Join Us!!
Step Into Your Power as a Kirtan Leader!
Join Ananda Das for a soul-stirring 7-day immersion into the art and heart of Kirtan. Over the course of 7 days youāll:
- Gain expertise in leading band members
- Develop key skills in how to unify and elevate an audience
- Up level your harmonium or guitar skills
- Receive vocal empowerment techniques
- Refine timing and call-and-response structure
- Gain deeper meaning behind the chants
Whether youāre new to leading or looking to refine your offerings, this journey will help you embody kirtan as a living, devotional practice.
Reserve Your SpotYour Leader
Ananda Das is an accomplished Bhakti Yoga teacher and kirtan artist. With over 17 albums and 3 million streams, his soulful mantras and music deeply resonate within the global yoga community. He is a Master Sattva and Kundalini Yoga teacher and is the founder of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy. He offers a 300 hour teacher training as well as hosts an online membership platform. Whether through his powerful chants or insightful teachings, Ananda Das guides students toward profound spiritual and personal growth.
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Your Luxurious Destination
Villa Sumaya is a world-renowned eco-retreat center nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake AtitlĆ”n, Guatemala ā a lake considered one of the most energetically charged places on Earth. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and vibrant indigenous culture, the center offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere for deep practice and transformation.
Each room is artfully designed with local textiles and cozy touches, offering stunning views of the lake or lush gardens. Enjoy organic, lovingly prepared vegetarian meals, daily yoga space, a healing spa, hot tub, ceremonial spaces, and a welcoming community. With no roads and no cars, Villa Sumaya is only accessible by boat ā adding to the sense of sacred seclusion and timelessness.
See photos at the top for how stunning this place is!! Ananda Das's favorite retreat center in the world!
Sample Daily Schedule
Experience a balanced day of yoga, vocal training, kirtan leadership, personal integration, nourishing meals, and devotional practice.
Morning Yoga
Start each day with an energizing and grounding yoga practice to awaken
the body and open the heart.
Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious, organic vegetarian meal with views of the lake and
surrounding volcanoes.
Vocal Empowerment & Stage Presence Techniques
Strengthen your voice, expand your range, and learn to sing with
confidence and clarity.
Free Time / Integration
Relax, reflect, swim in the lake, receive a spa treatment, or journal
in the gardens.
Lunch
Instrument & Rhythm Hacks
Refine your harmonium, guitar, or rhythm skills with simple, effective
techniques for leading with ease.
Kirtan Leadership Practicum
Practice leading chantsāsolo and in group formatsāwith real-time
guidance, coaching, and loving support from Ananda Das.
Free Time / Sunset Chill
Time to unwind, connect with others, or enjoy the serene beauty of
Villa Sumaya.
Dinner
Evening Kirtan Practice
Step into sacred space, deepen your leading skills, and embody the
devotional energy of the bhav.
Earn 50 Hours Yoga Alliance Credit toward the Modern This training also offers 50 hours of Yoga Alliance credits and counts towards the completion of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy 300-hour certification. Whether you're aiming to complete the full 300-hour certification or simply wish to experience this unique training, you're welcome to join.
**Yoga Alliance credits are available for an additional $100.
Arrival Guide to Villa Sumaya
1. International Arrival
2. Ground Transportation to Panajachel
3. Boat from Panajachel to Villa Sumaya
4. Arrival at Villa Sumaya
5. Local Tips
Registration
It's important to note the following details regarding the deposit for your stay
Cancellation Policy
Please be aware that all payments made are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel, payments can be used for a future trainings or retreats.
Payment Plans Available
Select the room style you want and then upon check out there is the option for a payment plan or to pay in full.
For inquiries or to schedule a free consultation call, please email [email protected]
Understanding these terms will help you plan accordingly and make informed decisions regarding your booking and potential changes to your travel plans. This policy is designed to be fair and transparent, acknowledging the complexities of event planning while also considering the needs and circumstances of our participants.
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TESTIMONIAL
"This training was the most joyful, devotional, and safe container I could ever ask for. Ananda Das is not only an incredible talent to learn from, but he is also a gentle teacher. It's no surprise that he has a team of incredible humans assisting him in what I describe as Bhakti Summer Camp. It's intense, it's transformative, and it's SO fun. I was amazed at the amount of growth I experienced in 1 week. And now I'm going to India with him in February for Kirtan Leadership Training! Thank you! Truly life changing."
Amy Pankenier
"What an incredible week, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share this time with and make meaningful connections. Amazing training, practice and learning, and some lovely excursions to temples and Puja. I really appreciate the way Ananda Das teaches from the heart and shares the Bhakti wisdom. I will carrying the great energy from this training for a very long time, thank you Ananda! "
James W
"This training is beyond Magic! The Bhakti Kirtan training with Ananda Das touched me in places I havenāt felt before! Ananda shares from his profound well of knowledge deep sadhana practice and wisdom. This training has opened up my voice, my heart and I feel rich with all the new chants I can share with my community! For anyone who feels a YES reading this follow the call! It will take you to joy bliss and love!!!"
Johanna C
"At the centre of Bhakti yoga is the energetic heart. From the centre of the heart blooms devotion to our wondrous existence and the Divine. Thereās no one better than Ananda Das to help you find that heart-centre, and expressively use it to rejoice in life. His teachings are masterful, wise and caring. He somehow knows the secrets of achieving bliss, and gladly shares those secrets with enthralled students. I impressed myself with how so much of me changed during the week at Sattva, India, and credit all of that change to the teaching methods of Ananda Das. Each day was a perfect blend of yoga, enlightening wisdom-talks, rapidly improving music practice, culminating in joyful singing and playing as a group. The amazing music sessions then overflowed into deeply enriching experiences in the arena of life - discovering ceremony, beautiful nature, vibrant community, and authentic cultural immersions. The loving glow of our group was ignited by Ananda Das and our hearts lit up the whole of India. Mine is still shining. "
David V
"I had not been to India previously, but had worked with Ananda. I had complete faith the trip and training would be amazing. It was all so much more than I could've anticipated! The accommodations, the food, the setting were amazing. What really made this shine was Ananda's leadership, teaching and what he creates. A beautiful gathering of people and Kirtan over a wonderful week with learning, outings to temples, and singing!! My heart has never been so full. This was more than a training, so much more. I have new best friends and a deeper relationship with myself and the Earth. I am so grateful. One more highlight! The pricing! Beyond value for money, absolutely beyond!!"
Susan S
"Amazing teacher and experience!! Ananda is a master of his craft and anyone would be lucky to learn from him! Villa Sumaya is also such a fantastic venue/retreat center. 10/10 recommend!!"
Danielle B
"This was easily one of the best weeks of my life. Anandaās yoga teachings are. powerful and life-alteringā¦. Even more when you get to do yoga on a beautiful deck overlooking the sky and the lake. The chance to study and play music all day with others while receiving guidance and feedback from Ananda? Absolutely my happy place, and the guidance was invaluable. The location was gorgeous:: set on an hilltop overlooking the lake, with gorgeous views of volcanoes in the distance. We were spoiled daily with fresh vegetarian meals that were inspired and delicious. Iām so grateful that I had the opportunity to grow my kirtan leadership skills with Ananda and the rest of our group. Itās an experience I will always treasure. "
Dorothea Grier C
"We had a great time! Ananda leadership was very inspirational. Wonderful people and nice accommodations "
Marina K
"A beautiful experience and a prime retreat center. A yoga and mantra training with healing and play centered. The Bhakti yoga teaching guided our daily practice of Kriya yoga and intention setting. Vocal, musical and band performance filled our mornings and afternoons. Rhythm, timing and listening practices were added each day. The Mayan and cacao ceremony was profound for all. A well timed event for our full week. Amazing spot and the retreat center had everything we required for the week!!! "
Angela F
"Ananda Das is an engaging, motivating, and inspiring teacher. He is completely in his element hosting this training on the shores of Lake AtitlƔn."
Elena L
"We had a wonderful experience with Ananda Das. The accommodations were phenomenal, the people were amazing, and the food was excellent. We loved everything we learned and are now able to apply it in our lives. We enjoyed chanting and practicing leading Kirtan every day, as well as connecting with a conscious community.
Ananda has a talent for giving direct feedback while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable for the group. I feel that I've learned as much, if not more, from the feedback given to others than from the feedback directed at me. The immersive experience is guaranteed to be an upgrade if you are fully present for everything that is shared and discussed. What a blessing! I will treasure it in my heart always. "
Alyson
"Even the word āMagicalā seems like an understatement! We learned so much while basking in the beauty of Guatemala surrounded by like minded Bhakti yogis. It could Not have been better. "
Brian C
Register Right Away!!
This March, come sing, study, and lead in one of the most sacred places on Earth. Villa Sumaya offers the perfect setting for deep transformation. Together weāll refine your voice, deepen your sadhana, and prepare you to share kirtan with confidence and clarity.
Best Rooms Sell First and Theyāre Limited. Secure Your Spot Right Away!!
Reserve Your SpotYour Journey Begins Here
Step into a transformative retreat experience designed to awaken your heart, expand your voice, and reconnect you to devotion.
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