Daily Description: “Fearlessly Moving Through Life ”
Friday March 12 - Monday March 22, 2010 10 days / 9 nights

Day 1: Arrival. You will be met at the airport whenever you arrive and then transfer directly to the charming, colonial city of Antigua where every block holds a magnificent view. In March the stunning purple flowers of the jacaranda trees are in full bloom in the Central Park and throughout the city creating breathtaking vistas. With its color, volcanic backdrops, colonial architecture, markets and fabulous boutiques, Antigua is a photographer’s and a shopper’s paradise. Our delightful hotel is within steps of the loveliest and most exciting corners that Antigua has to offer.

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Atitlan first stopping at the Valhalla Macadamia Farm, a beautiful ecological enterprise (www.exvalhalla.net), where we can sample delicious macadamia products, have a facial and learn about a vision for easing the effects of poverty and global warming. Fifteen minutes further is the village of San Jose El Viejo, nestled at the foot of a majestic, inactive volcano. There, at the home of Laurie’s Mayan godchildren we'll have the opportunity to learn how to make tortillas, ask any questions and enjoy a delicious, typical "Chapin" lunch.

Continuing on the two to three hour drive to the colorful town of Panajachel on Lake Atitlan we'll be rewarded with views of hillsides resplendent with flowers and crops while witnessing traditional life along the way. In Panajachel we’ll board a boat for the fifteen minute ride to the spectacular Villa Sumaya, (www.villasumaya.com) alluringly nestled on the lake shore and graced with the stunning view of three regal volcanoes. Situated at 4,500 feet above sea level it is a world-class, retreat center and yoga facility with hardwood floors and a cascading waterfall in the midst of lush, tropical scenery - the ideal location in which to relax, unwind, and draw closer to your Self. After setting in and partaking of a delicious dinner we will have our ceremonial welcome session to create sacred and joyful space for the rest of our retreat.

Days 3/4/5/6/7/8: Each day will begin with optional meditation sessions followed by gentle L & R - Rejuvenation & Relaxation practices that incorporate ancient and contemporary well-being practices from many traditions. For those who desire a vigorous yoga practice there will be both A.M. and P.M. sessions offered. Every morning we’ll be served a delicious breakfast buffet accompanied by fresh squeezed juice, tropical fruit, various entries, tea and organic, freshly roasted coffee grown on nearby volcanoes. Every evening we’ll delight in a candle-lit, scrumptious, vegetarian buffet. Each day will offer scheduled sessions with Kirsten and Laurie, unique activities and also plenty of free time.

Activities will include:

• Hiking
  
• Excursions to Native Villages
  
• Optional Art Classes.
  
• Traditional Mayan Ceremony
  
• Visits with the talented and eclectic, international community that is drawn to this magical spot
  
• Dancing
  
• Opportunities for massage and energy work
  

Day 9: Back in Antigua at our charming hotel, we will enjoy one more fabulous day partaking of the best Antigua has to offer in cultural activities and charming restaurants.

After an excellent breakfast, a day of exploring the charms of Antigua topped by the spectacular and moving religious procession that occurs every Sunday during Lent. Men and boys dressed in the long purple capes and robes of penitents will carry floats weighing many tons showing Jesus carrying the cross. Women and young girls are charged with floats dedicated to Mother Mary. Parish bands playing lugubrious music precede the floats, and priests wave incense holders that waft the smoke and frankincense-type scent of Mayan copal. Early evening we will partake in a delightful dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to airport and return flight home.