ABOUT us

At Saasil, guests are invited to reconnect with themselves and nature through yoga, wellness practices, and eco-conscious living. Our accommodations, powered by renewable energy, offer a sanctuary for rest, rejuvenation, and reflection. Beyond yoga and wellness, Saasil offers cultural immersion experiences, connecting guests with the vibrant community and the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Atitlan. It is more than a retreat center; it's a space for those seeking balance, connection, and inspiration. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, where every step is an opportunity to embrace your true essence and thrive in harmony with the world around you. From the moment you step foot onto our grounds, you'll feel the warmth and authenticity that permeates every aspect of our center.

Meet the owners: Derek + Lauren


Lauren and I often found being asked the question, "What's your dream job?" Each time, our answers circled back to the vision of running a serene yoga retreat where Lauren could share her passion for yoga, and I could cultivate a complimentary eco conscious compound. In 2023, fueled by passion and a shared dream, we took the leap to transform that vision into a vibrant reality. Little did we know, it wasn't just our dream; it was a dream we longed to share with others, inviting them to join us on this journey of wellness, growth, and community. 

Meet Lauren, the radiant soul behind our yoga sanctuary. Her wellness journey began in 2011, diving into nutrition and personal training school. Despite 7 years of military service, her passion for health and interconnectedness endured. In 2017, Lauren deepened her exploration of yoga and mindfulness, becoming a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She also pursued a degree in business administration and now owns a thriving yoga studio in Coos Bay, Oregon that hosts international retreats. Lauren's yoga approach focuses on creativity, strength, alignment, and breath. Through dynamic Vinyasa classes, she guides students to explore inner landscapes and embrace mindfulness with grace. Her teachings reflect diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for cultural richness.

My journey has been one of adventure, service, and innovation. During my 12-year military tenure, I engaged in humanitarian missions across the United States and Central America, earning the nickname "jack of all trades" for my knack for fixing everything. It was during this time that my passion for alternative living blossomed. I transformed a 1996 school bus into an off-grid tiny home, showcasing my commitment to self-sufficiency with solar power and running water. Inspired by summers on my grandparents' farm in Maine, I developed a love for growing food and flowers, leading me to pursue higher education in Urban Agriculture from Oregon State University. There, I specialized in high-density growing techniques to address urban food security. My varied experiences converge at our eco-retreat center, where my commitment to service, innovation, and sustainability finds its truest expression.

In 2024, we embarked on a bold journey, leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown as we set our sights on creating a haven of tranquility nestled amidst nature's embrace. With hearts brimming with determination, we ventured forth, guided by a shared vision to manifest our dream eco-yoga retreat in the lush landscapes of Guatemala. We wanted to trade in the hustle and bustle for the tranquility of nature, where every day feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to create a sanctuary where guests can escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. From sunrise yoga sessions to farm-to-table meals lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients, every detail has been crafted with care to nurture mind, body, and soul.But our journey doesn't end there. We believe in giving back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms. Whether it's supporting local artisans, championing environmental conservation efforts, or lending a helping hand to those in need, we are committed to making a positive impact wherever we go.And when we're not busy tending to our retreat, you can find us soaking up the sunshine with our beloved family of 4, cherishing every moment together and counting our blessings for this incredible adventure we're on.

So thank you for considering joining us on this journey. We can't wait to welcome you with open arms and share the magic of our little slice of paradise with you.

TESTIMONIALS

Jacqueline S.

"Lauren hosts the best retreats for yoga, adventure, relaxation and most importantly connection."

Alexis P.

"attending the 200 hour yoga teacher training with Lauren is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I was able to deepen and improve my own yoga practice while also learning and understanding yoga history and philosophy, anatomy, sequencing and so much more. Lauren provided so much support to all of her students and really created an open, comfortable environment - an experience I will always be thankful for!

M.R.

"The property itself was gorgeous. Hammocks all over the place to relax and enjoy the gentle breeze off the lake (The views were superb, and I regularly found myself working or reading with a gorgeous backdrop of the lake and volcano)."

Dan H.

"It's an epic location about a 20 min ride around the lake from the main town, Panajachel. I don't really do Yoga, but my wife does and we absolutely loved the 7am classes which were held in the main yoga studio overlooking the lake and misty volcano in the distance. The staff bent over backwards to help us and make our stay the best. The breakfast and dinners that were provided were exquisite and super healthy. Our room was beautiful and we loved sitting out on the deck and lying in the hammock. We would highly recommend this place.