november 21-28, 2026
be & rise retreat
lake atitlán, guatemala
retreat
be in flow, rise with intention
surrounded by the tranquil waters of lake atitlán and the powerful presence of the volcanoes that rise from its shores, be & rise is an invitation to explore the relationship between flow and transformation.
water teaches us to soften, listen, and trust. fire invites us to awaken, create, and step courageously toward what is calling us forward. throughout the week, we'll move between these complementary energies — honouring the beauty of simply being while creating space for meaningful growth and possibility.
through yoga, meditation, nourishing meals, connection, and ritual, you'll be invited to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with what feels most true. together, we'll gather in community, honour the rhythms of nature, and participate in a traditional mayan fire ceremony led by a local elder.
as the week unfolds, may the lake remind you how to flow, the volcanoes remind you how to rise, and the practices we share help you reconnect with the spark that has always been within.
a nourishing daily rhythm
while each day will unfold a little differently, our rhythm together is intentionally balanced — offering both meaningful practice and ample space to rest, explore, and reconnect.
mornings begin with movement: energizing yoga overlooking the waters of lake atitlán, meditation inspired by the natural elements, and a nourishing breakfast shared in community. these early hours invite us to connect with the qualities of water — presence, flow, and receptivity — before stepping into the day ahead.
from there, much of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. swim in the lake, explore the vibrant villages that dot its shoreline, relax in the gardens, enjoy a spa treatment, journal, read, connect with others, or simply savour the gift of unstructured time.
throughout the week, we'll also gather for workshops, reflection, ceremony, and meaningful conversation designed to spark insight, inspiration, and growth. like the volcanoes that surround the lake, these moments invite us to reconnect with our inner fire — our creativity, vitality, and sense of possibility.
we'll come together again for shared meals, evening practices, and community connection, settling into the natural rhythms of retreat life. through the balance of water and fire, rest and activation, being and becoming, be & rise offers space to soften into the present moment while opening to what is ready to emerge.
lake atitlán
often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, lake atitlán sits within an ancient volcanic crater in the guatemalan highlands, surrounded by three majestic volcanoes and a collection of vibrant mayan villages. it is also the deepest lake in central america, known for both its striking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
there is a feeling here that is difficult to describe but easy to experience. perhaps it's the way the morning light dances across the water, the quiet presence of the volcanoes, or the deep connection between the land, the lake, and the communities that call this place home.
whatever it is, atitlán has a way of inviting you to slow down, look up, and reconnect with what matters. throughout the week, this remarkable landscape will serve as both backdrop and teacher — offering space for reflection, inspiration, and meaningful transformation.
the details
what’s included
7 nights accommodation at villa sumaya, a beautiful lakeside retreat centre on the shores of lake atitlán, guatemala
three nourishing vegetarian meals daily, plus tea & coffee, anytime
daily yoga, meditation, and retreat experiences
a traditional mayan fire ceremony led by a local elder
one 90-minute session of your choice, in the harmony spa
hotel gratuities
ample personal retreat time to rest, explore, reflect, and reconnect
a thoughtfully curated retreat gift
donation to Mayan mothers & fathers project
*ground transportation to & from villa sumaya
full access to villa sumaya's lakeside gardens, private docks, spa facilities, hiking trails, and sacred spaces
nestled between volcanic peaks and the sparkling waters of lake atitlán, this retreat is designed to offer both inspiration and ease — a space to reconnect with yourself, honour what is ready to be released, and create room for what is ready to emerge.
*included group transportation to the retreat centre will depart from hotel tikal futura at 12:00pm on november 21, 2026
not included
flights
travel insurance
additional food/beverages/spa services
your home for the week
maya rose room (double)
our maya rose rooms are cozy lakefront rooms, close to the main courtyard. these maya rose rooms are double occupancy, and can be set up with either:
two twin beds
one king bed
features:
twin beds that can be combined into a king
private bathroom stocked with high quality products
outdoor lounge space
lush garden and lake views
steps from the main courtyard
guests booking a maya rose room must register together with the person they are sharing the room with.
*traveling solo? reach out to us, maybe we can match you up mindfully with another solo traveler :)
maya rose room (single)
This maya rose room is a private lakefront room, close to the main courtyard. enjoy views of the lake right from your bed, and spread out in this private room.
one king bed
features:
private bathroom stocked with high quality products
extra comfy outdoor lounge space
lush garden and lake views
steps from the main courtyard
skyline bungalow — booked
our skyline bungalow is perched up high for incredible lake views. this room is uniquely built around the existing nature.
one queen bed
features:
uniquely built room, leaving space for the nature around
large private bathroom with incredible lake views, stocked with high quality products
outdoor seating space with panoramic lake views
lush garden all around
please note, the skyline bungalow, true to its name, is located either 70 steps up from the main courtyard. this room option would not be suitable for someone unable to walk these steps regularly.
junior suite — booked
This posh junior suite is perched up 50 steps above the main courtyard — perfect for enjoying panoramic views from your patio.
one queen bed
features:
spacious room with desk as well as a cozy window seat
private bathroom stocked with high quality products
outdoor lounge space with panoramic lake views
maya rose — booked
This maya rose room is a private lakefront room, close to the main courtyard. enjoy views of the lake right from your bed, and spread out in this extra spacious room.
one queen bed
features:
indoor seating area on a velvet futon
private bathroom stocked with high quality products
private outdoor lounge space with a couch and large hammock
deluxe suite 1 — booked
This gorgeous deluxe suite is located 70 steps above the main courtyard boasting spectacular, panoramic views from room and balcony. Take it all in on your spacious lake view balcony with seating.
one king bed
features:
extra spacious room with a comfortable velvet seating area
spacious, private bathroom stocked with high quality products
spectacular panoramic lake views from the private balcony
deluxe suite 2 (double)
This luxurious suite is located 40 steps above the main courtyard boasting spectacular, panoramic views from room and balcony. Take it all in on your spacious lake view balcony with seating.
one queen bed
one twin bed
features:
extra spacious room with a comfortable velvet seating area and stone fireplace
spacious, private bathroom stocked with high quality products
spectacular panoramic lake views from the private balcony
investment
all prices are per person, shown in usd and include all taxes and fees, as well as all of the retreat inclusions, shown above.
Packages:
maya rose room (double occupancy) — $3,195 usd
maya rose room (single occupancy) — $3,695 usd
skyline bungalow (single occupancy) — $3,595 usd
junior suite (single occupancy) — $3,795 usd
maya rose room (single occupancy) — $3595 usd
deluxe suite 1 (double occupancy) — $3,495 usd
deluxe suite 2 (double occupancy) — $3,495 usd
*a $1000 USD non-refundable deposit towards your total package investment is required to reserve your spot. the final balance will be due by september 12, 2026.
booking
to book this retreat, you will be redirected to melanie from movement travel, our trusted travel agent partner. melanie will process your reservation, and assist with other travel arrangements, if required. LM Movement Travel Ltd is affiliated with Nexion Travel Group – Canada
380 Wellington St., Tower B, 6th Floor, London, ON, N6A 5B5
Email: retreatbooking@movementtravel.com
TICO #1549342
prior to booking, please read and agree to our booking terms & conditions.
getting there
Movement Travel suggests to fly into Guatemala City (GUA) and transport will be arranged by the retreat centre for you from there. The retreat centre is about a 3.5 hour drive from the airport followed by a short (10 minute) boat ride from Panajachel to the private Villa Sumaya dock.
if possible, we suggest arriving on november 20th for ease of travel. group transportation included in the retreat will depart from hotel barcelo guatemala city at 12:00pm on november 21st. movement travel can assist with your hotel booking. To arrange a complimentary transfer from the airport to Barcelo Guatemala City, please email guatemalacity@barcelo.com with your flight information
if you arrive later than in time to join the 12:00pm group transportation, transportation can be arranged at an additional cost to you.
your retreat guides
lena dumitru
host & teacher
Lena Dumitru is the founder and owner of &asanas, a community built on the belief that meaningful transformation happens when we slow down, tune in, and reconnect with ourselves. Since opening the studio in 2023, she has created a space that has become a second home for thousands of students seeking movement, mindfulness, and connection.
After years of personal practice and study, lena completed her yoga teacher training in India, followed by training in yin yoga — a style that remains especially close to her heart.
Lena creates classes that invite students to soften, breathe, and return to the present moment. On retreat, she brings the same grounded energy that has shaped the &asanas community, offering yin yoga practices, meaningful connection, and space for deep rest and reflection.
Lena looks forward to welcoming be & rise guests into an experience that reflects the values at the heart of &asanas: community, mindfulness, growth, and coming home to yourself.
emily cordes
host & teacher
Emily cordes is a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and experienced international retreat leader. She has led retreats throughout Central America and beyond, including multiple retreats at Villa Sumaya on Lake Atitlán, where she has developed a deep connection with both the venue and surrounding community.
As the lead teacher for Be & Rise, Emily brings extensive experience not only in a teaching capacity, but as a retreat facilitator who understands how to create an experience that feels seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated from arrival to departure. Her intimate knowledge of Villa Sumaya allows her to support guests with confidence, helping them feel at home in one of the world's most beautiful retreat destinations.
With a background in contemporary dance and education, Emily's teaching style weaves together creative movement, intentional sequencing, yoga philosophy, and meaningful connection. Her greatest joy is creating spaces where students can pause, reconnect with themselves, and return home feeling inspired, grounded, and renewed.
november 21 — 28, 2026
be in flow, rise with intention
a $1000 USD non-refundable deposit towards your total package investment is required to reserve your spot.