Immerse in Yoga, Writing & Mayan Wisdom
Reconnect with yourself at Lake Atitlán—through yoga, breath, writing, nature, and the sacred rhythms of the Mayan calendar.
Gorgeous Lago de Atitlán has been my home since 2012.
With a vortex of infinite beauty that never ceases to inspire, her shimmering waters and volcanic embrace invite us to pause, breathe, and connect.
Reach for the heart of the sky, the heart of the earth, and your own boundless heart.
Retreat is not an escape; it is a gift we give ourselves—a space to grow, evolve, and remember who we truly are.
Through yoga, breathwork, bodywork, ceremony, and mindfulness, we slow down, deepen our breath, and reconnect with our essence.
Surrounded by lush flora and the mystical energies of the lake, we find both sanctuary and adventure—an opportunity for profound inner work and lifelong memories.
Why retreat?
To rediscover balance in mind, body, and spirit
To find clarity at a crossroads in life
To ignite and support deep transformation
To dedicate time and energy to healing
To step back from the daily grind and see the bigger picture
To walk the path of harmony, presence, and beauty
To cultivate meaningful connections through shared space, practice, and stories
Upcoming Retreats
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Heart Wisdom: Yoga & the Sacred Mayan Calendar
July 12-19, 2025
Villa Sumaya, GuatemalaStep into a transformative journey where yoga, mindfulness, and the ancient wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar intertwine. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán at the world-class Villa Sumaya retreat center, Heart Wisdom invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner truth. Immerse yourself in rejuvenating daily yoga and meditation practices and experience the profound energy of two traditional Mayan fire ceremonies led by an experienced Mayan spiritual guide.
This retreat is an opportunity to realign with your heart’s wisdom, find clarity amidst life’s complexities, and embrace your highest purpose—all within a supportive, heart-centered community. Let the magic of Lake Atitlán, the sacred fire, and mindful practices guide you home to yourself.
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Purpose & Passion: New Year's Yoga Retreat with Charles MacInerney
December 27, 2025-January 3, 2026
Villa Sumaya, Lake AtitlanAs 2025 winds down and 2026 begins, join us at sacred Lake Atitlán for a soul-nourishing New Year’s retreat to reflect, release, and realign with your true purpose. Through yoga, meditation, journaling, and sacred Mayan wisdom, you’ll gain powerful tools to set meaningful intentions and step into the new year with clarity and heart.
Guided by Charles MacInerney and Michelle Margaret Fajkus, this immersive experience blends practical life design with ancient ritual to help you live your dharma in harmony with nature and spirit.
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The Joy Path: Yoga, Breath & Adventure Retreat
January 22-29, 2026
Antigua + Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaJoin Michelle Fajkus and Ash Fletcher for a transformative, heart-centered retreat on Lake Atitlán. This immersive experience weaves together yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, sacred ceremony, and soul-nourishing adventure to guide you back to your inner joy and wholeness.
We’ll move, breathe, reflect, and play through yoga practices, guided meditations, ceremonies, and enriching excursions. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty and vibrant Mayan culture, you'll have space to rest deeply, connect authentically, and awaken to your truest self.
Whether you're craving renewal, inspiration, or meaningful connection, The Joy Path offers a powerful journey into happiness, presence, and growth.
Hola!
I’m Michelle Margaret, and I’m here to say that yoga has not only saved my life but shaped it in the most beautiful ways. And by yoga, I mean “yoga schmoga”—a blend of asana, pranayama, meditation, writing, and the sacred Mayan calendar. Thanks to these practices, I’ve managed not just to stay sane, but to truly thrive.
I’m an expat yogi, mother, partner, writer, poet, editor, translator, teacher, and retreat leader from Austin, TX. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, I’ve spent one-third of my precious human life living in Guatemala.
I’ve practiced yoga since 1993, taught since 2002, and led retreats since 2010. I now live with my sweet human and fur family on the shores of magical Lake Atitlán, where I work as a freelance writer, editor and translator. I also collaborate with two incredible retreat centers: Bambu Guest House in Tzununá and Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz.
Let’s retreat together
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“Michelle is a joy to retreat with. Her decades of experience in yoga and mindfulness combined with her unique understandings of the Mayan cosmovision and traditional breath work practices gives her offerings a rich and grounded feel. She has provided me with inspirations and insights to deepen my practice.”
– Ash
“I can’t even begin to describe what an incredible adventure I had on retreat with Michelle & Ash in Guatemala. They are both such kind, open-minded, & talented people; it is a joy to be led by them both in yoga & in learning the history & culture of a new place. I can’t imagine a better way to explore, or better people to be with, on retreat.”
– Caroline
“I have had several yoga sessions with Michelle, and even though I am a yoga noobie I always felt so encouraged and inspired after our sessions together. Michelle is an incredible yoga leader, patient, calming, authentic and kind.”
– Morgan