Relax and Rejuvenate

Reconnecting the Mind and Body

September 26th - October 1st 2026

Year two — here we come!

We’re so excited to return to the peaceful shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala at Villa Sumaya for another year of relaxation, renewal, and connection. This year’s retreat invites you to move at your own pace — whether that means diving deep into daily yoga, exploring the beauty of Guatemala, or simply resting by the lake with a good book. Designed for all levels, it’s a chance to create the experience your mind and body truly need.

This retreat is designed entirely for you. Every class and activity is completely optional, allowing you to build your own rhythm each day — whether that means filling your schedule with movement and adventure, or embracing stillness and deep rest. It’s your time to fully rejuvenate, unwind, and return home feeling renewed.

Welcome to Villa Sumaya

Nestled between majestic volcanoes and sparkling waters, Villa Sumaya is a peaceful haven on Lake Atitlán. Here, tranquility, beauty, and mindful living come together in perfect harmony

Woman sitting on a wooden deck surrounded by lush green tropical plants, with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.

How to get here?

Transportation is included in your retreat package and provided by our trusted partners at KAN Travels. Shared shuttles will pick you up the 26th and drop you off on the 1st from one of three convenient locations: La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City, or Antigua, and bring you directly to the retreat center at Lake Atitlán. If you need transportation additional days that is not included, but I can recommend some great options!

The drive from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, while the journey from Antigua averages about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather. All rides are comfortable, scenic, and shared with fellow retreat guests — a wonderful opportunity to start connecting before you even arrive.

Upon arrival to the lake (the town of Panajachel), guests will take a 5-minute scenic boat ride across the water to reach Villa Sumaya.

What’s Included

Your retreat package includes everything you need for a restorative and inspiring experience:

  • Two yoga classes (one vinyasa and one yin) per day and one mat pilates class, suitable for all levels

  • Three daily vegetarian buffet-style meals, prepared with fresh, local ingredients

  • Unlimited access to tea, coffee, and filtered water throughout the day

  • Round-trip transportation with Kan Travels from Antigua, Guatemala City, or GUA Airport to the retreat center and back (both boat and car included!)

  • A traditional cacao ceremony, a heart-opening experience to connect, reflect, and celebrate together

  • Full access to the retreat grounds, including lakeside spaces, gardens, and peaceful areas for rest and reflection

What’s Not Included

  • Flights to and from Guatemala (GUA)

  • Optional activities such as hiking, kayaking, sweat lodge or other off-site excursions

  • Spa treatments

  • Personal spending money for souvenirs, artisan market purchases, or additional snacks and drinks at the bar

  • Chicken or fish meal add-ons ($9 per meal, optional)

  • Optional tips for drivers and staff at Villa Sumaya

Typical day on the lake 

7:00 - 8:00 AM — Morning Yoga with Sam
Awaken your body and mind with an energizing morning flow led by Sam in the serene dojo.

8:00 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast featuring fresh, locally inspired dishes.

9:00 AM - 11:00AM — Kayak Paddle & Cliff Jump (OPTIONAL ADD ON)
Head out on a morning adventure exploring the lake’s calm waters and nearby cliffs—an unforgettable experience.

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Free Time
Relax, read by the water, book a massage, or simply unwind in nature’s embrace.

1:00 – 2:00 PM — Lunch
Savor a vibrant, balanced meal shared with fellow retreat guests.

2:00 – 3:00 PM — Free Time
Rest, swim, or journal at your own pace.

3:00 – 4:00 PM — Pilates with Kristine
Recenter and strengthen with Kristine’s mindful Pilates session, designed to restore posture and energy.

4:00 – 5:00 PM — Free Time
Enjoy quiet moments or connect with new friends before evening practice.

5:00 – 6:00 PM — Yin Yoga with Rosa
Wind down the day with a gentle, grounding Yin session.

6:30 – 7:30 PM — Dinner
Gather for a wholesome evening meal and share stories from the day as the sun sets over the lake.

Five women practicing yoga outdoors near a body of water with mountains in the background, under a large metal and glass roof, standing on one leg with arms raised.
View of an outdoor yoga or meditation space on a wooden deck overlooking a body of water and mountains, with yoga mats arranged on the floor, a wooden shelf with rolled-up mats and other yoga equipment, and decorative elements like a framed picture and netting.

ROOMS

Your retreat experience begins with the space you call home. Below, you’ll find a variety of beautiful rooms, each thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, peace, and connection to your stay. Whether you’re seeking quiet solitude or wish to share the experience with a friend, there’s a room that fits every style and intention.

Each listing includes pricing for single, double, and triple occupancy, along with a detailed description of the room’s features and unique atmosphere. Click the link under each listing to explore photos, amenities, and location details — from lakeside serenity to the tranquil surroundings near the Tiger Temple.

You don’t need to decide on your exact room number right away. Once you’ve had a chance to review your options, I’m more than happy to personally help you find the space that feels right for you — whether that’s a cozy private suite for reflection or a shared room filled with laughter and community.

Please note that all rooms require a $350 deposit to secure your booking. After that, you can choose to pay in full upfront or join a flexible payment plan that fits your needs. There is no direct booking on the website — once you’ve chosen your room, simply fill out the “Interested in Joining?” form, and Samantha will reach out personally to guide you through payment via Zelle, Venmo, or credit card.

Let this be the first step in creating your perfect retreat experience — a home away from home where rest, renewal, and inspiration await.

Rooms

  • Lotus House Single

    Maya Rose Single

    Relax and wake up to the peaceful rhythm of the lake in these inviting spaces, designed for solo guests or couples.

    $1730.00 USD

  • Outdoor patio with beige couch, orange and brown pillows, two wicker chairs, a small round table, a hammock, and green plants.

    Maya Rose Double

    Enjoy the calm of the lakeside in this inviting room for two, available with either a shared bed or separate sleeping arrangements.

    $1305.00 USD per person

  • A multi-story tropical resort building with thatched roofs, surrounded by dense lush green trees and plants.

    Lotus House Single

    Bask in the gentle energy next to the Tiger Temple from this airy, artistically styled room—an ideal sanctuary for solo travelers seeking quiet reflection.

    $1830.00 USD

  • A cozy bedroom with two wooden beds, each with white linens and decorative pillows. There are large windows with sheer white curtains, allowing natural light to fill the room. A wooden desk, a lamp, and framed artwork adorn the walls. A mirror reflects a potted plant, and the room features warm wooden accents and tiled flooring.

    Lotus House Double

    Just steps from the Tiger Temple, this bright and artful room offers a peaceful retreat for couples or friends, with either one shared or two separate beds available.

    $1355.00 USD per person

  • A cozy bedroom with two beds covered in beige bedspreads, wooden furniture, decorative wall art, and a small rug on a tiled floor. There are windows with curtains and an open door leading to a bathroom.

    Lotus House Triple

    Located beside the Tiger Temple, this spacious and creatively designed room is perfect for three friends to share, blending comfort, connection, and tranquility.

    $1260.00 USD per person

  • Cozy living room with a stone wall, a red adobe fireplace, bookshelves with books and pottery, a painting and tribal art, a wall sconce, a cushioned sofa with colorful patterned pillows, a small wooden table, a basket of firewood, and a potted plant.

    Ginger Suite Single

    A favorite of returning guests and group leaders, this deluxe and glamorous suite is ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape or a deeply restorative retreat together. The perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway near nature’s calm.

    $1935.00 USD

  • Living room with a cushioned sofa, a coffee table, large windows revealing a lush green landscape, and a decorative hanging lamp.

    Ginger Suite Double

    This deluxe and elegantly designed suite is a favorite among our returning guests and group leaders. A glamorous hideaway perfect for romantic self-care or an extra-special personal retreat—your ultimate space to unwind and reconnect.

    $1430.00 USD per person

  • A cozy bedroom with a bed covered in a blue bedspread and decorative pillows, a brick accent wall, a window with green patterned curtains, a small wooden shelf, a wicker chair, and a bouquet of pink roses on a side table.

    Bungalow Single Rooms

    A 5-10 minute hike above the courtyard, this is a secluded getaway ideal for creatives on retreat or active couples. These rooms are only available with queen beds.

    $1730.00 USD

Interested in joining?

Aerial view of three paddleboarders on a calm blue body of water, each with a dog on their board.

Our Team

A woman practicing yoga outdoors on a wooden deck with a view of a lake, mountains, and a volcano in the background. A black cat is on her back, and she is in a modified upward-facing dog pose.

Kristine Schanstra

Kristine is a Pilates instructor and owner of a boutique reformer studio in New York, with over 20 years of experience. She lives in New York with her husband of 28 years, has 4 amazing adult children and 2 dogs and 2 cats. Her STOTT certifications, from Pilates Academy International, NYC, include Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Stability Chair, Anatomy and Bio mechanics. She is also certified in TRX and spin. As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Kristine has been an avid participant in all kinds of physical activity over the years. Some of her favorites include Hot Yoga, Trapeze, Lyra and Arial Arts, running clubs, skiing with Sam in Montana and volunteering to walk dogs at the local shelter. She also enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, traveling, and reading a good book.

In 2012, Kristine opened her own studio to share her passion and vision for teaching. Through small classes, personalized attention, and genuine connections with her clients, she created a supportive and challenging environment where people of all ages and abilities could achieve their fitness goals. She now brings this same dedication and energy with her to Guatemala. Whether you're a seasoned pro at mat Pilates or stepping onto the mat for the very first time, Kristine can’t wait to guide you through your practice.

Pilates Instructor
A woman practicing yoga in a living room with large windows, green walls, and a marquee uplit with fairy lights. She is sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat, smiling, with props and towels behind her and a gray curtain hanging from the ceiling.

Samantha Schanstra

Samantha, originally from New York, has spent the last four years in Bozeman, Montana, where she continues to cultivate her passion for movement. Growing up surrounded by her mom’s Pilates studio, movement has always been a central part of her life. It wasn’t until 2020, however, that she truly reconnected with her yoga practice, finding a deeper sense of balance and mindfulness on the mat.

In 2023, Samantha traveled to Moyobamba, Peru, to complete her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), eager to share her love of yoga and its transformative power with others. Now, as a teacher at a local studio, her style focuses on Vinyasa Flow, blending fluid movement with intention and balance. Samantha believes in the power of conscious movement to align both body and mind, offering a practice that invites self-discovery, peace, and growth.

When she’s not teaching, Samantha enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Montana through skiing, hiking, and spending time with the animals at the local shelter, where she volunteers her time.

Yoga Instructor
A woman practicing yoga or meditation in a seated cross-legged position on a yoga mat indoors against a brick wall decorated with pink and purple flowers and a neon sign that reads 'The Goddess Loft.' The woman has her hands pressed together in a prayer gesture, wearing glasses, a patterned top, and jewelry, with colorful large candles placed in front of her on the floor. 
Yoga Instructor

Rosa Dluginsky

Rosa Dluginsky is a passionate 200-hour certified Vinyasa yoga teacher and holistic healer hailing from Freeport, Long Island. Her journey began at the tender age of six, practicing yoga alongside her mother, which instilled a lifelong love for the practice. As the owner of Glowing Goddess Healing and Wellness, Rosa offers both group and individual yoga sessions, as well as sound bath sessions, guided meditations and mindfulness programs for youth.

Certified in Vinyasa Yoga since 2017, she embraces the belief that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of shape, size, gender, or ability. “It is important for me to help my students develop their own authentic practice as I guide them safely through asana and breath work.” Rosa specializes in restorative yin yoga, often integrating sound baths at the end of her classes to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.

When she’s not sharing her passion for yoga, Rosa enjoys traveling the world with her husband of 30 years. On quieter days, you can find her cozied up on the couch with a captivating book and a steaming cup of tea. Rosa cherishes life as an adventure and feels grateful every day to be a part of it.

A stone hot tub or small pool under a thatched roof with tropical plants and mountain view in the background.
Group of people gathered inside a room with wooden floors and a thatched ceiling, decorated with colorful flags.
A woman practicing yoga outdoors on a wooden deck overlooking a lake, with mountains and a volcano in the background, wearing a black tank top and black pants.
A multi-story building with a thatched roof, surrounded by lush tropical plants and trees, including palm trees, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Silhouettes of children practicing yoga outdoors at sunset with mountains and water in the background.