Join Joyce for the LIFE BY THE LAKE gathering — February 16-23, 2024.
Maybe you are among those who have read my stories about my home on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and seen my pictures over the years—of volcanos, and great meals served on my patio overlooking the lake, and life in the Mayan indigenous village where I’ve lived, part time for over 20 years. “I’d love to go there,” you’ve told me. “But I’m not a writer.”
Now, here’s some news that might interest you…
WELCOME to casa PALOMA
In February 2024, I’ll be hosting a seven-night trip to Guatemala--one night at a luxury boutique hotel in the lovely Spanish colonial city of Antigua, followed by six nights at my home on the lake - Casa Paloma. Think of this as a time to explore a fascinating culture, relax in a hammock, get a massage or swim under a volcano, share great meals in a location of incomparable beauty, and every evening, or early morning, over coffee--engage in lively conversation (about writing, books, and more) with your hostess.
That would be me.
The weather is sunny every day. Warm, but not uncomfortably hot…
You’ll stay in a private room with private bath in my home…
Or, in one of the four lake-and-volcano-view casitas on the property (with private bath), surrounded by beautiful gardens, a waterfall, sauna, yoga platform, massage dock and wood-fired pizza oven.
The property is large…
There’s ample space to socialize…
Or, to be alone.
Photo by Jim Barringer
Our meals will be served on the patio overlooking the lake by our wonderful indigenous chef, Rosa—who will also offer a lesson in preparation of a classic Guatemalan dish.
Among the activities you can choose during your visit to the lake: daily yoga on the yoga platform…
Swimming and kayaking and stand-up paddleboard…
As well as cultural visits to a local artesan market,
women’s weaving collective
and a cacao ceremony led by a Mayan shaman.
Unlike the workshops I’ve been hosting for 22 years at the lake, Life by the Lake won’t focus on writing memoir.
Over sunset drinks in the garden, we’ll talk about how to enrich our creative lives, and about books, ideas, the Mayan world, and our own. I may share a few pages from my new novel in progress (the sequel to Count the Ways).
Members of the group are sure to have their own contributions to make.
TRAVEL
You’ll fly into Aurora Airport in Guatemala City—one of the simplest airports to navigate. (Direct flights available from LA, NYC, and several other cities). From the moment you land, our great team of experienced helpers will take care of all your needs, starting with the private car that will be outside the airport to pick you up and bring you to a five-star hotel in Antigua where you’ll meet up with the rest of the group for drinks and dinner on your first night.
Price of the trip includes hotel, meals, transportation to the lake, your private room or casita at Joyce’s property, Casa Paloma, massage, all cultural experiences and hikes,meals, saunas, drinks. A portion of the proceeds of Joyce’s workshops and retreats always goes to support educational opportunities for young people in the village of San Marcos la Laguna.
Casa Paloma offers single, shared, couple, and deluxe lodgings from $3995 to $6995. Contact Gina Alligood for help in making your reservations.
Space is limited. (There are eight private rooms and casitas on my lakefront property, each with private bath, suitable for couples, or singles, or two friends who choose share a room.)
50% deposit is required to secure a room.
Total payment is due eight weeks before the retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Full payment will be refunded (minus $500 administrative fees) if cancellation is no later than ten(10) weeks in advance of your Life By The Lake. Alternatively, you may use your payment as a credit towards a future Life By The Lake.
In the event of cancellation less than six weeks before your Life By The Lake, we cannot offer a refund except in the event of a Covid-related border closure.
I’m excited to share with you a place, and a way of life, that has been an important part of my life for a very long time.
LIFE BY THE LAKE Testimonials
Vicky Bradham, Cape Coral, Florida
The Life by the Lake experience exceeded all of my expectations! It had activities of many kinds, beautiful facilities and grounds. The unexpected benefits were the deep sense of community and connection with the others. Many thanks to Joyce and her staff!
Charmion Harris, Montana
10 stars for food, staff and retreat organization! I do not eat gluten, dairy and most animal products - and every meal was as good or better than had I travelled 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, All of the lodging was so comfortable and beautiful, incorporating natural and elegant design together. My activity favorites 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 else here at the retreat, riding in the back of the pickup along the lake, walking into San Marcos and around the other villages.
Patricia DiGiovanni, Long Island, 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 went with and we had never met. 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 Salka, Los Angeles
Interesting, deep, yummy, fun and oh so beautiful. Every detail was carefully attended to by the amazing Joyce and her terrific team, and there was so much to do. Or not, if you preferred. But the best was the quality group of people who were attracted to this special opportunity.
Cynthia Knapp, New York City
I set off to an unknown country and culture with people I’ve 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 not to mention 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 Grace, Cape Coral, Florida
I came with my wife and left with my new beloved community of amazing people AND I love group hugs!!!
Dean Farwood, Portland, 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 Carlson, Kansas City, MO
You will not come away from “Life by the Lake” with Joyce without having made 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 Majano, Petaluma, California
INCREDIBLE!
Barbara Balaban, Venice, California
My time at the lake keeps “ giving” in so many ways. An amazing leader and an amazing group of people. It touched my heart, my thoughts and my dreams.
Nori Faer, San Diego, California
I find myself dreaming of Casa Paloma and the peaceful state of mind I experienced while there. There were many best moments but I have to say that my morning swims were restorative in ways no therapist can replicate.
.
