Be careful if you’re looking to attend the yoga classes advertised on their website. I walked 20 min down a very steep hill at 6:30 to find a note on the door saying there were no yoga classes. I had verified several times on their website, Instagram and had even messaged them on whatsapp.
I tried again two days later. The 7 am mentionned on their website is incorrect and on site it says classes are at 7:30 am. I waited until then and nobody ever came.
Our stay at Saasil was such a beautiful experience. It is a space that within just the 5 days we were there felt like home. Beautiful gardens and so many quiet spots to sit and take in the nature. The volunteers and yoga instructors take care of everything for you and are so helpful. The yoga classes were all incredible and in the most beautiful setting to practice. Thank you for our time here , we will be back for another magical experience.
The views and property are amazing! The food is made fresh and exactly what I would expect from a retreat. Yoga was really good in the morning and absolutely amazing views and space. This place is run by yoga teachers, so just factor that in… not a hotel experience. This is advertised but if you are not able to handle insects everywhere in your room - this is not the place for you!
Also location - this is mentioned in previous comments, it’s a very poor area of the lake and if you plan to come back from town after dark your only option is tuk-tuk and you will get charged $7-10 one way because no one wants drive here, the road is an absolute disaster.
In summary, great experience but I would suggest to stay two nights and stay at the property.
Great place with lovely people! I recommend doing a cacao ceremony and I loved the massage from Patti. Also the food was probably the highlight! It was so so delicious and healthy. Don’t expect to be in a town though, it is really secluded but the property is gorgeous. The only advice I have as they are a new place is I would make it easier access to the sauna… I am not used to having to schedule somthing like that at a hotel!
Saasil was such a welcoming place for my first time here in Guatemala and on the lake. It is a vortex of love and connection. I spent most of my 3 weeks here and could’ve never left and would have been so content. The staff is absolutely incredible as well as the volunteer Gabbie and Ann. Just rays of sunshine! True friendships are built here. I am so grateful for this space and all that came and went and for Patti and Emilie for making my stay incredible. I stayed in the lower dorms and absolutely loved it. Yes there are spiders and sometimes scorpions, but they are harmless and just want to live in this beautiful place too! The showers are lovely, I enjoyed being outside so much and now that I’m in a house I miss Saasil even more. Everything about this place is incredible, especially the meals and the lovely ladies cooking all day. I will be back as long as I can come back. Thank you all!
I’ve just spent 4 nights at Saasil Retreat at Tzununá and it was all I imagined it would be be - and more. The location is idyllic, nestled in the hillside surrounded by lush vegetation with stunning views over the lake. The rooms are really clean and very comfortable yet retain a lovely simplicity and my early morning sunrise view was very special. The food is delicious, the 7am yoga classes in the magnificently appointed Shaka were varied and excellent and the staff were really friendly and helpful. There is an air of tranquility and calm where you can be in solitude or be with the other guests in the main dining and lounging area, again with stunning views. For more action there's exciting boat rides across the water to visit the towns dotted all over the huge lake, lakeside and volcano hikes, kayaking and loads more. I feel enriched having spent some time at Lake Atitlan and restored after a few days of heaven at Saasil.
I‘ve had the absolute best time at Saasil - it‘s such a unique place! Especially the crew - Pati, Emily and Gabbi - made me feel welcome and like part of a little family from day one.
I initially stayed for 4 days together with a friend, but then returned to work remotely for another 8 days.
The location itself is gorgeous (from chirping birds, a beautiful garden and great views over the lake); there is yoga every morning (an incredible start into the day) and the food was great, too (especially breakfast was delicious). Besides, they have strong wifi, so I could work well from the common area.
It‘s a place to arrive and not wanting to leave again. What also made it special to me was the connection/exchange on what was going on in Tzununa and San Marcos. Through having meals at set times, it was very easy to connect with everyone staying at the retreat and so groups would shape and do fun stuff together like hiking to a closely waterfall, going to Kirtan or heading out for a Pizza night. I‘d generally recommend rather staying a bit longer (not a good place to rush through.)
Overall a 10/10 experience for me, and I hope to return some day!! :))
Saasil Retreat is a beautiful and peaceful paradise, far away from the crowds and the tourists. The yoga classes every day are great and the food is absolutely amazing. I also booked some sauna sessions and massages which help me recover both physically and mentally. Saasil is really like a family who open their arms for you. Everyone from the owners, to Anika the volunteer, Pati the manager, all the staff are really kind hearted people who do their best to make your stay comfortable.
I felt so much happier and relaxed there and didn't want to go away. I will definitely come back
Thanks so much for the kind words Eva! It was a pleasure having you and we're so glad you were able to unwind. We'd love to welcome you back any day!
C. Sara Lawrence Minard2025.01.08
If you want a place where the heaviness of the world melts away, where the majesty of the mountains and lake quiets the busy mind, where birdsong and sunshine and flowers and the sounds water flowing are everywhere as a reminder of the peace of wild things, and where the teachers and staff meet you exactly where you are; and yet from this warm, inclusive environment they create, you feel encouraged and supported to transcend your edges, open your heart wider than you thought possible, and smile from a deeper place -- this is what the Saasil Retreat Center under Lauren and her team's gentle and generous guidance will offer you. The rooms are perfect, clean and spacious, made of bamboo, stone, glass, and wood, with new sheets everyday and thick wool blankets for those chilly nights, and yet you still feel immersed in the elements. Hammocks are draped everywhere to catch you and rock you into complete awakened relaxed presence. The kitchen is vibrant, with a daily fresh menu of local and global foods (the handmade corn tortillas are phenomenal), constant flow of locally roasted coffee and hot water infused with fruit and herbs found on the property, and all food preferences and allergies are diligently met without fanfare. What I appreciated most about this experience was how grounded, kind, open and fun everyone is who works there. The staff feel like family, and after a week there, we all felt like family, while always having space to be alone to write and meditate or sleep, take excursions (supported or on our own), or just hang out in the Buddha Cafe (the main food spot) to chat with the amazing people from around the world who are drawn to this sacred space or just feel the warm sun on your face after an awesome yoga class and sound bath with a cup of tea alongside "Snow", the retreat center's adorable kitty. There is no place like this. Don't miss it. It's a gift you'll give to yourself that keeps on giving.
I had an incredible experience at the Rest and Revive New Years Eve Retreat at Saasil Center hosted by Lauren and Nancy. Also a shootout to Lauren's partner Derek who was quick to respond and so helpful to any needs which arose during the week.
The rooms and location were comfortable and beautiful. As a picky eater, I cannot say enough great things about the healthy and delicious meals served.
The yoga classes were absolutely the best I have ever attended. The workshops and massage treatments were transformative.
This was my first yoga retreat and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly all the participants bonded and have left with many new friends.
I would recommend this experience to anyone!
Madison
Such a gem of a place with the friendliest and sweetest staff. The yoga classes are amazing, food is fresh and delicious, and I got one of the best massages I’ve ever had!
Thank you Julia! This is such a kind and appreciated review!
Nancy Portillo2024.12.19
Staying at SAASIL was a truly breathtaking experience, surrounded by the beauty of local culture, lush flora, and the stunning landscapes of Lake Atitlán and the towering volcanoes. From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection.
The center itself is a haven, abundant in plant life and fresh produce that is used in their kitchen to create three delicious, home-cooked meals each day. Every dish is prepared from scratch with care and love. The attention to detail in every meal reflects the same level of care that the staff pour into every aspect of your stay.
Speaking of the staff, they are nothing short of exceptional. Friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist, they went above and beyond to make my time at SAASIL seamless. Whether it was guiding me on the best activities to explore or helping coordinate additional travels, their support was invaluable.
The retreat’s shala is another highlight—offering sweeping views of the lake and volcanoes, it's the perfect space to deepen your practice, whether you're into yoga, meditation, or simply soaking in the environment. I found the peacefulness of the setting made it incredibly easy to unwind, focus, and recharge.
Whether you're here to relax, learn, adventure, or explore, SAASIL provides the perfect backdrop for all of it. This retreat center offers not just a place to stay, but a true experience—one that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and connected to both nature and self. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone seeking peace, beauty, and authentic cultural immersion in an extraordinary setting.
Attending Saasil Retreat Center was a truly transformative experience. Nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán—an energy vortex surrounded by volcanoes—the environment exudes peace and serenity. The beauty of the lake and its calming energy created the perfect setting for deep relaxation and mindfulness which was desperately needed.
Lauren’s guidance through yoga and meditation felt harmonious with the surroundings, helping to restore both body and mind. Saasil itself is a tranquil haven, with breathtaking views, vibrant nutritious meals, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
If you’re looking to reconnect, recharge, and find inner peace, I can’t recommend this retreat enough.
Saasil was my first yoga retreat and it was amazing! The retreat center is gorgeous, amazing views of the volcanoes and water. The food was incredible and catered to your diet. The staff was so helpful and very friendly. Outside of the retreat there is tons to do. We loved visiting the towns and jumping from cliffs. My husband and I will be back!
Saasil is a beautiful, peaceful retreat center with caring and professional staff.
The updates to the rooms look great and the view is unmatched! The housekeeping staff were friendly and all my accommodations were not just met, but exceeded. The grounds are lush and well maintained.
The location is a nice mix between being remote, but not isolated. Experiences are a walk, lancha, or tuk tuk ride away.
I loved the homemade snacks for purchase options, including kombucha. Everything was very reasonably priced.
The yoga shala is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. A yogi, at every level of practice’s, dream! Can’t wait to come back and bring my family.
Thank you Ashley! We look forward to welcoming you back!
Shelby NC2024.12.16
Attended a yoga retreat here and had an amazing time. Owners and staff are all so wonderful. Transfer from the airport was seamless and stress-free. Attended yoga classes with Lauren, Vicki, and Simone and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Views from the cafe and the Shala are incredible. Planned excursions throughout the week took us on cultural tours, cliff-jumping, kayaking, and hiking in different towns around the lake.
I can't wait to come back and visit again soon!
Verified Company
