2025-26 Retreats

  • Heart Wisdom: Weaving Yoga & the Sacred Mayan Calendar

    April 5-12, 2025
    Villa Sumaya, Guatemala

    Step 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.

  • Traverse Guatemala: Yoga & Wellness Retreat

    August 30-September 4, 2025
    Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlán

    Embark on an unforgettable journey where nature, culture, and pure joy intertwine. Hike through lush landscapes, revitalize your spirit with daily yoga sessions, and awaken your senses in a heart-opening cacao workshop. Experience the profound energy of a sacred Mayan fire ceremony and connect with a supportive community of like-minded travelers. This retreat is an adventure for your soul, a celebration of life, and a deep dive into the beauty and wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar.

    Traverse Journeys is a purpose-driven travel company dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally immersive experiences that foster connection, personal growth, and global understanding. With a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and responsible tourism, their thoughtfully curated trips blend adventure, cultural exploration, and mindful practices to inspire positive change for travelers and the communities they visit.

  • Turtle Medicine: Yoga & Writing Retreat

    October 4-11, 2025
    Bambu Guest House

    Slow down to the pace of Grandmother Turtle and reconnect with the natural rhythm of your body, breath, and being. This retreat offers a nurturing blend of slow flow, dharma, kundalini, and yin yoga, inviting deep presence, intuitive movement, and somatic awareness.

    Each day includes guided writing, mindfulness practices, and soulful rituals that attune you to the elements of earth, water, fire, and air. Held in a heart-centered circle, you’ll have space for reflection, rest, and meaningful connection with yourself and others.

    We’ll also draw guidance from the sacred Mayan calendar, aligning with the energies of each day to support personal growth and spiritual insight. Rooted in the magical lands of Lake Atitlán, Turtle Medicine is an invitation to soften, listen deeply, and return to your true pace and presence.

  • The Joy Path: Yoga, Breath & Adventure Retreat

    January 22-29, 2026
    Antigua + Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

    Join 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.

  • Traverse Mexico: Yoga & Culinary Retreat

    March 8-13, 2026
    San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

    This immersive experience in Mexico that combines cuisine, culture and daily movement? This 6-day Mexico retreat in the beautiful, mountainous state of Guanajuato, Mexico combines daily yoga with local explorations and the incredible flavors of the area.

    Traverse Journeys is a purpose-driven travel company dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally immersive experiences that foster connection, personal growth, and global understanding. With a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and responsible tourism, their thoughtfully curated trips blend adventure, cultural exploration, and mindful practices to inspire positive change for travelers and the communities they visit.

  • Guided Personal Retreat: Writing Down the Chakras

    Available Dates: May, July, Aug, Sept, Oct & Dec 2025
    Villa Sumaya OR Bambu Guest House

    Escape to the enchanting energy vortex of Lake Atitlán, where majestic volcanoes, sparkling waters, and breathtaking skies ignite your sense of wonder. In this sacred setting, slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Join Michelle for a personalized retreat designed to meet you exactly where you are, guiding you through intuitive, day-to-day practices that encourage presence, reflection, and joy.

    This one-on-one retreat welcomes all levels of experience and is crafted to nurture your heart, enhance your well-being, and offer empowering tools you can carry home. Step into this immersive experience and give yourself the gift of deep rest, clarity, and renewed inspiration. Reach out to begin your journey inward.

The Path of Beauty

By Michelle Margaret Fajkus

I wake with the sun, golden and forgiving,
the lake whispers her morning song,
three volcanoes stand sentinel,
reminding me: be still, be soft, be here and now.

The path of beauty is not paved,
not smooth nor certain.
It meanders—muddy, sun-dappled,
strewn with wildflowers and stones.
Some days, it’s laughter spilling from my chest,
others, it’s tears salted with memory.

The path asks only for our open eyes, our willing hearts.

A hummingbird hovers, a flash of emerald grace,
reminding me: joy is fleeting, drink it in.

Beauty is the crinkle of my daughter’s smile,
the warm hand of my love at dusk,
the sacred fire flickering with stories untold.
It’s the breath between words,
the pause after exhale—
the space where truth slips in.

Some days, I lose the path,
tangled in thoughts,
heavy with shoulds and what-ifs.
But then: a breeze, a bird’s song,
a shaft of light through the trees,
and I remember—
beauty is not found,
it’s noticed, seen, witnessed, and created.

So I walk on, barefoot and grateful,
my heart a compass,
my breath a guide,
stepping gently
on this winding, wondrous path,
blessed by earth, air, fire, water—
and the quiet, unfurling beauty of Life.

Let’s Retreat Together!

I love both going on and leading retreats, especially on magical Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, the place I’ve called home since 2012. Please connect with me if you have any questions or would like to join a retreat.

Namaste
Hari Om Tat Sat
Sat Nam
Maltiox