Breathe Colombia: Lakeside Yoga & Bootcamp Retreat in Guatapé

The villa sits on a wooded hillside on the shoreline of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, on one of the region's more exclusive estates. It has six bedrooms, a full kitchen, a pool facing the water, and an outdoor jacuzzi. The town of Guatapé — known for its painted zócalos and the 740-step rock, El Peñol — is a short drive away. Most of the movement happens on the villa grounds or within a short transfer: yoga and bootcamp sessions outside, hikes in the surrounding countryside, and a speedboat excursion on the reservoir.

A typical day: yoga or a fitness session first thing, then breakfast. Mid-morning is a workshop — nutrition one day, training the next — led by Leisan. Lunch at the villa, then free time until late afternoon, when there's usually a second session or an excursion. Dinner is cooked by a private chef, and there's a cooking demonstration at some point during the week. One afternoon is set aside for an included spa service. The signature hike is the biggest single outing; it's off-terrain and some guests find it hard, so it's optional and there's a driving alternative. There's also a cultural experience built into the schedule and a professional photographer along for part of the week.

What separates this from a standard fitness retreat is the nutrition component. Leisan Echols is a registered dietitian nutritionist and exercise physiologist who has worked in wellness hospitality for over a decade. The workshops aren't generic talks — they cover how to eat to support training without rigid rules. After the retreat, you get four private nutrition coaching sessions spread over a month, so there's a plan in place for when real life resumes. The package also includes 12 months of health coaching.

Food is handled by a private chef and is built around Colombian ingredients and local dishes. Dietary requirements are managed by Leisan directly as part of the intake process. Meals are eaten together at the villa, usually family-style, and the group is small enough — typically 10–14 — that this doesn't feel like a canteen.

Group sizes are capped for a reason: the workouts, the workshops and the coaching all depend on Leisan knowing everyone's level. The retreat is coed and open to solo travellers, couples and friends. Fitness levels vary, but you should arrive able to handle a few consecutive days of activity. If you're unsure whether it's the right fit, the team fields questions before booking.

Booking runs through a short intake form rather than an instant checkout, and payment plans are available. Deposits are refundable for 24 hours after submission; after that, payments are non-refundable, though transfers to a future retreat may be possible under certain conditions. Travel medical insurance is required.

What's included

- 6 nights luxury villa accommodation - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily - Private chef and cooking demonstration - Daily power yoga, mobility, and strength sessions - Nutrition and fitness workshops - 4 private nutrition coaching sessions (over one month) - 12 months of health coaching - One spa service - Land and speedboat excursions - Cultural experience - Roundtrip airport transfers from MDE - Professional photographer

What's not included

- Airfare - Transportation during leisure time - Any offsite meals or purchases - Alcoholic beverages - Travel insurance (strongly recommended) - Travel medical insurance (required) - Staff tips and gratuities