"I was very nervous and scared before this ceremony as it was my first time sitting with Ayahuasca. I had many fears from what I've heard others say about their experience. I approached Ayahuasca very respectfully and slowly, asking her to please be gentle with me.
She was extremely loving, delicate and gentle with me.
She helped me realize that fear is darkness and we are beings of light. She helped me realize that I always have and always will be divinely protected and guided.
As tears of pure love and joy fell down my cheeks I laughed all my fears away as I realized all of what she was saying.
I am honored to have been able to sit down with Ayahuasca in such a beautiful place.
The Icaros sounded divine, I am sure that angels were sitting with us as Letizia was singing.
I have great respect and trust in Jaya and Hayley, having known them from before already, I knew this was the right place and time to sit with this divine magical medicine.
I have been practicing meditation and yoga for years now, and I had just finished a month-long meditation course the day before the ceremony.
I believe all of his helped.
I encourage anyone looking for soul medicine to sit with Ayahuasca, specially in such a safe and secure environment as Casa Floresta.
The only advice I can give is be sure to prepare yourself beforehand, to be respectful, come with an intention and ask her to be gentle, she will !
It took me almost a month to write this review. I took a long time to integrate.
I am grateful beyond words and so happy to be able to tell others with all sincerity, there is nothing to fear but fear itself 💫
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Mafer
🪷🙏🏼💗"
Highly Rated Retreats in Guatemala
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Types of Retreat in Guatemala
Short Retreats in Guatemala
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Upcoming Retreats in Guatemala
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Experiences on Retreat
"When I came to Villa Sumaya, I had very little expectations. The images I saw online were already stunning, but it is indescribable how beautiful and nurturing Villa Sumaya is.
I came for a retreat and felt very cared for. For a few days we were practicing silence 24/7, and I felt very safe and cared for by the facility and staff during that time. Everything was prepared and taken care of. Clean towels, meals, etc. And because I wasn't speaking or offering eye contact, it was literally given to me without ask. And that was so special and valued.
The food was unbelievable. I missed it for months after my trip!
The apothecary was a special touch that I really enjoyed taking a tour of, and learning more about. And the sweat lodge experience was so sacred, I still hold it close to my heart.
If you are looking for a space that will 1. connect you closer to nature and the land while also having luxury amenities 2. quality and nutrient dense food 3. prioritize sustainable and community centered practices 4. enjoy quiet and solitude. Villa Sumaya is for you.
Gracias para todo. xxxh "
"My experience was soul healing and was able to focus on me. The maya ceremonies on site made me feel welcomed and got in touch nature and what country has to offer. My kind of paradise with beautiful views of the sunrise to the sunset. Thank you!"
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"I had the most incredible time. Amazing service, delicious food
I would love to come back "
"I had an amazing time at this retreat and it is more than what I could have hoped for!
The organization and facilitation was impeccable with all the little details taken care of.
The organizers and facilitators were devoted to providing the best experience to all participants.
The location and view is magnificent!
Big Thank You to all organizers and participants, I hope to be back again soon!"
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I had an amazing time at this retreat and it is more than what I could have hoped for.
The organization and facilitation was impeccable with all the little details taken care of.
The organizers and facilitators were devoted to providing the best experience to all participants.
The location and view is magnificent!
It was hard to leave as my heart and my voice felt so open and I felt connected to my SELF as well as to the group that has become like a family!"
"Whether as a facilitator or as a participant, the Villa Sumaya is the first place that I think of for an exceptional, magical retreat experience. The entire team goes above and beyond to make every single detail be creatively and thoughtfully taken care of, and the setting is spectacular in every way. Wendy, the owner of Villa Sumaya is a genius, shaman and maestra."
"Very helpful staff but resort could include more activities and protein in the price of the trip"
"As both a group leader and as a participant I feel The Villa Sumaya is in a class all of its own! Every single dynamic one could think of is addressed and taken care of in the most amazing and caring ways!
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"In addition to a beautiful location where all our needs (rooms, food, jacuzzi, lake access, places to just”be”) provided by Villa Sumaya, Lee’s yoga leadership was superb. Morning yoga and evening restorative sessions provided free daytime for whatever - or nothing. Extras included group and individual healing treatments, trips to local villages and shopping in their curated tienda."
"Had a very beautiful time at Forest Path - the space held and create by Hayley and Jaya and the rest of the team was great - the physical location is amazing - and everything surrounding the retreat organized.
Highly recommend - a much lighter, sweeter, ceremony experience as well, if that is what one is seeking"
"Amazing and absolutely beautiful. Perfect choice for relaxing in the awe inspiring surroundings of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Americas. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. 6 stars ⭐️ "
"Spectacular property. So many amazing views. Excellent staff. Attentive food and beverage service and tasty vegetarian meals. Well worth the journey."
"Villa Sumaya has become a meaningful part of my studio's retreat offerings. We have taken two groups to to the center this year and have dates to return next year. Villa Sumaya has mastered the art of retreat with incredible food, beautiful and comfortable accommodations, fully prop-stocked yoga spaces, and life enriching services for participants to explore. The staff is second to none with their kindness and professionalism. The owner, Wendy, has curated a slice of heaven on earth. There are few experiences more beautiful and tranquil than a week+ at Lake Atitlan. "
"The facilitators did an amazing job holding space for the ceremony and everyone in it. The location was warm and inviting. We all had our place on mats in a temple, participated in the ceremony, sang many songs, listened to Jaya's wisdom throughout each night, and each person was free to creatively express themselves if they so wished. Everyone was friendly and accepting of all walks of life. If you're someone on the fence about doing a ceremony, rest assured that you will be in good hands with Jaya and Hayley. One of the best experiences of my life! I will be doing more with these folks in the future."
"I stayed at Villa Sumaya for a week during a retreat and the whole experience was beautiful. From the retreat itself to the hospitality of the staff. The vegan menu was some of the best food I've ever eaten. The rooms were impeccable and the grounds were gorgeous. "
"I attended the Subtle Body Yoga and Energy Training in Nov/Dec 2023 at Villa Sumaya. The training was co-facilitated by Anne Koza and Yuval Sambruski. The training was layered and informative and the leaders were generous with their time and knowledge. The setting of Villa Sumaya - the grounds, food, people who cared for us, were outstanding! What a special place! Thank you!"
"I have just completed my second stay/retreat at Villa Sumaya, and it did not disappoint. The facilities are beautiful, the staff is amazing, and, of course, the location on the lake cannot be beat. Highly recommend!"
"We are very grateful and blown away by the beaty of the land, the care and love everyone is putting into providing everything that a retreat can inspire body, heart and soul. Gracias con todo corazón! "
"En todos los sentidos excepcional. Me sentí muy segura y en momentos difíciles bien atendida. El ambiente muy acogedor. La música tocó mis fibras más profundas. El equipo muy bien organizado. Los cantos, los poemas y las oraciones propiciaron un entorno espiritual único. Las instalaciones para este tipo de actividades de 5 estrellas. Lo que más me impactó, que también toda la logística fue muy profesional. Me encantó la información que recibí de antemano y la posibilidad de tener una videollamada con alguien para aclarar cualquier duda. Lo puedo recomendar sin reservas. "
"Our fifth visit to Villa Sumaya was fantastic. The staff was warm and welcoming. The food was healthy and delicious. We enjoyed daily yoga with a terrific view. "
"We’ve been to Villa Sumaya a couple of times. This time we were lucky enough to participate in yoga classes and worked with their healers. We embraced what Villa Sumaya has to offer and that allowed us to hit the reset button for our bodies, mind, and spirit. The food is delicious, the staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and the grounds are so fun to explore. It is incredible how they continue to enhance the spaces and dojos making it so every trip there is something new to discover. We look forward to visiting Villa Sumaya again!"
"We’ve been to Villa Sumaya several times and each visit has been amazing! This year we brought 35 guests and worked with Villa Sumaya to organize several group activities including sunrise hikes, daily yoga, sound ceremonies, cooking classes, music events, fire ceremonies, and more. The staff is knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and attentive to our needs. The healers are outstanding. The food is excellent and the facilities are spectacular. We look forward to visiting Villa Sumaya again!"
"I spent a week at Villa Sumaya on a yoga retreat. Everything about it was beautiful. The gardens are so naturally gorgeous, mesmerizing! The Lake greeted me every morning through my window. The facilities are super. I will return as often as possible to rejuvenate and relax"
"From the moment I got off the short boat ride to Villa Sumaya I felt at home. We were greeted by smiling staff, the perfume of native flowers, and stunning views of volcanoes. Mornings were my favorite time. O would wake up in my cozy room, walk through the dark on winding paths past lush plants to the kitchen. There coffee and tea were always available. I would get my steaming cup and walk to the Lake shore as the sun was rising over the volcanic mountains. Everything felt, gentle, peaceful and powerfully magical. The land itself pulses with mystery and magic. The owner, Wendy and her Mayan staff, hold the land in respect and love. They have created a space that celebrates natural beauty and connection. The already nurturing work of retreat is amplified by their care, the environment and attention to details, like nutritious food and an apothecary. I will be back! "
"Such a lovely container to retreat and explore. The physical comfort was spot on- comfy bedding, hot shower, top-notch cleanliness everywhere. The attention to detail and beauty in the landscaping, Guatemalan textiles, dance/yoga spaces, quality of yoga mats, straps, eye pillows, etc was outstanding!! The food was so nourishing, nutrient dense, yummy and satisfying. 5 stars on every dimension. Thank you!"
"Thank you, Villa Sumaya for the beautiful experience. I attended a retreat with Deb Kern at Villa Sumaya. From the food, to the staff, to the bodywork, to the beautiful retreat center, I felt nourished and well taken care of. The food was amazing! My nervous system was able to relax and get the most out of the experience. THANK YOU!"
"This was my third time at Villa Sumaya. It is a beautiful retreat center where everyone is warm and welcoming. Together, the beauty of the Lake Atitlan and the people of the villages create a special magic.
We came as the after-election unrest was subsiding and had not problems. Our drivers took back roads in case the main roads were still blocked. The people here are incredibly artistic and tourism is important to their economy.
You will love it. "
"Thank you so much Villa Sumaya family for a life changing experience!
Individual approach to every guest and attention to detail on a top of incredible service exceeded my expectations.
I will definitely come back for more hikes, delicious food, fire ceremonies and carefully selected healers!
Highly recommend! "