8th Annual Friendsgiving!

*Ceremony Edition

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Saturday, November 23 through Saturday, November 30, 2024

with Brian Peoples & Paulo Hudson

 
 


When?

Join us for the 8th Annual Friendsgiving retreat, ceremony edition! This year, we're heading to the stunning Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala from November 23rd–30th, 2024. Led by expert yogi Brian Peoples, this retreat offers seven days and six nights of yoga, workshops, delicious food, ceremonies, tours, and breathtaking sunsets.

 
 

Where?

Villa Sumaya is one of the foremost world-class retreat and wellness centers in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala. Majestically nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlan, they are dedicated to rejuvenating holistic practices and healing modalities as well as preserving Mayan traditions and facilitating outdoor adventure in the heart of the Altiplano. 


Arrival Details

We suggest flying into the La Aurora International Airport (GUA). We will book two shuttles that will depart between 11am-1pm on November 23rd from the airport to Panajachel (about a 3 hour drive). From Panajachel it is a 15 minute ferry ride to Villa Sumaya. The shuttles and ferries will be prearranged and are included in the cost of the retreat.

Departure details

Ferry and shuttle service back to the La Aurora airport in Guatemala will be provided on November 30th and is included in the cost of the retreat. We suggest booking a late afternoon or evening flight to account for the travel time to the airport.

 

Why?

To take time. To refuse the screens and, instead, dive into the lush reality of this wondrous planet. To be in community with like-hearted people. To tap into the healing power of raw nature, conscious activity and nourishing food. To slow down and bring awareness to our shared ecology and interconnectedness. To reemerge fresh and feeling more like yourself than you have in a while.

 

“In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.”

–Albert Camus

 

Ceremonies

Participate in various Mayan and cleansing ceremonies with local shamans and spiritual guides to revitalize and connect.

MAYAN FIRE CEREMONY
Learn more

CACAO CEREMONY
Learn more

SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
Learn more

BLUE LOTUS CEREMONY
Learn more


 

Retreat Pricing

*Per person / Activities included
Single $4,200
Double $3,200
Triple $2,500

Lotus Suite
(Queen bed + twin bed / Double occupancy)

Lotus House
(King bed + twin bed or 3 twin beds)
(Double or triple occupancy)

Package includes:

Daily morning yoga practice
Afternoon workshops 
Three delicious meals per day
Ceremonies
Transportation to/from Airport
Internet service
(in the main courtyard & dining room)

 

What does a typical day look like?

6am Coffee available
7:30am-8:30am Morning yoga practice
8:30am-9:30am Breakfast
9:30am Morning activities
1pm-2pm Lunch
3pm Afternoon ceremony / yoga practice
6:30pm-7:30pm Dinner 
8pm-9:30pm Evening workshop

 

What is not included in the price?

Airfare
Alcoholic beverages
Additional food & drink
Additional activities & excursions
Travel Insurance: Berkshire Hathaway or Travel Guard
Gratuity


How Villa Sumaya Gives Back:

Mayan Mothers’ Food Fund

This project began in 2020 when we realized that although there are many nonprofit agencies working in our area, the needs of families with the greatest need of financial support were not being met: Mayan mothers.

Our project is simple. All the money we collect goes directly toward the purchase of hand-selected vegetables and fruits for the families of our Mayan mothers.

We spend approximately $108 per week ($432 per month) to make this food bag and gift of life a reality.


About your Instructors:

 

Brian Peoples

Brian is compelled to share yoga practice as a means to living life more fully, simply, sensibly and embodied. Encouraging students to become curious, deliberate and playful in their choice making; his lessons illustrate how to recognize form for its function and understand natures implicit pattern as found in the body. Through sound adjustments in joint space, breath work and metaphor; each practitioner can develop their awareness to better refine, relate, re-pair, attune and achieve more harmony in how they conduct themselves and the energy around them.

He has been a guest teacher at the United Nations, and annually headlines workshops, retreats, festivals and training programs, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in New York City.

 
 
 

Paulo Hudson

Paulo Hudson is a passionate and dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher who has delved into various styles and approaches. Initially drawn to the transformative practice of Kripalu yoga, which emphasizes self-acceptance and mindfulness, Paulo's curiosity led him to explore Katonah Yoga. This unique style, developed by Nevine Michaan, combines Taoism, breathwork, and sacred geometry to create a profound connection to universal forces and enhance alignment and stability. As Paulo continues to integrate these different forms of yoga into his practice and teachings, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences, assisting others in their journey towards physical and spiritual well-being through yoga.

 
 

RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits secure your spot on the trip and are not refundable. Refunds for the balance payments vary depending on timing. For cancellation requests submitted with more than 90 days of retreat date: 100% of total amount (less deposit) will be refunded. Cancellation requests within 90 days of the retreat: sorry but no refunds given, no exceptions. Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, complete or for arriving late or leaving early.