Arrive as you are & allow the beauty of lake atitlán to inspire what is ready to emerge. Nestled between volcanic peaks and shimmering waters, be & rise is a week to reconnect with your inner spark, awaken possibility, and create space for meaningful transformation.
Through yoga, meditation, nourishing meals, connection, and ritual, you'll be invited to step away from the noise of everyday life and listen more closely to the quiet wisdom within. Together, we'll explore the balance between grounding and growth, rest and renewal, being and becoming. Guided by the elements of fire and water, we'll gather in community, honour the rhythms of nature, and participate in a traditional mayan fire ceremony led by a local elder.
This sacred practice offers an opportunity to reflect, release, and reconnect with what matters most. As we part ways, may you leave feeling inspired, energized, and deeply connected to the path unfolding before you.
Lena Dumitru
Lena is the founder and owner of & asanas, a community built on the belief that meaningful transformation happens when we slow down, tune in, and reconnect with ourselves. Since opening the studio in 2023, she has created a space that has become a second home for thousands of students seeking movement, mindfulness, and connection.
After years of personal practice and study, Lena completed her yoga teacher training in India, followed by training in yin yoga — a style that remains especially close to her heart. Lena creates classes that invite students to soften, breathe, and return to the present moment. On retreat, she brings the same grounded energy that has shaped the &asanas community, offering yin yoga practices, meaningful connection, and space for deep rest and reflection. Lena looks forward to welcoming be & rise guests into an experience that reflects the values at the heart of &asanas: community, mindfulness, growth, and coming home to yourself. Ever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Emily Cordes
Emily is a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and experienced international retreat leader. She has led retreats throughout central america and beyond, including multiple retreats at villa sumaya on lake atitlán, where she has developed a deep connection with both the venue and surrounding community. As the lead teacher for be & rise, emily brings extensive experience not only in a teaching capacity, but as a retreat facilitator who understands how to create an experience that feels seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated from arrival to departure.
Her intimate knowledge of villa sumaya allows her to support guests with confidence, helping them feel at home in one of the world's most beautiful retreat destinations. With a background in contemporary dance and education, emily's teaching style weaves together creative movement, intentional sequencing, yoga philosophy, and meaningful connection. Her greatest joy is creating spaces where students can pause, reconnect with themselves, and return home feeling inspired, grounded, and renewed.