Surf, Yoga and Whale Watching Retreat at Shanti, El Paredón, Guatemala

Shanti is built for groups. It sleeps a maximum of 16–20 people across six suites, and the 250 sq m athletic complex on site gives you a jungle gym and a sunset yoga deck set into a two-storey bamboo art structure. Surf sessions run on the beach break two blocks away; yoga happens on the deck, usually timed for sunset. Whale watching is seasonal and weather-dependent, run out on the water when the whales are passing.

The suites are the thing people remember. Each one is individually painted and takes its theme from a different part of "The Creation" — the property describes them as five-star, boutique-scale rooms rather than a uniform hotel block. Breakfast is included daily and made with organic produce from the local farmers' market. For group retreats and extended stays, lunch and dinner are also included, cooked with local ingredients.

The infinity pool is marble and looks out over the property — it's where most people end up with a coffee before the first session. The whole place is small enough that you'll know the other guests by name within a day.

El Paredón itself is a village of under a mile across, so everything is walkable. There are local cafés, restaurants and beach bistros within 5–10 minutes on foot, and the ocean is two blocks away. The surrounding mangrove estuary stretches for 20 kilometres and holds dozens of tree species and more than 100 types of exotic birds — kayaking, wakeboarding and birdwatching are all on offer when you're not in the surf.

The retreat is a 2.2-hour drive from Guatemala City's international airport, which makes it reachable for a long weekend or a full week without a domestic flight. Shanti runs these group experiences throughout the year, combining surf, yoga and whale watching rather than specialising in just one.

What's included

- Accommodation in one of six individually painted suites - Daily homemade breakfast made with organic produce from the local farmers' market - Lunch and dinner for group retreats and extended stays - Surf sessions at El Paredón beach - Yoga sessions on the sunset yoga deck - Whale watching excursion (seasonal, weather-dependent) - Access to the 250 sq m athletic complex, jungle gym and sunset yoga deck - Access to the marble infinity pool

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Meals outside the included plan - Optional excursions such as wakeboarding and kayaking