Casa Prana Luxury Resort

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Ask yourself this. Have you ever requested for a day off from work for mental health reasons but actually made up another excuse to tell your boss? Thankfully, the notion of “self-care” is coming around. This buzzword took off because it gives us the little bit of justification we need to say “I’m taking a break”. And not just that, but “I am taking a break FOR ME”. No other reason needed.

That’s why I decided to take a few days off to really focus on my wellbeing, and I couldn’t have done it at a better place. Just a short boat ride from Panajachel, Casa Prana offers a guided wellness package where you are supported through the self-care process. This can involve as much or as little guidance as you wish. First, I received a private consultation with a specialized coach named Suhan to map out what my wellness journey would look like.

MY JOURNEY

First, I received a private consultation with a specialized coach named Suhan to map out what my wellness journey would look like.

Together we built a flexible half-day plan that focused on releasing stress and finding balance. And this is what I experienced:

Morning Meditation. Not just any morning meditation but a peaceful, free and floating meditation. Literally. (See photos below!)

Energy Boosting Smoothie: Avocado, pineapple, coconut water, lemon balm, mint, lime.

Stretching + Yoga: This class was designed just for me and focused on de-stressing and letting go of control. Releasing, lengthening and creating space for growth.

Salt Scrub Workshop: By far my favorite part of the journey. This one-on-one workshop reminded me to be in tune with the products that I put on my skin and to harness natural elements all around me for healing purposes. From lavender to eucalyptus to rose petals, each infusion had a purpose. Not only did I have the opportunity to create my own body scrub and bath salts, I understood the healing powers of each ingredient. For example, Suhan explained to me that the eucalyptus plant is used to bring fresh energy to a situation, to heal regrets and worries, and to relieve mental exhaustion. She pointed out that it is a balancing plant that helps with self-confidence and provides relief when you feel overwhelmed. Throughout this workshop Suhan continued to share with me even more of her wisdom. Thinking I was using the rose petals for just aesthetics, she taught me that roses are the flower with the highest frequency and helps you to get in touch with any type of emotion that comes from love. Roses are also full of natural oils that hydrate your skin!

Sauna Detox: After the workshop, I took my freshly made body scrub right into the sauna. There I let the magic happen. This step helped remove toxins from my skin.

Plant Bath / Shower: Then the soothing finish. I took the rest of my body scrub, essential oils, flower bath, infused teas right to my private bathroom. Here I soaked and rinsed away everything I wanted to leave behind. I took me time to just sit and soak and relax. If you want to ensure you also get the bathtub experience be sure to book the Luxury Suite, otherwise enjoy your scrub in the shower!

Green Corner: This charming nook serves light vegetarian options including soups, salads and snacks made with ingredients right from the hotel’s garden. After completing my entire treatment, I enjoyed a hearty afternoon meal that included a fresh salad, carrot ginger soup and grilled sweet potato wedges. I enjoyed this delicious meal all while enjoying the view of the hills meeting the magical lake and her volcanos.

The next day I woke up slow but completely refreshed. And the rest of my trip included some of these highlights: morning coffee on the docks, time at the pool, and sunsets on the roof. Casa Prana calls itself the Paradise of Atitlan, and is one of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts in Central America. It is set on 4 hectares of gardens of natural beauty, with panoramic views of the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. Here you will awake to the dawn sun and the eternal rhythm of signing birds.

Have a look!

Remember. Self-awareness takes work. And listening to things you don’t want to hear. And admitting that you’re wrong a lot. It’s not for everyone. Just for those who would rather be happier than right.

Thanks for reading. And as always . . . Be thoughtful. Stay kind.

♡ Alyssa

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