Retreat Packages
Retreat Packages with Casa Paloma
Retreat Options for your Group:
We offer two options for your guests’ introduction to their time in Guatemala:
OPTION 1: Airport to Lake Atitlan — Depending on the arrival times of your group (and whether or not they all arrive at the same time in Guatemala), we can arrange for shuttle transportation to pick everyone up at the airport in Guatemala City and bring them directly to the town of Panajachel, on the shore of Lake Atitlan, where they’ll be met by a private boat that will bring them directly to our private dock.
The drive to Panajachel, with a brief bathroom stop, takes roughly three and a half to four hours depending on traffic. The boat ride—which is spectacular—takes around twenty minutes. Time it right, and your group will be crossing the lake just as the sun starts going down behind the volcano.
OPTION 2: Airport to Antigua to Lake Atitlan — For most groups, the second travel option makes the best sense. Over twenty years’ experience hosting guests at Casa Paloma has taught us that it’s a good idea for your guests to spend their first night in Guatemala at a hotel in the lovely town of Antigua, a 30-45 minute car ride from the airport.
This not only allows for the fact that guests are likely to arrive at very different times, but also gives everyone a chance to rest, meet up for a nice dinner, and have a morning to explore the lovely town of Antigua before making the long trip to Casa Paloma together the next day by shuttle and private boat to enjoy that same just-before-sunset lake crossing.
Transportation Options:
OPTION 1: AIRPORT PICKUP IN GUATEMALA CITY — For those opting to have their group spend a night in Antigua, our experienced drivers will meet each of your guests directly outside the airport (with a clearly marked sign) and bring them to their hotel for the first night of your retreat. This service includes arranging all rides based on each guest’s arrival time, connecting each guest with driver and retreat leader via Whatsapp.
OPTION 2: ANTIGUA HOTEL, DINNER AND BREAKFAST — We’ll book your group at a very nice and well-located small three star hotel with plenty of old-world Spanish character, within easy walking distance to the central square, shops and market in Antigua. (For those who choose, upgrade to a more luxurious hotel is also possible.)
Your group will gather for dinner at a lovely nearby restaurant where three meal options will be offered—drinks not included, but available for those who choose. Breakfast will also be provided in the courtyard of their hotel.
Optional add-on: Our retreat leader Manu will meet your group in Antigua to welcome the group and help everyone get oriented for the trip to the lake.
OPTION 2: TRANSPORTATION TO CASA PALOMA FROM ANTIGUA — After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and a morning to explore Antigua’s many lovely shops , cafes, parks and old cathedrals, your guests will be brought to Panajachel. At Panajachel, the group will board a private lancha boat that will bring them to Casa Paloma –crossing the lake into the sunset and arriving just in time for drinks, appetizers, and a great dinner. The first of many.
OPTION 1 & 2: GETTING BACK TO THE AIRPORT:
You won’t want to leave. But we promise to make your departure as easy as possible. To accommodate guests who may have a flight as early as noon the day your retreat ends, we’ll have a boat at the dock to pick up your guests at 6 am for the trip to Panajachel, where they’ll connect with the shuttle to the airport. Guests who choose to leave later may make their own arrangements with the help of our retreat leader, Manuela.
RETREAT LEADER SERVICES:
Our highly experienced resident retreat leader, Manuella Maia, speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and will be available throughout the week to manage questions and concerns and meet the special issues of guests as needed. Manu will also be available to lead a tour into town to orient your guests, change money, book musicians if you choose, and will book massages and other treatments for your guests.
GAS, UTILITIES, FIREWOOD, FILTERED WATER, WIFI:
Your inclusive fee provides for daily use of the temescal (sauna), wood for fire circle, as well as gas for our seven-person jacuzzi, and filtered water for guests. Excellent Wifi also included of course.
Our longtime gardener/handymen will assist as needed to carry luggage, help with kayaks and stand-up paddleboard, set up chairs and tables as needed, move the massage table, light the pizza oven and temescal.
CLEANING:
Our staff of local women will come in to clean bathrooms and tidy up thoroughly every other day of your retreat. They can provide fresh towels as needed (though we ask guests to be mindful of energy consumption) and will do a for a small additional charge can run a load of laundry for the group midway through the week if needed.
PAYING FOR YOUR RETREAT:
Once you know how many days you want your retreat to run—how many people, what kinds of services you’d like included, and whether or not you want to include a night in Antigua—Manuella will provide you an all-inclusive price and draw up a contract, specifying payment schedule and cancellation policy.
No dates can be blocked without a deposit. Payment can be made by wire to our Guatemalan bank account or, if you prefer, by check or Zelle payment to a US bank.
