ABOUT us
We invite our guests 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 team
Jacinta Santos
Cocinera Principal
Jacinta is our eye for detail in the kitchen. With over 7 years on property and a passion to learn new dishes makes her a joy to have around. She is a great example of our local culture, speaking almost exclusively kaqchikel and only Spanish as a second language yet Jacinta’s ability to plan ahead and problem solve is unmatched! Her favourite dish to make and eat are ‘tortillas carne’ - tortillas made by mixing meat into the dough. In her spare time she finds a creative outlet in drawing.
Clara Martin
Cocinera
Jacinta Martin
Cocinera
Simone Franks
Creative Co-ordinator
Simone has travelled all the way from South Africa to combine her design background and culinary flair in the Bhudda cafe. Her background in Wellness Centre management and passionate study of Ayurvedic Philosophy combine here at Saasil for a sensational experience at mealtimes. She works closely with a team of talented Mayan cocineras and together they elegantly unite Lake Atitlan’s rich cultural heritage and the contemporary succulence of modern foods. Simone creates with the belief that no one size fits all when it comes to food and thus offers workshops for others to discover their Doshas and stay connected with their own internal eco-system.
Elias Tuch Chiyal
Maintenance Manager
Elias is multi-skilled, with strong abilities in supply chain and project management he makes an excellent Jefe. He spends his weekends coaching a young boys soccer team in his neighborhood, giving them life advice and tips on living a healthy fulfilling life. In his spare time he enjoys playing soccer himself and staying active. Always with a smile on his face and ready and willing to help anyone in need, he truly supports this team and the community around him in many ways.
Cristian Chiyal
Jardinero
Ivan Chiyal
Carpintero
Victoria “Vicky” Johns
Retreat & Guest Relations Manager
As a yoga teacher and body therapist, she brings a deep understanding of holistic wellness to every aspect of our retreat offerings. With her calm energy and expertise, Victoria ensures that each guest's experience is both rejuvenating and transformative. A true lover of water, Victoria has a passion for surfing and is deeply connected to the natural elements that surround our retreat. Her love for travel and adventure allows her to bring a worldly perspective to Saasil. Whether leading a yoga class or coordinating TEA, Victoria is committed to creating a space where peace, healing, and connection thrive.
Lauren and I often found ourselves 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.
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.
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.
the owners
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.
