The Magic of the Maya

I was blessed enough to attend a retreat held at Villas Del Carmen and it was a life changing experience! Sofia was the ultimate host. We where able to learn about, explore places, and experience things that are native to the area that otherwise may not have been accessible to the common tourist. Things such as visiting the women's co-op in San Juan and learning the entire process of how they harvest cotton, clean the cotton, spin and dye the cotton, and then weave it into beautiful and intricate textiles. We were also so blessed to experience a native myan ceremony that was so intimate and like nothing I have ever experienced before! Sofia provided healthy and delicious meals made from locally sourced organic ingredients (some even grown on her property). The setting is beyond healing and a great atmosphere to really relax and become one with yourself again. Highly recommended, and I will be returning!!!

My sister-in-law and I attended an amazing retreat at Villas del Carmen! It's hard to describe how wonderful my experience was; this was one of the top 5 experiences in my life! Sofia arranged everything from picking us up from the airport with her long-time family friend, an excellent driver, through the mountains to Lake Atitlan, then taking a water taxi to Villas del Carmen. Sofia met us at the dock and carried our large suitcases up the stairs to the house. We stayed in the pink house, which is decorated beautifully with fresh flowers and local art, textiles, and ceramics from the villages. I slept like a baby and woke up to the hummingbirds flitting around the array of flowers outside on the deck. Sofia is a wonderful hostess. There is a vortex at this lake, and there was lightning in the skies at night. I can't explain how magical this place is! Sofia is an amazing chef; she creates healthy, delicious meals. We enjoyed yoga and meditation in the morning in the chalet overlooking the lake. Sofia is an awesome yogi; there are paddle boards and kayaks to enjoy the lake. We relaxed in or around the lake, and we hiked. The pool and hot tub are wonderful. I went to Guatemala not knowing what to expect, and this exceeded all of my dreams! I left there with a feeling of peace and calm. I made wonderful friends. I had a reading while I was there, and it eased my mind, and within a few weeks of returning home, the reading came true! I can't wait to return to this magical place and spend time with Sofia again.

My experience in Guatemala during the Soul Elements Retreat was truly unforgettable, and staying at Villa del Carmen made it even more special. Sofia is a beautiful host — warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive. The food she prepared was beyond amazing… every meal felt intentional and nourishing. The accommodations were comfortable, peaceful, and thoughtfully curated. What made the experience even richer was Sofia's deep knowledge of the culture and the people. Her insight gave our trip so much depth and meaning. I'm beyond grateful for this stay and would return in a heartbeat.

As a life coach and retreat facilitator, I couldn't be happier that I chose to align with and collaborate with Sofia and her impeccable property, Villas del Carmen. It felt as if we all landed in an enchanted place in time with colorful, clean & well decorated rooms. The views are spectacular (no matter which unique home you may be staying in). Access to Lake Atitlan directly in front of the property is a magical experience as it is one of the deepest lakes in the world, surrounded by volcanos and an energetic vortex that is undeniable. The gorgeous infinity pool and hot tub provided a lavish experience for every participant at our retreat. Sofia was the most amazing hostess, making every guest feel welcomed and nurtured. She provided beautiful meditations and yoga for our guests every morning. Her sound baths were also a beautiful addition to our offerings. With Sofia's Guatemalan heritage, her genius in the kitchen is something you wouldn't experience anywhere else, utilizing delicious local produce, meats, fish, and other ingredients in her culinary delights. The love and care she puts into everything she does is obvious, and everyone appreciated it deeply. Sofia's knowledge of the traditions and culture in the area provides a level of safety and comfort, making it easier to relax while exploring and experiencing the authentic Guatemalan villages. I have already scheduled another retreat at Villas del Carmen for next year. Everyone, including myself, had the experience of a lifetime. I'm excited to see if Sofia and I can top it next year. Thank you, Sofia, for including me in your incredible vision to share your beautiful space and heritage with the world.

This place is magical🪄. I attended a women's retreat in November 2025. Sofia and her staff were amazing. The energy on the island is undeniable. The sunsets, the sunrises, the activities, the food…. OMG… the food!!! If you are on the fence… jump, you won't regret it.🌋

I came to Villas del Carmen in early November for a retreat and was blown away by the experience. In need of healing and inner clarity, I embarked on a beautiful adventure. And Sofia served everything I hoped for and more on a silver platter (figuratively speaking). The accommodations were clean and comfortable and decorated in uplifting, colorful hues. The grounds are well maintained with blooming flowers and luscious greenery at every turn. Hummingbirds frequent the property, gathering nectar and quietly making their rounds. I loved watching them! The pool is refreshing and hot tub perfect for relaxing. To be honest, I had such an incredible first day there, I could have left the next morning feeling satisfied with what I experienced in the first 24 hours. Thankful and so very grateful I got to spend another 6 days and the memories I made on this trip will stay with me forever. I WILL return in the future and will not hesitate to stay at this magically warm and welcoming property.

I've stayed with Sofia on her healing grounds for two retreats in four months. Both were quite different and I found healing with both journeys. We enjoyed sound baths, intentional movement, breathwork, guided meditation, organic meals, and amazing connections with beautiful humans.

Villas del Carmen is magical. It was the perfect location for the women's retreat I attended. Divinely feminine and full of love. Sofia is a gift as a host, chef, teacher, and overall good company. She cared for us as her guests with so much thoughtfulness and consideration. We appreciated all of her staff's dedication and kindness.