Return 2 Connection

An immersive experience taking place November 21st-26th, 2025 in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

San Marcos, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Some places don’t just invite you to visit, they change you. Lake Atitlán is one of those rare places. Surrounded by volcanoes and steeped in ancient wisdom, the lake is alive with an energy that awakens what you’ve forgotten within yourself.

This November, you’re invited to attend Return 2 Connection, a 6-day, 5-night retreat designed not just for rest, but for deep renewal. Here, you’ll release what no longer serves you, reclaim your purpose, and return home carrying a clarity that stays with you long after your bags are unpacked.

Adventure and transformation move hand in hand: swim in crystalline waters, hike vibrant trails, move with the rhythms of nature, and gather in sacred spaces that invite honesty, joy, and connection.

This isn’t a vacation. It’s a return to yourself. Raw, real, and whole. Held by a community that sees you, guided with intention, and amplified by one of the most alive, powerful places on earth.

Who This Is For:

This retreat was created for those who know there’s more waiting for them than the endless loop of busyness, burnout, and surface-level connection.

This experience is for you if

  • You’ve been moving on autopilot, doing “all the right things,” yet still feel a quiet emptiness inside and you’re ready for a reset that lasts.

  • You’re craving a deeper connection with yourself, with nature, and with people who actually see you.

  • You feel a stirring inside, calling you to step beyond routine and into something meaningful, soulful, and unforgettable.

  • You long for a space that holds both: community that uplifts you and solitude that restores you.

  • You’re not just seeking a break. You’re seeking a turning point, an experience that changes how you show up in your life long after you return home.

Here is what you can expect:

  • Return 2 Human is more than a getaway. It’s an immersive experience designed to bring you back to what’s real. In every moment, from movement and exploration to reflection and connection, you’ll find opportunities to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember your truest self.

  • These experiences are for those who crave more than surface-level travel. If you’re looking to deepen your relationship with yourself, with others, and with the natural world, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s your first retreat or your fifth, you’ll step into a space that welcomes you fully as you are.

  • We live in a world that often pulls us away from what’s essential. Return 2 Human is about coming back to your body, your intuition, your joy, your community. Here, you’ll not only experience the beauty of Lake Atitlán but also leave with tools, practices, and connections that continue to remind you what a gift it is to be alive.

The experience itinerary:

    • 4:30 PM– 5:30 PM – Guests arrive from La Aurora airport (tentative due to travel changes). Greeted with welcome drinks/mocktails.

    • 6:00–6:50 PMReturn 2 Connection Opening Ceremony (blindfolds + flowers, leaves, and candles for the altar space; speakers loud for 45 minutes) (Ceremony #1)

    • 7:15 PM – Go to rooms, change, and get ready for dinner (relaxed wear as we will move after).

    • 7:45 PMWho Are You? 3–4 course plated dinner (group seating).

    • 9:00 PM – Tea Table #1 and stretching with Mel (cups + self-reflection cards set up on deck). Could start earlier if all guests arrive earlier. Includes Your Introduction + Story Time / Connection Circle #1

    • 6:30 AM – Facilitator Wake-Up Call

    • 6:45 AM – Guest Wake-Up Call

    • 7:00 AM – Facilitator Pow Wow

    • 7:30 AM – Light Snack (smoothie bowls, family style)

    • 9:00 AM – Pilates/Yoga (morning movement)

    • 10:30 AM – Breathwork with Hayden (need blankets, mats, flowers, blindfolds, speakers)

    • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PMBet On You Brunch (family style)

    • 1:00–3:00 PM – Creative Writing Workshop with Tribal Markers (journaling → poetry/spoken word → body painting)(Artistic Workshop #1)

    • 3:30–5:30 PM – Temazcal with cacao (Ceremony #2)

    • 6:30 PM – Tea Table with Mel

    • 7:45 PMButterfly Dreams Dinner (3 courses plated)

    • 6:00 AM – Facilitator Wake-Up Call

    • 6:30 AM – Guest Wake-Up Call

    • 6:45 AM – Facilitator Pow Wow

    • 7:00 AM – Light Snack (smoothie bowls, family style)

    • 8:00 AM – Pilates/Yoga (morning movement)

    • 9:15–10:15 AMLetters of Hope Workshop (Artistic Workshop #2)

    • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMBlooming Brunch

    • 1:00–3:00 PM – Explore San Marcos / Lake Time

    • 3:30–5:30 PM – Butterfly Sanctuary

    • 5:45 PM – Return to Venue

    • 6:30 PM – Breathwork with Hayden (followed by tea – casual vibe)

    • 8:00 PMBe The Change Dinner (3 course plated)

    • 5:00 AM – Facilitator Wake-Up Call

    • 5:30 AM – Guest Wake-Up Call

    • 6:00 AM – Facilitator Pow Wow

    • 6:30 AM – Pilates/Yoga (morning movement)

    • 7:30 AMBring the Blessings Breakfast (family style)

    • 9:00 AM – Head to Panajachel via ferry for Hope To Walk

    • 10:00 AM – 2:00PMHope To Walk Clinic & Explore PANAJACHEL

    • 3:00 PM – Head back to venue

    • 4:30 PMIn Bluem Self-Care Ritual (post showers — facial steams, optional facial masks, skincare ritual with serum and sponges, followed by tea)

    • 4:00 – 7:00 PM – Massages / Free Time

    • 7:30 PMIt Takes 2 Dinner Party (3 course plated, early bedtime)

    • 3:00 AM – Facilitator & Guest Wake-Up Call

    • 3:30 AM – Facilitator Pow Wow

    • 4:00 AM – Head to Indian Nose for Sunrise (hiking; hot chocolate/tea and bread served)

    • 5:30 AM – Sunrise Sessions at El Rostro Maya

    • 7:00 AM – Head back to venue

    • 8:00 AMAnything Is Possible Breakfast (family style)

    • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Tea Table followed by Show Yourself Workshop with Mel (improv + theme song)(Connection Circle #2)

    • 1:00 – 5:00 PM – Private Photoshoots with Lianna / Free Time / Massages

    • 2:00 PM – Light Snack (smoothie bowls, family style)

    • 5:30 PM – Closing Ceremony with cacao (Ceremony #3; fire ceremony or ecstatic dance)(Connection Circle #3)

    • 7:00 PM – Breathwork with Hayden (Let’s Breathe, Unity, Return 2 Human)

    • 8:30 PMI Believe In You Dinner Party (3 course plated)

    • 6:00 AM – Facilitator & Guest Wake-Up Call

    • 7:00 AM – Facilitator Pow Wow

    • 7:15 AMThe Rest Is Unwritten Breakfast

    • 8:30 AM – Tea Sit with Mel

    • 11:00 AM – Everyone departs our venue ❤️‍🔥🫶🏽🥹

Our Team for Return 2 Connection

  • Melissa Barto @melissabarto_

    FOUNDER OF R2H & EXPERIENCE HOST

    Melissa (aka Mel) is an artist, experience designer, and entrepreneur dedicated to curating transformative experiences. She combines her artistic talents with her passion for personal growth, creating containers that reconnect people with their creativity, their courage, and their purpose.

  • Li Michelle @vetalli

    EXPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHER

    Li captures with intention to create time-capsules for the heart. Portals to connect to moments you want with you always. She has been professionally photographing since 2009, and has been featured in well known publications such as Vogue and Forbes Magazines.

  • Hayden Kasprowicz @thesavagefish

    EXPERIENCE FACILITATOR

    Hayden is a breathwork facilitator, event creator, and explorer of both the world around us and within. Hailing from rural Minnesota, he followed a deep instinct for more at 19, which led him to his true passion: breathwork. Guiding others through this transformational practice feels like his highest calling.

  • Alexis Tolentino @eiramsixela

    COMMUNITY MANAGER

    After experiencing the retreats firsthand, Alexis was inspired to contribute to the R2H community in a meaningful way. Her attention to detail and commitment to creating a seamless experience helps cultivate the transformative environment Return 2 Human is known for.

Past Client Testimonials

Available Guest Packages

  • Shared Room: $3,395

    Ideal for solo travelers or friends, this space provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can truly feel at home. Enjoy restful nights in our comfortable beds and connect with new friends as you create lasting memories together. We’ll pair you with a roommate, and each shared room features the comfort of a spacious king or queen bed for a relaxing stay. Save $300 when you reserve your spot before October 5th.

  • Private Room: $4,495

    Indulge in tranquility and comfort in our luxurious private guest room, designed for solo travelers or couples seeking a serene escape. This cozy sanctuary features a plush bed and stylish décor, offering the perfect retreat into your own space. With all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, you can unwind and recharge in style. (Couples booking this option would each pay the shared room rate each.) Save $300 when you reserve your spot before October 5th.

Why Hope To Walk?

Hope to Walk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable prosthetic legs to amputees in developing countries, enabling them to regain mobility and independence. Founded by Phil Johnson (featured in the photo on the left), the organization has developed a groundbreaking prosthetic leg that costs approximately $250—significantly less than traditional prosthetics that can range from $10,000 to $25,000. This innovation allows Hope to Walk to serve a much larger number of individuals in need.

With a mission to offer prosthetic legs and renewed hope to the world, Hope to Walk operates clinics in countries such as Guatemala (their main international clinic), Honduras, El Salvador, Tanzania, and the Dominican Republic, where they fit below-knee prosthetics free of charge. In addition to that, the organization focuses on training local communities to produce and fit these prosthetics, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency for long-term impact. This organization is proof that with hope, anything is possible.

“Rebirth means that what comes bears no resemblance to what came before. In the same way when we awaken, that which we become is not like that which we were. Once you’ve remembered, forgetting is gone – forever. We still have to live, we have to do the same things, but the indwelling consciousness is completely different.”

-Richard Rudd (GK #49)

 FAQs

  • A: What makes a Return 2 Human experience truly special is its blend of physical activities, creative workshops, and nutritious, high-quality meals. Participants engage in workouts that challenge and invigorate them, while creative workshops allow them to explore and express their artistic sides. The emphasis on fresh, wholesome meals ensures that everyone feels nourished and energized.

    This retreat experience becomes even more meaningful as we partner with the well-known nonprofit Hope to Walk, which works to gift prosthetic legs to those in need worldwide. A portion of each guest’s package cost goes directly toward providing a prosthetic leg, adding an extra layer of purpose to the transformative and unforgettable journey.

    Our aim is to connect people to the world in a way that makes life feel brighter, more vivid, and beautiful—creating a profound connection to both self and others, and leaving a lasting, positive impact on everyone involved.

  • A: It takes place November 21–26, 2025.
    We’ll be gathering at Maestro Valley, a luxurious forest sanctuary in San Marcos nestled in the hillsides above Lake Atitlán. With breathtaking views, cozy accommodations, and sacred spaces for ceremony and reflection, it offers the perfect home for deep connection and transformation.

  • A: Choose the experience that suits you:

    • Shared Room: Private bed in a shared room; limited spots available.

    • Private Room: Your own room for full privacy and comfort, perfect for solo travelers or couples.

      Our packages are designed to meet your preferences. The private room provides a peaceful, intimate retreat experience, allowing you to unwind in solitude. The shared room pairs you with like-minded participants, ideal for connecting and sharing your journey. Both options ensure comfort, relaxation, and a sense of community.

      Please note: Shared rooms may include a queen or king bed shared with a roommate, or your own single bed, depending on availability. If you have a preference, indicate it on the form. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

      What’s included (all packages)

    • Overnight accommodations in shared or private rooms on site.

    • All scheduled group activities and ceremonies as listed in the itinerary.

    • All breakfasts and dinners. Daily lunches are excluded unless we are on-site during lunch times; lunch details will be confirmed prior to arrival.

    • Transfer coordination support from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. We will confirm meet-up instructions prior to arrival.

    • Participation in the Hope To Walk clinic day. A portion of your ticket supports the cost of a full prosthetic leg.

    • On-site facilitation by Melissa and the R2H team, plus local guides and support staff.

    Not included

    • International flights, travel insurance, optional spa treatments, personal purchases, or meals while in town unless specified in itinerary.

  • Absolutely! This will be our first co-ed experience since the summer of 2021. We welcome all individuals aged 21 and older to apply.

  • A:

    • Complete the Guest Application Form to be considered. This is not a financial commitment. If you prefer to connect via phone call rather than fill out a form, book a call here.

    • Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an invoice with instructions to secure your spot. Payment is due within 3 days. If you choose the payment plan option, we’ll include a full schedule so you know exactly what to expect.

    • After booking, you’ll have all the information you need: logistics, packing tips, itinerary details, and what to expect on-site. Everything you need to arrive fully prepared.

    Why we use an application: The application ensures the group is aligned and that everyone joining is ready for a transformative experience. It allows us to create a safe, intentional container for the retreat.

  • Our experiences are crafted with care and commitment, and each booking secures your place in an intimate group. Because of this, we ask for the same level of commitment from you.

    If you need to cancel:

    • 60+ days before start date: Transfer 100% of your payment to a future experience, or cancel with a $650 administrative fee.

    • 59–30 days before: Transfer credit is available, minus 50% of your package price, or cancel with a 75% fee.

    • 29 days or fewer: No refunds or credits are available.

    Other details:

    • Late arrivals/early departures: No refunds or credits once the experience begins.

    • Transfers: You may transfer your booking to another guest up to 14 days before the start date for a $150 fee (subject to approval).

    • Unforeseen events: If events outside our control (such as natural disasters or government restrictions) impact the experience, we will work with you to reschedule or issue credits. Refunds cannot be guaranteed.

    • Travel insurance: Strongly recommended to cover unexpected cancellations or delays.

    • Giving back: Each booking contributes to providing a prosthetic leg through Hope To Walk, extending the impact of your investment beyond this experience.

  • A: Because it’s rare, intentional, and transformational. You’re not just paying for a retreat; you’re claiming a space to:

    • Connect deeply with yourself, others, and nature

    • Engage in guided practices and ceremonies unavailable anywhere else

    • Stay in an eco-sanctuary designed for rest, reflection, and inspiration

    • Make a measurable social impact through Hope To Walk

    This combination of curated experiences, intimate group settings, and lasting impact ensures your investment goes beyond the ordinary. It’s life-changing.

Do you have any additional questions?