forest trail from the sunrise peak. Infinity pool at Kula Maya Spa with volcano view across Lake Atitlán. Group of retreat guests smiling and relaxing in the pool. Yoga class at Secret Garden platform at Eagle's Nest.
Saturday – Reignite & Integration
Our final morning class wove together everything learned throughout the week, culminating in Side Crow Pose (with the option for a flying splits!) and a closing circle where we reflected on how to carry our practice beyond the mat. Outside of yoga, we explored local villages by ferry & tuk-tuk, and spent an unforgettable evening participating in a Mayan fire ceremony, a deeply emotional and spiritual ritual that left many of us in tears of gratitude and connection.
Elisha, yoga teacher, demonstrating flying splits pose at the secret garden stage at Eagle’s Nest. Group of students stacked & posing together on the with lake view behind. Group of students posing together on the same stage with lake view. Retreat participants smiling on a colorful boat ride across Lake Atitlán. Street in San Juan La Laguna decorated with hanging umbrellas above the road. Mayan shaman preparing a ceremonial fire circle at Eagle’s Nest with lake view. Yoga retreat participants adding offerings to the Mayan fire ceremony circle. Group photo of all retreat participants seated waiting for the Mayan Fire Ceremony at Eagle’s Nest. Yoga teacher practicing dancer pose on the main platform framed by Eagle’s Nest arch with lake view.
Teaching, Transformation, and Takeaways
As a teacher, I’ve always believed that yoga extends beyond the physical poses: yoga is the union and practice of breath, awareness, and self-trust. This retreat allowed me to bring that philosophy to life.
I designed an immersive retreat workbook to help participants integrate each day’s theme through reflection and journaling. I also partnered with Manduka to provide high-quality mat & hand towels that students could take home as a physical reminder of their practice here in Guatemala.
This week marked a personal transformation for me as well. Hosting my first international retreat was both humbling and empowering. Every detail, from the group energy to the spontaneous laughter during meals, reaffirmed why I love this work. It exceeded every expectation, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Watch the Classes Online
If you couldn’t join us in person, you can still experience the energy of Lake Atitlán through these recorded sessions:
Yoga Foundations at Lake Atitlán | Crow Pose Vinyasa Flow (Full 80-Min Class from Guatemala Retreat)
Side Crow Vinyasa Flow | Guatemala Yoga Retreat Preview (50 Min Class Preview at Eagle’s Nest)
These classes capture the spirit of what we practiced together: strength, breath, and presence, all against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. Take a sneak peak at the videos and join us on our next retreat!
Participant Reflections
"It was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and time to really work on my yoga practice I especially appreciated the Hands-On instruction and adjustments to help me deepen my own practice. Don't always get that in regular group classes so this was lovely. I also appreciated the level of organization from Elisha and care. She truly created the perfect space for each of us to have a special experience. I also really liked the workbook!"
"The retreat with Elisha was a perfect blend of relaxing yoga and exciting adventure. Her gentle teaching style allowed me to try new poses I’ve never had the courage to attempt before."
"This retreat was an invitation to return to myself with breath, movement, and meaning. I left not just restored, but realigned with my vision, my body, and the wisdom that lives beneath the surface."
Gratitude
A heartfelt thank-you to my fiancé for capturing photos, recording content, and helping bring every detail to life behind the scenes, and to Manduka for partnering with me to support this retreat.
Join Our Next Retreat
The Guatemala Yoga Retreat was just the beginning. Next spring, I’ll be hosting a Surf & Yoga Retreat in Baja California, followed by a week-long Peru retreat in the Sacred Valley (with a visit to Machu Picchu) in 2027.
If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself, explore the world, and reignite your spark, join our next adventure.
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