Touch the Ground
A Pilates-inspired movement + inner compass retreat
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
January 23–30, 2027
led by Catherine Graf
who this retreat is for
Touch the Ground is for THOSE who enjoy embodied movement, appreciate thoughtful guidance, and are craving time away that feels grounding rather than overwhelming.
This retreat is well-suited for those who want space to reconnect with their bodies and inner sense of direction—without pressure to perform, push, or arrive with a fixed intention.
No prior experience with Pilates, coaching, ceremony, or retreat work is required. Just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to show up as you are.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Touch the Ground is a Pilates & Inner Compass Retreat designed to feel intentional, spacious, and well-held—without being over-programmed.
Each day follows a steady, supportive rhythm of movement, integration, and rest. You’ll be guided through daily Pilates classes alongside gentle inner-compass practices that help quiet the noise, settle the nervous system, and create space for clarity to emerge.
Rather than a packed schedule, the retreat offers a thoughtful balance of structure and spaciousness, with a handful of curated experiences rooted in the land, culture, and natural beauty of Lake Atitlán.
turns out claritY shows up when you stop chasing it.
what’s included
7 nights accommodation at a private retreat villa on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
All buffet-style meals, vegetarian and gluten-free
Daily Mat Ritual Pilates classes
Restorative Mat Flow sessions on select evenings
Three guided Inner Compass sessions (self-inquiry)
Curated experiences, including:
– San Juan La Laguna cultural tour
– Cacao ceremony
– Indian Nose hike
– Aerial silks sunset sound bath
Spacious free time for rest, swimming, spa treatments, and lake enjoyment
All activities are optional and included.
RHYTHM OF THE WEEK
Each day follows a steady rhythm of movement, inner listening, and rest. Mornings begin with Mat Ritual Pilates, evenings wind down with Restorative Mat Flow or a sunset sound bath, and curated experiences—such as the San Juan La Laguna tour, Indian Nose hike, and cacao ceremony—are woven thoughtfully throughout the week. Throughout the retreat, guided Inner Compass sessions support reflection and self-inquiry. All sessions are invitations, not requirements.
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Breakfast is served 8:30am - 9:30am. Begin with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the lake, featuring coffee, tea, fresh fruit, house-made breads, eggs, and rotating local dishes. Served buffet-style with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and enjoyed at your own pace, breakfast is a chance to ease into the day, connect casually with others, or simply sit quietly and take in the view.
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Mat Ritual is a energizing Pilates-based practice designed to help you land in your body and settle into the day. Through focused, fluid sequences and a thoughtfully curated soundtrack, you’ll move with presence and intention—centered on your mat, guided by breath and sensation.
Expect subtle intensity using light props or your own bodyweight, balanced with moments of softness and ease. Each session is meant to build strength, quiet the mind, and elevate your energy—so you leave feeling clear, grounded, and more like yourself.
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Depending on the day, this time may include a guided Inner Compass session, a cultural experience such as the San Juan La Laguna tour, a cacao ceremony, or an early-morning Indian Nose hike—along with open space for rest, swimming, or time by the lake. All offerings are thoughtfully placed throughout the week and designed to feel supportive rather than scheduled.
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Lunch is served 1pm - 2pm. Enjoy at an easy pace, with fresh, nourishing vegetarian and gluten-free friendly dishes inspired by local flavors. It’s a natural pause in the day—time to refuel, connect casually, or enjoy a quiet moment before the afternoon opens up.
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Afternoons are intentionally flexible. Depending on the day, this time may include a guided reflection or coaching session, a cultural excursion, or open space to rest, swim, journal, or enjoy the lake. You’re encouraged to follow your energy and choose what feels supportive.
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Select evenings include Sunset Restorative Mat Flow, a gentle, grounding practice designed to help the body unwind and the mind settle as the day comes to a close. On one evening, this sunset session will be replaced by the Aerial Silks Sunset Sound Bath, offering a deeply relaxing, immersive experience as the sun sets over the lake.
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Dinner is served 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Enjoy fresh, nourishing buffet style meals in a relaxed, communal setting. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. It’s a time to unwind, share conversation, or simply enjoy the atmosphere as the day comes to a close.
An on-site bar offers beer, wine, cocktails, and homemade snacks, available for purchase separately.
rooted in place
Touch the Ground was created specifically for Lake Atitlán — it isn’t a retreat formula dropped into a beautiful location. From traveling by boat to San Juan La Laguna to resting in aerial silks during a sunset sound bath, the land and community are woven into the experience.
One morning we will indulge in a guided cacao ceremony, led by on-site facilitators and rooted in local tradition. This gathering offers a gentle opportunity to slow down, sip ceremonial cacao, and connect through ritual, reflection, and shared presence. Participation is entirely optional and meant to be approached with curiosity rather than expectation.
cacao ceremony
One morning we will do a guided visit to San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village known for its vibrant arts community and traditional weaving cooperatives. Traveling by private boat with a local guide, you’ll explore artisan workshops featuring naturally dyed textiles, visit a medicinal herb garden, and browse small shops offering locally made leather goods and handcrafted items. This excursion is both a cultural experience and a relaxed shopping opportunity.
san juan la laguna tour
INDIAN NOSE HIKE
One early morning we will hike to Indian Nose, one of Lake Atitlán’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Departing around 6:00am by boat, the experience includes a guided hike to panoramic views overlooking the lake, surrounding villages, and nearby volcanoes.
The hike is moderately challenging and best suited for those who enjoy an active morning and feel comfortable with a steady uphill climb. A packed breakfast is provided, and the full experience lasts approximately 3–4 hours, returning to Villa Sumaya by late morning or early afternoon.
Participation is optional, and guests are equally welcome to enjoy a slower morning by the lake.
Aerial SilkS SUNSET Sound Bath
One evening, as the sun sets over Lake Atitlán, we will rest in the Sky Zendo, either gently suspended in soft aerial silk hammocks or settled comfortably on cushions. Wrapped in your own cocoon, you’ll take in views of the lake and sky as the day slowly softens into evening.This deeply relaxing experience is guided by sound—using instruments such as crystal bowls, flute, chimes, gong, and gentle toning—to support rest, stillness, and ease. The combination of sound, sunset light, and gentle suspension creates a calming, restorative atmosphere designed to help the body unwind and the mind settle.
about your guideS
Catherine Graf is the founder and owner of The Studio Healdsburg, where she has been leading and teaching for over six years.
Her work is rooted in helping people feel strong, capable, and at home in their bodies — not just during class, but in everyday life. Known for its musicality, precision, and embodied intelligence, her teaching blends thoughtful programming with a deep emphasis on form, rhythm, and presence.
Catherine’s path into movement began in 2012 with The Dailey Method. What started as a personal practice quickly evolved into a decade-long journey of training, teaching, and eventually studio ownership. After opening a Dailey Method studio in 2019, she expanded her training through the Balanced Body Pilates program, completing certifications in Mat, Reformer, and Chair, and from there, went on to found The Studio Healdsburg.
These experiences continue to shape the way she teaches today — with clarity, intention, and a deep respect for longevity in the body.
The Studio is a dream realized: a space that brings together the best of boutique fitness in a welcoming, supportive environment. Teaching this community is one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
One expression of Catherine’s approach is Mat Ritual, a contemporary Pilates-inspired class that blends focused, fluid sequences with musical immersion and subtle intensity. Designed to build strength while creating space to tune in, it reflects her belief that movement can be both powerful and deeply connective.
This philosophy extends into her retreat work through Touch the Ground, where movement, reflection, and intentional space come together in a more immersive format. These retreats are designed to feel spacious yet structured, offering both physical practice and the opportunity to reconnect — to the body, to the environment, and to something deeper within.
For Catherine, class — and retreat — is an opportunity to tap into something beyond the surface. Through breath, rhythm, and shared experience, she creates spaces that support not only strength and resilience, but a more meaningful sense of connection.
Guest Facilitator & Intuitive practitioner
Pamela Racine is a multidisciplinary practitioner whose work is rooted in presence, intuition, and transformation.
A founding member of Gogol Bordello, she spent decades touring internationally as a percussionist, dancer, and vocalist. Years of travel shaped her perspective on the shared and complex nature of human experience — something that continues to inform how she connects with others today.
Her path eventually turned inward, leading her into the study of martial arts, energy work, and reflective practices. Pamela is trained in Jeet Kune Do, is a Reiki Master in the Usui lineage, and is certified in Restorative Yoga. She also draws from Jungian dreamwork and tarot as tools for insight and self-inquiry.
At our Touch the Ground retreat, Pamela will join as a guest facilitator and intuitive practitioner. She will be an integrated part of the retreat experience, helping to cultivate a sense of connection, ease, and openness within the group.
She will also offer optional one-on-one tarot sessions for those who feel called. These sessions are intended as a space for reflection and clarity — a quiet opportunity to explore what may be unfolding beneath the surface.
Pamela brings a grounded, non-performative presence that supports the deeper, more subtle layers of the retreat experience.
private room
Early Interest — $3,395 (NOW CLOSED)
Early Bird — $3,595 (NOW CLOSED)
Regular Rate — $3,795 (1 Room left)
Retreat to your own serene sanctuary with a private room featuring a queen or king bed and your own bathroom. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with warm décor and offers a cozy, restful place to unwind after the day’s movement, reflection, or exploration. Many private rooms include a patio or balcony with sweeping views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes — the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or quiet sunset moments.
Whether your room is perched among lush gardens or one with panoramic lake views, you’ll find a restful haven designed for peace, privacy, and comfort throughout your stay.
Photos show examples of room styles at the Retreat Villa. Individual room layouts, views, and furnishings may vary.
STUDIO room
2 studio rooms left
PRIVATE Regular Rate — $3,495
SHARED Regular Rate — $2,795 PER PERSON
A quiet, grounding space designed for simplicity and ease. These private studio rooms feature twin beds or a full bed, private bathroom, and a thoughtfully curated, eco-chic design that reflects the natural beauty of our Retreat Villa.
Each room offers a more intimate footprint while still opening to the expansive energy of Lake Atitlán - with private balconies or patios overlooking the water and surrounding volcanoes.
Ideal for those who appreciate a more minimal, intentional space to rest, reset, and reconnect, with all the beauty and tranquility of the retreat just outside your door.
Photos show examples of room styles at the Retreat Villa. Individual room layouts, views, and furnishings may vary.
Shared room
Early Interest —$2,695 (now closed)
Early Bird —$2,895 (NOW CLOSED)
Regular Rate — $3,095 (SOLD OUT)
For those who enjoy companionship or are traveling with a friend, our shared room options offer two comfortable beds (One Queen + One Twin) and your own private bathroom. Each shared space is designed with thoughtful touches and warm finishes, creating a welcoming environment that still feels personal and restful. Like the private rooms, many shared accommodations open to patios or terraces where you can enjoy views of the lake and volcanoes, or linger with new friends after dinner.
Shared rooms strike a lovely balance between community and comfort—giving you your own space to rest while making the retreat experience feel connected and supportive.
Guests reserving a shared room must provide the name of their intended roommate at the time of registration. The second participant must also complete their registration and submit their deposit within 48 hours in order for the shared room rate to be honored.
If the second participant does not register within this timeframe, the booking may be converted to the private room rate or released back into general availability.
Photos show examples of room styles at the Retreat Villa. Individual room layouts, views, and furnishings may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The retreat begins on Saturday, January 23, 2027, with check-in available after 3:00pm, and concludes on Saturday, January 30, 2027, following breakfast and departures.
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The retreat takes place at a beautifully designed lakeside retreat center on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala. The property is well known within the retreat and wellness world for its natural beauty, thoughtful design, and ability to support rest, reflection, movement, and cultural immersion.
The grounds include comfortable guest rooms with private bathrooms, multiple open-air practice studios, lush gardens filled with tropical plants and medicinal herbs, and plenty of quiet places to relax—hammocks, lounge areas, and spaces by the water. On-site amenities include a spa, hot tubs, sauna, café, apothecary, boutique, and a lakeshore fire pit.
The retreat center occasionally hosts more than one group at a time. If another group is present during our stay, our retreat will have a dedicated practice studio reserved exclusively for us throughout the week. Shared spaces such as the dining area, gardens, and common areas are designed to feel open and spacious, allowing for ease and flow even when multiple groups are on site.
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No experience is required. All movement sessions are accessible and adaptable, with options offered throughout. Whether you’re new to Pilates or a longtime practitioner, you’re welcome exactly as you are.
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No. This retreat is not therapy or a highly structured coaching program.
While there will be guided movement and opportunities for reflection, the overall experience is centered around travel, movement, shared activities, time in nature, and connection with others. Participation in discussions or reflective moments is always optional, and guests are encouraged to engage in a way that feels comfortable for them.
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Yes — plenty. While experiences such as the San Juan La Laguna tour, Indian Nose hike, cacao ceremony, and aerial silks sunset sound bath are included in the retreat, participation is completely optional. Daily Mat Ritual classes and evening Restorative Mat Flow sessions are also optional, and guests are encouraged to listen to their bodies and choose what feels supportive.
The schedule is intentionally designed with open space for rest, swimming, journaling, spa treatments, or simply enjoying the beauty of Lake Atitlán.
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All meals are vegetarian, served buffet-style, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Please email me with any specific dietary needs during registration.
Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at the on-site bar and are not included in the retreat price.
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Getting to our Private Villa Retreat is straightforward from most U.S. airports. Guests will fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.
From there, it is approximately a 3-hour drive to Panajachel, followed by a 15-minute boat ride across Lake Atitlán directly to the villa’s private dock.
Transportation is not included in the retreat price. The villa works closely with Kan Tours, a trusted transportation company that arranges safe and reliable shuttle and boat transfers.
Guests will be able to reserve transportation directly through Kan Tours closer to the retreat dates. There is absolutely no need to arrange travel logistics now.
At a later time,I will share recommended arrival windows, step-by-step travel guidance, and coordination details so the journey feels simple and well supported.
Flights will likely be most advantageous to book later in the year, once airline schedules are fully established.
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A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Because this is an intimate retreat with limited spots, registration is first come, first served.
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A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance can be paid over time to make planning feel easeful and manageable.
Installment 1: May 1, 2026
Installment 2: July 1, 2026
Installment 3: September 1, 2026
Installment 4 (final): November 1, 2026
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Hosting an intimate international retreat requires thoughtful planning and early financial commitments. This cancellation policy is designed to balance flexibility for guests while honoring the commitments required to hold this experience.
A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space.
If you cancel on or before July 14, 2026, you will receive a refund of any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.
If you cancel between July 15 and September 14, 2026, 50% of the total retreat cost becomes non-refundable.
If you cancel between September 15 and November 14, 2026, 75% of the total retreat cost becomes non-refundable.
Any cancellation on or after November 15, 2026, or failure to attend the retreat, will result in no refund, as final financial commitments will have been made.
Your registration may be transferred to another person at any time if you are able to find someone to take your place, or if your spot is filled from the waitlist.
If the retreat does not meet the required minimum number of participants, all payments will be refunded in full.
For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment, personal belongings, and overall experience.
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This retreat will likely be attended primarily by women or female-identified participants, as much of my community is made up of women.
At the same time, this is not a gender-exclusive experience. Non-binary guests and aligned male-identified participants who feel genuinely called to the retreat are welcome.
My intention is to create a respectful, supportive environment where everyone who joins can feel comfortable, included, and well held.
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Many guests join retreats on their own, and it often becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the experience!
This retreat is intentionally designed to feel welcoming, intimate, and easy to step into, whether you arrive with a friend or come on your own. Over the course of the week, shared movement practices, meals, conversations, and excursions naturally create connection and a sense of belonging.
There will always be space for both community and personal time, so you can engage at your own pace.
If you feel called to the experience but are feeling nervous about coming alone, you are absolutely not the only one!