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A Transformational Yoga & Wellness Retreat

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Up to 32 in group
Date
Apr 10 - 17, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Hosted by Jessi Rae | Kawoq Forest, Lake Atitlán | April 10th-17th, 2026

Eco-Conscious in the Heart of the Forest

Discover a sanctuary where comfort meets sustainability, and the forest itself is part of your stay. Nestled among the trees above Lake Atitlán, Kawoq Forest was built with reverence for the land — adobe, bamboo, cypress, and palm harmonize with the jungle, creating spaces that feel both grounding and refined.

Each handcrafted room holds a story — with views of volcanoes, forest canopy, or the glimmering lake. From cozy bungalows tucked into the greenery to airy suites that open to sunrise, this sacred space invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and return home to yourself.

About the Retreat
Over six nights and seven days, we’ll gather in community to reconnect with rhythm, balance, and vitality — through yoga, movement, nourishment, nature, and rest.

You’ll experience

Daily Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation, & Movement guided by Jessi Rae
Guided nature hikes through the Guatemalan highlands ($75 value included)
Traditional Mayan Temazcal Ceremony — a purifying, heart-opening sweat lodge experience ($55 value included)
Ample time for stillness, journaling, and exploration around San Marcos La Laguna

Every element is crafted to help you unwild, re-align, and feel deeply rooted — body, mind, and spirit.



The Sanctuary
At Kawoq Forest, every detail honors harmony with nature.
You’ll rest in serene, eco-crafted accommodations with Mayan textiles, soft linens, and natural light pouring in from the canopy.Room options: Early bird pricing promotion of -$200 off if registered by Jan 1st 2026
• Quad: $2,190 / $1990 - Early Bird
• Twin: $2,335 / $2,135 - Early Bird
• Private: $2,410 / $2,210 - Early Bird
Each package includes:
• 6 nights lodging
• All meals (locally sourced, nourishing cuisine)
• ​Guided hike
• Temazcal ceremony (Sweat Lodge) & Sound Healing
• Airport Shuttles
• All yoga & Movement sessions
A Sacred Setting
Kawoq Forest sits beside Nimalaj Abaj, the Sacred Rock of San Marcos La Laguna — a revered Mayan altar where ceremonies have been held for centuries to honor the wisdom of the earth. Here, the ancient and the present meet in quiet harmony.

Schedule

7.30-8.00am Meditation

8.00-9.30am Energizing Yoga Class

10.00-11.00am BRUNCH

3.00-4.30pm Restorative Yoga Class

5.00-6.00pm DINNER
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Kawoq Forest

Directions

Travel Tips:

Morning Travel Recommended. If you would like an escort service to Kawoq Forest once you arrive in the town of San Marcos, please arrange to take an 8-9am collective shuttle (Q100) from Antigua (or you can request a 9-10am private shuttle for Q800) in order to arrive with plenty of time. We are able to arrange an escort service up to Kawoq Forest from Circles Cafe 7 days a week.

Please inform our staff of your planned arrival date and we will have our escorts meet you promptly at 1pm at Circles Cafe. Please plan your travels accordingly, either spending a night in Antigua to make a morning shuttle, or stay in San Marcos la Laguna a night early. For your safety, LATE ARRIVALS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

Accommodation

Kawoq Forest is an eco-luxury wellness center nestled in the verdant Guatemalan highlands overlooking the azure waters of Lake Atitlán. This unique lake sits on an ancient, dormant crater surrounded by stunning volcanoes, rolling hills and small Mayan villages rich in culture and tradition. Kawoq Forest is a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking solace, restoration and a sparkle of adventure. Terraced into the side of a cliff, Kawoq Forest is a twenty five minute hike up into the valley from Lake Atitlán. Kawoq Forest offers 16 accommodation options that combine eco-conscious materials like adobe, bamboo, cypress, and palm roofs, with luxurious local textiles and premium bed linens to guarantee a comfortable and sustainable stay. An open air community dining area, composting toilets, solar-powered showers, and three fully-equipped yoga sanctuaries make up the rest of the space.

Geodesic Domes

Accommodation
Enjoy one of our Geodesic domes overlooking Lake Atitlán nestled in the forest. This unique and spacious dome offers a fantastic view of the stars at night. Accommodation includes one king bed with a single bed. Ideal for families.

Private Forest Cabin 7 (Airbnb)

Accommodation
If you’re wanting privacy, our Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within. Our Forest cabin accommodates two people with one queen and one single bed inside, perfect for couples, families or friends to share.

Private Forest Cabin 8 (Airbnb)

If you’re wanting privacy, our Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within. Our Forest cabin accommodates two people with one queen and one single bed inside, perfect for couples, families or friends to share.

Semi-Private Rooms: Sunrise Suites

Accommodation
With wonderful views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes, private rooms Sunrise Suite 1 & Sunrise Suite 2 are located under our Sol Shala and accommodate one or two people in a queen size bed. The beds are comfortable with warm feather duvets and pillows, and decorated with Guatemalan cushions. Most suitable for yogis, as meditation often begins upstairs at 6.15am (some days it will be in the other Temple space), and the Shala above may be used for personal practice or various workshops during the day. These rooms are considered semi-private because they are attached to the Shakti shala, however, you will have your own private space and entrance.

Shared Room: Bungalow 3

Accommodation
Bungalow 3 is a space often used for massage treatments when unoccupied, with magical views of Lake Atitlán, the Bungalow dorm is the highest accommodation on the property made of cypress wood from sustainable Guatemalan plantations. This space has a queen and single bed/sofa inside, and a comfortable terrace with sofa bed and hammock. This room is considered semi-private because it is attached to the Bungalow dorm, however, you will have your own private space and entrance.

Twin Share Cabins: Bungalow 1 and 2

Accommodation
Looking out over Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes, our shared cabañas accommodate 2-4 people, depending on the cabana. Bungalow 1 and Bungalow 2 have two queen size beds, one in the loft and one on the bottom floor. Using natural building techniques, our cabañas are constructed with either bamboo or cypress, palm roof and natural adobe walls or traditional bahareque (wattle and daub) of this area. The beds are comfortable, with warm feather duvets and pillows, and decorated with Peruvian Shipibo fabrics and Guatemalan Cushions.

Twin Share: Geodesic Dome

Accommodation
Enjoy one of our Geodesic domes overlooking Lake Atitlán nestled in the forest. This unique and spacious dome offers a fantastic view of the stars at night. Accommodation flexibility is available as 2 twin beds, or one king bed with a single bed. Ideal for families.

Twin Share: Geodesic Domes

Accommodation
Enjoy one of our Geodesic domes overlooking Lake Atitlán nestled in the forest! This spacious room has a fantastic view of the stars at night! Accommodation available as 2 twin beds, or one king bed with a sofa bed. Ideal for families.

Geodesic Domes

Accommodation
Enjoy one of our Geodesic domes overlooking Lake Atitlán nestled in the forest! This spacious room has a fantastic view of the stars at night! Accommodation available as 2 twin beds, or one queen bed with a sofa bed. Ideal for families.

Bungalow 1 and 2

Accommodation
Our bungalows are the perfect shared spaces for deep communal transformation. Looking out over the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes, our shared cabañas have terraces and hammocks to allow you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Our bungalows accommodate up to 2 people each, with two queen beds; one on the ground level and one in the loft space.

Bungalow Dorm

Accommodation
Our bungalow dorm has 4 single beds, and our Bungalow 1 & 2 have two full size beds, one in the loft and one on the bottom floor. Using natural building techniques and sustainable materials, our bungalows are constructed with either bamboo or cypress, palm roof and natural adobe walls or traditional bahareque (wattle and daub) of this area. The beds are comfortable and nourishing, with warm feather duvets and premium linens and pillows, decorated with Peruvian Shipibo fabrics and Guatemalan Cushions.

Sunrise Suites and Bungalow 3

Accommodation
Sunrise Suites 1 & 2 With stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes, private rooms Sunrise Suites 1 & 2 are located under our Sol Shala. They are the perfect space to watch the sunrise from your terrace and take in the stillness and tranquility of the forest in the early morning. Our suites can accommodate one or two people in one queen size bed. The beds are comfortable and nourishing with warm feather duvets and premium linens and pillows, decorated with Guatemalan cushions. These suites are most suitable for yogis who wish to deepen into their spiritual practice and inner worlds, as meditation often begins upstairs at 6:15am (some days it will be in the other yoga space). The Sol space above may be used for personal practice or various workshops during the day. These rooms are considered semi-private because they share walls with the Sol space, however, you will have your own private space and entrance. Bungalow 3 Bungalow 3 is the highest space on the property, and offers magical views of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding volcanoes. Bungalow 3 is a beautiful and nourishing space to relax and reset in, and is built from sustainable cypress wood sourced from Guatemalan plantations. This space has a queen and single bed inside, and features a comfortable terrace with a sofa bed and hammock to capture the panoramic lake views. This room is considered semi-private because it shares walls with the bungalow dorm, however, you will have your own private space and entrance.

Private Forest Cabin

Accommodation
If you’re wanting privacy, our Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within. Our Forest cabin accommodates two people with one queen and one single bed inside, perfect for couples, families or friends to share.

Cielo Deluxe Suite

Accommodation
Located above our cafe and office, Cielo is built into the cliff wall and serves as our most deluxe and luxurious space. Made with bamboo, cypress and a palma roof, Cielo looks out over Kawoq Forest to the stunning lake and picturesque volcanoes. Cielo has a low to the ground king size bed and sofa bed, antique Guatemalan furniture, Mayan fabrics and Indian textiles to embrace you into the Mayan culture.

Shared Forest Cabin

Accommodation
If you’re looking for privacy, the Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With amazing lake and forest views, these cabins feature small terrace to relax and enjoy the view and accommodate two people with a queen and single bed/sofa inside, perfect for couples, families or friends to share.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
San Marcos la Laguna is a small Mayan village on Lake Atitlán in the western highlands of Guatemala. It has become a Mecca for international travelers attracted by its beauty, tranquility and diverse options for spiritual exploration, cultural immersion and healing. Terraced into the side of a cliff, Kawoq Forest is a twenty minute hike up into the valley from Lake Atitlán that overlooks the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

Meals

Menu Types

At Kawoq Forest, we believe that food is a powerful source of nourishment not only for the body but also for the soul. Our vegetarian meals are a celebration of flavors, colors, and culinary artistry.

What's Included

  • Our Personal Yoga Retreat Rates are ALL INCLUSIVE of accommodations, two nourishing vegetarian meals, high-speed internet in communal spaces, daily meditation & yoga classes as per our Daily Schedule. Community sauna is included when available on Wednesday nights.

What's Not Included

  • Airport transfer, airfare, travel insurance, any additional services and food purchased outside of regular meal times and scheduled yoga classes.

Customer Reviews

4.81 out of 5.0 average rating

3.0
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A Unique and Magical Escape at Kawok Forest
Kawok Forest offers a truly extraordinary experience for those seeking connection with nature and adventure. The trek to reach the retreat sets the tone, building anticipation as you journey on foot to this magical location. Nestled in the forest, the retreat feels like a hidden gem, and the setting—surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes—is nothing short of stunning.

However, it’s essential to approach Kawok with the right mindset. This is not a luxury resort; it's more akin to glamping in paradise. The cabanas, while charming, are rustic. Some are perched high on the mountainside, requiring good physical condition to access. The accommodations have a simplicity that complements the natural setting but come with challenges: gaps in the walls invite the local wildlife (yes, I had both giant spiders and scorpions as roommates), roofs are made of plastic, and rainy nights can be noisy. Shared bathrooms and showers, while offering incredible views, are more "back-to-nature" than comfortable, with cold water and limited pressure.

That said, the experience at Kawok is unforgettable. The staff are warm and attentive, and the food is delicious, nourishing both body and soul. If you're an experience seeker who values authenticity and immersion over creature comforts, Kawok Forest is absolutely worth visiting. Just come prepared for the adventure it offers, and you’ll leave with memories to treasure.

5.0
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Amazing experience
I really truly enjoyed my three days staying and Kawoq, wanted to stay more.
Staff extremely helpful and welcoming, and always with a smile. The yoga classes were amazing also, so different one to the other. Simply amazing, would definitely come back and do one week!

5.0
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Heaven
My husband and I stayed a few nights and Kawoq and we did not want to leave. The staff are so sweet, and take the best care of you. The location is beautiful and could not be more peaceful. Highly recommend to anyone staying at the lake.

5.0
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Un lugar, staff, cocina INCREIBLE!
Es la tercera oportunidad que me quedo allí y cada vez me gusta mas!
Me gusta mucho que estas dentro del bosque, arriba en la montaña donde solo entras en un estado natural y convives en paz contigo y con los demás!
La cocina y la comida siempre es espectacular, el estaff increible y los profesores de yoga muy bien!
Es un lugar altamente recomendable si quieres alejarte de distracciones y transformar tu vida a una vida consciente y abundante!
Espero visitarlos por cuarta vez y seguir llevando amigos y personas nuevas al lugar para compartir!

4.0
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Relaxing and beautiful yoga retreat set in the Guatemalan jungle.
I stayed at Kawok Forest for three nights and did a personal retreat. I stayed in one of their bungalow private rooms, which was very comfortable and had spectacular views of Lake Atitlan and surrounding volcanoes. I honestly could have sat and watched the view alone for hours it was extremely relaxing. The yoga classes were varied and challenging in different ways. I really appreciated the diversity of teachers and what they brought to my own personal practice. There is a great level of education amongst the teachers and I really feel like I improved in a lot of ways in my practice.

The food was excellent! Prepared by local Mayan/Guatemalan ladies each day. I always felt full and nourished after each meal and everything was extremely fresh and healthy. My only complaint is that dinner was served extremely early at 5pm. If you're not used to this or you get hungry later in the evenings- bring snacks and things to eat throughout the day as meals are only served at 10am and 5pm. They have a few things to purchase on top such as protein balls and smoothies but can be pricey.

The only reason I did not give five stars is because I feel having to pay for additional and typically free amenities was a little absurd such as: connection to wifi being $10 per 3 days, luggage portage, and any trips into town. I questioned the wifi and was told everybody should disconnect during their stay but sometimes that is not feasible as a traveller you may need to connect to wifi to plan further travels, book ferries, contact loved ones etc. Also the retreat is located on the side of a cliff up a mountain I think helping with your bags is a fair trade for hiking to your accommodation. Just thought they should keep that in mind when you compare prices with other accommodation on the Lake.

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