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Relax & Renew Retreat

November 10- 17th 2024

El Paredon, Guatemala

Introducing Relax & Renew Retreat, an affordable all-inclusive surf and yoga retreat. Join us from November 10th - 17th 2024 for a blissful week of yoga, surf, massage, sun, friends, fun and food 🙌

Located in El Paredon, Guatemala, this oasis offers the perfect escape from winter. Hosted at Swell Guatemala, Surf & Lifestyle hotel and led by Victoria Maybee & Curtis Hunter - this retreat is suitable for all levels, with many options to customize your perfect week.

PS - Payment plans are available! Pricing starts at $1600 USD. We require a non-refundable $500 USD deposit to hold your spot, with the remaining balance due October 1st. Keep scrolling for full room details and rates!

The Venue

Swell is a surf & Lifestyle hotel - with a laidback spirit; located on the beautiful and untouched volcanic black-sand beach of El Pardon, Guatemala.

Guatemala is famous for its cultural heritage, amazing volcano hiking and is gaining a growing reputation for its waves.

Swell offers a rustic, yet elegant and cozy barefoot boho-chic atmosphere for guests to gather, kick back and share a piece of paradise.

Relax & Renew includes 2 x daily yoga classes to play, explore, move and align with your strength and soften into the relaxation you deserve.

Our classes are designed for all-levels with challenging postures available for advanced practitioners and modifications offered for beginners and variations for everyone in between.

Our morning practices will be a full body awakening vinyasa flow to help you shed tension in your body and challenge your strength, balance and flexibility. Our evening practices will focus on deep stretching, relaxation and mindful movement to set you up for a wonderful sleep.

The Yoga

The Surf

El Paredon’s reputation as a surf destination is growing - and for good reason. Whether you’re a beginner to surfing, an expert, or never surfed a day in your life, we’re confident that you’ll love El Paredon’s uncrowded waves and all around good vibes.

El Paredon is home to Guatemala’s best and most consistent waves. With its endless beach break of fine volcanic black sand, the uncrowded waves are accessible for all levels of surfers. El Paredon is considered among the world’s top 10 surf destinations according to The Guardian.

The Food

Swell offers a top-notch restaurant and bar for guests. Talented Chef, Tarra Griffith, and skilled team of local cooks are sure to impress. Swell’s restaurant offers a generous selection of delicious and hearty meals.

All the food at Swell is prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, all prepared with love and care to offer guests a memorable dining experience!

Please note we will offer a set menu with modifications available for dietary preferences and allergies. Final menu items tbc prior to the retreat. Click here for a sample menu!

The Rooms

THE LOFT

Settle into this spacious loft and enjoy the fresh air breeze and views of the sea allowing you to converse with the stars and listen to the breaking waves. Lounge the day away on your cozy sofa nested in a local style thatch palm roof.  To compliment this lovely space, enjoy the luxury of a private bathroom and tropical garden shower at ground level.

*Please note that access to this room is via a steep staircase. 

Capacity: 3 People no A/C - 1 Queen Bed & 1 Single Bed- Ocean View - Solo Queen- $1900 | Shared Queen- $1700 | Single Bed- $1800

LA CABAÑITA

Nested under a traditional thatch palm roof, La Cabañita is a cute space ideal for couples or single travelers. This lovely space offers a beautiful view of our garden, made up of a variety of lemon trees, palm trees, and tropical flowers. Below, breath in the fresh air in your private nook surrounded by lemon trees. This room also includes a private bathroom and shower at ground level.

*Please note that access to this room is via a steep staircase. 

Capacity: 2 People - no A/C- 1 Queen bed - Solo Queen-$1900 | Shared Queen- $1700

THE BUNGALOW

The biggest of our rooms, the Bungalow is designed over two levels and sleeps up to 5 people. The ground floor is made up of a first bedroom which opens directly to the front terrace surrounded by garden and greenery and a bathroom and tropical garden shower out back. Climb up to the second level and soak in the views of the sea to one direction, and the garden and not so distant volcanoes to the other direction. 

Capacity: 5 People  - 2 Queen Beds & 1 Single Bed - no A/C- Solo Queen- $1800 | Shared Queen- $1600 | Single Bed- $1700

EL NIDO

Settle into this spacious studio and enjoy the fresh air breeze and views of the sunset, volcanoes and tropical garden below. Lounge the day away on your cozy sofa nested in a local style thatch palm roof.  To compliment this lovely space, enjoy the luxury of a private bathroom and tropical garden shower at the ground level.

*Please note that access to this room is via a steep staircase. 

Capacity: 4 People -  2 Queen Beds - No A/C - 2 Queen Beds- Solo Queen- $2000 | Shared Queen- $1800

THE SWIM-UP PREMIUM SUITE

Stay in style in your own poolside Swim-Up Suite - our most spacious and boho-chic accommodation. Equipped with A/C, a private indoor sofa lounge, private bathroom and garden shower - the real draw to this room is the terrace that gives directly onto the pool. Wake up and take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cup of coffee with your feet in the water.

Capacity: 2 people - 1 Queen Bed w/ AC - Solo Queen- $2400 | Shared Queen- $2200

THE ULUWATU PREMIUM SUITE

Settle into the Uluwatu suite and enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned space with a spacious desk and ample shelving to unpack all of your belongings. To the front, a private refuge of peace and tranquility on your sofa and lounge open towards the garden of tropical flowers and trees. To the back of the room, the light and greenery of the tropical garden shower flood in and brighten up the cozy space.

Capacity: 2 Person  - 1 Queen Bed w/ AC - Solo Queen- $2400 | Shared Queen- $2200

THE KOKO PREMIUM SUITE

Settle into the Koko suite and enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned space with a spacious desk and ample shelving to unpack all of your belongings. To the front, a private refuge of peace and tranquility on your private deck and lounge open towards the garden of tropical flowers and lemon trees. This room has its own spacious private bathroom & garden shower

[ SOLD OUT ]

THE SURFER’S VILLA

The spacious Surfer's Villa is your home away from home, designed to provide comfort and enjoyment during your stay. The villa features a full kitchen, multiple lounge areas, hammocks, tropical gardens, and stunning sea views that will take your breath away. The private bathroom and unique outdoor garden shower surrounded by lush greenery offer a refreshing and invigorating experience that connects you with nature.

*Please note that access to this room is via a steep staircase. 

Capacity: 3 People   -   1 Queen Bed with A/C - Solo Queen- $2400 | Shared Queen- $2200

The Excursions

Tours and excursions will be organized with a local NGO, La Choza Chula, who offer incredible activities such as local cooking classes, mangrove tour, turtle tour, bracelet making workshop and more. Here is a link to their website where you can see photos + more info!

In November there are also baby turtles hatching every morning and released to sea! This is not a formal tour, guests can simply visit the turtle hatchery every morning at sunrise - donations are accepted.

It’s all included!

  • 2 x daily yoga classes

  • 3 x meals per day + coffee, tea, filtered water, snacks and fruit all day!

  • 1 x surf lesson (additional lessons can be purchased on-site) 

  • 1 x full group excursion (additional individual and small group activities and tours can be booked during free time midday)

  • Complimentary airport shuttle (from Guatemala city to El Paredon on November 10th and back November 17th)

    ** Flights not included. Alcoholic beverages, smoothies and additional food and beverages available for purchase on site **

The Hosts 

Victoria Maybee

Always a movement-lover, Victoria discovered her passion for yoga while searching for community on the road. Her yoga practice has become her foothold while travelling and she's grateful every time she finds the opportunity to share it with others.

Victoria has over 500 hours of yoga teacher training under her belt including Ashtanga Vinyasa and Spanda Vinyasa. Her classes are fun, accessible and fluid. She'll make you feel at home in your body while giving your mind a big hug too. Her official class motto is - "come as you are and take what you need."

Curtis Hunter

Curtis Hunter is an E-RYT200 Yoga Teacher with over 700 hours of teacher training based in Vancouver, BC. He has been teaching students in Canada and Mexico for over a decade.

Curtis practices and teaches vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga. His classes are for all levels with a focus on connection, alignment, play, and creating balance within body and mind.

frequently asked questions

  • Yes, absolutely! Many yoga retreats welcome beginners and cater to all skill levels, so it's a great opportunity to start your yoga journey in a supportive and immersive environment.

    Retreats typically offer classes tailored to suit all levels of experience, so you can gradually build your practice over the course of the retreat. In addition to yoga classes, many retreats also offer meditation and pranayama sessions, which can be beneficial for beginners who are looking to develop their mindfulness practice.

    When choosing a retreat, be sure to read the description carefully and check if there are any prerequisites or recommended experience levels.

    It's also a good idea to speak with the retreat organizers or instructors ahead of time to discuss any concerns you may have and ensure that the retreat is a good fit for your needs.

  • Guatemala is a country that is filled with stunning landscapes, ancient Mayan ruins, and a rich culture that is sure to enchant any traveler. While it's important to be aware of safety concerns when traveling, it's also important to remember that Guatemala has so much to offer to those who choose to visit. Here's what you need to know about safety in Guatemala:

    Adventure Awaits: Guatemala is a country that is perfect for those who love adventure. Whether you want to climb an active volcano, explore a Mayan ruin, or hike through the jungle, Guatemala has it all. Just be sure to use reputable guides and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    Culture and History: Guatemala has a rich cultural heritage that is sure to captivate any traveler. From colorful markets and traditional Mayan villages to ancient ruins and colonial architecture, there's so much to see and learn about in this vibrant country.

    Welcoming People: One of the things that sets Guatemala apart is its warm and welcoming people. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with friendly smiles and hospitality that will make you feel right at home.

    By taking the time to research your trip, using common sense, and staying informed about any safety concerns, you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable adventure in this beautiful country. Discover the beauty and culture of Guatemala for yourself!

  • To travel to El Paredon Guatemala, book your flights to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. From there we suggest staying in Antigua for a day (or more!) before the retreat begins.

  • It’s a 2.5 hour (128km) drive to get from Guatemala City to El Paredon Guatemala. A complimentary shuttle will be arranged for guests of Relax & Renew retreat. We’ll do hotel pickup in the morning of Sunday November 12th to take you to El Paredon (exact timing tbc). Airport Transportation will be arranged based on when the majority of flights arrive, so you may have to wait for others to land.

  • To guarantee your spot at Relax and Renew Retreat 2024 we suggest booking your spot as soon as possible! Your room can be held by submitting your $500 USD non-refundable deposit, due August 31st with final payment due by October 1st. Please note, all payments are non-refundable.

  • If you have any questions about Relax and Renew surf & yoga retreat please contact Curtis and Victoria at hello@relaxandrenewretreat.com

  • Yes absolutely! The chef and kitchen at Swell are suitable to accomodate dietary preferences and food intolerances including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy free, gluten free. Please note : our retreat is located in a rural village in Guatemala – about a 2.5 hour drive to the nearest hospital. So in case the allergy is life threatening – it is important to note that the hospital is quite far.

  • The currency used in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). It is named after the national bird of Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal, and is abbreviated as "Q". The quetzal is divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 quetzals, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as 1 quetzal.

    It's recommended to exchange currency at authorized currency exchange offices or banks, as exchanging money on the street can be risky. Additionally, major credit cards are widely accepted in Guatemala, especially in tourist areas.

  • When packing for a yoga retreat, it's important to pack light and practical. Here are some essentials to consider:

    Yoga clothes: Pack comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. You may want to pack a few different outfits, depending on the length of your retreat.

    Comfortable shoes: Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring the area around your retreat center.

    Swimwear: If your retreat includes a pool, hot tub, or beach access, pack a swimsuit.

    Layered clothing: Bring layers, as temperatures can vary depending on the time of day and location.

    Sunscreen and insect repellent: If you're attending a retreat in a warm climate, make sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.

    Water bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.

    Personal toiletries: Bring any personal toiletries you may need, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo.

    Journal: Consider bringing a journal to document your experiences and reflections during your retreat.

  • Payments can be made via Interac e-transfer and credit card. Details available on our booking form!