Atitlan Eco Retreat

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Practice Yoga Learn Spanish Discover Maya Culture Enjoy Healthy Food Take full advantage of your time in paradise and turn it into a learning adventure!

PROGRAM WITH FLEXIBLE DATES

Book 7 days
Book 14 days

A different language is a different vision of life.

H O L A !

Spend a week or two weeks living in the abundant natural beauty of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, eating homemade vegetarian food, and enjoying the company of a supportive yoga family. This retreat is a perfect a way to reset from the stress of your everyday life, and it provides practical steps to move forward with a new perspective of joy and gratitude.

YOGA

✓The Atitlan Eco method (based in Ashtanga from primary through third series) blends yin and yang, core work, strengthening and deep stretching. Classes offer challenging poses and sequencing, but the flow is slow, mindful and focused.

✓ Be ready for a great workout and lots of laughter, plus tips and teachings to help you advance rapidly. Atitlan Eco is a sustainable yoga system, where safety comes first and foundations of correct alignment are tailored specifically to each individual.

✓ Change the way you think and process emotions, how your muscles work, decrease your chances of developing chronic diseases, and increase your longevity.

✓ Strengthen connection between your body and mind through the regular practice of pranayama. Lower your stress and anxiety level, boost your energy and immune system thanks to everyday breath work sessions.

SPANISH CLASSES

✓ Learning to speak Spanish – or improving your fluency – will give both your professional and your social life a boost.

✓One of one classes, private sessions.

✓Our teachers are all native Spanish speakers. They have received extensive training and have many years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language.

✓ Speaking Spanish, if only on a basic level, will make traveling a Spanish-speaking country so much more enjoyable! Not only will you be able to deal with standard situations much more efficiently, you will also communicate more easily with the people you meet and learn about the country, its culture and customs.

✓ Boost your memory skills and rejuvenate your brain cells by learning a new language.

LAKE ATITLAN

✓ Visit Lake Atitlan, formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago, which is a home to a primarily indigenous community

✓ The local Mayans say that Lake Atitlan is the “bellybutton of the world,” and there are unique energy fields that run through the area. Whether you feel the vibes or not, there’s no denying the lake is a special place.

✓ The lake is ringed by a series of villages, each with its own characteristics. Explore San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos during your free time!

Gift yourself with in-person activities led with safety measurements, step out of pandemic fear to receive tools for balanced and healthy lifestyle, forget about gloomy lockdowns – bring fulfillment and excitement to your life, together with peace, inner strength and new skills.

Join us for an unforgettable time of studying, relaxation, fun, and connection in the lush nature of Lake Atitlan!

Please note: this is not a group retreat

Sample Program

Sample Program

7am Morning Yoga Class and Meditation 9am Breakfast 10am Spanish Session: private class 3hrs 1pm Lunch Free Time to relax, enjoy the gardens, book a tour or rejuvenate with our Massage Offerings 6:30pm Dinner

Testimonials from Yoga and Spanish Immersion Retreat students

“I came to Atitlan Eco Retreat’s 2-week yoga and Spanish immersion with my partner and father. After the burnout caused by the last year and a half with COVID-19, I cannot overstate the extent to which this experience was a lifesaver. The program consisted of early morning pranayama, yoga, and meditation practice for 2.5 hours, followed by breakfast and three hours of Spanish. Yoga and language learning was an awesome combination as I really felt centered and primed to absorb information after the morning practice. I can confidently say that my yoga and Spanish improved exponentially!   (…) Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Doron and Kasia themselves, for their openness, warmth, and welcoming nature coupled with a clear passion and dedication for teaching yoga, zen, and spirituality in an authentic and nondogmatic way. They were available to us and invested in getting to know us to the point where we developed friendships. They also know how to have fun and host an amazing “zen dance” on Saturdays with awesome playlists that were truly liberating. I will miss everyone who was there during my stay as it felt like in that short time we developed a wonderful sense of community. “ – bellamelindalee Read more on TripAdvisor.
On a whim, two weeks before Dec 31st, I decided to sign up for a yoga retreat for new years. After so “I had such a a wonderful experience at Atitlan Eco and Zen center. I signed up for the 7 day Yoga and Spanish class retreat which included a morning session of breathwork, yoga, and meditation then 3 hours of Spanish classes a day. The Spanish classes were with a private tutor and I found that the classes went by very quickly and enjoyably. I was able to both practice Spanish and get to know more about Guatemala and my Spanish teacher (Irma) life in Guatemala. There was a great balance in the schedule that offered time for me and new friends made there to visit the nearby towns via tuk tuk or boat. When I first arrived I was astonished by how peaceful and wonderfully landscaped and laid out the zen center is. It feels like walking into a small haven. I was impressed with the extent and flavor of the vegetarian diet they fed us. I found it to be tasty and nourishing and encouraged me to continue with being mindful of the kind of food I eat when I returned home. Overall – it was a wonderful experience and I wished I could have stayed longer than 7 days. There are so many lessons and knowledge that Doron and Kasia helped me learn, things to do and experience.  (…)” Read more on TripAdvisor. me research, I came across Atitlan Eco & Zen Center and their New Year’s yoga and meditation retreat. Although I didn’t have much experience and traveled by myself to a country I had never been before, I had the best time! I received great training from Doron and have continued my yoga practice since I got back. This place feels like home now and the staff like family. Doron is passionate about his teachings and makes sure everyone has a great experience. The staff is very attentive and will help with any questions. The food was absolutely divine and everyone at the retreat raved about it.  The location feels like heaven, the views of the lake and the calmness of the area is just intoxicating. I will most definitely be back! If you’re looking to get away, recharge and regenerate in mind body and soul, this is the place.  mespaillat

What's included

  • 6 nights accommodation or 13 nights accommodation
  • 3 vegetarian meals daily: curated offerings made with locally-sourced food and high quality ingredients
    • Coffee and herbal tea with breakfast
    • Unlimited  filtered water
    • Fresh juices with lunch
  • Morning yoga and meditation instructions
  • WiFi access 
  • 15  hrs  or 30 hrs of Private Spanish Classes (official teachers from Spanish Institute)
  • Time to explore the distinct and charming towns of Lake Atitlan 
  • BONUS (15 days option): Temascal – subject to availability

What's not included

  • Excursions
  • Extra snacks and beverages
  • Massage therapy and consultations with our experts
  • Transportation to and from the retreat (we are happy help to book transportation for an extra fee, read more here)

FLEXIBLE DATES

Book 7 days
Book 14 days

Accommodation

All of our accommodations are new construction and built with ecological practices in mind. Rustic and charming, rooms have either a jungle, mountains, or lake view; they are decorated with murals, local art and textiles.
From comfortable garden-enclosed shared rooms to airy, lake view suites, the accommodation here is eco-friendly and designed for utter relaxation.
The property offers three types of rooms: private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms. All bathrooms have showers with either gas or solar heated water and western toilets (eco treatment).
Atitlan Eco & Zen Center is sustainably minded, eco-conscious yoga center where you can enjoy a heavenly lake view setting with comfortable, shaded hammocks, banana trees, river flowing through the property and an outdoor café.

Food

Three vegetarian meals are served each day. Our daily offerings have an international inspiration, mixing traditional Guatemalan fare with Doron’s Mediterranean touch. Meals are made from fresh  produce; to the greatest extent possible, food is organic and locally sourced, sometimes from our own garden. Gluten free and Vegan diets can be accommodated upon request. Each meal is substantial, varied and nourishing to energize you through your retreat journey. The menu at the Atitlan Eco & Zen Center is designed with the guidance of founder and director, Doron Hanoch, who is also a professionally trained chef and certified nutrition consultant. Some examples of our offerings include raw, cooked and fermented foods, healthy sauces and condiments, homemade jams and peanut butter, fresh homemade granola, baked sourdough bread, fresh tortillas and pizza cooked in either our clay or wood-burning ovens. Snacks are available throughout the day. Try our chocolate chip banana muffins, vegan super food rich bliss balls (made with local Maya raw cacao), dragon fruit smoothies, vegan black bean brownies, or our homemade kombucha! Our goal is simple: Let mother nature’s cuisine shine with all the exciting tastes, shapes, vibrant colors and pure flavors. The food we serve is prepared with love, passion and attention to detail.

Local Activities

The spacious openness of Lake Atitlan and the powerful energy of Mayan Culture invite you to enjoy the magic of Guatemala.
Lake Atitlan is an internationally recognized spiritual center hosting multiple holistic and spiritual retreat destinations.

Additional Activities around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 

  • Walk / hike around Tzununa, through the mountains, or to nearby villages
  • Swim in the lake or chill out on the dock with breathtaking volcanic views
  • Stand up paddle boarding or kayaking
  • Waterfall hike (seasonal)
  • Hike The San Pedro Volcano (with guide)
  • Join a Coffee Tour
  • Hike to the peak of Indian Nose for a sunrise magic
  • Venture by boat or tuk-tuk to one of the neighboring towns and shop for traditional crafts; enjoy sightseeing in these unique Maya villages

 

These actives are not included in the retreat package, however we are happy to help you arrange them for additional fees.

Do you want to make changes to live healthier and feel more balanced but don't know where to start?

Our holistic living retreat will help you find balance and nourish your body and mind.
Our biggest goal is to impact and inspire people way beyond the experience of our one week retreat.

Highlights of Atitlan Eco & Zen Center (not all included in the retreat)

  • Daily morning yoga practice in a beautiful Shala space with panoramic views of Lake Atitlan, volcanoes, mountains, and the Tzununa river
  • Learning mechanics of yoga poses to perfect your alignment
  • Pranayama practices to enrich your energy and life force
  • Zen meditation
  • Osho meditation
  • Zen Dance
  • Yin Yoga to deepen flexibility and bring peace and clarity to the mind
  • Joy-enhancing techniques to help practice gratitude
  • Thoughtful, time tested yoga teachings and hands-on assists from an incredibly experienced, internationally acclaimed yoga teachers
  • Three delicious vegetarian meals served daily
  • Swimming in beautiful Lake Atitlan
  • Temazcal Ceremony (subject of availability)
  • Cacao Circle
  • SPA services: Thai Massage, Deep tissue or relaxing table massage
  • Exciting evening activities like fire-side Zen talks and chants
  • Staying in the vibrant Maya village of Tzunana and exploring the distinct and charming towns of Lake Atitlan
  • Living in a spiritual community with like-minded yogis

About Atitlan Eco Retreat

Atitlan Eco™ is devoted to guiding people into holistic health and happiness. Through yoga, meditation, pranayama, nutrition, and food, we are devoted to developing a calm and focused mind as well as a strong and healthy body. We specialize in creating a toolbox of practical life skills, blending ancient wisdom with current modalities. We promote a compassionate international community guided by authenticity, service, awareness and joyfulness.

Thinking Global, Acting Local

Atitlan Eco Retreat’s mission extends to our local community and our beautiful natural surroundings. Located in a small, rural Mayan village, we are mindful of both our environmental as well as our social impact. We pride ourselves on supporting the local economy by purchasing locally grown and seasonal ingredients, reducing our waste production and promoting a mindset of sustainable living in the community.

About Center's Founder

Doron Hanoch is a Certified 550 hour teacher (ERYT), Director of the Atitlan Eco Retreat School (RYS 200 & 500), Founder and CEO of the Atitlan Eco & Zen Center at beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. He first discovered yoga and meditation in 1992 while traveling in the Far East. Since then he has studied with amazing teachers including the Dalai Lama, Pattabhi Jois and his family, Richard Freeman (teacher training, advanced trainings and assisting), Tim Miller (3rd Series teacher training), Mark Stephens (Vinyasa teacher training, continuing studies and mentoring), Adarsh, Shashadri,  Rolf and Marci, and Cidananda. Doron loves growing food, cooking and eating. He studied cooking at The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and the Culinary Arts in New York City. He complimented cooking with becoming a Holistic nutrition consultant from The Global College of Natural Medicine and studies permaculture at the Occidental Center for the Arts in Sonoma, CA. He worked for Pure Foods and Wine in New York City, volunteered in the kitchens of many Ashrams and Zen centers as well as worked as a cook and chef at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. He is the author of Doron Yoga Cookbook   and    The Yoga Lifestyle (Llewellyn 2016)
As a Founder of Atitlan Eco Retreat, Doron’s background and skillset holistically merge together on the mat with a strong yet steady flow incorporating breathing, mind focus, alignment, and humor. Try out one of his classes for yourself on the Atitlan Eco Retreat YouTube Channel. Cooking, eating, practicing yoga and meditating – pure bliss! 🙂