Saasil Retreat

Yoga, gardens and lake-country calm

Guatemala Lake Atitlán paid

The sound of the Tzununa River and the sight of Lake Atitlán set the scene at Saasil, where yoga and eco-conscious living share the spotlight. Guests gather in a striking shala with a cypress floor, bamboo pillars and tall glass windows, then return to locally built houses using materials such as cane, pine and stone. Renewable energy, lush gardens and three daily meals made with fresh local produce give the retreat a grounded, cared-for feel. The kitchen serves Guatemalan and whole-food dishes, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Yoga sessions sit alongside wellness offerings such as massages, sauna use and fire ceremonies, while curated tours invite guests to explore the lake region. Rates start at USD 675. Retreat schedules and inclusions can vary, so check the details for your dates before booking.

Highlights

A cypress-wood dance floor beneath soaring glass windows and bamboo pillars
Three daily meals blending Guatemalan flavors with whole-food cooking
Locally built houses powered by renewable energy
Wellness options that include massages, sauna and fire ceremonies

Good for

Yoga practitionersWellness travelersNature loversGuests interested in local foodLake-region explorers

Setting

In Tzununa, the retreat’s gardens and the gentle flow of the Tzununa River frame views of Lake Atitlán. The atmosphere feels close to nature, with a distinctive yoga shala at its heart.

The practice

Saasil combines yoga sessions with broader wellness practices in a dedicated shala. There is no named lineage attached to the program, so newcomers can approach it as a welcoming yoga-and-wellness retreat rather than a course in a specific tradition. Ask the center about the style and level of yoga planned for your dates.

A typical day

Daily structure varies by retreat. Yoga sessions are part of the experience, and three nourishing meals are served each day. Guests may also make time for the sauna, a massage or a tour around the lake; confirm the specific schedule and inclusions with Saasil before traveling.

Accommodation

Guest houses are built with locally sourced materials including cane, cypress, pine and stone, and run on renewable energy. Ask Saasil about room types and what is included for your chosen retreat.

What to bring

Pack comfortable clothes for yoga, plus a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings. The annual average temperature is 18.6°C; June, September and October are the wettest months, so bring a rain layer if visiting then.

Website www.saasilretreat.com

How to get there

From Guatemala City, Saasil can help arrange a private shuttle to Lake Atitlán; allow three to five hours for the drive. From Panajachel, take a boat to Tzununa, then a tuk-tuk from the dock to the retreat. Public boats stop running after dark.

Nearest airport: Retalhuleu Airport (RER) (56 km)

Retalhuleu Airport (RER) is approximately 56 km from the retreat. Contact Saasil to ask about onward transport from the airport.

Nearest city: Retalhuleu

Public transport: Travel by shuttle to Panajachel, then take a public boat to Tzununa and a tuk-tuk from the dock.

Languages

English

How to book

Visit http://www.saasilretreat.com to enquire about dates and make a reservation.

Pricing

Retreat rates start at USD 675. Check with Saasil for the price and inclusions for your dates.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Saasil Retreat website

Climate

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Months: Jan, Mar, Nov

Avoid: Jun, Sep, Oct

The annual average temperature is 18.6°C, with warmer conditions generally in May, July and August and cooler months in December, February and January. January, March and November tend to be driest; June, September and October are wettest.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What does a typical day at Saasil include?

Yoga sessions and three daily meals are part of the retreat experience. The exact timetable varies, so ask Saasil for the schedule for your dates.

Can beginners join the yoga sessions?

The retreat includes yoga sessions, but the level and teaching style can vary. Contact Saasil to check whether the sessions suit your experience.

Are meals available for special diets?

Meals combine Guatemalan and whole-food cooking, using fresh local produce. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are listed; confirm your requirements with the center before booking.

How do I get from Guatemala City to Saasil?

Saasil can help arrange a private shuttle from Guatemala City, with the drive to the lake taking around three to five hours. Another route is to reach Panajachel, take a boat to Tzununa, then continue by tuk-tuk.

How can I reserve a stay?

Visit Saasil’s website to enquire about dates, rates and retreat details. Rates start at USD 675.