Thrive in the Wild Retreat | Reconnect, Recharge, and Rediscover Yourself

June 3-8, 2025 | Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Reconnect with Your Authentic Self in Guatemala

Step away from the noise. Come home to yourself.

Join us on the sacred shores of Lake Atitlán for a transformative five-night retreat designed to help you shed old layers, reconnect with your inner truth, and remember what it means to feel fully alive.

Whether you’ve been stuck in stress, disconnection, or the grind of daily life, this retreat is your space to breathe, realign, and rediscover the version of you that feels most real.

Through daily movement, guided self-inquiry, nourishing meals, and immersive cultural excursions, you’ll reconnect with your body, your purpose, and the rhythms of nature—all supported by a vibrant community and led by wellness guide Sarah Whitney, a 250-hour Yoga and Pilates Instructor, NBC-HWC Certified Health Coach, and Personal Trainer.

What’s Waiting For You…

🌞 Daily Movement & Mindfulness

Each morning and evening, we move with purpose. Whether you’re sinking into yoga, energizing with Pilates, or grounding through breathwork, these practices are designed to release tension and restore vitality. No experience needed—just a willingness to show up.

🧠 Workshops That Actually Shift Things

These aren’t your average lectures. These are hands-on, heart-forward experiences that leave you with tools you’ll actually use:

Nutrition & Gut Health: Understand how what you eat impacts your mood, energy, and hormones.
Somatic Breathwork: Safely release emotional buildup and feel lighter in your body.
Exploratory Journaling: Reflect, reset, and access deeper clarity.

🍲 Nourishment for Body & Soul

Meals here are more than fuel—they’re care. Enjoy vibrant, locally-sourced vegetarian dishes prepared by women in the community. Each plate is created to nourish your body and uplift your spirit. Two full meals and a daily snack will keep you energized and satisfied.

🌿 Time in Nature

The land here is alive. You’ll hike volcanic ridgelines, swim in healing waters, and sit in stillness under ancient trees. From quiet forest paths to lively village streets, nature will be your mirror, guide, and co-healer.

Preview of Excursions

This is your invitation to experience the magic of Lake Atitlán in a way few ever do. You won’t just see the beauty—you’ll feel it in your bones.

✨ Cacao & Fire Ceremony
Step into the sacred with local healer Francisco, who leads a traditional Maya cacao ceremony. Cacao, known as “the blood of the heart,” is used to open the heart, release emotional blocks, and reconnect with source. The fire ceremony is a grounding ritual that honors the elements and welcomes transformation.

🌄 Mayan Face Sunrise Hike
Awaken with the sun as you hike to one of Lake Atitlán’s most awe-inspiring viewpoints. Watch the sky ignite over volcanoes and still waters. This experience is more than a view—it’s a soul-level remembering.

🧭 San Juan Artisan Tour
Meet the heart of the land: the people. You’ll visit a women’s weaving cooperative, learn about traditional Mayan textile and ceramic artistry, and connect with local honey and coffee producers who pour generations of knowledge into every detail. A celebration of culture, creativity, and community.

This is For You If…

You’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply disconnected from yourself.
You crave rest, inspiration, and a deeper connection to your purpose.
You want to get off the hamster wheel and return to what matters.

Whether you’re new to wellness or years into your journey, this experience is designed to meet you where you are—and take you further than you imagined.

You’ll Leave With:

✅ Practical tools for nervous system regulation, stress relief, and mindfulness
✅ A deeper connection to your intuition, community, and nature
✅ A refreshed understanding of gut health, hormones, and holistic well-being
✅ The confidence to move forward with clarity and strength
✅ A reignited sense of wonder, purpose, and adventure

June 3-8, 2025 | Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Your retreat includes:

5 nights / 6 days at Kowaq Forest Retreat
A secluded sanctuary in the Guatemalan highlands, surrounded by lush forest and expansive views of the lake and volcanoes.
Daily Yoga, Pilates, & Breathwork Classes
Led by Sarah Whitney, NBC-HWC Health Coach and movement teacher, these practices are gentle, empowering, and deeply transformative.
Two Nourishing Vegetarian Meals + Snack Daily
Thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients by indigenous women. Meals are as beautiful as they are healing.
Local Excursions & Hikes
Including the Mayan Face Sunrise Hike and an immersive cultural day in San Juan La Laguna.
Ceremonial Cacao & Fire Ritual
A powerful energetic reset to clear, connect, and open.
Plenty of Free Time
Rest, journal, read in a hammock, or simply be.
Round-Trip Airport Transportation
We take care of the logistics so you can relax into the experience.

*Please note: Flights are not included.

Meet Your Guide: Sarah Whitney

Sarah is a Yoga + Pilates Instructor, National Board-Certified Health Coach, and Personal Trainer based in New York City. She blends evidence-based coaching with heart-led wisdom to help others feel more grounded, aligned, and empowered. Her approach is realistic, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that transformation begins with connection—to your body, your truth, and the world around you.

She’s not here to “fix” you. She’s here to help you remember who you really are.

How Sarah changes lives…

“Sarah is someone who truly listens to you and lets you naturally progress the conversation at your own pace. Her insights and suggestions are amazing and make you feel seen and heard. I would highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking to reflect on their lifestyle and explore a better version of themselves.” – Allison W., Health Coaching Client

“Sarah is amazing! She is so knowledgeable, caring, and supportive. She helped me to find ways to heal my mind and body that were realistic for my busy schedule. Since working with Sarah even my family and friends have noticed positive changes in me.” – Sofia Shah, Health Coaching + Personal Training Client

“I recently had the pleasure of getting health coaching and personal training from Sarah. From the beginning, her approach was both comprehensive and personalized. She is a great listener and makes you feel comfortable to discuss many topics. Establishing a consistent routine was another area where she excelled. She guided me in creating a schedule that was both realistic and effective, leading to noticeable improvements in my energy levels and overall productivity. Additionally, her expertise in addressing gastrointestinal issues and hormonal imbalances was impressive. She provided tailored advice and support that made a real difference, helping me manage and alleviate my symptoms.

Overall, Sarah’s health coaching and fitness program was invaluable, and I feel more balanced and healthier. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to make meaningful and lasting changes to their health.” – Ava T, Health Coaching + Personal Training Client

Your Home for the Week: Kowaq Forest Retreat

Tucked away on the edge of Lake Atitlán, this retreat space feels like another world. A place where the jungle meets the water, the volcanoes stand watch, and the air itself invites you to slow down. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel held by the land—and by a community that’s here for healing and growth.

$500 Deposit Reserves Your Spot

Our retreats fill quickly, and this intimate group setting ensures personalized support. Click below to learn more about pricing options and to select your room. Space is limited, and our intimate setting ensures a personalized experience.

🛏️ Reserve Your Spot Today:

Only a $500 deposit secures your space for this unforgettable experience.

Click below to explore pricing, room options, and details.

Travel & Logistics…an adventure awaits you…

Your journey to the retreat is an unforgettable part of the experience. After flying into Guatemala City Airport, let us take care of all the details. Our team will arrange seamless airport transfers to the retreat center, so all you need to do is arrive ready for adventure.

We recommend landing before 1 p.m. From the airport, it’s a scenic 4-hour drive to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán. Upon arrival at the lake, you’ll embark on a short, enchanting 20-minute hike through lush forest trails to reach our secluded haven.

Luggage worries? Don’t fret—retreat staff is on hand to carry larger bags, ensuring your journey remains effortless. From the moment you set foot in Guatemala to your arrival at the retreat, your adventure will be infused with both comfort and the wild allure of nature.