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Lake Atitlán is celebrated worldwide for its peace and beauty.
Since 2015, we’ve been returning again and again to immerse ourselves in this exquisite haven, against a backdrop of fascinating Mayan culture.

About Your Retreat Hosts

Julie Murphy discovered the joy of yoga in her home country, South Africa, and has several 200-hour and 500-hour certifications from the US and India. She is well known for her soothing voice and Yoga Nidra guided meditation recordings, enjoyed by thousands on Insight Timer, Spotify and other online platforms. In 2018 she traveled to India again, to complete an additional 200-hour certification in Yoga Nidra. Julie is inspired by yoga as a way for anyone to reach their full potential—in body, mind and spirit.

Karen Pagano is considered one of the pioneers of Yin Yoga in South Florida. Her yoga studies took her to Seattle, WA, Bali, and Lake Atitlán, Guatemala for her certifications in Hatha Yoga and Yoga of Sound. Karen’s teaching emphasizes an awareness of energy flow which allows students to expand joyfully into all areas of their lives.

Our Guatemala Photo Gallery … enjoy!

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Yoga Retreat Testimonials

I loved every minute of it. Beautiful memories of special moments and experiences. I will be dreaming of the next retreat.

Sarah B.

I have such wonderful memories—the yoga and the lake will be with me forever. Thank you again for sharing your love of Guatemala and yoga with me.

Judy

What an adventure, many happy memories and life changes. Julie and Karen, thanks to you for creating such an amazing experience – like Jojo, I often come back to the memories with a smile. Each of you is remarkable and together you are magic. Namaste

Ruth M.

It was an amazing experience that I cannot explain to anyone. I feel so at peace. I really miss you and my new yogi friends. Friends that I know I will have for a long time. I can’t stop thinking about this trip and all the memories and all the special people. Namaste.

Jojo F.

There hasn’t been a day since our trip that I haven’t thought of you both, the beauty of Guatemala, the joy and love shared amongst our group, the friendly faces of Guatemalans, Lake Atitlán, and all the fun we had together.

Mary H.

Thank you for an unbelievable yoga retreat. Thank you for being so organized, with great communications in advance of the trip, for choosing and getting us to such an amazing hotel venue and last but not least for your excellent and compassionate yoga and spiritual leadership. It was a 5 star magical experience for me … things are still unfolding for me as I continue to embrace my Lake Atitlan intention.

Karen G.

Thank you both once again for an amazing experience. It is obvious to me, how much hard work you put into this. Every day was special …every day was memorable…every day I looked forward to what magic you had planned for us!

Clay G.

Our retreat to Guatemala meant so much to me. Our time together was a much needed respite. Thank you for bringing together such a wonderful group of women whom I can now call friends. Lake Atitlán was an open and supportive time together and we created some very special and lasting memories.

Patti H.

Reminiscing on how extraordinary this yoga retreat and adventure in India has been for me. And you two, charming and competent yogis and femmes d’exception (get your French dictionary out) made it a smooth and enjoyable ride. Thank you for this formidable experience.

Suzanne G.

The wonderful memories of the trip, the group and the fabulous yoga experience you and Karen made for us brings me smiles and to a special place that will always be in my heart. I have traveled many places but this trip is high on my list of best spiritual growth. It’s amazing how much peace one gets when we just settle in on our mats. I am so happy that I was able to go with you to your special place. Thank you for sharing it with us

Judy B.

Thanks a million, best time ever. Looking forward to our new adventure. But first, let me savor this one. Namasté.

Céline C.

LOVED it. Yes there was a wonderful mood set. Thank you and Karen, for that. Yes the lake and volcano helped to set the mood. But you helped provide an awesome experience.

Sue B.

Thank you for your sweetness and kind attention. Looking forward to seeing you at yoga some time soon. Thanks again for all the laughs. The best medicine.

Stacy B.

Thank you both so much for creating a new world for all of us…and most especially, moi!!! It was simply awesome to be with such amazing souls. I’m still soaring!

Denise F.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. You guys truly go above and beyond!

Lauri M.

The retreat is a life-changer, hard to describe in words especially to an outsider but it calls for us to stop, see, feel and hear who we are and appreciate the environment around us. I give it a 10 ++++. Villa Sumaya was a wonderful, peaceful retreat, a perfect setting to create that mood. I enjoyed everyone also, bonding easily with like-minded people. You and Karen gave soooo much of yourselves. Thank you.

Hedy S.

What an amazing experience you provided us all in India. I am sure that each of us has taken home some priceless tools to call on forever. I thank you so much for that.

Sue B.

You guys did a wonderful job – very organized and just what the doctor ordered. Muchas gracias!

Kristine

Thank you so much for a beautiful, fulfilling, and highly packed emotional (and funny) yoga retreat. I LOVED Costa Rica.

Patty L.

Lake Atitlán is such a magical place and the entire yoga retreat you put together was an unforgettable experience for me. Look forward to seeing you again soon.

Amanda G.

Enjoy Julie's next Yoga Nidra training or retreat!!