Our Center

In Sanskrit, Sumaya means a long-awaited dream come true, while in Arabic it translates as a little piece of paradise. Both of these definitions mirror our hearts’ intentions and inspire our service. Our logo is a Mayan glyph found in Chiapas, Mexico representing the fountain of life or the budding growth of a flower, and this too moves us ever forward.

Two women practicing yoga outdoors on a wooden deck, with large green tropical plants in the background. One woman is sitting cross-legged with one arm extended upward and the other behind her, while the other woman, partially visible, is also performing a yoga pose.

Villa Sumaya, located in Santa Cruz la Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlán, was conceived in 2001 with the purchase of the lakefront Maya Rose House, originally the vacation home of a Guatemalan family. Over time, in addition to renovating the Maya Rose House for style and comfort, we added a restaurant, a boutique shop, our welcoming courtyard, a hot tub and a sauna, as well as four healing huts where we offer a wide variety of spa services.

A woman is practicing aerial yoga using silk hammocks on a balcony overlooking a lake and a mountain.
Group of people doing yoga on a wooden deck overlooking a lake with mountains in the background, some lying on their backs with towels and blocks nearby, and an instructor seated in meditation at the front.
Entrance to Villa Sumaya surrounded by lush green tropical plants, stone stairs, and a thatched roof with a colorful sign reading 'Bienvenidos villa sumaya'.
A woman relaxes in a hammock outdoors in a lush garden with large green leaves and dappled sunlight.

In 2004, we built the Blue Tiger Temple to reflect the new focus of Villa Sumaya as a retreat center. At that time, we also constructed two hillside bungalows to offer private housing options. As Villa Sumaya flourished, the need for more rooms and a second temple/studio led to the creation of Lotus House, completed in 2007; this project added six spacious guest rooms and our magnificent Tara Temple with breathtaking views of the lake. In 2008, we built a swimming pool so that our guests could enjoy a relaxing dip throughout the day. In 2013, higher up on the hill, we created the Ginger Suites, our most luxurious accommodations.

In 2015, we further expanded by purchasing adjacent land, which allowed us to connect the hotel with our Eco Sumaya Fruit Forest and gain access to an additional 19 acres of lakefront. We also acquired Studio 21, Skyline Bungalow 20 and our Mayan Healing Hut. In order to accommodate our growth, we expanded our dining area in 2016 to include a glassed-in dining room showcasing panoramic views of the lake. In 2017 we added an outdoor patio to our dining room and created our “Astrology Reading room” located next to our Spirit Dog Boutique.   We converted the original home of the owner into two more Ginger Suites for our guests and one volunteer suite for our karma yogis.

In 2018, we installed four additional solar hot water systems as well as solar pumps and a solar farm to attain 75% solar energy efficiency. In 2019, we added “The Apothecary at Sumaya” specializing in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western and locally crafted natural medicines. We also expanded our kitchen, and added our  “Living Sanctuary” where we hold private gatherings.

In 2021, we built the Pato Pok Platform for sunning by the lake and the 650 sq ft Diamond Dojo, a spacious covered  wooden platform for practice and leisure. We also replaced our wooden swing with a lakefront handcrafted iron swing. In 2022, we completed the 450 sq ft Sky Zendo, our second open air platform for yoga, movement and dance. Sky Zendo is designed to inspire levity and inner spaciousness and features six aerial yoga rigs, providing a unique space for aerial practices and other movement modalities. 

In 2023, we began construction on the Caracol Apartment Complex, which includes two modern studio apartments with kitchenettes. This complex also features the Pearl Healing Hut, as well as a maintenance office and laundry room to support our ongoing growth. At full capacity, our current facility offers 25 rooms, accommodating up to 50 guests.

Many Mayan hands have contributed to the creation of this paradise and our ongoing connection with our indigenous neighbors has been mutually respectful, rich and gratifying. Everything you find here – every brick, every paving stone, every piece of window glass and decorative tile — has been lovingly transported to Sumaya by boat and then carried by hand and strong back to its respective location. We are beyond grateful to everyone who has participated in this great feat of endurance and dedication.

It is our sincere desire that your experience in this natural refuge will enhance your lives as much as it has ours.

A Mayan woman holding a colorful embroidered textile, standing in front of a wooden wall with hanging fabrics, outdoors with greenery in the background.
A large yoga studio space with a thatched roof, glass windows, and surrounded by lush greenery on a hillside.
A woman practicing yoga on a red mat inside a wooden-floored studio with large windows overlooking a majestic volcano and lake at sunset.
Living room with two wicker armchairs with floral cushions, a wooden coffee table with a potted plant, a small wooden cabinet, and a window with a thatched roof view.
A wooden pathway along a lakeside with trees on one side and mountains in the distance during sunset.

We are located on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Villa Sumaya is 10 minutes by boat from Panajachel. Public boat transportation from Tzanjuyu (“san-who-you”) dock is available every half hour from 7:00am to 7:30pm. The price is about Q25 per person ($3.00). Ask the boat driver to drop you off at the Villa Sumaya dock, otherwise you will have a 20-minute walk from the main Santa Cruz dock.

Villa Sumaya works exclusively with our trusted transportation company, Kan Tours. Contact them to arrange private shuttles or boats for your convenience, 24 hours a day. Private boat and shuttle fees can be added to your hotel bill.

Transportation is not included in our rates. Our Guest Welcome Kit provides helpful information covering transportation, activities, pricing, spa services, packing lists and more.

A resort swimming pool surrounded by green plants and trees, with a lawn and outdoor lounge chairs.

Property Maps

Colorful illustrated map of Villa Sumaya West featuring bungalows, healing rooms, Lotus House, Tiger Temple, Jungle Lounge, pools, gardens, lounge areas, dining, and various accommodations labeled with numbers.
A detailed hand-drawn map of Villa Sumaya East featuring various buildings, natural elements, and areas such as Wendy's House, the Food Forest, Serpentine Temple, and a Solar Farm. The map includes labeled features like the Condor's Nest, Maya Healing Hut, Lakefront Fire Pit, Batting Platform, and several healing rooms, surrounded by lush greenery and pathways.
A lush tropical resort with thatched roof huts, a swimming pool surrounded by greenery, and a multi-level wooden house amid dense trees.