Awaken Moments

El Paredon/Antigua Guatemala

AM
Andy Manzi
  • Email address verified
8 reviews
Jan 11 - 17, 2023
Group size: 4 - 8
Awaken Moments
El Paredon/Antigua Guatemala

Andy Manzi
  • Email address verified
8 reviews

Jan 11 - 17, 2023
Group size: 4 - 8

About this trip

Relax and grow in Guatemala.  It's a small fishing village that brushes up against Guatemala's iconic black sand beach, The Wall.  Sipicate National Park is a massive area filled with mangroves, canals, and a beautiful estuary.  This village itself is prosperous through local enterprise due to the growth of tourism over the years.  It is a charming place where life is simple, every day.  Our stay will be located just a short walk from the beach on the quiet side of town. Our venue @ Luna Nueva will be the place to spend plenty of time moving, breathing, chatting, and where we get good at doing nothing.  Fresh food is prepared throughout the day, smoothies poolside, and a cozy rooms to climb into when the day is done.  We will push each other and hopefully grow a little with some new friends. 


We hope to see you here!


Morgan and Andy!

Yoga + Meditation

Each day will begin with guided meditation and eventually followed by a 75-90 minute yoga class. On the evenings we don't have an off-site adventure scheduled, we will have a relaxing experience post sunset. These experiences will offer a variety of options to rest, restore, and try something new.  


Andy and Morgan have an absolute treat of a yoga experience waiting for you!


  

A little bit about ( Morgan ) from Andy.  I first met Morgan while attending one of her asana classes in El Paredon.  I was taken back by  her awareness of the humans in the room that day.  Her careful words that came from one of the biggest hearts I've ever witnessed, guided everyone equally that day.  She has a genuine care for humans and big spot in her heart dedicating our youth in this world.  She is leader for young women in her community in Canada.  I am blessed to call her a friend and fellow community crusader.  Her yearning for knowledge, curiosity, and love for the everything great in the world and beyond, is demonstrated on a daily basis, she is true to herself and those on the mats in front of her.  You are in for a treat to be guided by her for a week.


A little bit about Andy (from Morgan). When I first met Andy, right away I noticed his supportive, knowledgable and humours personality. Andy carries a captivating angelic presence to him. Every time he walks into the room he lights up every person. He is a natural born leader and genuinely has one of the biggest hearts I know. He is supportive, honest and attentive to the people and space around him.  In the water he is very aware and has brought me to a point in surfing where I never thought I'd be. I've also had the pleasure of taking one of his yoga classes, I was blown away, the way he speaks from the heart and directly to the soul really impacted my practice. There's no one I'd rather have pushing me into waves and working along side me..


Private yoga and reiki sessions are available and can be scheduled for an additional cost that goes directly to the instructor.

Surf

Though the focus of our stay in Guatemala is our yoga practice on and off of the mat, one can't come to El Paredon without trying to surf.  If you are a surf enthusiast then you will be relieved to know that this village has a wave machine located in front of it.

El Paredon is located in a secluded national park filled with mangroves that rest up against the most beautiful black sand beach in Guatemala.  The direction of the beach makes it a consent wave machine and in the winter months is an excellent place for beginner to advanced surfer to have a time of their lives.  The local crowd is laid back and encouraging. The ocean is beautiful and the view of the volcanos from it can be breathtaking in the morning.  


Our goal is to make sure everyone catches waves, smiles, and stays safe in the process.  We will offer a few optional surf lessons throughout the week, we will pick the best times that the conditions Lessons will meet you where you at in your surf journey.  If it's the first time then there is no better place to learn. 


*Group classes are optional, if you are looking for more one on one time we can pair you up with a local knowledgeable of the ocean here in Guatemala.  Most of the local surfers have incredible ability to teach and keep you safe when you are out there.


*One on One coaching is available for an additional cost, which 100% is paid directly to the surf instructor.

El Parèdon Excursions

El Paredon is a charming fishing village.  It is a small town of 1,000 residents, many have lived and fished there their whole lives.  Increased tourism has supported local enterprises throughout the village and surrounding areas.  The are multiple local eateries and plenty of foreign-owned establishments to hang, drink, and eat.  The national park is filled with miles of estuary, river, and canals.  The national forest's main feature is its vast area of mangrove forests that lines its waterways.  

  • Eat and walk around the village
  • Boat trip through the estuary to the river mouth for a sunset bone fire
  • An afternoon with Choza Chula and games with some of the local children at the *library* 
  • Or get really good at doing nothing
  • Multiple venues and activities to explore during your stay
  • Language Classes

Venue

Our  venue is private retreat center on the outskirts of the village, located 200 steps from the beach.  It was designed and constructed by a wonderful loving family of artists and designers family from the U.S.  It's jungle chic design just adds to the comfort and beauty of the space.  We decided to limite the number of guests to four private suites to keep enough space for everyone to stretch out and relax in our down time.  There is ample lounge space for everyone to get a bit a shade and nice view for those reflective moments.

What’s included

  • 6 nights Accommodations
    4 Nights in El Paredon/La Playa & Two nights in the Historic City of Antigua/High Valley
  • Days of Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, DInner which includes Fresh Snacks, Fresh Juices, Coffee and Tea's
  • Morning Meditation
  • Asana & Meditation
    asana, meditation, sound bath*, yoga Nidra
  • Massage
    1 hour massage per guest
  • Ceremonies
    Fire/Cacao/Temezcal
  • Boat Trip
    Sunset ride on a local river boat to river mouth for a sunset bonfire.
  • Daily Surf Class
    We will offer a class daily while we In El Paredon depending on surf conditions
  • Transportation
    transportation from Guatemala City to the beach, to Antigua, and back to the city for departure

What’s not included

  • Flight
  • One on One Yoga
    Our Instructors are available for one on one sessions for addition cost.
  • Additional Massage Work
  • Extra Tours & Activities
    Local cooking class, salt farm and turtle tour, kayking,etc.
  • Alcohol @ Swell
    Drinking is not prohibited but is not covered during your stay at Swell. There will be customary beverages here and there but feel free to start a tab at the bar and enjoy your downtime.
  • Private Surf Lessons
    Private lessons will be led by Andy & Local Surf Instructors
  • Reiki

Available Packages

AC Private Suite

One queen bed and private bathroom.






*This package is based on one person please select the option below if you wish to add another person/partner to your room.


a.m.surf.wellness@gmail.com or movewithmorg@gmail.com


$2,200
Deposit:$1,500

Available options

Room add on
$1,500
Deposit: $0

If you would like to add a partner or friend for the week then select this option.  You will not have to make another deposit.

Your Organizer


AM
Andy Manzi
8 reviews
Surfing, yoga, travel, and community engagement changed my life and helped me overcome those difficulties I had from childhood and war, opened my heart back up to the world, and helped me love a little more. Which eventually led to the creation of the Warrior Surf Foundation, a community-based mental program, and AM Surf and Wellness.

Reviews

I had a magical trip. We did yoga, surfed, participated in spiritual ceremonies, explored Antigua and ate the BEST food I’ve had on a trip - flavourful, lots of options, more than enough, interesting, fresh, local, delicious. The people on the trip were very cool, interesting, and inspiring. It was a small group so it was a good opportunity to get to know each other well. Hopefully we’ll keep in touch and connect with each other in person again soon! The chef, Tara, was fun and did an amazing job with the meals. They were incredibly delicious, nutritious and fresh. I was very well fed! The accommodations were beautiful - Luna Nueva Air BnB and the owner, Tiffany is great- she treats you like family and the bungalows and spaces are beautiful. Andy and Morgan are awesome. I was treated very well and felt safe and well looked after. Morgan is an amazing yoga teacher and Andy is a great surfing instructor- I got up quickly and frequently and had lots of fun. I would attend one of their retreats again. Andy lives in Guatemala and knew all the best places and people to see in Guatemala. Everyone else I met was also amazing and have encouraged me to see different perspectives on life and have inspired me to live my life differently. I am grateful for the experience I had and the people I met. No complaints. Thanks for a great trip!
By Tori A for Awaken Moments on Jan 22, 2023
This retreat was a pairing of rest + treats, and perfectly timed during the hectic end of year rush. Phil and Andy curated a thoughtful, smooth-paced, and very rich retreat -- totally authentic to who they are as humans. Everything was optional and there was no pressure to participate in every event (although everyone joined for each meditation and yoga practice). Mornings began with meditation, followed by breakfast, surf lessons, asana practice, lunch, down time (sometimes this was more surf lesson/massages/pool&beach time), evening yin and then dinner. Swell is a quiet & calm collection of bungalows, sweet staff, and a kitchen team who makes the most delicious food!! You will never feel hungry; the food is abundant and fresh. The people that are drawn to this type of reflective retreat are all beautiful souls, and everyone is full of good vibes and passionate energy to share. Yoga practices always feel interconnected even though most of us had just met for the first time. The ceremonies were sacred and special moments, I learned different ways to weave these moments into my daily life. I am so grateful to my new friends and this powerful time I will cherish forever. ~peace & light, pauline <3
By Pauline P for American Yogi & Here I AM Experience on Jan 07, 2023
A week I will never forget! Beautiful space, beautiful people, amazing food, amenities and experiences. So grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to do another one!
By Stephanie B for American Yogi & Here I AM Experience on Dec 28, 2022
This trip was fantastic. Andy & Phil took great care of us from the time we landed. The food was so fresh and delicious. I ended up getting way more out of this than I expected. Will definitely travel with this group again.
By Beth D for American Yogi & Here I AM Experience on Dec 25, 2022
I had an amazing time, I will never forget the memories, friendships, or personal progress I made on this trip. The food was fantastic, the hotel staff was wonderful, the surf instructors were great people, and the yoga and meditation was the best I’ve ever done.
By Joshua T for American Yogi & Here I AM Experience on Dec 19, 2022
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