"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”  ~ Anais Nin

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Join me on a transformative Spring renewal retreat designed to thaw open your body, mind and heart through slow flow yoga, releasing restoratives, nourishing yin, and guided meditations and reflections.  The long winter-into-spring transition is the perfect time to renew our intentions for the new year by bringing our attention to what deeply matters.  Villa Sumaya, which means a “little piece of heaven”, will be our sanctuary for 5 nights and 6 days.  Villa Sumaya is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a natural wonder of blue waters contrasting against the backdrop of three majestic volcanoes 10,000 feet high dominating the skyline.  Considered one of the world’s energy vortexes, Lake Atitlan has been referred to as “the most beautiful in the world” and “too much of a good thing” by the late renowned writer Aldous Huxley.  Add to the magical natural beauty - yoga, meditation, delicious food and good company - it’s a perfect way to harness the consolidated energy of the winter to thaw and bloom open into spring.

We will begin every morning with a session of guided meditation, juicy slow flows, nourishing yin, and gentle restoratives, after which we will enjoy a well balanced, nutritious and hearty vegetarian lunch.  There will be plenty of free time in the afternoon for optional outings and excursions (at an additional cost) to visit nearby Mayan pueblos and market towns, and to take in the riches of this beautiful and gentle culture.  The mystical energy of the lake, the lovely grounds, and affordable bodywork from the spa, however, may keep you from stepping a foot outside the retreat center.

A tentative itinerary, subject to minor changes, is as follows:

Saturday:
4:00 pm:                         Arrival at Villa Sumaya
5:00 pm:                         Villa Sumaya and Surroundings Orientation
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm:        Dinner
7:45 pm - 9:15 pm:        Opening Session

Sunday – Wednesday:
8:15 am - 9:00 am:        Breakfast
9:30 am - 12:00pm:       Morning Practice (meditation, slow flows, yin and restoratives) (no morning practice on Monday/reserved for optional tours)
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm:      Lunch
1:15 pm - 6:00 pm:        Free Time*
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm:        Dinner
7:45 pm - 8:45 pm:        Yin/Restoratives
8:45 pm - 9:15 pm:        Meditation

*   Thai Yoga Massage session will take place on Monday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Thursday:
8:15 am - 9:00 am:        Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:15 am:     Closing Session
11:00 am:                       Departure


Pricing includes shared accommodations, daily yoga and meditation sessions, thai yoga massage workshop, three vegetarian meals per day, daily coffee/tea service, and taxes.  Non-vegetarian meals can be made available at an additional cost upon request.  Land/lake transfers can be arranged for the group at an additional cost.  Early bird double occupancy:  $895.  Early bird pricing ends February 20, 2012.  $995 thereafter.  $300 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration.  $300 supplement for single occupancy.

REGISTER EARLY AS SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED AND TO SECURE AFFORDABLE AIR FARE DURING THE BUSY EASTER HOLIDAY SEASON AND SPRING BREAK!

•    Please email me at Danielle.lee.mf@gmail.com to receive Participant Welcome Kit for more detailed information on traveling to Guatemala, activities in Lake Atitlan, and answers to many of the questions you may have.
•    Go to www.villasumaya.com for more information on the retreat center.


Flight Recommendations with Overnight Stay in Antigua on the Way Back
I highly recommend an overnight stay at a lovely strollable colonial city of Antigua which is on the way to the airport from Villa Sumaya. This overnight stay will allow for your trip back home much more leisurely and enjoyable.  Well worth considering.   

From Wikipedia:  “Antigua is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudéjar-influenced Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches.  It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”  There is also an active volcano near Antigua one can visit by hiking or on horseback.  The attached Participant Welcome Kit offers accommodation options from super cheap to very reasonable.  Some of the previously recommended flights are already sold out.  You may consider the one listed below, or any other you may find with similar arrival and departure times.  I highly encourage you to book before this too gets sold out.  This is a very busy travel season.  


April 7 (Direct Flight):
Copa Airlines, Flight 2328  
Newark Liberty (EWR) 09:00am -07Apr, Sat Guatemala City (GUA) 11:52am -07Apr, Sat
April 13 (1 stop)
Guatemala City (GUA) 11:40am -13Apr, Fri Houston Intercontinental (IAH) 03:30pm -13Apr, Fri
………………
Houston Intercontinental (IAH) 05:55pm -13Apr, Fri Newark Liberty (EWR) 10:35pm -13Apr, Fri