MAGIC OF THE MAYA RETREAT
FUNDAMENTALS OF THE LIFE OF THE
ANCESTRAL MAYA
Oct. 31 – Nov. 7, 2026
“There are places in the world where ancient wisdom is not history—it is still alive.”
Join us for seven unforgettable nights on the shores of Lake Atitlán as we step into the living traditions of the Maya through ceremony, cosmology, food, storytelling, nature, and community.
Hosted by a Maya Tz'utujil spiritual guide and a Guatemalan wellness practitioner, this intimate retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the people, practices, and landscapes that continue to carry this wisdom forward today.
Like so many beautiful things, this retreat began as a dream—a wink from the Universe and a thread that needed to be followed— with curious minds and open hearts.
The first seeds were planted in the afterglow of a sacred fire ceremony—everything radiated with the mystery and fullness of the experience, still covered in the smoke that spoke of ancestors and folklore. Through the reflection of the beauty of these traditions and the power of sharing them, the vision began to emerge…
Later, the offering grew clearer and the dates were selected using the wisdom of the Maya sacred calendar, and the journey had began.
YOUR FACILITATORS
Your guides are two Guatemalans, from very different backgrounds, but with the same intention and dream for the future. Together, they invite you into a rare opportunity to learn directly from the living spiritual traditions of the people of Lake Atitlán and rest in the beauty of nature.
Thomas and Sofia work in natural rhythm. There is an ease and joy to it, as though they have been weaving beauty side by side for lifetimes. Creating this retreat is a sacred, heartfelt offering that they are honored to share with you.
THE CONTAINER
An intimate, beautiful, and lovingly held space
so you don't have to do anything but arrive, release, and receive from the very first moment.
A healing, magnetic location right on Lake Atitlán
so you can truly rest, breathe in beauty, and feel held by your environment too.
Every detail of the retreat curated with love and excellence by locals
from the meals to the accommodation and human care - for a transformative and nourishing
THE OFFERING
Maya Cosmology & the Sacred Calendar
Discovering Your Personal Nahual
The 13 Foundational Energies & 20 Daily Energies
Traditional Sacred Fire Ceremony
Maya Textile Demonstration
Traditional Maya Food Demonstration
Organic, Mindfully Crafted Cuisine
Daily Movement & Meditation
Sound Healing Journeys
Profound Immersion in Nature
This is for you if...
You've always wanted to visit Guatemala but weren’t sure who to put your trust in.
You've read the Popul Vu or other Mayan texts and feel inspired to learn more.
You’ve explored the Mayan calendar and feel inspired to learn more.
You need to unplug from the default world and explore something magical.
You’ve been called to Lake Atitlan, it’s mystery, beauty, depth and portal energy.
You want to rest deeply, eat beautifully, move gently and be held by two people who deeply care about your experience.
What’s Included
Round trip airport transfers
Goodie bags with curated gifts for each participant
7 nights lodging
Boat transfers
All meals, coffee, tea
All programming - daily workshops, movement practices, sound healings, fire ceremonies
One on one personal Nahual reading with Thomas
Guided trip to San Juan- lunch, textile demonstration at Cooperativa la Botanica, mural tour
Mayan cooking class
What’s Not Included
Additional food and drinks beyond programmed meals
Massage and energy work sessions
Airfare
Gratuities for Villas del Carmen staff, shuttle drivers, and boatmen
From an early age, Thomas was immersed in the teachings of his ancestors, witnessing ceremonies, healings, prophecies, and sacred practices that shaped his understanding of life and spirituality. As he grew older, these experiences deepened into a calling to continue learning, practicing, and sharing the traditions of his ancestors.
Today, Thomas is dedicated to sharing the wisdom, ceremonies, and sacred traditions of the Maya with integrity. His work bridges ancient knowledge with contemporary life, helping others cultivate greater harmony, understanding, and connection with themselves, nature, and the spiritual world.
Thomas integrates traditional Maya wisdom with alternative healing modalities and medicinal plants.
He considers it a profound honor to accompany others on their life journey and is committed to serving with compassion, respect, and heartfelt dedication. Thomas will guide retreat participants through Maya cosmology, the sacred calendar, nahuales, traditional ceremony, and the living spiritual traditions of the Maya people of Lake Atitlán.
Sofia is a holistic wellness practitioner dedicated to helping others achieve vibrant health through a myriad of physical and devotional practices. With decades of yoga practice and training—including Anusara and Yandara certifications—she brings ancient wisdom to modern healing.
A certified Foundation Training instructor and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Sofia also studied raw food science at the Living Light Culinary Institute. For the past three years, she’s led hundreds of sound healings and served as director of Mountain Town Music’s Healing Sounds initiative in Park City, Utah.
Sofia founded the iconic Club Ven Aca on Lake Atitlan in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades living and working on Lake Atitlán, cultivating deep relationships with local artisans, guides, healers, boatmen, farmers, and community members. Through her work as a wellness educator, chef, retreat leader, and owner of Villas del Carmen, she has become passionate about creating meaningful experiences that connect visitors with the beauty, culture, and living traditions of Guatemala.
Sofia serves as the retreat host, chef, movement instructor, sound healer, and cultural bridge, helping participants feel welcomed, supported, and deeply cared for throughout the journey. You are in good hands!
The Venue
Villas del Carmen is committed to crafting a space for healing, celebrating, honoring, growing, and creating through the lens of community and change. This is a place where guests are presented with the opportunity to experience Guatemala and the richness of her people, history, and natural treasures with unparalleled amenities and comforts.
Pricing
Early Bird Pricing available through August 11th Double occupancy starting at $1,985 $600 deposit secures your spot
Detailed pricing and room options coming soon…
We can’t wait to welcome you and share these treasures with you.