Wise & Wild Women
6-Night Retreat November 14-20, 2025
Santiago, Lake Atitlan Guatemala
I’m beyond excited to announce the second annual Wise & Wild Women retreat! Last year, in beautiful Paso Robles CA, our facilitator extraordinaire LeeAnn Heinbaugh (Ili to her friends) shared truly life-changing insights and perspectives. The group has elected to gather again, and this time go to the source—Guatemala. Ili is blessed to live on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Santiago, Guatemala. It’s here that she learned about—and became part of—Wise Women Counsels where stories and wisdom are shared and protected. Ili is probably the most insightful human I have ever met, full of incredible pearls of wisdom gained from her time learning about ancient Maya rituals and traditions. A couple of women from last year’s group won’t be able to make it this year, which means I have a few spots available!
During this immersive, private 6-night retreat you’ll have unique, extraordinary, and transformative experiences including:
An authentic Shamanic healing ceremony in a Cofradia
(traditional ceremonial house)
During a healing ceremony, a Shaman connects with the spiritual forces of the land, ancestors, and elements to help heal emotional wounds, release negative energy, and restore balance. Ceremonies take place in a sacred space filled with candles, incense, and herbs to cleanse both the body and soul. We’ll be treated to a ceremony with Shaman Juan (pictured) and Ili.
(traditional ceremonial house)
During a healing ceremony, a Shaman connects with the spiritual forces of the land, ancestors, and elements to help heal emotional wounds, release negative energy, and restore balance. Ceremonies take place in a sacred space filled with candles, incense, and herbs to cleanse both the body and soul. We’ll be treated to a ceremony with Shaman Juan (pictured) and Ili.
Attend a weaving demonstration with a local family
Weaving is an important part of Guatemalan culture and identity. It’s a way to connect with the past and preserve stories and customs. The tradition originated with the ancient Maya civilization and is still practiced today. Woven blouses in vibrant colors with symbolic patterns (called Huipils) are worn by women and remain an everyday way of life.
Weaving is an important part of Guatemalan culture and identity. It’s a way to connect with the past and preserve stories and customs. The tradition originated with the ancient Maya civilization and is still practiced today. Woven blouses in vibrant colors with symbolic patterns (called Huipils) are worn by women and remain an everyday way of life.
Travel across the lake for a second Shamanic ceremony in a “Cave” (sacred alter of boulders)
We’ll venture across the lake via boat and take an easy 30-minute hike through peaceful fields, fruit and avocado trees to reach the cave. Then we’ll spend a few hours preparing the ceremony space with candles, flowers, incense and other offerings. We’ll have our second ritual followed by group time as we share a meal of Patin, a delicious local dish.
(Ili’s friends will carry in the ceremony materials and also prepare lunch so we can fully enjoy our time together).
We’ll venture across the lake via boat and take an easy 30-minute hike through peaceful fields, fruit and avocado trees to reach the cave. Then we’ll spend a few hours preparing the ceremony space with candles, flowers, incense and other offerings. We’ll have our second ritual followed by group time as we share a meal of Patin, a delicious local dish.
(Ili’s friends will carry in the ceremony materials and also prepare lunch so we can fully enjoy our time together).
Venture into the wilds of the Sunday open Food Market
Santiago’s lively and chaotic open market is a scene filled with women who make their living selling from their vegetable and meat stands. In Ili’s words, “the women are a riot and the sights, sounds, and smells are beautiful, slightly stinky, and very alive”. We’ll witness how the old ways remain the norm and learn about the different foods and what they mean to the culture.
At the market we’ll buy the ingredients to make Puliq, a delicious local traditional meal.
Santiago’s lively and chaotic open market is a scene filled with women who make their living selling from their vegetable and meat stands. In Ili’s words, “the women are a riot and the sights, sounds, and smells are beautiful, slightly stinky, and very alive”. We’ll witness how the old ways remain the norm and learn about the different foods and what they mean to the culture.
At the market we’ll buy the ingredients to make Puliq, a delicious local traditional meal.
Take a cooking class at Ms. ChifMakers Brewery with Ili’s friend Ana
After shopping at the market we’ll head to a tiny private brewery with a lovely kitchen and patio area. Here, Ana will teach us how to make Puliq using the dried chilis, tomatoes, chicken and other locally grown yummies we gathered at the market. We’ll learn more about the culture, customs and traditions of cooking, women and community.
After shopping at the market we’ll head to a tiny private brewery with a lovely kitchen and patio area. Here, Ana will teach us how to make Puliq using the dried chilis, tomatoes, chicken and other locally grown yummies we gathered at the market. We’ll learn more about the culture, customs and traditions of cooking, women and community.
Explore the artisan shops and streets of Santiago
Ili will show us around town and tell us about the wonderful history, art, and traditions.
She’ll also take us to her favorites shops and local eateries.
Ili will show us around town and tell us about the wonderful history, art, and traditions.
She’ll also take us to her favorites shops and local eateries.
Have a closing ceremony at Ili’s home
On our final full day together we’ll head to the outdoor altar on Ili’s property for a simple closing ceremony. Ana will be in the kitchen cooking dinner for us. We’ll enjoy dinner and a fun evening at Ili’s place.
On our final full day together we’ll head to the outdoor altar on Ili’s property for a simple closing ceremony. Ana will be in the kitchen cooking dinner for us. We’ll enjoy dinner and a fun evening at Ili’s place.
Group Time
Perhaps most importantly, we’ll meet daily as a group to share, process, and learn how to integrate the Mayan wisdom we'll encounter together into your everyday lives at home. We’ll delve into Mayan beliefs, tools for living a happy life, and create a supportive circle of empowered, wise & wild women.
Perhaps most importantly, we’ll meet daily as a group to share, process, and learn how to integrate the Mayan wisdom we'll encounter together into your everyday lives at home. We’ll delve into Mayan beliefs, tools for living a happy life, and create a supportive circle of empowered, wise & wild women.
RETREAT ACCOMMODATIONS ~ Bambu Hotel & Restaurant
RETREAT FEE: $2650
Includes: All activities described above, 6 nights at Bambu Hotel, transportation, partial food and drinks.
Does NOT include: Airfare, first night Guatemala City hotel & dinner (see logistics below), cocktails, snacks, a few lunches/dinners in Santiago.
Additional charges apply for upgraded/individual rooms (see options below). All rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Includes: All activities described above, 6 nights at Bambu Hotel, transportation, partial food and drinks.
Does NOT include: Airfare, first night Guatemala City hotel & dinner (see logistics below), cocktails, snacks, a few lunches/dinners in Santiago.
Additional charges apply for upgraded/individual rooms (see options below). All rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis.
LOGISTICS:
Participants must arrive in Guatemala City on November 13th, the day before the beginning of the retreat. We'll stay at the 5-star Hotel Barcelo and leave for Santiago, Lake Atitlan after breakfast on the 14th. Please note that reservations and room preferences at Hotel Barcelo are to be arranged by you and are not included in the Retreat Fee. Shuttle from the airport to the Hotel is included in the cost of your room. Easy online booking, average room cost is around $125/night. English speaking hotel staff.
Hotel Barcelo - Guatemala City, November 13th
BAMBU ROOM OPTIONS - Santiago, Lake Atitlan Nov. 14-20
Included in retreat fee: Deluxe double occupancy Bungalow (2 people per room)
Included in retreat fee: Deluxe double occupancy Bungalow (2 people per room)
Upgrade Option #1: Royal Suite ~ 1 King bed with a balcony and lake view
1 person occupancy is an additional $400 = $3050 total
2 person occupancy is an additional $600 = $2950 per person total
1 person occupancy is an additional $400 = $3050 total
2 person occupancy is an additional $600 = $2950 per person total
Upgrade Option #2: Casita ~ 2 Beds with balcony and small patio pool
2 person occupancy is an additional $650 = $2974 per person total
2 person occupancy is an additional $650 = $2974 per person total
TO REGISTER:
If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please complete the form below. I’d love to hear from you!
Please Note:
A deposit of $1500 is required to reserve your space. All deposits are due by June 1, 2025.
The $1150 balance along with room upgrade supplements (if applicable) are due by August 30, 2025.
Deposits and final payments are non-refundable unless we can fill your space.
A word about flights and transfers: Please book a flight that arrives in Guatemala City around or after 3pm (check in time) on Nov.13th. We’ll leave Hotel Barcelo and head to Santiago immediately after breakfast the morning of Nov. 14th. Please choose a return flight that departs after 1pm on Nov. 20th. If you must book an earlier flight, transportation can be arranged at an additional cost ($150). If you need to spend an extra night, reservations and room expenses in Guatemala City (Hotel Barcelo) are your responsibility.
If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please complete the form below. I’d love to hear from you!
Please Note:
A deposit of $1500 is required to reserve your space. All deposits are due by June 1, 2025.
The $1150 balance along with room upgrade supplements (if applicable) are due by August 30, 2025.
Deposits and final payments are non-refundable unless we can fill your space.
A word about flights and transfers: Please book a flight that arrives in Guatemala City around or after 3pm (check in time) on Nov.13th. We’ll leave Hotel Barcelo and head to Santiago immediately after breakfast the morning of Nov. 14th. Please choose a return flight that departs after 1pm on Nov. 20th. If you must book an earlier flight, transportation can be arranged at an additional cost ($150). If you need to spend an extra night, reservations and room expenses in Guatemala City (Hotel Barcelo) are your responsibility.
Previous Getaway
Wise & Wild Women
Paso Robles, CA ~ October 9-13, 2024
|
When I grow up I want to be one of those fabulous Wise Women who knows exactly who she is and OWNS it. These women have a strength and grace that radiates from within. Our retreat leader, LeeAnn Heinbaugh, is blessed to live in a culture (Tzu’tujil Maya of Guatemala) that holds elder women in high esteem. These women taught her about Wise Women Councils— a sacred space where secrets and truths are held in honor, celebration, and compassion. That’s what we’ll create together in the amazing space that is Amber Ridge Vineyard in Paso Robles, California—the perfect place to step away from your daily life and nurture your inner Wise Woman through: |
|
Daily Workshops with LeeAnn – Sharing, learning, healing, and growing our wisdom together.
Sacred Tradition – Discover bits of the Maya traditions and practices that can be lived in the modern world.
Nature and Nurturing – Soak in the beautiful 300-acre vineyard property that houses a pool, tennis court, fire pit, bocce ball court, horse stable and arena.
Hands-On Project – Create a visual representation of your inner beauty & light.
Paso Robles Winery – Enjoy a wine tasting experience and lunch at Opolo Vineyards.
Closing Ceremony – LeeAnn will bring handmade candles and other offerings from Guatemala and the Maya Tzu’tujil Traditions for our ritual.
Filling in the Gaps – In addition to the above, you'll have down time to sit with your thoughts; the option to cook together; and you can count on at least one late night sip & chat on the sofa.
Details
When: October 9-13, 2024 (4 pm Wednesday – noon Sunday)
Where: Amber Ridge Vineyard, Paso Robles
Who: Max. 10 wonderful women
Cost: $1500
Includes: Shared accommodations, meals, workshops, materials and ritual supplies
When: October 9-13, 2024 (4 pm Wednesday – noon Sunday)
Where: Amber Ridge Vineyard, Paso Robles
Who: Max. 10 wonderful women
Cost: $1500
Includes: Shared accommodations, meals, workshops, materials and ritual supplies
Amber Ridge Vineyard Property
Delicious Menu
Wine Tasting Experiences
|
|
Registration and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. A minimum of 8 participants is needed to guarantee the retreat. If the minimum number is not met 1 week prior, a full refund will be issued. Deposits will not be reimbursed if the participant cancels at any time. Final payments are due 2 weeks prior to the retreat. |