The Relational Way Retreat
2027 TBA · Antigua, Guatemala
A 7-day retreat on sacred Mayan homelands created to bring us into deeper connection with ourselves, Mother Earth, and all our relations.
The heart of this retreat
Self
Right relationship with body, mind, and spirit through daily yoga, meditation, nourishing organic food, and sacred rest.
Service
Right relationship with service through Project Genesis — a local nonprofit providing education and vocational training to over 300 children in an underserved community.
Earth
Right relationship with all beings by remembering how to relate to the land, plants, and animals as relatives —through ceremony and reverence.
Culture
Right relationship with culture by honoring Indigenous wisdom and learning how to be a guest on sacred land with respect, humility, and listening.
Why this retreat is different
We are not offering an escape
rather an invitation into a whole new way of being in relationship with Mother Earth, and with travel itself.
The retreat itself is a ceremony
waking and walking with intention, to heal not just ourselves, but all our relations.
We are traveling as respectful guests, not tourists
by honoring the indigenous protectors of the land, and by offering ourselves in service.
The retreat is not for our profit alone
50% of profits go directly toward uplifting the future generations of Guatemala.
A Week in The Relational Way
Our time together will weave together personal healing, yoga, service trips, and spacious rest. We will care for our bodies by eating fresh nourishing food, practicing yoga, and hiking an (optional) volcano. Some days will include a visit to Project Genesis while others will offer cultural learning experiences or ceremony with T’zules, a Mayan woman and spiritual guide. Below are some examples of what we may do each day:
Early Morning
Herbal tea & quiet time
Yoga and pranayama (breath practice)
Earth-centered meditation
Morning
Nourishing organic breakfast
Service trip to play with the children at Project Genesis, plant teachings (coffee, cacao, medicinal herbs) or hike up a volcano
Afternoon
Communal lunch & time to rest
Mayan ceremony or integration circle
Optional add on: massage, private yoga, foundation training
Free time to explore the vibrant streets of Antigua
Evening
Dinner under the stars
Yoga Nidra or sound healing
Temezcal (Mayan Sauna), or Mayan Fire Ceremony
Time for stillness, creativity, rest
Where you’ll rest
*Premium accommodation shown
Nestled into the north facing mountains of the sacred Panchoy Valley —the land of the Kaqchikel Mayan peoples — here now lives a working organic avocado farm cared for by local villagers who carry the medicine of their ancestral farming practices. Located just outside Antigua, Guatemala, Earth Lodge is an eco-retreat center that will bless us with 130-degree views of the twin volcanos, in a peaceful tropical jungle, nestled into the heart of Mother Earth.
Earth Lodge has beautiful rustic accommodations that are comfortable, natural, and sustainable.
Private or shared accommodations available with private bathrooms and showers with organic local bath products which are safe and friendly for their greywater system which cycles the water into the surrounding plant life and farm
An abundance of nature trails, indoor and outdoor lounge spaces, hammocks, an organic restaurant, yoga shala , spa and ceremonial spaces
Unlimited access to the Temazcal (Mayan sauna)
How you’ll be nourished
Earth Lodge’s restaurant is led by sisters Marta and Nancy who grew up learning to cook from their mother in their family home in the village of El Hato. With their education in wellness and farm to table practices, they created a world-class dining experience, with a focus on bright tropical flavors, local artisan products and plenty of options — whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or omnivore. Marta is also very well versed in local herbalism and is a wealth of native and ancestral information regarding local plants and their medicinal uses!
What’s included:
Three nourishing meals daily
Fresh local Guatemalan coffee sourced from their neighbors Finca Filadelfia - Antigua’s oldest coffee fica. It’s farm to-cup experience
Unlimited purified water and herbal teas
Dietary Options:
Vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore choices
Gluten-free and other special diets
Service as Relationship
30-50% of profits from this retreat (depending on bookings) go directly to our friends at Project Genesis, a local Guatemalan non-profit that supports education, nutrition, and vocational training for children in San Andrés Itzapa — one of the most under resourced neighborhoods in the region. We will take two trips to Project Genesis to build relationships, play with and learn from the children, and support the community in a deep and reciprocal way. Your presence at the retreat means you directly support the future generations of San Andrés Itzapa.
Hakim created this video in 2014 after volunteering at Project Genesis on his gap year. The project has grown a lot since, however we hope this video will begin connecting you with the soul of this project.
Your Facilitators
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T’zules
Mayan Spirituality and Indigenous Ceremonies
T’zules is a local Mayan Spiritual Guide who was raised in a family with a strong spiritual lineage of Shamans. She was guided from a young age to listen to her intuition and embrace her sacred path. As a spiritual guide, she has transcended darkness and now serves as a warrior of light, protecting Mother Earth and defending Indigenous traditions. Her mission is to ensure the legacy of her ancestors is respected and preserved. T’zules offers Mayan ceremonies and spiritual guidance, helping participants connect to ancestral wisdom and the deeper purpose of their journey.
We are blessed to be able to learn and uplift Indigenous peoples of this land. We are honored to have T’zules lead a Cacao ceremony, and Fire ceremony and leading indigenous wisdom talks. -
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Ricardo Oscar Armas Castellano
Founder of Project Genesis
Ricardo is a Guatemalan author, educator, and activist who has dedicated his life to the children of San Andrés Itzapa. Despite having very little himself, he has given his time, resources, and energy to creating a better future for underserved youth. Ricardo is a passionate storyteller and a visionary leader, and his work with Project Genesis has been recognized both in nationally in Guatemala and abroad. He will share his story and his mission with participants during our visits to Project Genesis. Ricardo’s faith is palpable, and we trust that his drive to lift up Guatemala’s rural youth is will inspire you as well.
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Jesse Rose
Co-Facilitator
Jesse Rose is a member of the Schagthicoke Tribal Nation and has a deep connection to the spirit of plants, animals, and Mother Earth. She will guide the group in honoring Indigenous wisdom and building meaningful relationships with the native plants and people of Guatemala, as well as our Earth Mother. Through ceremonies, plant teachings, and immersive experiences, Jesse Rose is sharing the remembrance of how to relate to our Earth in a sacred way. She will also be guiding our Yoga classes, meditation, and sound healings.
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Hakim Noah
Co-Facilitator
Hakim has been working with Project Genesis since 2014 and brings over a decade of experience in ethical service work. His approach to service is rooted in mutual learning and exchange, rejecting the traditional model of “voluntourism” and instead focusing on relationship-building and reciprocity. Hakim is also a healer and movement teacher, and will be facilitating guided discussions on wealth, privilege, and global inequities while helping participants engage in service with humility, gratitude, and intention.
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Jossue Armas
Transportation & Guided Activities
Brother of Ricardo, Jossue is an experienced and trusted tour and adventure guide who will be providing transportation and leading our guided adventures throughout the retreat. We absolutely love Jossue’s joyful, passionate, and aware nature—a truly special human. Jossue ensures that participants have safe and meaningful experiences while exploring the beauty of his homeland in Guatemala.
Energy Exchange
Your contribution supports not only your personal transformation, but also uplifts Indigenous teachers, local healers/workers, and the children of Project Genesis.
Early Bird Pricing
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There will be space in your intake form to share any needs or preferences regarding roommates.
For more information and to see photos of the different options, visit our accommodations page.
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There will be space in your intake form to share any needs or preferences regarding roommates.
For more information and to see photos of the different options, visit our accommodations page.
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For those craving solitude and deep integration, our private cabins, or cabinitas, offer a serene escape from the world.
Please note that availability is limited, and these private accommodations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to see photos of the different options, visit our accommodations page.
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For those craving solitude and deep integration, our private cabins, or cabinitas, offer a serene escape from the world.
Please note that availability is limited, and these private accommodations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to see photos of the different options, visit our accommodations page.
Payment Questions:
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6 nights accommodation at Earth Lodge
3 nourishing meals per day
All retreat programming, Cacao ceremony, and workshops
Transportation to/from Guatemala City (on arrival and departure days)
Daily yoga, meditation, and healing sessions
Guided service immersion with Project Genesis
Donation to Project Genesis
Cacao & coffee farm visits
Indigenous wisdom teachings and cultural exchanges
Integration support and post-retreat resources
Airfare to Guatemala is not included.
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We are committed to economic justice and honoring the diverse realities of those called to this work. Payment plans are available for everyone (select payment plan at in your application).
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We are offering 1 partial scholarship ($1,000 off) for a shared occupancy room for a BIPOC relative for whom cost is a barrier (self-identified). The total you will need to pay is $895.
To apply for the scholarship please click below.
Note: If you are not BIPOC but would like to support us in offering more scholarships, please contact us.
BIPOC Scholarship
Our hearts desire is for this retreat to be accessible to all our relations, particularly BIPOC individuals. We have at least 1 partial scholarships available ($1000 taken off shared accommodation price).
This retreat is calling those who:
Are feeling the pulse to be closer to Mother Earth
Are seeking a way to travel that is deeper than tourism
Want to engage with Indigenous wisdom and social justice through real, heart-centered work
Desire healing not just for themselves, but for the world.
Are ready to challenge old paradigms and step into a new way of relating to the world
Are open to community healing, collective liberation, and reciprocal service
Meet Jesse Rose & Hakim
Kwai, hello! My name is Jesse Rose (she/they). I am a child of Mother Earth, in deep service to the relationship between the Plant People’s and the human tribe as an Indigenous woman of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Mother Earth and I co-create a business, Gathered Waters Medicine, where we offer earth-based healing, education, and herbal medicine. I am a humble teacher of Yoga, Sound Healing, Movement, and a Flower Essence Therapy Practitioner. I thrive in community, being barefoot, laughing, dancing, in Kowa (pine) forests and talking to my plant relatives. I’d be honored to share this time with you as we remember what it feels like to be in right relationship with all beings.
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Hi, I’m Hakim (he/him)! My work is to heal our collective separation from the Divine through heart-centered bodywork, movement, coaching, and sacred mushroom integration. I am the creator of Little Mushroom Speaks, where I serve as a translator for the worldwide mycelium network and advocate for the sacred use of entheogenic plants. I have been coming to Guatemala since 2014 when I volunteered at Project Genesis on my gap year after high school. The children opened my heart and awakened my life’s calling to be of service to others. I can’t wait to introduce you to this beautiful land and her Peoples who have touched my heart in such a deep way.
Optional Add-Ons
Facilitator Led:
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A custom 1:1 experience to support your nervous system, integration, and spiritual alignment. Choose between sound healing or intuitive movement & yoga therapy.
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Receive grounded, intuitive support through the lens of Indigenous herbalism and Earth-based wisdom. Choose between a personalized herbal consultation or a custom flower essence therapy session to support emotional and spiritual integration. Each session includes a mini take-home remedy crafted with care.
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Work one-on-one with Hakim in Foundation Training—a powerful movement method to relieve pain, build strength, and ground your energy through aligned posture and breath. Especially supportive for chronic pain, fatigue, or back/neck tension.
Local offerings:
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Led by local Mayan Healer, Tz’ules-the Temazcal Ceremony is a powerful ancient therapy tht works through heat, natural aromatic medicinal plants, natural mud and exfoliants, and herbal baths. The 4 cardinal elements, chakra activation, drumming, and chanting are used to help eliminate toxins from the body and spirit at all levels. Recommended for groups of 6 or less at a time, due to the capacity of the Temazcal (mayan sauna).
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Experience deep rest and recalibration with a massage from one of the incredible Guatemalan therapists we work with. Your session supports the local economy and helps sustain traditional healing practices.
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A shared experience for couples, partners, or close friends who wish to receive side-by-side healing sessions. A beautiful way to drop in together during the retreat and support the local massage therapists.
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A powerful somatic reset guided by experienced facilitators. The cold plunge supports your immune system, circulation, and mental clarity.
Together, we will honor the Indigenous traditions of Guatemala, engage in meaningful service with Project Genesis, and tend to our relationships with ourselves and Mother Earth.
FAQs
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🛏️ 6 nights of lodging at Earth Lodge (single, double and triple occupancy options each with private bathroom and shower)
🌿 3 organic meals daily (vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian options from vibrant locally sourced food)
☕ Unlimited herbal teas, local coffee and purified water
🧘🏽♀️ Daily yoga & meditation, including Vinyasa, align, Yoga Nidra, gentle and restorative, etc. taught by Jesse Rose (optional)
🌸 Mayan Cacao Ceremony with T’zules (optional)
👣 Movement classes, including Animal Flow, Foundation Training taught by Hakim and Jesse Tose (optional)
🎵 Sound Healing co-created by Jesse Rose and Hakim (optional)
🌈 A significant portion of profits donated to Project Genesis
🚐 All scheduled journeys, including farm tours, ceremonies (optional)
🌋 Guided volcano and/or nature hike with moderate to advanced level (optional)
🔥 Unlimited access to the Temazcal (Mayan sauna)
📍 Transportation to and from all travel activities, including airport pick up and drop off, visit to downtown Antigua, etc.
🌺 Take home Flower Essence (optional)
✨ Group integration & reflection circles -
❌ Flights to and from Guatemala City (GUA)
❌ Airport transfers outside the designated group shuttle time
❌ Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, or additional snacks
❌ Massages, sound healing, and private ceremonies (available as add-ons)
❌ Extra activities beyond what’s listed in the itinerary
❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended) -
Most participants will fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We recommend arriving between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, as we will have a group shuttle departing around 2:30 PM. If you arrive earlier or later, we can help arrange alternative transportation. The drive to Earth Lodge is about 1-1.5 hours.
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🛂 Passport (valid for at least 6 months from arrival date)
🥾 Comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Hiking boots if participating in the advanced level hike
🌧️ Raincoat + Pullover Jacket (for volcano hike & cooler evenings)
💧 Camelbak and reusable water bottle
☀️ Sunscreen & bug spray
📖 Notebook or journal for reflections
💊 Any personal medications or first aid essentials
👕 Light, breathable clothing for warm days
🧥 Layers for cooler evenings
✨ A sense of openness and curiosity -
This retreat is accessible to most fitness levels. While some activities, like hiking and yoga, involve movement, they are optional. You may choose a gentler hike instead of a challenging one, or opt for a slower-paced day in Antigua rather than an excursion.
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February is part of Guatemala’s dry season, meaning warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Expect temperatures around 75°F (24°C) during the day and cooler evenings (50-60°F / 10-15°C).
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Due to the intimate nature of this retreat and the advance planning required, all deposits are non-refundable. However, we do allow transfers—meaning if you can’t attend, you may gift or sell your spot to another participant. More details on the cancellation policy will be provided at the time of booking.
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We feel strongly about creating an intimate space for this retreat. Therefore, we have a limited number of spaces available with a max of 18.
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Although not required, we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential flight delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, or unexpected trip interruptions.
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While Spanish is the primary language spoken in Guatemala, you do not need to be fluent to attend this retreat. We do however highly encourage learning basic phrases or using translation tools to enhance your experience and honor the language of the people. This action towards understanding the basics of the language align deeply with the intention of this retreat. We recommend:
📱 Downloading the Google Translate app for easy communication
📖 Learning a few key Spanish phrases before arrival
🗣️ Engaging with locals with curiosity & respect—even small efforts in Spanish are appreciated
🤝 Knowing that co-facilitator Hakim is fluent in Spanish and will assist with translations as needed