Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan

Santa Cruz la Laguna, Sololá Department, Guatemala

AH
Aimee Hansen
  • Email address verified
24 reviews
Dec 7 - 14, 2024
Group size: 4 - 10
Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan
Santa Cruz la Laguna, Sololá Department, Guatemala

Aimee Hansen
  • Email address verified
24 reviews

Dec 7 - 14, 2024
Group size: 4 - 10

About this trip

Rise from within and together with this Lonely Planet recommended women's writing retreat in a luxurious space on Lake Atitlan. Breathe and relax into lakeside comfort as we gather for a magical and soulful week beneath the watch of volcanoes. Join a very intimate sacred circle of women in the spirit of reclamation for a creative inner adventure through meditation, movement, yoga, magical ceremonies and self-exploratory writing at Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz, Guatemala.


You are invited to take a brave and honest journey into your center to connect with your intuition and express from your core. To unravel the ways you have learned to limit or deny yourself. To trust, embrace and truly value your raw embodied presence and your soulful essence. Within each of us is the call to open our hearts, step further into our courage, expand our self-acceptance and animate our own sacred expression.

A Stunning Location


Cradled by rural highlands and lush forests, Lake Atitlan is a breathtaking beauty framed by three majestic volcanoes. The lake is known to attract travelers in search of soulful reconnection. Resting in a secluded lakeside cove, Villa Sumaya is an eco-chic sanctuary dedicated to rejuvenation, holistic practices, and preserving Mayan tradition.

 

This gorgeous location offers expansive views, inviting and comfortable accommodation, delicious and nurturing slow-food meals, juice bar cafe, on-site spa, solar hot tub, fair-trade boutique and wood-burning sauna in unparalleled natural surroundings. Villa Sumaya is an eco-friendly wellness center perfect for self-care, refreshing perspectives and renewing energies. 


A Women's Sacred Journey


Set out on a transformative creative and powerful journey through self-exploratory writing as a challenge to reveal insight from within, meditation, yoga, and movement. Participate in diverse healing ceremonies that awaken your feminine energies and stoke your soul connection. 


Breathe, stretch, relax, and align with your center while sharing in the experience with other women. This retreat is not about ‘writing’ as a subject or art form. In this retreat, we ourselves are the art form. Every woman has a voice in her own life that calls her to expand into and from herself  – we are gathering together to raise it up, embrace our wholeness and allow our self-expression. When we stop earning our worth, listen within, embrace our essence, validate our truths and desires, and share ourselves from inspired action, we are invited into a wondrous and connective adventure in life. 


Infused by the four directions and rising the feminine, we embark on a revealing week of re-igniting the voices of our hearts and empowering ourselves as the fluid storytellers of our lives.  


Retreat Highlights

  • Intimate Women's Gathering: Only 12 spaces available.
  • Inspiring lakefront location with expansive volcano views
  • Daily guided meditation & yoga/movement practice
  • Two intensive self-exploratory writing circles on most days 
  • Scenic lake-side thatch-roofed yoga temple & writing space
  • 7 nights stay in shared or private accommodation
  • 3 delicious organic vegetarian meals/day and juice bar
  • 4+ sacred healing ceremonies (eg. Mayan Fire Ceremony, Sound Healing, Movement, Sauna Ceremony)
  • Solar hot tub, on-site spa services, pool, sauna, jacuzzi
  • Breaks for swimming, hiking, kayaking, SUP, therapies, relaxing
  • Optional excursions (village tour, outdoor adventure)

Meditation, yoga, sacred ceremonies, and our intimate sacred circle for writing will be women only and privately held. Meals may be shared with other guests, women or men.

Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

serene setting

Villa Sumaya is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan, outside of Santa Cruz La Laguna, with a private dock accessible by boat. Lake Atitlan is famed to hold a magnetic attraction for those travelers who seek to gain a deeper connection with nature and within.

The magical waters are framed by three sister volcanoes: Atitlán (11,598 ft), Toliman (10,360 ft) and San Pedro (9,908 ft), which create a panoramic vista from Villa Sumaya. The lake is dotted with small villages with local inhabitants of Mayan descent.

Indigenous women on these beautiful shores continue to wear traditional dress and create colorful weavings. Farmers grow coffee, corn, and pitaya fruit. Avocados, papayas, and jacotes are plentiful.

creating sacred space

Our intimate women's retreat group will gather in sacred circle in the Tara Temple, located on the top floor of the Lotus House accommodation, a serene and cozy enclosed space with inspiring volcano-level views that offers the luxurious comfort to sink in, relax and reconnect.


During meditation, yoga, and our sacred self-exploratory writing circles, we'll gaze upon the green volcanoes and take in the sunset skies. All mats and props are provided. In addition to comfortable cushions, low chairs for the writing circle are available upon request.


We will also use additional spaces - such as The Diamond Dojo and Sky Zendo - for movement and some circle gatherings.

relax & rejuvenate

In the spaces between our yoga and intensive self-exploratory group sessions together, Villa Sumaya offers the space for personal integration, relaxation and restorative self-care.

There's plenty of cosy outdoor nooks for lounging, for a private journaling session or even a good old chat. During afternoon breaks, you could dip in the lake, lay on the sun deck, soak in the solar-heated stone hot tub, or detox in the sauna. For a moving meditation, you can explore the nearby mapped nature trails of 30, 45 minutes, and one hour.

The on-site Harmony spa also offers rejuvenating bodywork sessions, including various massage styles, ayurvedic consultation, and energy work depending upon the available therapists at hand. The spa can accommodate four women in private healing rooms.

This is an opportunity to connect and re-treat yourself to the experience of going inwards and being fully present. Two complimentary computers are offered for quick check-ins with friends and family.

optional excursions

Twice during the week, we will skip the morning writing circle to allow a longer break and have one circle in the afternoon.

During these days, we'll offer optional excursion(s), such as a visit to a village or kayaking/hiking. Aimee will provide specific options catered to the group. You may also wish to stay back at Villa Sumaya for some extra relaxation, spaciousness, or for treatments.

Accommodation & Delicious Meals

Accommodation

Retreat guests will be staying in the gorgeous lake-view accommodation of the Lotus House.

The Lotus House is a beautifully designed three-level building with very comfortable rooms that are elegantly decorated with exquisite local touches and furnishings. Tara Temple is on the top floor of the Lotus House.

All of the Lotus House rooms have private bathrooms with hot stone showers and private balconies with exceptional lake views. They are centrally located near the courtyard, dining room, gardens and boutique. Shared rooms (doubles, triples - depending on group size) and privates are all available. All rooms involve some stairs.

Delicious Meals

Embracing the values of slow-food preparation and culinary consciousness, Cafe Sumaya Sol offers delcious homemade vegetarian meals that blend local and international cuisine.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are abundant and fish and chicken are available for an additional fee ($7/meal). Organic artisan coffee and a wide selection of herbal teas are available 24/7.

You can also treat yourself to exotic smoothies, kombucha, wine or cocktails, and raw homemade snacks and treats. 

Delicious Meals

Embracing the values of slow-food preparation and culinary consciousness, Cafe Sumaya Sol offers delcious homemade vegetarian meals that blend local and international cuisine.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are abundant and fish and chicken are available for an additional fee ($8/meal). Organic artisan coffee and a wide selection of herbal teas are available 24/7.

You can also treat yourself to exotic smoothies, kombucha, wine or cocktails, and raw homemade snacks and treats. 

Facilitators

Lead Facilitator: Aimee Hansen

Creator, Storyteller Within Retreats

Aimee chases big questions with butterfly nets, only to set them free again. She's always had an irresistible attraction to words and metaphors as a way of playing, provoking, revealing, exploring, understanding and connecting.

A few years into a corporate agency, in 2003 she began sneaking away from her London office for creative writing classes at Central Saint Martins College, rekindling her childhood love of words. On a quest for more meaningful plot in life and a bigger adventure, she left London in 2008 and again in 2010, to travel.

By 2012, her travels guided her to Guatemala and back to herself. Her intensive studies with a mentor who called her "the storyteller" -  and her own passion for questions and insight -  have started her on an ever curious and unfolding journey into the nature of perception. Her work explores the power of stories and invites a creative and playful adventure in the yoga of perception. She trusts in the mysterious sways of our hearts and the truth in our bodies, listening to what lights us up from within and moving, again and again, from this knowing.


Aimee has worked as a freelance writer in leadership and inclusion, including interviewing and profiling over 100 women in leadership. She has a co-created retreat journal with Marianne Richmond coming out in fall 2024. She is also working on birthing other creative passion projects.  She holds a 200+ hr yoga teacher certification. She is inspired and humbled by witnessing how something raw and honest in the human spirit aches to open, given the invitation. She began Storyteller Within retreats to share in the experience of exploring our humanity and stepping into our courage and vastness as women.


Every event is a collaboration with the gifts of guest facilitators. Aimee will be bringing in guest facilitators for yoga, movement and various ceremonies! 


Ceremonies & Sessions:

For each retreat, we invite in magic and mystery, through ceremonies and sessions (eg. movement, sound, fire) with guest facilitators that enrich and expand the power of our journey by sharing their gifts. We gather for sacred connection and expression that goes far beyond words.


What’s included

Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away


The closest international airport to Lake Atitlan is Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport, three hours away from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. From Panajachel, it's a ten minute scenic boat ride to the private dock at Villa Sumaya.

 

Guests are advised to fly into La Aurora Intl Guatemala City (GUA) by 1pm on the day retreat begins, and book return flights for mid/late afternoon on the day the retreat ends.

 

Once we have your travel plans, we can happily arrange your private transportation to Villa Sumaya from the airport, hotels nearby, or from Antigua.


Payments, Cancellations, & Refunds Policy


If you cancel before 90 days in advance of the retreat start date: 50% of the deposit is refunded.

If you cancel after 90 days in advance of the event, no refund of the deposit is provided. Full payment is due on or before 60 days out from the event. If you cancel within 60 days of the retreat start date: No refund on full payment is provided. But if we can fill your spot within contract, we'll provide a refund minus the full deposit. No refund is provided if you miss the event or part of it for any reason. 


Event Cancellation


Storyteller Within reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. This retreat will have final confirmation once we reach four women. If an event is cancelled, you will be fully refunded your retreat fees. 


Exception: Storyteller Within is not liable for events beyond all control - such as natural disasters, political upheaval, countrywide travel restrictions or other such unexpected circumstances - that would necessitate cancellation of the event.


Travel Insurance


To protect your investment, including travel costs, against unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is strongly advised for all participants.


For maximum coverage, purchase a 'cancel for any reason policy' upgrade option which covers a high percentage of your non-refundable costs. These policies often need to be bought 14-21 days after booking and have a 48 hours prior to departure cancellation window. Available from insurance companies like Trawick International and Travel Guard. 

 


What to Bring


Once you register for the event, we will send you a Welcome Kit with details of what to bring for your retreat week at Villa Sumaya.

 

There will be opportunities to get local currency (quetzals) both at the airport and at ATM machines along the way if needed. You're also able to pay for optional extras at Villa Sumaya with cash ($USD or quetzals), checks, or credit cards (8% fee).

What’s included

  • Yoga or Movement
    Daily guided yoga or movement
  • Writing Circles
    2x Daily Self-exploratory writing circles (most days)
  • Accommodation
    7 nights accommodation at Villa Sumaya (double or private)
  • Meals
    Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Ceremonies
    4+ sacred healing ceremonies (eg. Mayan, Sound, Dance)
  • Sauna
    One group wood-burning sauna
  • Pool & Jacuzzi
    Use of solar pools & solar jacuzzi
  • 24/7
    Unlimited tea/coffee service
  • Taxes
    All Taxes
  • Gratuities
    Gratituities for the local indigenous staff

What’s not included

  • Optional Items
    optional excursions (approx $50-$70); extra spa treatments, massages, or private saunas; meal supplements (fish, chicken $8), alcohol
  • Transport
    Flights & transport to & from the retreat
  • Insurance
    Travel Insurance

Available Packages

Shared Room - Lotus House
Deposit:$600
Available until December 6, 20247 left

Retreat guests will be staying in the gorgeous lake-view accommodation of the Lotus House. Lotus House is a beautifully designed three-level building with very comfortable rooms that are elegantly decorated with exquisite local touches and furnishings. Tara Temple is on the top floor of the Lotus House.

All of the Lotus House rooms have private bathrooms with hot stone showers and private balconies with exceptional lake views. They are centrally located near the courtyard, dining room, gardens and boutique. Shared rooms have three twin beds and will be assigned as doubles.

Retreat package includes:

- Daily morning guided meditation & yoga

- Two self-exploratory writing circles on most days

- 7 nights accommodation at Villa Sumaya (double)

- Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner

- Unlimited tea/coffee service

- 4+ sacred ceremonies (eg. Mayan Fire Ceremony, Sound, Movement, Sauna)

- One group wood-burning sauna and one night jacuzzi

- Use of solar spa pools and swimming pool

- Gratuities to local staff members

- All Taxes      

excludes

- Flights & transport to the retreat

- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

- Additional options: optional excursions (approx $50-70 each); extra spa treatments, massages, or private sauna, meal supplements (fish, chicken $8), alcohol

$2,295
Deposit:$600
Private Room - Lotus House
Deposit:$600
Available until December 6, 20244 left

Retreat guests will be staying in the gorgeous lake-view accommodation of the Lotus House.

Lotus House is a beautifully designed three-level building with very comfortable rooms that are elegantly decorated with exquisite local touches and furnishings. Tara Temple is on the top floor of the Lotus House.  


All of the Lotus House rooms have private bathrooms with hot stone showers and private balconies with exceptional lake views. They are centrally located near the courtyard, dining room, gardens and boutique. Private rooms include a King/Queen bed and a twin bed.


Retreat package includes:

- Daily morning guided meditation & yoga

- Two self-exploratory writing circles on most days

- 7 nights accommodation at Villa Sumaya (private)

- Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner

- Unlimited tea/coffee service

- 4+ sacred healing ceremonies (eg. Mayan Fire Ceremony, Sound, Movement)

- One group wood-burning sauna and night jacuzzi

- Use of solar spa pools and swimming pool

- Gratuities to local staff members

- All Taxes      


excludes

- Flights & transport to the retreat

- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

- Additional options: optional excursions (approx $30-60 each); extra spa treatments, massages, or private sauna, meal supplements (fish, chicken $7), alcohol

$2,745
Deposit:$600


Your Organizer


AH
Aimee Hansen
24 reviews
Aimee chases big questions with butterfly nets, only to set them free again. She's always had an irresistible attraction to words and metaphors as a way of playing, provoking, revealing, exploring, understanding, and connecting. Her work explores the power of the stories we tell within our lives and invites a creative and playful adventure in the yoga of perspective.  ​ She works as a freelance writer, writes children stories, plays at poetry, and is writing a book about the storyteller within. She holds a 200+ hr yoga teacher certification. She is inspired and humbled by witnessing how something raw and honest in the human spirit aches to open, when given the invitation. She began Storyteller Within retreats to share in the experience of exploring our humanity and stepping into our courage as women.

Reviews

Summary: Hands down, this is the greatest thing I've ever done for myself and was easily one of the best weeks of my life. If you're on a path of self-discovery; have a desire to heal; feel stuck in your every-day life; have tried lots of things, but are at a plateau; wanting a change, but not knowing where to begin; needing your life to be different; wanting to feel alive; if any of these topics resonated with you, then run to sign up for this. There's something for everyone. It was thoughtfully designed, expertly delivered, and located in the most beautiful and spiritual place (Villa Sumayya at Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala). I believe so strongly in what we achieved together during the retreat I wish everyone could experience the magic of the 8 days that I spent with 10 incredible women and Aimee, the retreat facilitator. It would be an honor to answer any questions you might have! Longer Version: I came to this retreat because of the reviews I read online, not the website or description, but other people's strong reactions, so I felt it was only appropriate to leave a super detailed review to try to convince everyone that this is the best decision of your life. Description of the retreat: Before you even arrive, Aimee's communication with each participant is rooted in a gentle provocation. You realize you are not signing up for something easy, but you are signing up for something that will fundamentally change you. It sets this beautiful tone for your arrival to the Lake and the Villa, because immediately you can tell you are entering a sacred space-- everything from the physical space that’s been selected and designed, to the arrival dinner, to the opening ceremony has been chosen intentionally and with heart. The schedule is intense, but there is free time built in at different parts each day and there is always room to step back and do whats needed for you (whether that's an afternoon nap, a massage, a swim, or reading). 3x a day we shared meals together which ended up being some of the most memorable moments filled with laughter, decompression, and enjoyment of the delicious food (had low expectations for the food, but was blown away with how creative and tasty it was). We began each day with some sort of movement, usually yoga and sometimes dance. The yoga and meditation was beautiful, both in practice and in the setting (imagine a temple with clear glass windows overlooking the lake and volcanoes). The dance part was terrifying for many of us, but ended up being one of the best parts. We were able to practice being present in our bodies, freedom of expression without judgment, and exploring different sides of ourselves. Aimee brings in expert guest facilitators, each with their own specialty. After that we typically had a writing session which was the heart of the retreat (for me). This is where Aimee's brilliance as a facilitator really stands out. Everything has been crafted very intentionally in hopes of creating a space where you can work through what you've been struggling with, seek what you need, and examine the narrative you've been carrying around about yourself. It's not always comfortable, but it is always incredibly powerful. One level of discovery happens when you are forced to admit your truths to yourself, to write them down in your journal, and another occurs when you are asked to share them with the group. The decision of course, is always up to you, but most women opted to share, finding strength in themselves and one another. The absolute best part is that you have guidance throughout. You are truly not navigating this alone, but with the guidance of a teacher, and alongside a sisterhood. Even if you didn't think you needed one, you will be so so grateful to have found one. From there, you have lunch and the afternoon off, before meeting again for another session--it could be writing, yoga or dance, or a few times throughout the week a spiritual session. These sessions included: a sound bath, Mayan fire ceremony, and a sweat lodge ceremony. Each one felt vital and this is one of the moments where the location of the retreat felt really significant because we were able to tap into local customs and knowledge. Evenings consisted of candle-lit writing sessions or nights off with optional social activities (e.g. discussing astrology under the full moon while soaking in a hot tub). All these experiences just added to my spirituality, my deeper sense of self and self-acceptance, and after leaving this retreat, I feel more expansive than ever before. My only wish was that we had additional time together. There was more I wanted to explore, to learn, to access in this setting…but the journey you take is one for life and will continue long after you've left the shores of Lake Atitlan. What drew me to the retreat: I had tried a lot of different things to promote my healing, each with varying levels of success, but I did feel that there were things I had not been able to work through in the ways I had tried (different types of therapy, medication, exercise, etc). I wanted some time and space in my life to work through certain things, work on self-acceptance and self-compassion, and I wanted someone to help me navigate through that with a little bit of accountability. I wanted to know what it felt like if I prioritized my well-being for a week, who could I be? If I challenged the thoughts I held about myself and my life, what kind of world could I live in? How I feel after: I feel more grounded and simultaneously freer than ever. I feel more capable, more in charge of my life, braver, and more at ease. I'm writing this review a few weeks later and I still have not descended from the high of the retreat. I've noticed my prayers are more sincere, my laughter is louder and more free flowing, my view of the Divine is more whole. I feel more whole. Something has healed inside of me that has been hurting for a very long time. I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life and I will forever be grateful to Aimee and the women who took this journey alongside me.
By NEEDA M for Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan (AUGUST!) on Oct 09, 2023
This women’s retreat was a dream, that I never wanted to wake up from. For so long I felt like I lost my soul, I felt like the world hardened my spirit. I wasn’t the same person I used to be, which was difficult for me to understand. My soul felt lost, and overwhelmed, almost like I was trying to find my way back home. But, as I look back on the week that I spent at Lake Atilan with Aimee, writing my soul out. I came to the conclusion that I never actually lost myself. This is one of those experiences, that you can’t even put into words.. I will remember all of the infinite special moments from this week for the rest of my life. My life is forever changed. I also left Guatemala with 10 new sisters, who I know will be in my life forever!! Thank you Aimee for putting together the most enchanting magical women’s retreat that all of our souls knew we needed✨ this was by far the BEST most serendipitous week of my entire life. It was a week, I will never forget. If you are thinking of signing up for this retreat, JUST DO IT! You won’t regret one bit of it, your soul will be thanking you for the rest of your life, I promise🤍🫶💫
By Jordanne B for Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan (AUGUST!) on Sep 20, 2023
This was such an incredible and transformational experience for me and the rest of the participants whom we now refer to as the sisterhood. This retreat far exceeded any expectations that I had and if you are thinking about it then just do it. The Lake is absolutely magical. Aimee. the facilitator, is incredibly talented and intuitive and somehow manages to guide you in stretching your soul and expanding your heart through stimulating writing assignments and other activities. It’s actually hard to describe except to say it was profound. I highly recommend.
By Rhonda J for Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan (AUGUST!) on Sep 11, 2023
This retreat was overall one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. I did not know what to expect but this was even more than I could have ever imagined. The variety of activities, from meditation and yoga to movement/dance, sound healing, traditional Mayan fire ceremony and Chichimeca sweat lodge, kayaking, hiking and cultural excursions, I was continuously in awe of what I learned from each experience. Since this was a writer's retreat, I was most surprised at how many different types of prompts that Aimee would use to facilitate our writing. I did not come as a writer and was apprehensive about sharing my writing, but by the end of the retreat, I know that it was so healing for me. The Writing Circle became my favorite part. Writing and journaling is a practice I will now carry with me always. I loved listening to other women share their stories and writing and it inspires and empowers me. The writing circles created such a deep sense of connection that I believe would not had been possible if we did not have that as part of the retreat. Together, our group of 10 women and our retreat leader Aimee were nothing short of magic. We all held space for one another and I care for each one individually. With our collective experiences, we now share a sisterhood where we feel safe, loved and supported. I can not recommend this retreat enough to others. In addition, the venue of Villa Sumaya and the location at Lake Atitlan create the most stunning backdrop to create a sense of peace. The staff were incredibly helpful, each meal was delicious, healthy and lovingly prepared and the accomodations were beyond my wildest dreams. Truly I was surrounded by beauty in all directions. I am forever grateful for this experience and it has transformed me and the direction of my life. I hope that anyone considering this retreat says YES. The rewards from this one week will last a lifetime.
By Erin O for Journey Into Sacred Expression Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan (AUGUST!) on Sep 07, 2023
The whole experience was incredibly enriching to the soul, heart and mind. I would go anywhere to be in Aimee's presence again. She is wise, strong of heart and mind and boldly intuitive. it didn't hurt that this time it was meant to happen in Villa Sumaya. It is beautiful and so very restful place-and inviting to the senses. Lake Atitlan and its volcanos are magical. I miss the lake so much that I've dream of it at night since the very first visit to the lake. I highly recommend this retreat and Villa Sumaya.
By Blanca S for Journey Into Sacred Expression Luxury Women's Retreat, Lake Atitlan on Aug 11, 2021
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References

The Storyteller Within Retreat with Aimee was a unique and totally-worth-it-experience! The conceptualization of the retreat is sophisticated and considerately. It´s like going on an adventurous journey through your feminine self and accompanied by a intuitive and smart mentor and poet. Aimee unites effortlessly unknown women from different worlds in a respect- and trustful way, the sacred circle arises. She creates a space for self-reflection, exchange and for silence and integration as well, another circle completes. In Guatemala there is even some time for seeing some of the beautiful surroundings and dip in the magical and by volcanos surrounded lake Atitlan. This was a great experience that helped me see and grow. Thank you so much, Aimee!
By Katharina G on 27 Aug, 2019
MC
This retreat was fabulous. Aimee had an incredible ability to bring all of us together to the point where at the end of the journey we all felt like we were long lost friends. Her ability to create space and foster the telling of each woman's story allowed each woman to own what story she was telling herself and what different one she wanted to create. This was a life changing perspective shift for myself and many others. If you have an opportunity, do this retreat!
By Maggie C on 06 Feb, 2018