Life by the Lake

2027 Retreat in Guatemala

February 25- March 4, 2027

A Special New Addition to Life by the Lake: Exploring the Mayan Ruins of Tikal

We’re offering a brand-new itinerary, for this retreat week only—and I’m excited to tell you about it!

We’ve done all the work so you won’t have to deal with any of the usual hassles arranging details: All you need to do is get yourself to the airport in Guatemala City, where our retreat manager, Erica Dixon, will be there to meet you and accompany you on the 45-minute flight (we take care of this one) to the town of Flores in the Peten region to begin the two-night portion of your trip, to explore the Mayan ruins at Tikal.

You’ll start your adventure with a two-night stay at a lovely lakeside hotel–with an introductory dinner celebration overlooking Lake Peten. Next day, you’ll take the one-hour-long ride (stopping for lunch) to the ruins at Tikal culminating with sunset over the temple--all experiences overseen by experienced guides. Expect to hear howler monkeys. Lately there have been jaguar sitings at the temple! Then comes a great barbecue dinner right in the park (vegetarian options always available, as will be true throughout your trip), and a ride back to your hotel. On Day Three you’ll fly back to Guatemala City with the group, where you’ll board a shuttle that will bring you to Lake Atitlan. Along the way, we’ve planned a lunch stop at a traditional Guatemalan restaurant in the mountain region of Tecpan.

You’ll arrive at my retreat center/ home, Casa Paloma, by boat –and I’ll be there to greet you at the dock. Our marvelous staff of local men will be standing by to bring bags to your room. All you need to do is reach for your margarita and head for the appetizers, followed by dinner of Rosa’s pizza, from our wood-fired oven. You’ll already know each other by this point, but for me, this will be a chance to join in on some very lively conversations. I may not know you yet, but I already know this: If you’ve made this trip, you’ve got an adventuresome spirit, which makes you my kind of person. End your day at the beautiful lakeside, volcano-view private casita or room you’ve chosen for your stay (nearly everyone with a balcony, some with deep soaking tubs overlooking the lake, two with jacuzzi). Take in the starry sky, followed by a good night’s sleep. Wake to the sound of birds--more of them than you may ever have heard, all in one place.

You’ll spend five nights at the lake—where it’s my privilege and joy to serve as your host, introducing you to some of the experiences I love most in this place that has been close to my heart for a few decades now. We’ve got many adventures planned (all optional, of course) including a hike in the cloud forest in search of the rare quetzal (we usually find at least one), visits to local artisans and markets, a weaving collective, a hike to see the sun rise over all five volcanoes, a coffee roastery tour, cacao ceremony, and a deeply moving fire -healing ceremony from Shaman Tomas.

We’ll have the sauna fired up for you every morning, along with daily yoga, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, massage and some of the best swimming you’ll ever experience.

Did I mention our karaoke machine? Microphones at them ready…. And hammocks, naturally.

Every evening around sunset, Rosa and her team of helpers will prepare some of the best cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks you’ve ever had. We’ll gather for great meals overlooking the lake and volcano with your fellow travelers. It’s a safe bet that you’ll make new friends on this trip. And enduring memories.

Price of the week—seven nights—includes all meals, accommodations, transport (including in-country flights to and from Flores), excursions, opening and closing night drinks, massage, yoga. Basically, everything but a tip for our staff.

Finally: For those who would like, we’re offering the opportunity to extend your stay in Guatemala with a visit to the beautiful Spanish colonial town of Antigua, after our retreat—a wonderful addition to your experience, for those who have the time. Our travel coordinator, Martha Herrera, can take care of the details. Let us know if you’re interested.

To learn more, reach out to our U.S.-based Life by the Lake manager, Megan Woolsey.

Early signups get first pick of accommodations at Casa Paloma. But here’s the truth: Every one is unique and beautiful.

‍ ‍ ~ Joyce

❋ A Place Made with Care

Casa Paloma is Joyce Maynard’s home and retreat center on Lake Atitlán, lovingly built over twenty-five years. Each room and casita is unique, decorated with the work of local artisans, and offers lake and volcano views that invite rest and reflection.

❋ A Journey, Not Just a Stay

You'll check into a lovely lakeside hotel on Lake Peten and celebrate your arrival over an introductory dinner overlooking the water. The following day, a one-hour ride through the jungle — with a lunch stop along the way — brings you to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, where experienced guides will lead you through the site, culminating in a sunset view from the temple.

❋ Culture, Curiosity, and Discovery

Rather than a traditional workshop, this retreat centers on experiencing the rich Mayan culture of the region. Included excursions may range from visiting a cloud forest in search of the quetzal to exploring local markets, learning traditional weaving, or taking a cooking class with Casa Paloma’s chef, Rosa.

❋ Conversation and Connection

Each day offers time to gather with Joyce for thoughtful conversation—over morning coffee or in the evening—about books, ideas, and the stories of our lives, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere of shared experience and genuine connection.

Four women practicing yoga on mats in a tranquil, outdoor, wooded space with stone and wooden elements.
A group of six people sitting and standing around a long striped table outdoors, enjoying drinks and smiling, with colorful flags hanging above and a lush garden in the background.
Group of women dressed in colorful striped robes standing together on wooden floor in front of lush tropical plants.
A man in a blue shirt and gray cap showing a large, yellowish mushroom to a woman in a red shirt and black hat in a rustic room with wartime artifacts.
A group of women and one man, mostly wearing hats and sunglasses, standing on a colorful street decorated with hanging lights and flags, with mountains in the background.
A wooden pier extends into a lake with a mountain in the background. A boat is docked at the pier with a person standing nearby. Another person is sitting on the pier, and some tree stumps are protruding from the water.
Aerial view of a river surrounded by lush green trees and a small town with homes and buildings, with mountains in the background during sunset.
A person dressed in traditional indigenous attire sitting in front of a sacred fire, surrounded by offerings and natural items on a grassy mat.
Colorful woven textiles and accessories, likely traditional Mexican embroidery, displayed on a market stall.
Multiple plates of tacos with meat, shredded cheese, onions, and jalapeños on a table.
Colorful waterfront homes with wooden decks and lush greenery along a clear blue lake. Some homes have terraces overlooking the water, surrounded by trees and flowering bushes, with mountains in the background.
Days 1–2

The Journey Begins

The retreat begins with an easy landing and a gradual transition into the week ahead. From the moment you arrive, details are handled so you can slow down, get oriented, and begin connecting with the group.


Arrival in Guatemala City

Your journey begins in Guatemala City, where retreat manager Erica Dixon will meet you and accompany you on a 45-minute flight — covered by us — to the town of Flores in the Peten region. From there, your Guatemalan adventure begins.


Evening on Lake Peten

You'll check into a lovely lakeside hotel on Lake Peten and celebrate your arrival over an introductory dinner overlooking the water.


Exploration Time

The following day, a one-hour ride through the jungle — with a lunch stop along the way — brings you to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, where experienced guides will lead you through the site, culminating in a sunset view from the temple.

Howler monkeys are a near-guarantee. Jaguar sightings at the temple have been reported recently, too.

Dinner that evening is a barbecue right in the park, with vegetarian options available — a standard throughout the entire trip. Then it's back to the hotel for the night.


Journey to Lake Atitlán

You'll fly back to Guatemala City with the group, then board a shuttle to Lake Atitlan. En route, we've arranged a lunch stop at a traditional Guatemalan restaurant in the mountain region of Tecpan.


Welcome at Casa Paloma

You'll arrive at Casa Paloma — your host's retreat center and home — by boat. Staff will bring your bags to your room. .Joyce will be there to welcome you—margaritas in hand (with or without alcohol)—as you step onto Casa Paloma and begin the retreat.


A cozy kitchen and dining area with a large window overlooking a lake and mountains, decorated with potted plants, wooden furniture, and hanging pots.
Days 3–7

The Week at Casa Paloma

Life at Casa Paloma unfolds slowly and with intention. Each day balances structure and spaciousness, supporting cultural adventures alongside rest, reflection, and connection—always with room to follow your own pace.


Settle Into Rhythm

Life at Casa Paloma unfolds slowly and with intention. Days balance gentle structure with ample freedom—inviting rest, curiosity, and connection, with space to follow your own energy and interests.


Morning Rituals

Mornings begin quietly. The sauna is warm, the lake calm—offering time for swimming, kayaking, or simply sitting with coffee as the light moves across the water and volcanoes.


Movement & Presence

Optional yoga on the deck invites gentle movement and grounding—an opportunity to breathe deeply, stretch, and arrive fully in the day, surrounded by lake and sky.


Shared Meals

Meals anchor the day. Breakfasts in the garden begin with delicious farm-to-table food and friendly conversation, followed by relaxed lunches and memorable dinners that bring everyone together around the table.


Conversation & Connection

Evenings—or early mornings over coffee—offer unhurried conversation with Joyce as your host. Topics range from books and ideas to life stories and shared experience, shaped organically by the group.


Optional Excursions

For those who wish, the week includes optional explorations of the region: sunrise hikes overlooking five volcanoes, visits to local markets and weaving collectives, cooking lessons with our chef Rosa, ceremonies, artist studios, and time in the surrounding cloud forest.


Evening Gatherings

As the day winds down, evenings invite ease and connection—shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments together, often around the fire, before resting into the night.


Day 8 

Wrap Up

The final morning is simple and well cared for. Before dawn, your packed and labeled bags are transported from your room to the dock. A boat carries you across the lake to Panajachel, where a shuttle continues on to the airport. Coffee, tea, fruit, and bread are provided for the journey—an easy, quiet close to the week.

What’s Included

Seven nights of accommodations, all meals, in-country flights, transport, excursions, massage, yoga, and opening and closing night drinks. Basically, you just need to tip our incredible staff and bring yourself.

When you're ready to venture beyond your hammock — and you will be — we've got a lineup that reads like a bucket list:

  • ✈️ Flight to and from Flores

  • 🏛️ Personal tour of the ancient ruins of Tikal

  • 🏨 A lovely hotel stay

  • 🍽️ Fun and delicious dinner that night

  • 🌿 Hike the cloud forest hunting for the elusive, resplendent quetzal (we almost always find one)

  • 🌋 Watch the sun rise over all five volcanoes (yes, five)

  • ☕ Tour a coffee roastery and understand why Guatemalan coffee hits different

  • 🎨 Browse local markets and artisan workshops, including a weaving collective

  • 🍫 A cacao ceremony, because chocolate deserves reverence

  • 🔥 A profoundly moving fire-healing ceremony with the remarkable Shaman Tomas

The sauna is fired up every morning, yoga awaits, kayaks and paddleboards are yours for the taking, and the lake swimming is — we're just going to say it — some of the best you'll ever do.

And then there's the karaoke machine. The microphones are ready. The only question is: are you?

Bonus: Want to tack on a visit to the stunning Spanish colonial city of Antigua after the retreat? Our travel coordinator Martha Herrera will handle every detail. Just say the word. ‍

Accommodations

Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Before making your final decision, please carefully read the room description and click through the gallery of pictures. You want to be aware of each room's unique features.

A detailed illustrated map of Casa Paloma Atitlán, showing different buildings, a garden, docks, a lake with boats, paths, trees, and various amenities such as a yoga platform, outdoor kitchen, sauna, and herb garden.

Ready?

Reach out to Megan Woolsey, our U.S.-based Life by the Lake manager, to learn more. Sign up early and you get first pick of accommodations at Casa Paloma.

Though honestly? Every single one of them is beautiful.

See you at the dock. 🌊

Apply for the Retreat

Questions? Email Megan — lifebythelakewithjoyce@gmail.com

What People Are Saying

  • “Those days with Joyce in Guatemala to dig into my story and to explore the structure of a memoir changed me as a person and a writer. The knowledge I gained equals an MFA (or two) in creative writing.”

    Mary B, Texas

  • “Each unique feature of this workshop, taken alone, is worth going back for: the creative boost to your writing, the truly divine food, and Joyce Maynard, who you really must see in action to believe.”

    Elizabeth H, Florida

  • “Great Writers who are great teachers are rare. Joyce possesses the talent to do both.”

    Priscilla B, New Hampshire

  • “When you think you’re not ready is the best time to attend a workshop offered by Joyce Maynard. Our time together was transformative to finding my voice and story.”

    — Jude S, Maine

  • “Write by the Lake gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to write my memoir. The setting alone is magical and transformative - but when combined with the teaching and support from other writers, the experience is truly life-changing.”

    — Gina B, Pennsylvania

  • "One of the best experiences of my life. Being in my 70’s made it even more precious. I’m forever grateful that I didn’t let my fear keep me from it and grateful to my son who said “mom, you need trail shoes and poles” because without them my resolve alone would not have carried me up and down that glorious trek. It was a rare experience."

    — Carla Bardales, California

  • It’s simply magical!

    —Lisa Berg, Minnesota

  • I can’t wait to be there again!

    –Barbara Balaban, California

FAQs