From Chaos to Calm: Family Support

Highlights

• Seven nights in a private villa with hot tub & pool in UNESCO-listed Antigua
• Supportive workshops on addiction, boundaries and caring for yourself
• One year of monthly online group support after the retreat
• Connect with Mayan communities, learn authentic Guatemalan cooking, and make a meaningful impact through the Bunk Bed Project.
• Lake Atitlán, colorful villages and three rather impressive volcanoes
• Gentle yoga, stretching and meditation
• Every night helps fund a week of school for a Maya child
• Cultural walking tour through colonial Antigua

The alcohol-free positioning

The private villa is fully dry, with no alcohol or non-prescribed drugs permitted. All workshops, meals and organized gatherings are alcohol free. Guests enjoy Guatemalan coffee, tea, fresh juices, hibiscus tea, tropical coolers and other nonalcoholic refreshments. Connection develops naturally through small group workshops, shared meals, cultural adventures and relaxed evening check-ins. A pre trip call helps guests meet one another and know what to expect. Many people attend alone, so we take care to include everyone while also respecting privacy, personal boundaries and the need for quiet time. The retreat welcomes family members affected by someone else’s addiction, as well as people who live without alcohol or drugs. No knowledge of 12-Step programs is required, although familiar ideas may be included and a local meeting may be offered. Public venues may serve alcohol to others, but it is not part of our program.

A typical day

1. Morning

   Begin with optional yoga, stretching or meditation, followed by breakfast. Join a supportive workshop exploring addiction, boundaries, self-care and how to love someone without losing yourself.

2. Midday

   Share a freshly prepared lunch and relaxed conversation with people who understand the experience of loving someone affected by addiction.

3. Afternoon

   Explore Antigua, visit a local community project or join a cultural excursion. Some afternoons include free time for the pool, hot tub, journaling, shopping, a massage or rest.

4. Evening

   Gather for dinner at the villa or a carefully selected local restaurant. Close the day with a confidential check-in, personal reflection or relaxed conversation under the stars.

Is this trip right for you?

This retreat is for adults affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug problem. Your loved one may still be using, receiving treatment or living without alcohol and drugs, and does not attend with you. Guests must agree not to drink alcohol or use non-prescribed drugs during the retreat. They must also respect the villa’s fully dry policy and protect the privacy and emotional safety of the group.

Support & Environment

Accommodation

Private Villa

Casa Quince is a peaceful private villa in a secure gated community within walking distance of central Antigua. Its courtyards, colorful bougainvillea, traditional fountain and welcoming shared spaces create a relaxed setting for connection and reflection. Comfortable rooms feature Guatemalan textiles, local artwork and private ensuite bathrooms. The villa also offers Wi-Fi, a pool, a hot tub and quiet spaces for resting or journaling.

What’s Included

Not Included

Airfare is not included; however, we're happy to assist you with booking your flights. Optional experiences, including massages, the Pacaya Volcano hike, and one on one coaching sessions, are available for an additional fee. Personal purchases, such as souvenirs, as well as gratuities for our staff and local guides, are also not included in the retreat price.

Refund Policy

About the Host

Philippa Myers is an addiction counselor, psychotherapist, experienced travel professional and founder of Sober Travel Retreats. She has lived without alcohol and drugs since 2006 and has called Antigua home for decades. Philippa studied for master’s degrees in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School and in Adlerian Psychology. She has extensive experience helping individuals and families affected by addiction and trauma, including work at Hazelden Betty Ford. Before becoming a counselor, Philippa raised two children as a single mother, opened a second-hand bookstore and café in Antigua and built a nationally recognized travel agency. She combines professional knowledge with lived experience, local connections and a firm belief that an alcohol-free life should contain plenty of adventure. She created this retreat to bring together the things that helped transform her own life: meaningful conversation, authentic travel, supportive friendships, personal growth and the occasional breathtaking volcano. “Living without alcohol or drugs is not simply about giving something up. It is about rediscovering who you are and creating a life filled with connection, meaning, adventure and joy.”

Frequently asked questions