See our new Forest Staff page here.
After a beautiful decade of being known as the Yoga Forest, we have shifted ownership and are expanding our focus to emphasize the celebration and well-being of the land, the people and the cultures immediately around us. In light of this change, we are proud to share that the Yoga Forest will now be known as ‘Kawoq’ Forest, a Mayan word representing community healing and expanded consciousness.
With this new name, we intend to hold the space as a living, breathing entity as it constantly grows and evolves. Yoga has been a lovely but limited lens for an ever-changing transformative space, thus, Kawoq Forest is an organic, expansive process and teaches us the joys of change, nature and authenticity.
Kawoq Forest is committed to the holistic well-being of every guest – including their emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health. Kawoq symbolizes fertility, community and the elements of lightning and fire, thus, we hope to ignite creativity and spark the birth of new ideas and ways of being in this space that are inspired from the inner fire of wisdom and awareness.
Although we will continue to offer daily yoga classes, we are no longer limited to being defined as a yoga retreat center – rather we are thrilled to be expanding our definitions of wellness, offering a myriad of transformative wellness experiences in an eco-luxury sanctuary that includes diverse forms of holistic healing modalities including indigenous ceremony and ritual to connect to self, the culture and the land.
We are here to center and honor the fecundity of the forest and welcome every guest into a warm embrace that nurtures their growth, renewal and inner harmony.
Luz argueta-vogel, owner & Steward
It is such an honor to be taking on the sacred responsibility of stewarding the Yoga Forest. As a dual citizen of both Maya and European descent, I grew up between El Salvador and the United States, delightfully exploring many mountains and forests on this continent.
I first came to this cliffside sanctuary in February 2016 for a month-long 200hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with the Kula Collective. At the time, I was living & working outside of Antigua, Guatemala serving as a midwife in a local clinic. Throughout my midwifery career, the practices of yoga, asana & meditation have supported me tremendously in being able to serve birthing families safely and with integrity.
The art of midwifery relies on many similar principles - embodiment, presence and compassionate awareness. Nearly seven years later, as I take on the tending of the Yoga Forest, I bring my midwifery training to this task.
I see the Yoga Forest as a multidimensional ecological entity which requires the same devotional presence and reverential care as would any birthing family or newborn. I am committed to continuing the transformational legacy of the Forest as a sacred gathering place for people of all nations and genders to be able to come, play, pray and restore.
My greatest dream is to be able to subsidize my own birth work and those of other indigenous midwives through the Forest so that birthing families may receive peaceful and safe midwifery care irrespective of economic circumstance.
jillian Lacasse, retreat coordinator & Marketing Manager
Jillian devotes her life to embodied Truth and Energetic depth and intimacy. Mystic, Heart-led Poet, Spiritual and Energetic Guide, Meditator and Yogini, Song and Sound Carrier; her fascination lies in the continual expansion and awakening of consciousness through exploring her inner world and in relationships with others.
She brings a warm, joyful, bold and free spirit to her work, relationships and spiritual life. She has worked for the Forest for 4+ years and loves to turn retreat ideas into realities on sacred land that has moved her deeply.
Gabriela Maldonado Guerra, Operations & Retreat Manager
Gabriela is a gender-expansive individual born to a mixed-race family in Guatemala City. During her twenties she had the opportunity to live and study abroad. But then her ancestors called her back home, so Gabriela moved to Xe'lajuj No'j (aka Quetzaltenango, Guatemala). There she was immediately welcomed by Time Keepers, Mayan spiritual guides, and together they started a popular education space to learn about the Mayan Cosmovision.
Once again Gabriela was gathering with others around the Sacred Fire like her ancestors on both sides of the ocean had done generations ago. Since then she has learned to honor the light and darkness in herself, each of her predecessors and everybody else. Moreover, her personal and professional experience has allowed her to gain a profound respect for Mayan people and culture, as well as fostering a work ethic based in justice and collaboration. She brings her cultural understanding, passion for justice and collaborative management style to support the functioning of the Forest. She welcomes each guest wholeheartedly!
Jas Gidalti, Wellness Manager
I am Jas Gidalti, a passionate yoga instructor with 12 years of experience in creating inclusive and socially conscious projects. My journey in yoga has led me to work in a variety of settings, from prisons to hospitals and human rights organizations.
For a decade, my work in Financial Administration has focused on vital issues such as youth violence prevention, the care and prevention of violence against women and adolescents, and LGBTIQ+ human rights. I have also led menstrual education initiatives in Guatemala.
As a yoga enthusiast, I have received training in a wide range of styles, including Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Rocket, Yin Yoga, Yoga for children, yoga for trauma, and Tantra Yoga.
My goal is to improve myself and my community every day. I believe that well-being is a political act to which all human beings are entitled. I wish that all beings find peace, love, happiness, and liberation through the practice of yoga.
Magdalena Sacach, Receptionist
Magdalena Sacach will welcome you at the Reception area. She is a Kachiquel woman from San Marcos La Laguna. Four years ago she started working with us as a cook, but at the beginning of 2023 she was promoted to receptionist. Magdalena is passionate about cooking and spending time with her daughters. With her friendly and responsible character she ensures that all our guests receive the best treatment.
Our Housekeeping Team
Maintaining clean and orderly spaces is the responsibility of Rusi Sancoy, Head of the Housekeeping Team. Her team is made up of María, Micaela Rubina, María Griselda and Flora Leticia. All of them are from San Marcos La Laguna and look after our guests with care and respect. They ensure that the facilities are in perfect condition so that we can rest and regenerate completely in a space of serenity and calm.
Our Kitchen Staff
The kitchen is the heart of our business. In it you will find Flora Perez Mendoza as Kitchen Manager. Ana Dominga, Blanca Estela, María Filomena and María Auxiliadora as Chefs, and María Yolanda, Lucía, Ana Leticia, and Alda Adriana as kitchen assistants. All of them are from San Marcos La Laguna and prepare delicious homemade food with local and international ingredients. All their vegetarian dishes carry a special touch of love and dedication, which will make your stay an experience for all your senses.
Our Maintenance Team
A property like ours requires constant maintenance and for that we have a committed and responsible team. The maintenance team is led by Noé Quiacain as Head of Maintenance and Gregorio Quicain as Carpentry Manager. Each one has an apprentice: Lucas and José respectively. In addition, Santos, Rogelio and Juan support them as assistants. Abner, our gardener, is the only one who is not from San Marcos La Laguna. As a team they are responsible for keeping the place in the best conditions, both for our guests and for the Forest we guard.