Find Freedom through Yoga & Ancient Mayan Wisdom

Transformative Retreats on Lake Atitlán
Guided by the Sacred Mayan Calendar

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Retreat is not an escape, it’s a homecoming

Give yourself the gift of time and space on the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most magical places on our planet. Here, surrounded by volcanoes and shimmering waters, you'll slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with who you truly are.

For over a decade, I've been guiding humans like you through transformative yoga retreats that blend ancient practices with the wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar. If you're standing at a crossroads, seeking clarity, or ready to deepen your practice, these retreats offer a potent container for growth, healing, gratitude, and joy.

I invite you to come on retreat and

  • Step away from the daily grind and see the bigger picture

  • Integrate mind, body, and heart through yoga, breathwork, and ceremony

  • Connect with the living wisdom of the Maya

  • Cultivate practices that create lasting transformation

  • Find your tribe of spiritual friends

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Practice

Experience the unique fusion of traditional yoga with Mayan cosmology: the sacred calendar, fire ceremonies, and indigenous wisdom that has guided people from ancient times to the present day.

Lake Atitlán Magic

Retreat in a breathtaking location. The lake's energy, volcanic embrace, and vibrant Mayan culture create the perfect setting for healing and transformation.

Heart-Centered Guidance

With 30+ years of yoga practice, 20+ years of teaching, and deep training in Mayan traditions, I create a safe, joyful, and nurturing space where you can unfold at your own pace.

Upcoming Retreats

  • Heart Wisdom: Yoga & the Sacred Mayan Calendar

    March 7-14, 2026
    Villa Sumaya, Guatemala

    Immerse yourself in yoga, mindfulness, and Mayan wisdom. This retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with your inner truth, and experience two profound fire ceremonies.

    Perfect for: Anyone seeking clarity, healing, or deeper spiritual connection

  • Traverse Guatemala: Yoga & Wellness Retreat

    September 1-6, 2026
    Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlán

    adventure for your soul! Hike lush landscapes, practice daily yoga, participate in cacao workshops and Mayan fire ceremony, and connect with nature and community.

    Perfect for: Active seekers who want both adventure and inner work

  • Heart of the Earth: Yoga & Nature Retreat

    January 21-28, 2027
    Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

    Co-led with Ash Fletcher, this heart-centered journey weaves yoga, breathwork, ceremony, and nature exploration to guide you back to your roots and inner light.

    Perfect for: Those craving renewal, nature, inspiration, and authentic connection

    MORE INFO COMING SOON

Discover Your Mayan Birth Sign

Just as you have a zodiac sign, you also have a Mayan day sign based on the 260-day sacred Mayan calendar. It reveals your life purpose, gifts, challenges, and soul path.

For over a decade, I've studied with Mayan spiritual guides and completed hundreds of personal readings. These sessions offer profound insights into:

  • Your core energy, illuminating life purpose and soul gifts

  • Challenges you're meant to transform

  • Your Mayan Cross or Tree of Life (past, future, feminine and masculine energies and relationships)

  • Compatibility with partners or collaborators

Unlock the Wisdom of Your Soul’s Unique Path

Personal Birth Chart - Deep dive into your Mayan signs and energies ($88, 60-min live meeting, session includes video recording and 13-page report PDF)

Meet Your Nawales - Introductory offering ($44, no live meeting, receive a 30-minute audio recording and a 13-page report PDF)

Choose Your Reading

book your mayan reading

Daily Mayan Calendar Wisdom

Every day in the sacred Mayan calendar carries unique energy and guidance. I've been writing daily about these energies for years, offering reflections, practices, and insights to help you align with the natural rhythms of life.

Read Today's Energy

The Yoga Freedom Approach

Transformation doesn't happen on the mat alone. My approach weaves together:

✨ Hatha & Vinyasa Flow: Accessible, rejuvenating practices for all levels and body types

🌬️ Pranayama & Breathwork: Ancient breathing techniques that calm the nervous system and awaken energy

🧘‍♀️ Meditation & Mindfulness: Practices grounded in Dharma teachings and present-moment awareness

📿 Sacred Mayan Calendar: Daily guidance from the 260-day sacred count

✍️ Writing & Reflection: Journaling prompts that help integrate insights and clarify intentions

💖 Heart-centered Community: Supportive circles where authentic connection flourishes

This blend has not only saved my life, it's allowed me to thrive. I've witnessed amazing transformations in dozens of retreat participants over the years.

Who Is Michelle?

Yoga has not only saved my life, it's shaped it in the most beautiful ways.

I'm an expat yogi, mother, partner, writer, poet, editor, translator, teacher, and retreat leader originally from Texas. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, I've spent one-third of my precious human life living in Guatemala.

My Journey:

  • Practicing yoga since 1993

  • Teaching since 2002

  • Leading retreats since 2010

  • Studying Mayan cosmovision since 2012

  • Living on magical Lake Atitlán since 2012

I now collaborate with two incredible retreat centers—Bambu Guest House in Tzununá and Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz—to create transformative experiences that blend yoga, mindfulness, ceremony, and the profound wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar.

My mission is simple: to help you find your freedom—the freedom to be fully yourself, to live with joy and purpose, and to walk the path of harmony, presence, and beauty.

read my full story

“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

Why Lake Atitlán?

I've called Lago de Atitlán home since 2012. There's a reason this place draws seekers from around the world.

With a vortex of infinite beauty that never ceases to inspire, her shimmering waters and volcanic embrace invite us to pause, breathe, embody, and connect. The lake invites us to reach for the heart of the sky, the heart of the earth, and our own boundless heart.

Surrounded by traditional Mayan villages, lush flora, and mystical vibration, Lake Atitlán offers both sanctuary and adventure—an opportunity for profound inner work and the chance to create lifelong memories.

This lake is more than a beautiful retreat destination. It's a portal to transformation.

Ready to Find Your Freedom?

Let’s Journey Together

Whether you're drawn to a week-long yoga retreat, a personal Mayan reading, or simply want to connect and explore what's calling you, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below or reach out directly: