RETREATS

  

Grounding in Gratitude

Yoga Retreat with Jenny Clise and Milan Sundaresan

Guatemala — November 20 – November 25, 2023

Retreats offer a time to ground down and reinvigorate the senses. Adventures take us to new places, stir up our curiosity and wonder, and nourish our feelings of gratitude. As we ground our feet in new experiences we find presence among the ever changing nature of beautiful endings and exciting beginnings.

Join us in the tucked away paradise of El Paredon, Guatemala for 5 nights, 6 days as we immerse ourselves in daily surf, yoga and adventure. We’ll spend our week adventuring the laid back Central American atmosphere, and awe-invoking volcanic black-sand beaches where you’ll have the chance to practice daily yoga, catch consistent waves, and relish beautiful sunsets.

On this retreat, Jenny and Milan will lead you through all the yoga and meditation to move your body and feed your soul. At our rustic boho retreat centre, you can enjoy delicious fresh and locally sourced meals prepared by local chefs throughout the day. In addition to our scheduled activities and workshops, there will be plenty of free time to explore the village and beaches on your own. Enjoy journaling over a slow morning coffee, read in a hammock, let us organize a surf lesson for you, relax by the pool, go on a beach run, or take a nap.

Join us on this yoga ADzenTURE to revitalize your body, mind and soul and make new friendships that will last a lifetime. This retreat is co-ed and open to all levels of surf & yoga.

RETREAT LOCATION

Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala’s best kept secret is home to some of the country’s top surfers. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of travel. This small fishing village is full of character and activities to fill your day and relax your mind.

Surf: Guatemala is famous for its cultural heritage, amazing volcano hiking and is gaining a growing reputation for its waves. El Paredon is home to Guatemala’s best and most consistent waves. With its endless beach break of fine volcanic black sand, the uncrowded waves are accessible to all levels of surfers. El Paredon is considered among the world’s top 10 surf destinations according to The Guardian. Whether you’re a beginner to surfing, an expert, or never surfed a day in your life, we’re confident that you’ll love El Paredon’s uncrowded waves and all around good vibes.

YOGA & WORKSHOPS

What to expect in Jenny’s classes? 

Jenny believes in practicing what feels good in your body and recognizing that there isn’t one right way to do things that works for everyone. She strives to create an inclusive environment for her classes and with her clients, so that everyone knows, YES yoga is for you too! During her group classes she focuses heavily on foundation and alignment to safely prepare you for more challenging postures later on. Jenny will encourage you to turn inwards, draw intentionality into your practice and, with kind attention, recognize your strength both physically and mentally in each moment.

What to expect in Milan’s Classes?
Milan’s classes are all levels and playful. Her goal is to empower her students to let their bodies surprise them with their inherent strength, flexibility, and resilience. Her Vinyasa classes are structured around an energetic flow that includes several minutes of warm up, sun salutations, core work, balancing postures, backbends, arm balances, inversions, and hip openers. Students are encouraged to focus on their breath and play on their edge. Students leave these classes energized and up beat.

Milan’s restorative classes are curated to her students needs. They generally incorporate deep hip openers and invite opportunities for deep pauses. With stillness, we are able to dive deeper into our minds and find clarity and ease both physically and mentally. Ultimately, students are able to achieve a state of deep relaxation, allowing them to sleep soundly.

RETREAT INCLUSIONS

  • 5 Nights accommodation at Swell Surf & Lifestyle Hotel
  • Roundtrip group airport transfer at selected times
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Daily Yoga & Meditation
  • 2 one-on-one surf lessons at sunrise
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class in local village
  • SUP or Kayak Mangrove Tour at sunset
  • Witness baby sea turtles hatch and make their way safely to the ocean

Schedule:

  • DAY 1 ARRIVE + CEREMONY: After arrival into Guatemala City International Airport, you’ll be whisked away and dropped off at our beautiful boho beachside retreat centre. After a few hours of relaxation and getting to know your new friends, we’ll head to our opening ceremony with Milan & Jenny. A welcome dinner and a good night’s rest follows.
  • DAY 2 SUNRISE SURF + GROUNDING: Our first full day in Guatemala together will begin with a one-on-one sunrise surf lesson followed by a nourishing breakfast. After some relaxation, we’ll gather for a grounding movement and meditation practice.

    In the afternoon, we’ll familiarize ourselves with our the local surroundings – journal on the beach in our backyard, cool off by the pool or relax in a hammock. We’ll end the evening with a delicious family dinner followed by a soothing Yoga Nidra with Jenny.
  • DAY 3 MANGROVES + TURTLES: Our 2nd one-on-one sunrise surf lesson followed by breakfast and a movement practice.

    Mid-afternoon we’ll explore the beautiful mangrove-lined river on the edge of the Sipacate El Naranjo National Park for sunset. Option to explore via stand up paddle board (SUP), tandem kayak or by traditional lancha boat.

    A local guide from La Choze Chula, a social enterprise seeking to ensure local communities and the environment benefit from the growing tourism of El Paredón, Guatemala, will guide us through the mangroves helping us to spot local wildlife and sea turtles.
  • DAY 4 CULTURE + COOKING: We’ll start the day with a movement and meditation class followed by breakfast.

    Enjoy some free time at the retreat centre before we head off for a local cooking class to experience the local culture and cuisine of El Paredon through an authentic cooking experience at a local family’s kitchen in the cozy local village. We’ll learn how to make traditional Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas and more and then we feast.

    Upon our return we’ll have some free time where you can opt for a massages or take a surf board onto the waves as you enjoy some free time before coming together for our Arm Balance + Inversion Workshop followed by dinner.
  • DAY 5 RELAXATION + CEREMONY: Early morning we visit one of only seven sea-turtle feeding grounds in the world for sunrise. We’ll have the opportunity to witness the baby sea turtles hatch and make their way safely to the ocean. Upon our return to our retreat centre, we’ll enjoy breakfast followed by a hips + shoulders workshop.

    After lunch, relax poolside, or in a hammock somewhere on the property, take time out for YOU. If there are any optional activities you’d like to partake in – today’s the day!

    In the afternoon we’ll come together for an optional sunset surf session followed by dinner.

    We’ll culminate our retreat with a beach bonfire where we will come together for a closing ceremony, and a night of fun under the stars with an ecstatic dance.
  • DAY 6 UNTIL NEXT TIME + OPTIONAL VOLCANO HIKE: Our last morning together will include movement, meditation and connection. We’ll end our time with breakfast and goodbye’s (or see you later’s)!

    Make your way back to Guatemala City to catch a flight back home, or extend your stay with an optional hike to Pacaya Volcano for sunset followed by an overnight stay in the city.

Past Retreat Clips