There is still time to join us for the February 14th-21st and February 26-March 5th, 2026
life by the lake retreats!
Registration is open for the
March 1-7, 2027
Life by the Lake Retreat in Guatemala
Questions? Email Megan — lifebythelakewithjoyce@gmail.com
The 2026 Lake Atitlan Life by the Lake retreat is held at Joyce’s home and retreat center, Casa Paloma—a place lovingly built over 25 years, featuring small casitas –each with lake and volcano view, and private bath--decorated with the work of local artisans, and beautiful lake and volcano view rooms in the two larger main houses. Every room and casita at Casa Paloma is unique.
This seven-night trip to Guatemala--one night at a luxury boutique hotel in the lovely Spanish colonial town of Antigua, followed by six nights at Joyce’s home on the lake. Think of this as a time to explore a fascinating culture, relax in a hammock, get a massage, swim or kayak under a volcano, and share great meals in a location of incomparable beauty. Every evening, or early morning over coffee we will engage in lively conversation (about writing, books, and sharing our lives) with Joyce as your host.
Though Joyce is happy to talk about writing for any retreat participants who’d like to hear more, this all-inclusive retreat won’t focus on writing memoir. We will explore the rich Mayan culture around the lake, with optional excursions (all included) to a breathtaking cloud forest in search of the quetzal bird or an early-morning hike to see the sun rise over all five volcanos around the lake, a visit to a Mayan weaving collective, visits to local markets, cooking lessons with our chef, Rosa, and much more.
What’s included
Three healthy and extraordinary meals a day prepared fresh and served by our private chef, Rosa Navichoc Chac - vegetarian/gluten/dairy free options are available
Healthy homemade snacks, coffee, tea, and filtered water are available to all guests throughout the duration of your stay
One private professional one-hour lakeside massage
Wi-Fi and airport transportation
One night stay in a lovely boutique hotel in Antigua and dinner
Daily sauna access
Swimming and water activities including paddle boards and kayaks
Daily morning group yoga class
Cooking class with Chef Rosa
Lunch out to Joyce’s favorite restaurant on the lake.
Sunrise hike
Day trip to San Juan to visit a chocolate-making operation, an apiary, a women’s weaving collective, an herbal medicine woman and more.
Tour a local coffee roastery
Cacao ceremony
Traditional Mayan Shaman fire ceremony
Waterfall hike
Cloud forest hike in search of the Quetzal
If you have reviewed the FAQs and would like to move forward with next steps, please continue to the form below.
AccomModations:
Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis.
Before making your final decision, please go to Casa Paloma and carefully read the room description and click through the gallery of pictures. You want to be aware of each room's unique features.
Tuk Tuk ~ 2 guests $4,195 each
Estrella ~ Couple $9,200 or 1 guest $ 5,495
Pajaro ~ 2 guests $4,295 each
At Home in the World ~ Couple $8,400 or 1 guest $5,095 or 2 Shared guests (twin beds) $4,195 each
Piedra ~ 1 guest $4,695
Azul ~ 1 guest $4,795
Count the Ways ~ Couple $8,200 or 1 guest $4,895
Casa Una Two ~ Couple $8,400 1 guest $4,995
Casa Una One ~ Couple $9,000 or 2 guests $4,995 each
The Bird Nest ~ Couple $9,500 or 1 guest $5,645
Celeste ~ Couple $9,200 or 1 guest $5,495
Library ~ 1 guest $3300
*Cancellation policy: Full refund (minus $500 admin fee) if cancellation is 10 weeks prior to retreat start date.
Casa Paloma SAN MARCOS LA LAGUNA Lake Atitlan GUATEMALA
Testimonials
Cindy, Massachusetts - Life by the Lake 2025
“It is most difficult to put into words the experience of the week at LBTL. Fourteen strangers were thrown together in Guatemala and we made an immediate and lasting connection that I will always treasure. The sheer visual beauty of our surroundings, the birdsong and lapping lake, the culture, the food, and oh the shopping! My time at Lake Atitlan with this group issomething I will always carry with me and cherish.”
Jane, Pennsylvania - Life by the Lake, 2025
“No words can describe the beauty of Lake Atitlan. Joyce graciously opened her home up to us. Joyce, Rosa, Miguel, Alex, Hannah and all the others made our week perfect! It was an honor to learn so much the Mayan culture. The 13 other travels, who I now call friends, made this trip even more special. It feels like a dream when I think about it.”
Sharyn, Connecticut – Life by the Lake 2025
“Life by the lake was an amazing, unique and transformative experience. The setting is truly magical and even better than what I imagined. The week is filled with a combination of relaxation, cultural immersion and adventure and the accommodations and food were great. The week also offers the perfect opportunity to meet, laugh and bond with new friends from all over the country while also allowing time for some peaceful solitude. Joyce’s energy was contagious, and her warmth and generous spirit made our time even more special. I highly recommend going to The Life by the Lake retreat- just do it!”
Laurie, Texas – Life by the Lake 2025
“It was truly an extraordinary experience and adventure. We loved every moment!”
Sue, Michigan
“The retreat was everything as described and more. You will enter a place of beauty and peace. Every day there are delightful and thoughtfully planned excursions. The week is filled with wonderful food, friendships, and surprises. Joyce is such a compassionate, caring human not only to her guests, but the community at large. Loved every minute!”
Vicky B, Florida
“The Life by the Lake experience exceeded all of my expectations! It included many activities and the facilities and grounds are beautiful.. The unexpected benefits were the deep sense of community and connection with the others. Many thanks to Joyce and her staff!”
Charmion H, Montana
“Ten out of 10 stars for food, staff, and retreat organization! I do not eat gluten, dairy, or most animal products - and every meal was as good or better than if I had traveled to a popular restaurant in Kansas City that I love. Everything is done with beautiful intention here by the staff, and it shows. The gardens, landscaping, construction, and all of the lodging were so comfortable and beautiful, incorporating natural and elegant design together. My favorite activities were: teaching yoga on the platform, hearing from Kris about the civil war, hearing from Santos about his journey into the US, our live concert in the living room, talking with Joyce and everyone at the retreat, riding in the back of the pickup along the lake, and walking into San Marcos and around the other villages.”
Patricia D, New York
“We all had one of the most amazing times of our lives. This was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I truly bonded with the people I met on the retreat. We talk to each other every day and some have even gotten to visit each other already. I loved every minute-- the people, the place, the experience. And Joyce is the most wonderful host. All the people on our trip want to go back. I wish I was still there.”
Fern S, Los Angeles
I”nteresting, deep, yummy, fun and oh-so-beautiful. The amazing Joyce and her terrific team carefully attended to every detail, and there was so much to do if you chose to participate. The best was the quality group of people who were attracted to this special opportunity.”
Cynthia K, New York City
“I set off to an unknown country and culture with people I’d never met traveling by air, van, boat, and tuk tuk to Lake Atitlán. I was looking for an adventure when I signed up for the Life by The Lake gathering but what I found was so much more - a life-changing and life-enhancing experience with extraordinary new friends. It was boots-on-the-ground immersion into the Mayan culture, history, food, and character all while surrounded by magical Casa Paloma and guided by our wise and spirited host, Joyce. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Kristi G, Florida
“I came with my wife and left with my new beloved community of amazing people AND I love group hugs!!!”
Dean F, Oregon
“Life by the Lake is what you make it. I chose to learn from fellow visitors and guest speakers, educate my palate with Guatemalan food, and write. The place is so calming and energizing…why leave?”
Susan C, MO
“You will come away from Life by the Lake with Joyce with many new friends. Joyce is the catalyst who makes this possible. She is genuinely warm, welcoming, and authentic. The lake itself is magical and provides the perfect setting to lose yourself and gain insights into Mayan culture, past and present.”
Heidi M, California
“INCREDIBLE!”
Barbara B, California
“My time at the lake keeps “giving” in so many ways. Joyce was an amazing leader and i met an amazing group of people. It touched my heart, my thoughts, and my dreams.”
Nori F, California
“I find myself dreaming of Casa Paloma and the peaceful state of mind I experienced while there. There were many best moments but my morning swims were restorative in ways no therapist can replicate.”