About The Retreat

Yoga, Sex + Death™ is a study on the relationship between yoga, sacred sexuality, and death through a deeper examination of the two main themes that connect them: Intimacy + Letting Go

Our 7-day Yoga, Sex + Death™ Retreat offers tantrik hatha yoga, meditation, self-inquiry, shadow work, and death practices to guide you deeper into your heart. Lectures, embodiment practices, and group ritual are combined to allow you to discover the deepest parts of yourself as the authentic expression of intimacy, presence, and love that you already are.

Activities

Group Practices Include: Tantrik Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Self-Inquiry (The Work of Byron Katie), Pranayama (breathwork), Feminine Embodiment Practices / Non-linear Movement, Self-Reflective Journaling Exercises, Group Discussion, Group Ritual, Traditional Mayan Sweat Lodge Ceremony (optional)

Lecture Topics Include: Yogic Philosophy, Intro to Classical Tantra, Healing The Feminine Through Psycho-Spiritual Work, Sex + Spirituality, Sex + The Shadow, Conscious Dying, Tibetan Buddhist principles, and more

Optional/Solo Activities Include: Unlimited access to swim in Lake Atitlan, lake-side pool + hot tub, thermal hot tub, sauna, spa services, hikes, kayak rentals

Teacher & Group Leader

Susan Marrufo MA, E-RYT 500
Susan Marrufo left the United States and a job in advertising in 2008 to travel internationally and experience life beyond the confines of her cultural conditioning. She received her first 500-hr yoga certification in Thailand in 2009, where she began her studies of the classical yogic scriptures and delved deeply into esoteric tantric philosophy.

After 2 years of teaching month-long tantric based courses on the banks of the Ganges in India and the Pacific coastal towns of Mexico, Susan returned to the US to begin a residential internship with the Kripalu School of Yoga, where she taught in and project managed several Kripalu yoga teacher trainings as well as received her 2nd 500-hr teacher training certification from the Kripalu School of Yoga. She has since split her time between India, Thailand, and the US, facilitating trauma-informed group courses in the inquiry of yoga, meditation, intimacy, and shadow work. She is the founder of Samarasa Center.

Schedule / Typical day

Check-in begins Saturday Nov 4. Our activities begin that evening around 5p and we conclude our activities Friday Nov 10 around 4pm. Friday night is yours to relax and integrate; checkout is Saturday at 11am.

6:00a-8:30a – Morning Practice includes Tantrik Hatha Yoga, Meditation, and Self-Inquiry (The Work of Byron Katie)
8:30a-9:30a – 1 hour for Breakfast Break**
9:30a-1:00p – Morning Session*
1:00p-3:00p – 2 hours for Lunch Break**
3:00p-6:30p – Afternoon session* + Afternoon/Evening Practice includes Yoga Nidra and Self-Inquiry (The Work of Byron Katie)
6:30p – Dinner and the rest of your evenings are free for rest, swimming, social time, etc!

* Morning and Afternoon sessions include some combination of Lectures on yogic philosophy, classical tantra, sexuality, conscious dying, Tibetan Buddhist principles, and more, Pranayama (breathwork), Feminine Embodiment Practices (non-linear movement), Self-Reflective Journaling Exercises, Group Discussion, Group Ritual, and more!

** Meal breaks are also free for you to use to swim in the lake or pool, relax in the hot tub, sunbathe, hike, rent kayaks, schedule massages or other spa treatments, etc.

Check-in begins Saturday Nov 4. Our activities begin that evening around 5p and we conclude our activities Friday Nov 10 around 4p. Friday night is yours to relax and integrate; checkout is Saturday at 11am.

Cuisine

3 freshly prepared vegetarian* meals a day are included in your retreat, as well as a 24-hour self-service hot beverage bar that offers 30 varieties of tea, and organic coffee.

– Breakfast buffets include a main dish, granola, yogurt, fruit and daily specials.
– Lunch buffets include a hearty vegetarian main course, organic greens, homemade bread or tortillas and a local fruit platter.
– Dinner buffets include soup, vegetarian entrée, seasonal side dishes, organic greens and a scrumptious dessert. *Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance planning.

Available for an additional charge: chicken or fish with lunch or dinner, freshly made smoothies, home-brewed strawberry ginger kombucha, espresso drinks, homemade treats including cacao bliss balls, fruit rolls, granola bars, and local chocolate treats.

Local beers, wine, and mixed drinks are available before the start of the retreat, and on the last night after we close our work; however, we kindly request your sobriety for the 6 days you are in your practice.

Location and how to get there

Villa Sumaya is the most breathtaking boutique hotel on Lake Atitlán in Santa Cruz, Guatemala. Surrounded by the beautiful colors and fragrances of lush flowers and foliage with the waves of the lake gently lapping in the background, it is a feast for the senses – both warmed by the sun and cooled by gentle lake breezes.

It is a soft place to do the deep work of self-discovery – gently and lovingly. It offers a haven for travelers from all over the world while simultaneously remaining true to its indigenous roots.

How to get there: You’ll fly into Guatemala City airport (Aurora). A driver from the safe and trusted transportation company that works with Villa Sumaya will be waiting for you outside baggage claim with your name on a sign.

They’ll handle your luggage for you and drive you in a private, air-conditioned van to Panajechel (about 2.5-3 hours). From there, they’ll transfer you and your luggage to a private speedboat for a an incredibly scenic 10-15 minute boat ride to the front door of Villa Sumaya.

Retreat Price

$3200 USD

Included

• 6 days of deep purification work on the physical, emotional, energetic, mental and spiritual bodies through movement, meditation, inquiry, and group ritual
• 7 nights and 8 day stay at luxury boutique hotel Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz La Laguna on majestic Lake Atitlan.
• Accommodation – shared double or triple room with private bathroom and balcony overlooking the lake (single room options available for an extra fee)
• 3 freshly prepared vegetarian meals a day (special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance planning)
• Unlimited access to lake, lake-side pool, and thermal hot tub
• Traditional Mayan sweat lodge ceremony (optional)
• One month FREE Samarasa online membership post retreat for new members

Not included

• Airfare
• Transportation (we will connect you with the safe and trusted company, and help you coordinate with other retreat participants, if you wish to travel together)
• Tips for Villa Sumaya hotel staff

How to book

Have a question? Please email Susan to get in touch.

A $600 deposit required to hold your spot. Remaining balance is due by October 15. The $600 deposit is non-refundable, but can be applied to a future SAMARASA retreat. Please note this retreat is only open to women.