7 NIGHTS/ 8 DAYS RETREAT
LAKE ATITLÁN, GUATEMALA
OCTOBER14 - 21, 2023
Experience the lush fertility of Atitlán in green season.
Hosts & Lead Facilitators:
STEPHANIE KITTELL & VJ BALA
Guest Facilitators:
COBY & ANANDA (Plant Medicine & Shamanic Ceremonies)
IZAIAS & IZABEL (Mayan Fire Ceremony & Cosmovision)
STARTING: $2,349 USD pp
all inclusive
EARLYBIRD $100 OFF by June 1
Flights & Ground Transportation not included.
$88 is donated directly to Space of Love Foundation.
A DEEP RETREAT DESIGNED TO HELP YOU STEP INTO THE PRESENCE & POWER OF YOUR HEART, GUIDED & SUPPORTED BY THE GREAT WISDOM OF MOTHER NATURE'S MEDICINES.
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
Maybe you’ve been locked up in the concrete jungle far too long, and are craving a deep immersion in nature. Perhaps you’ve lost sense of your true nature and are ready for a re-set, a letting go, a life pivot, a step in a new direction. Maybe your pragmatic mind has been steering your life ship and you’re disconnected from the intuition of your heart. There might be a knowing that a part of you is yearning to be free from unhealthy habit patterns and judgements, to express, play, love and be loved!
So, we’ve got the medicine for that...
WHAT IS HEART MEDICINE?
Heart Medicines are practices, tools, rituals, traditions, and plant teachers that help you step into a more empowered presence of heart; in life, business, and relationship. For all your relations.
This is your opportunity to engage with a variety of lovingly selected heart medicines, in a supported and safe container, to see what lights you up and reignites the clarity you seek to thrive!
OUR JOURNEY INCLUDES THESE HEART MEDICINES:
YOGA, MINDFULNESS & MOVEMENT ARTS
Together, we will harmonize body, heart & mind through movement, meditation, and breath practices. We’ll explore ancient traditions that help you thrive in a modern context, while creatively embodying & expressing the heart’s capacity to guide you through life with greater awareness, adaptability, and ease.
HEART TO HEART DHARMA DISCUSSIONS
We’ll drive life’s questions deeper into the heart of understanding, uniting science & spirituality. These juicy workshops will help align your heart and mind, expanding your possibilities.
SACRED SOUND & SONG
Our explorations in vibrational resonance will help you harmonize with the frequencies of love, free your voice, and express your heart’s truth, in tune with the rhythm of all life.
SHAMANIC JOURNEY
We’ll enter into a shamanic sound journey through the three worlds, guided by the ancient Meso-American plant medicine of Cacao (for heart opening), along with Sananga (for clarity of vision), and Rappeh (for clarity of connection).
MAYAN FIRE & CACAO CEREMONY & COSMOVISION READINGS
In the Mayan tradition, the fire is considered the Ear of the Universe. Here, as we imbibe the heart-opening medicine of Cacao and build the ceremonial fire, we’ll release what is ready to be burned away, offer our prayers & intentions, humble our hearts to the great unknown, and receive the ancient mayan wisdom teachings.
WACHUMA (SAN PEDRO) PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
Together, we will journey through the day with the grandfather medicine, the divine masculine, a stoic and wise cactus that slows the thinking mind and brings your heart back to stillness and presence, to witness the spirited interconnectedness of all beings.
AYAHUASCA PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
We’ll also journey through the night with the sounds of the Icaros (medicine songs) and the grandmother medicine Ayahuasca, the divine feminine, a jungle vine that lifts the veil between the physical and spirit world, and teaches you the profound lessons you are ready to receive.
PRIVATE BOAT & STAND UP PADDLE BOARD ADVENTURE
Connect with the deep medicine of Lake Atitlán, up close and personal. Immerse yourself in her waters (the Mayan 'Womb of the Universe') with playful reverence as you integrate the many lessons unfolding.
SAUNA & PLANT BATH
In community, we’ll sweat out physical and energetic toxins; clearing space for new beginnings, and steeping in the intelligence and healing properties of plants.
DEEP IMMERSION IN NATURE
We invite you to join us in the fertile and feral lands where our own seeds of deep transformation were sewn - majestic Lake Atitlán (the Mayan ‘Womb of Creation’), in the volcanic highlands of Guatemala. Take a break, gain a shift in perspective, and give yourself permission to re-wild as your bare feet kiss the Earth and you receive Mother Nature’s gifts.
NOURISHMENT
We’ll enjoy 3 delicious and wholesome plant-based meals per day, with unlimited coffee, herbal teas from the garden & triple-filtered drinking water. Extra snack purchases are available.
TIME & SPACE FOR REST & REFLECTION
We offer this fertile ground for you to process and integrate your experiences and surrender into softness.
INTEGRATION & AFTERCARE
With ongoing support and guidance post-retreat, discover how to integrate the insights into your life after our week together, as the journey continues to blossom within you.
THIS JOURNEY IS OPEN & INCLUSIVE TO ALL
All activities are optional. No experience is necessary. Though some gentle preparation is encouraged (we will provide this information when you inquire about booking).
You are invited to honour your needs, your space, and your heart’s knowing. Of course, the alchemy is in the sharing! We’ll be co-creating an intimate container - a loving and encouraging space to connect more deeply within and with each other.
THE TAKE-AWAYS:
-
You will step into your next chapter REFRESHED, INSPIRED & EMPOWERED!
-
You'll also leave with a helpful TOOLKIT of PRACTICES & DEEP EXPERIENTIAL INSIGHTS to continue your journey along the Heart Path.
-
You'll remain FOREVER CONNECTED (digitally & spiritually) to your family of Heart Medicine Journeyers through our private online forums & group chats, to help keep you motivated & inspired.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Casa Kula is a regenerative project and retreat oasis meant to nurture the land, strengthen the local community and create a space conducive to healing and celebration. It is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”). Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature, including walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens - an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.
Accommodations are sweet and stylish, comfortable, down-to-earth and in harmony with sustainable living, with options to share space or choose privacy (SEE BELOW).
WASHROOMS & SHOWERS: Facilities include multiple shared dry toilets (clean, natural, sustainable, giving back to the Earth) with an epic volcano & lake view; as well as multiple spacious & private outdoor spring-fed solar-powered showers with regular visits from hummingbirds and butterflies.
WIFI & ELECTRICITY: Available in the common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug digitally and plug in to nature.
LOUNGE SPACES: Hammocks, gardens, ceremonial fire pit, temazcal (sauna), and the spacious outdoor kitchen & lounge offer many places to rest and reflect or connect with your new friends. And the lakeshore is just a short walk away, down a dirt road.
PRACTICE/ CEREMONY PLATFORM: The open-air (with roof) platform is hand crafted with local love from quality teak and bamboo materials, and is outfitted with yoga mats, straps, blocks, cushions, and blankets. The view of the lake and volcanoes is not to be missed. Spirit sings here!
MEALS & BEVERAGES: Nutritious, delicious, plant-based vegetarian and vegan, homemade with love, well-balanced with quality ingredients, mostly organic, and locally-sourced - often right from the property’s own permaculture gardens! You’ll enjoy three abundant vegan meals per day, with optional snack purchases available any time. A variety of teas, local coffee, and triple-purified drinking water are available throughout the day as you desire.
Shared or Private: HOBBIT HOUSE
$2,599 USD pp (single occupancy)
$2,349 USD pp (double occupancy)
A cozy, grounding and earthy abode made of stone, adobe, and natural materials, with a living roof. Has electricity & secure doors/windows. 1 double bed at ground level, 1 single bed above. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
Shared: INTI (SUN) & QUILLA (MOON) CABINS
$2,349 USD pp (triple & quad occupancy)
Spacious wood cabins with palm roofs, sun-filled large windows, upper and lower levels (each with own entrance) & private deck. Has electricity & secure doors/windows. Inti Cabin has 2 single beds (upper, lower level) & 1 double bed on lower level. Quilla Cabin has 4 single beds, 2 on each level. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
Private: NEW GARDEN CABAÑAS
$2,599 USD pp (single occupancy)
$2,349 USD pp (double occupancy - couple)
Cozy, bright, wood cabins with private entrance and patio, for those who'd like their own space. Has electricity & secure doors/windows. 1 queen bed per cabaña. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
Private or Shared: LUXURY CASITA w/ Private Bathroom
$2,999 USD pp (single occupancy)
$2,799 USD pp (double occupancy)
Luxurious, bright and spacious, with modern amenities and local charm. Includes private attached bathroom & hot shower, bay window day bed for lounging, garden, lake view, private secure entrance. 1 king bed or 2 single beds.
SHARED SPACES & FACILITIES
RETREAT GALLERY
HOSTS & LEAD FACILITATORS
GUEST FACILITATORS
ANANDA & COBY
PLANT MEDICINE JOURNEY FACILITATORS.
Through Pura Vidya ('Pure Wisdom of Self'), these life partners & master teachers help allow the two ancient traditions of Yoga & Shamanism to be better understood & more accessible.
Teaching cleansing techniques in order to quiet the mind and deepen meditation ('by quieting the mind we will live in harmony with our soul's purpose').
"Your spirit carries infinite wisdom. Release the ego to meet your true self and the true nature of the universe will be revealed."
IZABEL & IZAIAS
MAYAN CACAO & FIRE CEREMONY GUIDES & WISDOM KEEPERS.
Izaias & Izabel work together as activists & promoters of Mayan ceremonies & ancient wisdoms, dedicated to rescuing, conserving & preserving the Mayan sacred sites & practices.
Through Mayan fire ceremonies, traditional Mayan healing practices, Mayan Nahual readings, and heart-opening cacao ceremonies; these lovers, parents & healers, are following the path that was meant for them while providing opportunities for those who choose to work with these sacred medicines.
STARTING:
$2,349 USD pp
Flights & Ground Transportation not included. Tzununá in Lake Atitlán is located about 4 hours from the Guatemala City Airport. We’d be happy to arrange one of our trusted private drivers, for easy door-to-door service. Just $90-$100 USD one-way. Budget friendly shuttles (8 person mini-vans) also operate Airport to Atitlán services multiple times a day for $20-30 USD. Let us know what you prefer and we’ll set you up!
$88 is donated directly to
EARLYBIRD $100 OFF by June 1
THE WEEK AT A GLANCE
While there are many heart medicines layered into each day (like yoga, mindfulness, movement arts, dharma discussions, sound & song), below is a schedule of our daily themes with key highlights. This may ebb and flow to best facilitate our journey together.
OCT 14 - ARRIVALS 2pm+, Dinner, OPENING CEREMONY
OCT 15 - BECOMING INTIMATE W/ MOTHER NATURE: Mayan Fire Ceremony & Cosmology Readings
OCT 16 - CULTIVATING FERTILE SOILS: Shamanic Sound Journey w/ Cacao, Sananga & Rapeh
OCT 17 - PLANTING SEEDS & GERMINATING: Heart Resonance work, Yoga Nidra
OCT 18 - BLOSSOMING: Wachuma Plant Medicine Ceremony (day), Sauna
OCT 19 - HARVESTING & SHARING ABUNDANCE: Ayahuasca Plant Medicine Ceremony (night)
OCT 20 - COMPOSTING: Integration, Plant Baths, visiting the waters of Lake Atitlán: Boat / SUP
OCT 21 - CLOSING CEREMONY, Breakfast, 11am DEPARTURE
A FEW NOTES
ARRIVAL:
Check-in is 2pm+ on October 14th, with dinner and opening ceremony to follow at 6pm. Guests are advised to fly into Guatemala City the days before or the early morning of October 14th.
DEPARTURE:
11am check-outs after Closing Ceremony & Breakfast on October 21st. Guests are advised to fly out of Guatemala City no earlier than 8pm on October 21st, or the following days.
GROUND TRANSPORT:
Tzununá in Lake Atitlán is located about 4 hours from the Guatemala City Airport. We’d be happy to arrange one of our trusted private drivers, for easy door-to-door service. Just $90-$100 USD one-way. Budget friendly shuttles (8 person mini-vans) also operate Airport to Atitlán services multiple times a day for $20-30 USD. Let us know what you prefer and we’ll set you up!
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
We will gladly help you to organize any additional overnight stays in villages and towns of Lake Atitlán or the vibrant colonial city of Antigua - and we’ll also organize the appropriate ground (and water) transportation based on your budget and flow.
LAKE ATITLÁN HAS SO MUCH MORE TO OFFER!
We highly recommend giving yourself some extra time (or a lifetime) to hop on a boat and explore the many beautiful mayan villages (each with their own distinct character); try some stunning nature hikes (sunrise trek to the peak of Rostro Maya Nariz is epic!); paraglide over the lake or trek a volcano; venture into coffee farm tours and other unique workshops and offerings from the local communities; permaculture immersions in Tzununá or across the lake at IMAP; mayan women’s natural weaving co-ops in San Juan; ecstatic dance, drum circles, and spiritual deep dives in San Marcos La Laguna; nightlife, restaurants, and daily markets in San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel; the list goes on! This is our home too! So, we’re happy to point you in the right direction!
ADD-ONS
Additional services available to you throughout your stay include:
-
On-site Massage (with multiple therapists & styles to choose from)
-
Full Mayan Cosmology consultations & readings with Tata Izaias or Tata Walter
-
Coaching & Consultation
-
Lemongrass Purge, Mud Bath, Salt Scrub, Plant Baths
-
Visits to neighbouring Casa Curativa for herbalist magic
AND THEN SOME....
Following the retreat experience, as you integrate the learnings:
-
You're invited to schedule ONE-ON-ONE CONTINUATION CONSULTATIONS with VJ & Steph, with 15% DISCOUNTED RATES.
-
You'll also have access to A PRIVATE ONLINE GROUP FORUM for all participants to continue expressing and sharing in the alchemy and support of community.
-
Follow up GROUP ZOOM CHAT to touch base and share our integration processes.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
With gratitude, when you book, $88 USD will be donated directly to SPACE OF LOVE FOUNDATION, our non-profit organization that remains ready to serve the ever-changing needs of our international communities, in real-time, with real heart.
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend that you purchase refundable or flexible flight tickets (most airlines are now offering complimentary changes to flight dates).
With COVID-19 travel restrictions and government regulations changing regularly in Guatemala and your home and/or flight transit countries, we advise you to use the following online COVID-19 Travel Advisor for up to date & detailed travel information: https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/travel-advisor
And if you have any questions or concerns about your safety and wellbeing, please reach out to us: connect@spaceof.love
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCESSES, LOCATION, FACILITATORS, OR ANY OF OUR HEART MEDICINES?
Your safety, wellbeing, and sovereignty is most important to us. And please know that nothing we offer is a one-size-fits-all.
We will have an initial consultation and chat with you in advance of booking to determine if any contraindications exist, and to decide together what is most appropriate for you, given your current state of physical & mental health.
While we ask that you trust us in this process, we also aim to keep you as informed as possible, so that you can make conscious choices along the way.
Upon booking, all guests will receive a WELCOME PACK which includes:
-
More info about working with plant medicines
-
How to best prepare
-
What to bring
-
Tips about travelling Guatemala & Lake Atitlán
-
Answers to frequently asked questions
-
Support with getting you to and from the retreat space safely and easefully
In the meantime, we are happy to chat further. And we're here to support you. Please reach out to us with any specific questions you might have: connect@spaceof.love
BUT DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...
JOHN
Retreat Guest, 2020
The retreat was magical! Steph and VJ created a truly welcoming and warm environment for all of the retreat participants to feel a sense of community and belonging during and even after the retreat.
I'm very grateful.
CAMERON
Retreat Guest, 2022
An immense thank you to you both, for creating the space and opportunity that we got to explore and create in, for bringing us into your community and taking great care of us. At this point it really is “okay what’s next, sign me up”
OLIVIA
Retreat Guest, 2020
I’m a different person now and not because I’ve already implemented all of the teachings and learnings, but because I am now open to them, noticing them, and learning from them.
ANONYMOUS
Retreat Guest, 2022
This retreat was nothing short of amazing. It was the week of a thousand lessons for me - I got SO much out of it! I can see how much thought and love went into the planning and execution of the retreat.
SOPHIE
Retreat Guest, 2020
Reflecting on how damn LUCKY I was to have a week of experiencing such joy and centeredness before the universe decided it was time to put it to the test in a big way!