HEART MEDICINE JOURNEY Group Retreat
with Stephanie Kittell & VJ Raji Bala (Co-Creators of Space of Love )
1 Week (7 Nights)
FEBRUARY 21-28, 2027
Tzununá, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Starts at : $3,089 USD
Pricing dependent on accommodations choice.
Flights & Ground Transportation not included.
$88 is donated directly to WATER 4 LIFE.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
-$300 USD
Reserve by July 1, 2026
Welcome to our 8th annual deep retreat designed to help you return home to the power and presence of your heart – guided and supported by the wisdom of Mother Nature's medicines.
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
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You've been feeling cagey in the concrete jungle, and you are craving a deep immersion in nature.
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You have lost track of your true nature and are ready for a re-set, a letting go, a life pivot, a step in a new direction.
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Your pragmatic mind may have been steering your life ship and you now desire to reunite with the intuition of your heart.
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You are yearning to be free from unhealthy habit patterns, judgements and identities – to express authentically, play joyfully, love and be loved!
So, we’ve got the medicine for that...
WHAT IS HEART MEDICINE?
Heart Medicines are practices, tools, rituals, traditions, and plant teachers that help you step into a more empowered presence of heart; in life, business, and relationship. For all your relations.
This is your opportunity to engage with a variety of lovingly selected heart medicines, in a supported and safe container, to see what lights you up and reignites the clarity you seek to thrive!
OUR JOURNEY INCLUDES THESE HEART MEDICINES:
YOGA, MINDFULNESS & MOVEMENT ARTS
Together, we will harmonize body, heart and mind through movement, meditation, and breath practices. We’ll explore ancient traditions that help you thrive in a modern context, while creatively embodying and expressing the heart’s capacity to guide you through life with greater awareness, and ease. Beginner-friendly and open to all bodies.
HEART TO HEART DHARMA DISCUSSIONS
We’ll drive life’s questions deeper into the heart of understanding, uniting science and spirituality. These juicy workshops will help align your heart and mind, expanding your possibilities.
SACRED SOUND & SONG
Our explorations in vibrational resonance will help you harmonize with the frequencies of love, free your voice, and express your heart’s truth, in tune with the rhythm of all life.
SHAMANIC JOURNEY
We’ll enter into a shamanic sound journey through the Andean three worlds of the serpent, puma, and condor – guided by the ancient Meso-American plant medicine of Cacao (for heart opening), along with Sananga (for clarity of vision), and Hapé (for clarity of connection).
MAYAN FIRE CEREMONY & COSMOVISION
In the Mayan tradition, the fire is considered the Ear of the Universe. Our local mayan guide will invite us to co-create the ceremonial fire. Here, we’ll release what is ready to be burned away, offer our prayers and intentions, humble our hearts to the great unknown, and receive the ancient mayan wisdom teachings.
WACHUMA (SAN PEDRO) PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
Together, we will journey through the day with the grandfather medicine, the divine masculine, a stoic and wise cactus that slows the thinking mind and brings your heart back to stillness and presence, to witness the spirited interconnectedness of all beings.
AYAHUASCA PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
We’ll also journey through the night with the sounds of the Icaros (medicine songs) and the grandmother medicine, the divine feminine, Ayahuasca – an Amazonian jungle vine blended with the leaves of the Chakruna plant to lift the veil between the physical and spirit world, and teach you the profound lessons you are ready to receive.
SACRED SWEAT & PLANT SHOWER
In community, we’ll enter the sacred sauna to sweat out physical and energetic toxins; clearing space for new beginnings, and then steep in the intelligence and healing properties of plants with a refreshing herbal plant shower.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARD (SUP) & BOAT ADVENTURE
Deepen your intimacy with the Mayan 'Womb of Creation', Lago Atitlán, by paddling into the heart of her waters. Enter into this moving meditation with reverence and wonder. Our paddle will be accompanied by a small captained boat, so you have the option to enjoy boat or paddleboard (or both).
DEEP IMMERSION IN NATURE
We invite you to join us in the fertile and feral lands where our own seeds of deep transformation were sewn, in the volcanic highlands of Guatemala. Take a break, gain a shift in perspective, and give yourself permission to re-wild as your bare feet kiss the Earth.
NOURISHMENT
We’ll enjoy 3 delicious and wholesome plant-based meals per day, with unlimited herbal teas from the garden and triple-filtered drinking water. Coffee and snacks are available for purchase. We are happy to cater to allergies and dietary needs.
TIME-SPACE FOR REST & REFLECTION
We offer this fertile ground for you to process and integrate your experiences – surrendering into softness and receptivity.
INTEGRATION & AFTERCARE
With ongoing support and guidance pre/ post-retreat – discover how to integrate the insights into your life after our week together. We offer a follow-up group zoom call post-retreat as well as continued conversations in the Whatsapp group chat, and discounted 1:1 support from your facilitators.
THIS JOURNEY IS OPEN & INCLUSIVE TO ALL WHO FEEL THE CALL
All activities are optional.
No experience is necessary.
Some appropriate preparation is encouraged. We will provide this information in our application process to ensure you are ready and supported.
You are invited to honour your needs, your space, and your heart’s knowing.
Of course, the alchemy is in the sharing!
We’ll be co-creating an intimate container – a loving and encouraging space to connect more deeply within and with each other.
WHAT YOU'LL MOVE FORWARD WITH:
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You will step into your next chapter REFRESHED, INSPIRED & EMPOWERED!
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You'll also leave with a helpful TOOLKIT of PRACTICES & DEEP EXPERIENTIAL INSIGHTS to continue your journey along the Heart Path.
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Remain FOREVER CONNECTED (digitally & spiritually) to your family of Heart Medicine Journeyers through our private group chats, to help keep you motivated, inspired, and supported.
OUR HOME FOR THE WEEK
Casa Kula is a regenerative project and retreat oasis meant to nurture the land, strengthen the local community and create a space conducive to healing and celebration. It is nestled in the lakeside Mayan village of Tzununá (Kaqchikel for "Home of the Hummingbird”).
Wake up to breath-giving views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true immersion with nature, including walks through the well-loved permaculture gardens – an abundant array of banana trees, coffee, avocado, veggies, tropical flowers, fresh herbs, and more.
Accommodations are sweet and stylish, comfortable, down-to-earth and in harmony with sustainable living, with options to share space or choose privacy. Electricity is available in all the accommodations. Wifi is available in the central common spaces, though we suggest you take the opportunity to unplug digitally and plug in to nature.
Facilities include multiple shared dry-compost toilets (clean, natural, sustainable, giving back to the Earth) as well as spacious & private outdoor solar-powered showers with regular visits from hummingbirds. All within a 30-second walk from any accommodation.
Nutritious, delicious, plant-based vegan and vegetarian, homemade with love by our local Kaqchikel Maya kitchen staff, well-balanced and locally-sourced - often right from the property’s own permaculture gardens! You’ll enjoy three abundant meals per day, with optional snack & coffee purchases available any time. Herbal teas and triple-purified drinking water are available throughout the day as you desire. We are happy to cater to allergies and dietary restrictions.
CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS & PRICING
TINY TAMBO
$3,189 USD per person (PRIVATE, single occupancy)
4 AVAILABLE
These single occupancy spaces (1 single bed) serve as a half-way option between a cabin and a tent. The wrap-around screens provide an open air feeling, with soft curtains for privacy, and secure door. The Tiny Room is a perfect little oasis for someone who wants their very own cozy space to chill out between activities while enjoying a closer connection to Mother Nature. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
INTI (SUN) CABIN
$3,089 USD per person (SHARED, triple occupancy)
3 BEDS AVAILABLE
Spacious wood cabin with palm roof, sun-filled large windows, upper and lower levels & private decks. With electricity & secure doors/ windows. Inti Cabin has 2 beds on the lower level (1 single, 1 double) & 1 single bed on the upper level with separate private entrance. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
QUILLA (MOON) CABIN
$3,089 USD per person (SHARED, quad occupancy)
4 BEDS AVAILABLE
Spacious wood cabin with palm roof, sun-filled large windows, upper and lower levels & private deck. With electricity & secure doors/ windows. Quilla Cabin has 4 single beds, 2 on each level. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
GARDEN CABAÑA
$3,189 USD per person (COUPLE, double occupancy)
$3,489 USD per person (PRIVATE, single occupancy)
2 AVAILABLE
These cozy, bright, spacious wood cabins are perfectly situated for those who'd like their own space, with private entrance, garden view, and private patio to relax. With electricity & secure doors/ windows. 1 queen bed & desk per cabaña. 30-second walk to shared toilet and shower facilities.
LUXURY CASITA with Private Bathroom
$3,489 USD per person (SHARED, double occupancy)
$3,989 USD per person (PRIVATE, single occupancy)
1 AVAILABLE
Enjoy a luxurious, bright and spacious abode with modern amenities and local charm. Includes a gorgeous private attached bathroom & hot shower, bay window day bed for lounging, closets, garden, stunning lake view, and private secure entrance. 1 king bed or 2 single beds.
Curious and ready to explore further?
Please fill out our Retreat Registration Form below. We'll answer any immediate questions and schedule a free call with you – to connect and feel into it together.
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YOUR RETREAT HOSTS
Stephanie Kittell
Co-Founder, Space of Love
Founder & Guide, RISE & THRIVE Holistic Empowerment
Guiding you at the edge of your next becoming – to Empower Your Voice, Embody the Wild Wisdom Within, and become the kind of authentic leader people feel before you speak.
Voice Empowerment & Sound Therapy
Somatic Embodiment, Yoga & Mindfulness
Public Speaking, Content Creation & Leadership
Nature-Based Wisdoms & Rituals
BFA Film, E-RYT 500, YACEP,
Embodied Arts Movement & Mindfulness Grad,
Sound Ceremony Grad & Facilitator
From: Toronto, Canada
Currently thriving in: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
VJ Raji Bala
Co-Founder, Space of Love
Founder & Guide: Hey Jute, Balasana, Lil Leaf
On a mission to replace plastics with plant products, while guiding transformational journeys through the inner world, and in the world.
Business & Life Coach
Yoga Teacher
Musician & Producer
Electrical Engineer
Ethical Entrepreneur
BSc. Eng, RYT 200,
100 Hr Sound Ceremony
From: Kolkata, India
Currently thriving in: Toronto, Canada
GUEST FACILITATORS
CJ Ananda Page & Coby Hadas
Plant Medicine Guides & Owners of Casa Kula
These life partners & master teachers welcome our guests into their home of Casa Kula, where they hold sacred space for individuals and groups as they journey toward Self Realization and Oneness.
Coby’s deep rooted interest in Shamanism found its perfect complement when he married Yoga Guru, CJ Ananda. The fusion of his love for Shamanism and hers for Yoga blended perfectly, becoming CobAnanda.
They are inspired to inspire... and to continue this journey moment to moment, breath to breath.
Kaq'chikel Mayan Ceremonialists
Mayan Fire Ceremony & Cosmovision Guides
Our local Mayan Wisdom Keepers guide us through meeting the sacred fire, and getting to know the energies that guide our life path according to the Maya Cholq'ij (Sacred Calendar).
We work with our dear brothers and sisters, Tata Izaias, Nana Izabel, and Tata Walter – rotating each year based on their personal availability.
We are blessed to receive their wisdom, and grateful for their dedication and devotion to the ancient ways that continue to ring true today.
GETTING DOWN TO DETAILS...
The Journey Starts at $3,089 USD
(depending on your accommodation choice)
Flights & Ground Transportation not included.
AIRPORT:
Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City
ARRIVAL:
Check-in and orientation is 2-4pm on FEBRUARY 21, with dinner at 6pm and opening ceremony to follow. Guests are advised to fly into Guatemala City the days before or the early morning of FEBRUARY 21.
DEPARTURE:
11am check-outs after breakfast on FEBRUARY 28. Guests are advised to fly out of Guatemala City no earlier than 8pm on FEBRUARY 28 or the following days.
GROUND TRANSPORT:
Tzununá in Lake Atitlán is located about 4.5 hours drive directly from the Guatemala City Airport. We’d be happy to arrange one of our trusted private drivers, for easy door-to-door service. Just $100 USD one-way. We can also synch you up with other retreat guests to share the ride. Budget friendly shuttles (10-12 person mini-vans) also operate from Guatemala City or Antigua to Lake Atitlán, with services multiple times a day for $25-35 USD. Let us know what you prefer and we’ll set you up!
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
We will gladly help you to organize any additional overnight stays in villages and towns of Lake Atitlán or the vibrant colonial city of Antigua - and we’ll also help organize the appropriate ground (and/or water) transportation based on your budget and flow.
DURING YOUR STAY:
On-site massages and wellness treatments are available as optional add-ons. Just let us know if you are interested.
LAKE ATITLÁN HAS SO MUCH MORE TO OFFER!
We highly recommend giving yourself some extra time (or a lifetime) to hop on a boat and explore the many beautiful mayan villages (each with their own distinct character); try some stunning nature hikes (sunrise trek to the peak of Rostro Maya is epic!); paraglide over the lake or trek a volcano; venture into coffee farm tours and other unique workshops and offerings from the local communities; permaculture immersions in Tzununá; mayan women’s natural weaving co-ops in San Juan; ecstatic dance, drum circles, and spiritual deep dives in San Marcos La Laguna; nightlife, restaurants, and daily markets in San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel; the list goes on! This is our home too! So, we’re happy to point you in the right direction!
AND THEN SOME....
Following the retreat experience, as you integrate the learnings:
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You're invited to schedule 1:1 CONSULTATIONS with VJ & Steph, with DISCOUNTED RATES.
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You'll also have access to A PRIVATE WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT for all participants to continue expressing and sharing in the alchemy and support of community.
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Follow up GROUP ZOOM CHAT to touch base and share our integration processes.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.
$88 USD from your retreat payment is donated directly to Water 4 Life.
Thanks for helping us help the watershed of Lake Atitlán and her many inhabitants.
Through local empowerment, education and accessible water solutions, Water 4 Life is co-creating sustainable ways of living – fostering progress while regenerating the ecosystem.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCESSES, LOCATION, FACILITATORS, OR ANY OF OUR HEART MEDICINES?
Your safety, wellbeing, and sovereignty is most important to us. And please know that nothing we offer is a one-size-fits-all.
We will have an initial consultation, intake form, and chat with you in advance of booking to determine if any contraindications exist, and to decide together what is most appropriate for you, given your current state of physical & mental health.
While we ask that you trust us in this process, we also aim to keep you as informed as possible, so that you can make conscious choices along the way.
Upon booking, all guests will receive a WELCOME PACK which includes:
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More info about working with plant medicines
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How to best prepare
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What to bring
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Tips about travelling Guatemala & Lake Atitlán
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Answers to frequently asked questions
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Support with getting you to and from the retreat space safely and easefully
In the meantime, we are happy to chat further. And we're here to support you. Please reach out to us with any specific questions you might have via the Retreat Registration Form below.
Curious and ready to explore further?
Please fill out our Retreat Registration Form below. We'll answer any immediate questions and schedule a free call with you – to connect and feel into it together.
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BUT DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!
WE'VE HOSTED 7 RETREATS ALREADY... AND HERE'S WHAT OUR GUESTS LOVED:
"This retreat was nothing short of amazing. It was the week of a thousand lessons for me - I got SO much out of it! I can see how much thought and love went into the planning and execution of the retreat."
~ Victoria (Returning Guest x4)
"The retreat was magical! Steph and VJ created a truly welcoming and warm environment for all of the retreat participants to feel a sense of community and belonging during and even after the retreat.
I'm very grateful."
~ John
"An immense thank you to you both, for creating the space and opportunity that we got to explore and create in, for bringing us into your community and taking great care of us. At this point it really is 'okay what’s next, sign me up'."
~ Cameron
"I’m a different person now and not because I’ve already implemented all of the teachings and learnings, but because I am now open to them, noticing them, and learning from them."
~ Olivia
"If you want to find your soul, you want to find yourself here for a one of a kind retreat experience! You're held just as you hope to be, and when you invite the universe to collaborate and work its magic, great things happen! Don't miss out on this high impact opportunity!"
~ Josh
"This past week was an incredible experience. So much love, so much healing took place. It was such a privilege to go on such a journey with the many medicines that heal the heart... deepening my relationship to the self and to help heal parts of my lineage. In a place of deep gratitude."
~ Preeti
