2025-26 Retreats

  • Heart Wisdom: Weaving Yoga & the Sacred Mayan Calendar

    April 26-May 3, 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.

  • 25th Annual Texas Yoga Retreat

    October 24-26, 2025
    Austin, Texas

    An annual weekend yoga retreat for all bodies and all levels. Our vision: building a caring and inclusive yoga community. Everyone is welcome here! The retreat is an opportunity to study with great yoga teachers from a variety of traditions and to make new connections and friendships while strengthening and renewing old ones.

  • Guided Personal Retreat at Lake Atitlan

    Open Dates in May, July, Aug, Dec 2025
    Bambu Guest House, Tzununá

    Guided Personal Retreats with Michelle | Yoga Freedom

    Escape to the enchanting energy vortex of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, 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.

    Together, we’ll explore a harmonious fusion of yoga styles—including slow flow, dharma, kundalini, and yin—woven with self-reflective writing, mindfulness, and connection to the natural elements of earth, water, fire, and air. Deepen your journey with insights from the sacred Mayan calendar, allowing the energies of each day to support your personal growth and transformation.

    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 Joy Path: 4th Annual Guatemala Yoga Journey

    January 2026
    Antigua + Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

    Join Michelle Margaret Fajkus and Ash Fletcher for a heart-centered retreat blending yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, ceremony, and adventure. Set against the magical backdrop of Lake Atitlán, this immersive journey invites you to reconnect with your inner joy through daily yoga, guided meditations, sacred ceremonies, and thrilling local excursions.

    Nourish your body, mind, and spirit while exploring vibrant Guatemalan culture and basking in the serenity of nature. Whether you seek deep rest, personal growth, or vibrant connection, The Joy Path offers a transformative experience to uplift and inspire.

  • 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.

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