RETREATS

Flourish:
an Elemental Journey Through Guatemala

With Marla + Anastasija 
5/24- 5/29/2027
El Paredon, Guatemala

Like a well-tended garden, the body flourishes when it's nourished, its patterns refined, and its rhythms aligned with the intelligence of nature. 

This retreat invites you to step into a different landscape - both within yourself and in the world around you.

Join Marla and Anastasija in El Paredón, a secluded fishing village on Guatemala's Pacific coast. Far from the pace of modern life, this hidden stretch of volcanic black sand, endless ocean, and warm tropical air offers an environment where time naturally slows. Surrounded by elemental forces - the grounding earth beneath your feet, the constant rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the expansive horizon - practice extends beyond the yoga mat and into the landscape itself. 

Each day begins with Katonah Yoga practice, weaving together asana, breathwork and restorative work with the rich metaphors and practical philosophy that define the tradition. Through the lens of the elements, we will explore the body's architecture, circulation, orientation, and capacity for transformation. Workshops will deepen our understanding of how patterns - both physical and perceptual - shape the way we inhabit ourselves and relate to the world.

Beyond our practice, we will experience Guatemala together. There will be time to surf or take a lesson, walk the expansive beaches, enjoy fresh local cuisine, explore the surrounding landscape, rest in hammocks, watch unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific, and simply participate in the slower rhythm of village life. Traveling as a thoughtfully organized group allows you to relax into the experience, offering both the ease of shared adventure and space for solitude and reflection.

About El Paredon

Unknown to many travelers, El Paredón has quietly become one of Guatemala's treasured coastal destinations, loved for its world-class surf, welcoming local community, and unhurried way of life. Family-run cafés and traditional restaurants invite us to experience the generosity of Guatemalan culture, while the simplicity of the village encourages us to reconnect with what is essential. Our home for the week is Swell, a boutique surf hotel designed for easy days spent moving between yoga, the ocean, nourishing meals, and meaningful conversation.

This retreat is created for the curious who are drawn to meaningful travel, embodied learning and cultural curiosity. 

The beauty of retreat isn't just in the destination or daily yoga practice. It's in the combination of personal growth and shared experience, the balance of adventure and introspection, the permission to prioritize yourself while being held by community.

Whether you've never traveled alone or you're a seasoned retreat-goer, there's something powerful about saying yes to yourself and yes to new experiences.

Come to practice. Come to learn. Come to travel well.

Who This Retreat Is For

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ACCOMMODATIONS

  • La Cabana

    Queen Bed Single $3,100
    Queen Bed Shared $2,850

    Nested under a traditional thatch palm roof, La Cabaña offers a beautiful view of Swell’s  garden, made up of a variety of lemon trees, palm trees, and tropical flowers. This room includes a private bathroom + shower, and features a private nook surrounded by lemon trees. Please note, this accommodation is open air style, and does not have a/c. 

    *Note: “Queen Shared Bed” is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • La Palma- SOLD OUT

    Queen Bed Double Occupancy | $2,990

    Settle into this spacious studio with two queen beds. Enjoy the fresh air breeze and views of the sunset, volcanoes and tropical garden below. Lounge the day away on your cozy sofa nested in a local style thatch palm roof.  To compliment this lovely space, enjoy the luxury of a private bathroom and tropical garden shower. Please note, this accommodation is open air style, and does not have a/c.

    This accommodation sleeps 2

  • Surfer’s Suite

    Queen Bed Double Occupancy $3,300

    The Surfer Suite blends comfort, space, and beachside energy. This air-conditioned suite features two queen beds, a comfortable indoor sofa, indoor reading nook and a spacious desk for journaling. Outside, your private terrace opens onto a tropical garden, while the signature outdoor garden shower with hot water lets you refresh in true Swell style.

    This accommodation sleeps 2. 

  • Deluxe Swim-Up Suite- SOLD OUT

    Queen Bed Single Occupancy $3,650
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,250

    Step into the Deluxe Swim-Up Suite — a private, tucked-away sanctuary designed for total peace and connection with nature. This cozy, air-conditioned suite features a spacious desk, sofa lounge, and ample storage to make you feel right at home. Outside, your private terrace opens directly onto a serene infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views of the water and the lush garden beyond. Enjoy the quiet of this hidden corner of the property, where the only sounds are the wind in the trees and the gentle flow of the pool.

    An exterior bathroom and garden shower complete the experience with a touch of tropical luxury.

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared “is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • Swim-Up Suite- SOLD OUT

    Queen Bed Single  Occupancy $3,500
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,150

    Stay in style in your own poolside Swim-Up Suite. Equipped with A/C, a private indoor sofa lounge, private bathroom and garden shower - the real draw to this room is the terrace that gives directly onto the pool. Wake up and take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cup of coffee with your feet in the water.

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared “is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • Koko Suite

    Queen Bed Single Occupancy $3,400
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,090

    Settle into the Koko suite and enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned space with a spacious desk and ample shelving to unpack all of your belongings. To the front, a private refuge of peace and tranquility on your private deck and lounge open towards the garden of tropical flowers and lemon trees. This room has its own spacious private bathroom & garden shower

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared” is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • Agua Suite

    Queen Bed Single Occupancy $3,500
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,150

    The Agua Suite sits on the second level, offering a bright, comfortable space with views in both directions. Inside, you’ll find a queen bed, a cozy sofa area, and a private bathroom. Step out onto your private terrace, where a hammock overlooks the tropical garden and distant volcanoes. Toward the back of the suite, scattered sea views bring in the coastal breeze and remind you of the ocean just moments away.

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared” is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • Salty Suite- SOLD OUT

    Queen Bed Single Occupancy $3,650
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,250

    Let the ocean breeze guide you to the Salty Suite — a serene, air-conditioned hideaway with a queen bed and a cozy indoor sofa. Enjoy a morning coffee or sunset drink on your spacious front terrace, or retreat to the back terrace where the hammock sways between lush greenery with soft glimpses of the sea beyond. The private bathroom features hot water for a refreshing rinse after your beach adventures.

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared” is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

  • La Luna

    Queen Bed Single Occupancy $3,650
    Queen Bed Shared  $3,000

    Step into the Luna Suite — a bright, peaceful and spacious suite designed for comfort and simplicity. Featuring one queen bed and a reading nook, this air-conditioned room offers everything you need to unwind: a cozy desk, small closet, and a private bathroom with hot water. Outside, a spacious terrace welcomes you with the sounds of the ocean and the warm tropical breeze — the perfect spot to relax under the moonlight.

    *Note: “Queen Bed Shared” is a shared bed accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for friends, couples, or loved ones to share.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 5 nights accommodations at Swell Hotel

  • Twice daily practices

  • Pranayama and meditation sessions

  • Elemental and theory workshop 

  • 3x’s Chef prepared nourishing daily meals

  • Round-trip group transportation from Guatemala City Airport 

  • Community circles and reflection time

  • Free time to rest, surf, explore, or enjoy the beach

  • Group hike to a Volcano and local cultural exploration

  • Access to all hotel amenities and retreat facilities

Additional InformatioN

    • Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $500

    • 50% of balance due: February 15th, 2027

    • Final balance due: April 10th, 2027 


    *custom payment plans are available if needed. Please email us at programs@liveayayoga.com to inquire.

    • Airfare to Guatemala
      Additional excursions, cabs or buses, spa services, shopping, or off site meals

    • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

    • Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA)

    • Group shuttle to Swell (approx. 3hrs)

    • Arrival window: Please land in GUA no later than 12:30P on 5/24/27

      • Bus leaves 2:00P to head to El Paredon  

    •  Departure window: no earlier than 2:00P on 5/29/27

Reserve Your Spot

Spaces are limited for this retreat. To secure your spot click the “Book Now” button below for the link to submit your $500 deposit and room request.

We can’t wait to explore with you!

BOOK NOW →

Meet Your Retreat Guides

Marla

Marla is a lifelong explorer, dedicated yoga teacher and nature lover- she believes that travel & yoga are portals to self-discovery, new perspectives, and profound connection.

For Marla, retreats are not an escape but an invitation- to move, to breathe, to remember what it feels like to be fully present without the distractions of daily life. Whether guiding movement practices or sharing quiet moments of reflection, she brings a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the magic that unfolds when we slow down and tune in.

Anastasija

Anastasija is a world traveler and a devoted seeker of embodied wisdom. As a Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, her work is deeply rooted in the art of self-inquiry, nervous system regulation, and embodied healing. Drawing inspiration from Somatic Experiencing™, Polyvagal Theory, Shadow Work, Katonah Yoga, and Dance Therapy, she weaves together a holistic approach to movement and mindfulness. Through her teachings, she invites retreat-goers to explore the wisdom of their bodies, the expansiveness of their breath, and the power of deep, intuitive presence.