February 23-March 1, 2025

Immerse yourself in a week of heart nourishment in the sacred energies and stunning landscape of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala! Amidst the daily hustle, it’s all too easy to feel a little disconnected from our hearts — and the incredible wisdom within. Join Ankati for an incredible journey to the land of hummingbirds on the shores of this sacred lake — and to your own sacred heart within.

With daily yoga and movement classes, heart-awakening workshops, a group excursion to visit local Mayan artisans, Cacao ceremony, and Mayan Temezcal, we will dive deep into the Heart Medicine that we each carry within. Emerge feeling inspired, invigorated, awakened and deeply connected to the home that is your heart.

Sample Daily Schedule:

7am: Meditation & Awakening Yoga

8:30am: Breakfast

10am: Workshop, explore the lake, relax in the jacuzzi, or go for a hike

12pm: Lunch

2pm: Workshop, excursion, Temezcal, or schedule a massage or energy healing session

5pm: Meditation & Yoga Chill

6:30pm: Dinner

Evening: Kirtan, Fire Ceremony, Sharing Circle, or Chill time

About Isla Verde, Our Retreat Center

Santa Cruz La Laguna, where we are lucky enough to be located, is a Mayan village made up of just 3000 people. Steeped in tradition, the first language here is the Mayan language Kakchiquel. You will notice the women here still adorn the traditional ‘traje’ or clothing, making everything colorful and vibrant. 

Lake Atitlán is said, by many ancient Mayan legends, to be where the world was born. Its beauty and energy to this day still capture many hearts making it incredibly hard to leave.

Guatemala is considered the Land of the Eternal Spring. Located some 1500 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife means we are blessed with a year-round temperate climate, excellent for relaxing or exploring. Surrounded by three volcanoes, the lake is perfect for taking a swim, kayaking, or SUP boarding. There is amazing hiking beginning from our grounds to the surrounding villages of Lake Atitlán. Afterwards, why not indulge in a massage in our spa room.

Isla Verde boasts spectacular views from our restaurant and sun deck as well as a beautiful palm roof yoga sala, wood-fired hot tub, and sauna. Relax in your room after a gorgeous day and enjoy the views from your balcony as well!

Our lakefront restaurant features an extensive selection of omnivorous menu items prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Everything here is homemade from our hummus to our bread and even our pasta. 

Meet Your Facilitator, Ankati Day

Ankati has been practicing yoga since she was 19, and has been teaching since that fated day she hopped a plane to Costa Rica in 2012 and her entire “life plan” shifted dramatically. She is an eternal student of movement, music, poetry, Shamanism, and her insatiable curiosity. She believes deeply that we are here on Earth to awaken our innate joy through play and exploration — and she continues to weave her gifts and learnings into immersive experiences for students and participants. She can’t wait to share the magic of Lake Atitlan, and guide you in a return to the heart!

Meet Your Assistant: TBD

Meet Your Holistic Esthetician, Lee Zavorskas of Holistic Skin & Tonics

I believe aging is a gift. As unique as we are, our skin plays a big role in our journey—one that is often a stress-inducing ride for women. Our society expects perfection when it comes to our skin, which is often not realistic or healthy for our minds. I seek to shift that focus to skin health, an age-embracing mindset, and a willingness to embrace the aging adventures that lie ahead.

After having the opportunity to train with some of the best in the industry, I was able to add Dr. Vodder Advanced Lymphatic Drainage, Qi Beauty Facial, Neo Lifting Facials, Gua Sha Facial Fusion, Facial Cupping, Facial Reflexology, and Nutritional Esthetics to my practice. As a constant student, continuing education outside of esthetics school has always been a top priority. My approach is as unique as my trainings, which have allowed me to build the practice that I have today. Age embracing, not erasing is what it’s all about.

I look forward to providing you with the best care for you and your skin. 

Flights, Climate, etc.

You’ll fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. If you are arriving on February 25, you’ll need to arrive prior to 1pm to catch the group shuttle, or you’ll need to take a separate shuttle (which I can help you organize, at your own cost) to Panajachel. It is about a 3.5hr journey from the airport to Panajachel, where we will catch a boat to Santa Cruz Please do not book your return flight before 3pm on the last day of the retreat. We will conclude after breakfast, and departures could begin as early as 9:30 if needed. If you plan to extend your stay with time in Guatemala City or Antigua, I can help with recommendations.

February on Lake Atitlan is a dream- sunny with highs around 78F during the day, with evenings cooling down to the 50’s. You’ll need to pack for both climates, remembering that 50 degrees can feel quite chilly when the days are so warm. Anticipate that our morning class in the Yoga Shala might require you to start with a layer and end with some sweat!

You are welcome to bring a yoga mat or use one from the Center. Please bring a bathing suit for the Temezcal.

The Very Important Fine Print

By booking this retreat, you indicate that:

I understand that yoga includes physical movements as well as an opportunity for relaxation, stress re-education and relief of muscular tension. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. If I experience any pain or discomfort, I will listen to my body, discontinue the activity. I assume full responsibility for any and all damages, which may incur through participation. Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Yoga is not recommended and is not safe under certain medical conditions. By booking this retreat, I affirm that a licensed physician has verified my good health and physical condition to participate in such a fitness program. If I am pregnant, become pregnant or I am post-natal or post-surgical, I verify that I have my physician's approval to participate. I also affirm that I alone am responsible to decide whether to practice yoga and participation is at my own risk. I hereby agree to irrevocably release and waive any claims that I have now or may have hereafter against Ankati Day Yoga. I have read and fully understand and agree to the above terms of this Liability Waiver Agreement.

**You will be sent a copy of this waiver to sign upon submitting payment.

WHERE WE’RE GOING

This is the place where, according to many Mayan legends, the world was born.

Or at least, some incredibly mystical and magical things have happened here, and there are still Mayan locals who hold the knowledge.

Lake Atitlan is in the southwest of Guatemala's Highlands. This stunning body of water is encircled by the three dramatic volcanoes of Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, known collectively as "The Three Giants“. Perhaps not surprisingly, the culture that has evolved along the perimeter of Lake Atitlan is rich in spiritual practices and vibrant artisanal traditions.

A Nahuatl word, Atitlán translates to “the place of water” or “between the waters.” Natural places with breathtaking beauty and power have sacred meaning to the Maya, and this volcanic lake is no exception. Two distinct Maya nations –the Kaqchikel and the Tz’utujil– live in a dozen coastal villages. There is an archaeological site adjacent to the lake called Chuitinamit, also known as Chiyá, which served as the capital of Tz’utujil people for about 150 years, beginning in 1400 CE.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your booking will cover you from start to finish. We’ll coordinate getting you from La Aurora International Airport to Santa Cruz via shuttle and short boat ride. You’ll receive three beautiful meals per day plus coffee and tea, and all of our meals are made from scratch on site. Each participant can receive complimentary treatments with Lee Zavorskas. All daily yoga classes and workshops are included, as well as our excursion to the local community and other special experiences. Use the on-site wood-fired hot tub and sauna as much as you’d like!

Private healing sessions can be booked for an extra cost.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY

All deposits are non-refundable. Remaining payments made towards the full cost of the retreat can be refunded in full, minus CC fees, up to two weeks after payment is submitted and until January 1. It is advised to purchase trip insurance in case life gets in the way and you are unable to attend, as last-minute refunds are not given under any circumstances!