Jacqueline Sheehan

Join us on July 25th-August 1st on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for a writing retreat with a side of yoga. 

Jacqueline and Jane have taught at international retreats for years, hiked the Camino together in Portugal and Spain, and arranged several mini retreats in Jamaica and British Columbia. Now they are returning to one of our beloved locations, Villa Sumaya in the Mayan Highlands.

Step out of your daily life and onto the luminous shores of Lake Atitlán, with dedicated writing time, gentle yoga, restorative quiet, and just enough adventure to shake loose the stories waiting inside you. In an intimate and supportive circle, Jacqueline and Jane will offer daily craft sessions, prompts, and embodied writing practices designed to spark fresh ideas and deepen your voice.

When not writing, lounge by the pool, relax in a hammock, wander through lush gardens, or cool off with a dip in the lake.

Come ready to write and leave with reawakened energy, deepened craft, and pages that wouldn't have existed anywhere else. Travel has a way of freeing what's stuck. Let the shift in perspective work its magic on your creative process.

Retreat pricing

• Maya Rose (rooms 2-7) Single $2775 / Double $2310
• Junior Suite (suite 18) Single $2890 / Double $2370
• Ginger Suites (suites 17, 19, 22, 23) Single $2950 / Double $2575

Retreat price includes:

• 7 Nights and eight days accommodations at Villa Sumaya
• Round trip van transportation from Antigua
• 3 scrumptiously delicious vegetarian/vegan meals daily
• Unlimited purified water, herbal and black tea, and local coffee
• 5 writing workshops
• 3 yoga sessions
• Gratuity for staff
• Fire ceremony with local shaman
• Mayan cooking class and dinner with Raquel in Santa Cruz
• Mayan Women's art collective in San Juan
• All local boat transport to retreat outings

What's Not Included:   

• Airfare to/from Guatemala City (GUA)
• Transportation from Guatemala City Airport to and from Antigua
• Hotels in Antigua
• Adult beverages
• Fish or chicken additions to dinner
• Spa services
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Interested in registering? Click HERE or contact Jacqueline!

Jacqueline Sheehan, Ph.D., is a fiction writer and essayist, the bestselling author of the novels Lost & Found, Now & Then, Picture This, The Center of the World, The Tiger in the House, and The Comet's Tale. Currently on the faculty of Writers in Progress in Massachusetts, she also offers international writing workshops. Her essays are found in The New York Times Modern Love, The Writer, Next Avenue, and on NPR commentaries. She is the co-founder and past president of Straw Dog Writers Guild. She has been awarded fellowships with MacDowell, Jentel Arts, Hawthornden Castle, and Turkey Land Cove. She is working on her next novel and memoir.

Jane Mortifee, author of the novel, Out of the Fire, is also a professional singer and actor in theatre, film, television and studio voice-overs, jingles, and animated series. She has been nominated for an Actra Award, three Jessie Awards, a Westcoast Music Award, and was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2002. She has recorded five CDs, ranging from ballads, R&B, pop and her latest a lullaby album recorded for her shiny new grandson. She is writing a second novel, with two others on the back burner. Jane led yoga at creative writing and yoga retreats in Guatemala, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland and Mexico.

Each room is truly unique, varying in size, layout, and location on the hillside property. Some rooms have sitting areas, writing desks, fireplaces and/or kitchenettes. All rooms combine artistic decor, comfortable beds, and outdoor spaces with fantastic views. They feature private ensuite bathrooms, fans (no AC), lockboxes, and soap/shampoo/conditioner. 

These spacious suites feature majestic balconies, elegant antique furnishings, and queen or king beds. Located at various points up the hillside, these rooms range 40-70 stairs above the main level.

These two suites are equipped with queen beds and offer comfort, style, and private balconies with lovely lake views. Located midway up the hillside, these suites are 50 stairs above the main level.

These lakefront rooms can accommodate single or double occupancy, offering a mix of 2 twin beds or 1 queen. Each has a patio space with comfy seating and views. Conveniently located on the main level of the property + nearest the lake, these rooms don't require climbing stairs.

All bookings will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. **If you register for a double occupancy room and do not have a roommate, we will make efforts to pair you with another solo traveler. Please note that if there is not another solo traveler, you will be charged for single occupancy.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. 

Jane and Jacqueline will meet you in Antigua where we will gather the day before we head to the lake in our van. You will need to book your room in Antigua and here are some selections to choose from:

Hotel Posada La Merced, a humble but very reliable accommodation, run by an English speaking ex-pat. It is just a few steps from Fernando's Kaffee, where we have had many wonderful breakfasts.

San Rafael Hotel *Please mention Villa Sumaya when booking!
Meson Panza Verde
Hotel Meson de Maria
Quinta De Las Flores

Temperature: Daily highs in late July are around 72°F (22°C), with lows around 55°F (13°C). Rainfall: There is a likely chance of rain on an average day (around 80%), with about 0.79 inches (20.2 mm) of precipitation on a rainy day. Rain squalls are usually in the afternoon.

Villa Sumaya is neslted into a hillside, being able to physically negotiate stairs is essential. 

To learn about the beautiful Eco-Resort Villa Sumaya, click HERE.