Soulfull Sabbatical

A week of reflection, renewal, and adventure — with community, purpose, and beauty all around.

A group travel experience // Late February, 2026 // Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Why Lake Atitlán?

Lake Atitlán is one of the most stunning places in the world. Surrounded by lush green mountains and majestic volcanoes, this sacred lake is dotted with nine unique Mayan villages, each with its own culture, language, and traditions. Life here moves at a slower, more intentional pace — the perfect setting to step away from your routine, reconnect with yourself, and clarify your vision for the future.

Each morning you’ll wake to the sounds of nature, breathtaking lake views, and the freedom to create your own rhythm.

Three years ago, we planned to spend two days on this lake.
We stayed nearly two months. (That should tell you something!)

What to Expect

We’ll be staying in a beautiful 4-bedroom home on the lake and are inviting a small group of like-minded sabbatical-seekers to join us for a “lightly guided” retreat experience. 

Mornings Together

  • Guided breathwork, meditation, journaling, and/or yoga

  • Recovery circles with Josh (morning or evening) for anyone deepening their recovery journey (note: this sabbatical is not only for sober people or those in recovery)

  • Optional Human Design sessions, soul-purpose coaching, or business consultations with Jess

    Afternoons & Evenings

    • Free time to rest, reflect, or explore

    • Optional group outings and cultural activities (think sweat lodges, Mayan art, or a tuk-tuk ride to meet the infamous Mayan folk saint, Maximón)

    • Opportunities for hiking, kayaking, SUP adventures, or village-hopping by boat taxi

      What’s Included

      ✔️ 6 nights lodging in our beautiful lakefront home

      ✔️ Most meals (“family style”, plus a chance to try local restaurants)

      ✔️ Morning practices & guided group sessions

      ✔️ Special Group Activities

      ✔️ Airport transfer to/from Guatemala City (on designated day)

      Not Included

      ❌ Airfare

      ❌ Boat taxis for personal outings

      ❌ Meals at restaurants

      ❌ Personal spending/ shopping money

      ❌ 1:1 Coaching with Jess or Josh

      ❌ Additional local activities you may want to do besides our planned group ones

       

      Travel Details

      • Transportation is provided from Guatemala City once per week on a designated day.

      • Arriving or departing another day? We’ll help arrange a driver or local bus, or suggest a stay in Antigua (a charming city just an hour from the airport — highly recommended!).

      • The drive from the airport to the lake is 3–4 hours on mountainous roads, so bring motion-sickness remedies if needed.

      Investment

      $2,000 per person / per week (6 nights)

      This is more than a trip. It’s a sacred pause — a chance to realign, restore, and reconnect with yourself in one of the most magical places on Earth.

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      Accommodations & Amenities

      • 4 bedrooms, each with 2–4 beds (solo travelers will likely share a room)

      • Spacious common areas for connection and community

      • A private yard right on the lake with kayaks and SUPs

      • Accessible only by boat (pack light!) with frequent boat taxis available for exploring nearby villages

      The Vibe: In the spirit of clean living, we’ll be abstaining from alcohol, junk food, and bad attitudes. Come ready to restore your body, mind, and spirit in a supportive, uplifting environment. Sorry, no kids this time- adults only.

      Potential Local Activities

      Temezcal Ceremony

      Led by trusted local facilitator

      Think of it as an ancient Mesoamerican sauna meets soul-level reset. The temezcal (pronounced teh-MAZ-cal) is a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ceremony—a sacred, fire-fueled ritual designed to cleanse not just the body, but the spirit.

      Participants gather in a low, stone structure heated by volcanic rocks. (Yes, it’s hot—and yes, you’re safe. There’s breathwork, prayers, songs, and moments of deep quiet.)
      It’s part purification, part rebirth…like pressing “clear history” on more than just your search bar.

      People usually walk out feeling lighter, softer, clearer—like you let go of something you didn’t know you were still carrying.

      If you’re craving emotional release, energetic reset, or just a powerful reconnection to your body and spirit—this is an incredible way to meet yourself in the dark, and rise in the heat.

       

      Cacao Ceremony

      Led by a local Mayan facilitator

      Plant medicine for the heart—literally. Cacao ceremonies use pure, ceremonial-grade cacao (grown locally) to open your heart space, dissolve emotional static, and reconnect you to your own softness + intuition. It’s equal parts ritual + reflection, and a beautiful way to metabolize whatever’s been stirring inside.

       

      Herbal or Sound Healing Session

      From sound baths to limpias (energy cleanses) using local herbs, Guatemala’s indigenous healers blend earth-based medicine and intuitive tradition beautifully. Schedule one if you feel called—or if your spirit needs some TLC.

      Sunrise Paddle Board or Kayak

      Because mornings here are sacred in a way that’s hard to describe

      If you’re an early riser (or at least attempts to be one), paddling out just after dawn is its own kind of meditation. Think mist on the lake, volcano silhouettes, nobody talking yet… Stillness that speaks back.

       

      Mayan Astrology Reading

      With a local guide, trained in indigenous cosmology

      Astrology—but deeper roots. See how the ancient Mayan calendar sees you—your energy, patterns, and purpose cycles. New lens, old wisdom.

       

      Village Hopping, Shopping (via boat taxi)

      San Marcos, San Juan, Santa Catarina, Panajachel, and more

      Each lakeside village has its own vibe. Artsy, spiritual, colorful, or just really good locally-grown coffee. Spend an afternoon exploring local markets, weaving studios, or hidden cafés. Great for creative inspiration or coffee-fueled conversations. Some of the villages have natural hot springs!

       

      Your Hosts

      Jess Parvin

      Certified Holistic Business & Soul Purpose Coach, branding expert, and Human Design guide. Bring your dreams, your questions, and your ambitions.

      Jess’ Website

      Josh Harty

      Certified addiction recovery coach (CCAR), certified breath & cold therapy instructor (Reconnect), musician and songwriter. Bring your body, your creativity, and your desire to heal. Music-making, poetry, writing, and creative expression are encouraged!

      Josh’s Website

      Ready to Join Us?

      If your heart says “hell yes!” — let us know your availability in late February and we’ll reserve your spot. Spaces are very limited.

      You’ll pay a $500 deposit (non-refundable) to save your spot. Full amount will be due by December 15.

       

      Cancellation Policy:

      We offer a full refund (minus deposit) for cancellations made before January 1, 2026. Unfortunately, due to the planning and logistics involved, cancellations made on or after January 1, 2026 are non-refundable.

      We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for additional coverage and peace of mind.

      Questions?

      Want to talk through whether this is a good fit?