Casa Paloma

Our new yoga platform overlooks the lake and Volcán San Pedro with space to accommodate up to 20 students plus a teacher. Surrounded by lush gardens and the gentle sound of a waterfall, it is a space designed to dissolve the distance between practice and nature.

Built from hardwood with a floating floor gentle on the knees, the shala has a roof for rainy-season classes and all night lighting for early morning or evening sessions. All props are included.

A little yoga. Or a lot.

For more than twenty years, Casa Paloma has welcomed yoga teachers, breath work leaders, and students seeking transformation on the shores of Lake Atitlán. The property has been lovingly shaped into one of the finest yoga retreat venues in the Americas—where the scenery, the staff, and the spirit conspire to deepen your practice.

Whether you are leading a group of up to twenty students or arriving as a solo traveler joining an existing retreat, Casa Paloma holds you in beauty, comfort, and nurturing calm.

A DAY AT CASA PALOMA

Your rhythm on the lake

No two retreats look exactly the same—your lead teacher shapes the schedule—but the natural cadence of Casa Paloma tends to unfold something like this.

6:00 am

Morning Practice

Optional swim and sauna before yoga. Then sunrise practice on the shala as mist lifts off the water and the birds begin their morning chorus.

8:30 am

Nourishment

Hearty breakfast of fresh juices, tropical fruits, local eggs, and freshly made tortillas served in the garden where Alex shares why this meal is culturally important.

Midday

Free Time

Kayak, swim in the warm lake, relax in a hammock in the rose garden, explore San Marcos, or book a massage with one of our three highly-trained local massage therapists.

🧘 Full Props Provided

High-quality yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and meditation cushions are available for every participant. A high-quality Bluetooth sound system serves your playlists or guided meditations.

💆 Lakeside Massage Dock

Our three highly-trained resident massage therapists bring 15+ years of experience and five-star reviews. Deep tissue, shiatsu, and more — offered on a private curtained dock right over the water.

THE LOCATION

One of the most magical spots on the planet

Lake Atitlán sits in the Guatemalan Highlands at 5,100 feet, ringed by five volcanoes and thirteen indigenous Mayan villages. Called by many the most beautiful lake in the world, it provides a backdrop for practice that is almost unfair in its beauty.

Casa Paloma sits just outside San Marcos La Laguna — a village known for its healing arts. You arrive by boat across the shimmering lake, and that experience fosters a profound sense of separation from ordinary life that begins the moment you step aboard.

4:00 pm

Afternoon Practice

A second session on the shala as golden light moves across the volcanoes. Listen to the symphony of birdsong that fills the air morning and afternoon at the lake's edge. Followed by temescal.

Built for deep practice

🌊 Lakeside Yoga Platform

Hardwood floor floating above the garden with unobstructed views of the lake and five volcanoes. Roofed for year-round use, lit for early or evening sessions.

🌿 Gathering Room

A spacious indoor room with a fireplace for dharma talks, workshops, movie nights, or cool-weather sessions. Surrounded by the work of local Guatemalan artists, with chairs and floor cushions for all.

“Casa Paloma is unlike any other property you have ever been to, or even seen online. It looks and feels like a dream, and will be one of the most memorable visits of your lifetime.

”

— ANNE MARIE & KAYLEIGH — MODERN METHOD YOGA, AUSTIN TX

“Yoga on the platform, swimming in the lake at sunrise, the temazcal — it has been an absolute delight. We are excited to be returning for another retreat soon, and many guests are hoping to join us.
”

— ANDREA ASKOWITZ — RETREAT LEADER

🔥 Temescal (Traditional Sauna)

Miguel and Mateo fire the temescal daily with freshly cut eucalyptus. Seats six. Cool off with the outdoor shower or take a swim in the warm, inviting lake from our private dock. A ritual that complements any practice.

🚣 Water & Outdoor Activities

Three kayaks, a stand-up paddleboard, and two swimming docks on a protected private bay with no boat traffic. Life jackets available. Lake Atitlán is warm and wonderfully swimmable year-round — dive right in.

IN THEIR WORDS

What yoga guests say

Evening

Evening Gathering

Dinner together at our handcrafted Conacaste wood table overlooking the lake. Afterwards, gather by the fire, join a ukulele jam, beat the drums, sing karaoke, or settle in for fireside storytelling under the stars.

“10 stars for food, staff and retreat organization. My activity favorites were: yoga on the platform, walking into San Marcos, and making wonderful new friends. Everything is done with beautiful intention.
”

— CHARMION HARRIS — MONTANA

DEEPEN THE EXPERIENCE

Beyond the mat

Sunrise Hike on Rostro Maya

Guide Luis leads your group to the summit by 6 am to watch the sun rise over all five surrounding volcanoes — sometimes catching smoke and flame from active Fuego. Back in time for a hearty Rosa breakfast.

Artisan Village Tour — San Juan

A private boat across the lake to San Juan la Laguna: a women's weaving collective, natural dye demonstrations, chocolate workshop, Mayan honey apiary, and vibrant murals. A grounding complement to any yoga retreat.

Waterfall Hike

Local Indigenous Mayan Band

Massage with Carmen

For over ten years, guests have called Carmen's massage the best they've ever experienced. Shiatsu, deep tissue, and more — offered on the private lakeside dock with privacy curtains, 60 or 90 minutes.

Shaman Ceremony with Shaman Tomas

The traditional Mayan steam bath, fired daily with eucalyptus, is a powerful complement to yoga practice. Heat, breath, cold water. A ritual that leaves guests loose, open, and deeply relaxed. Seats up to six.

Coffee Tour with Tim

Custom Made Robes

Provide gorgeous custom made robes for your guests made from colorful Guatemalan fabrics.

NOURISHMENT

Food that feeds
the whole retreat

Rosa Maribel Navichoc and her team prepare three beautiful, fresh, all-vegetarian meals daily — sourced from local farms and the Casa Paloma organic garden. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy adaptations are handled with ease and artistry.

Expect fresh-pressed juices, hand-made tamales, garden-basil pesto pizza from the wood-fired oven, and Rosa's legendary peanut cacao bars. Sunset snacks and fresh fruit appear throughout the day. On departure morning: tamales to carry on the road.

Is someone in your group celebrating a birthday? Rosa will make a cake.

View Sample Menu