Philosophy
Cultivating Spaces for Sustainable Living and Conscious Connection
At The Seed Habitat, our roots run deep in the pursuit of a more conscious, sustainable way of living. This journey started as part of a larger exploration: how to live in harmony with the earth, honor ancient traditions, and build thriving communities. From restoring landscapes and creating eco-conscious spaces to curating immersive experiences, The Seed embodies a philosophy of living we call “kind living.”
Inspired by www.anasansebastian.com mission to support planetary shifts towards regenerative systems, The Seed represents a continuation of that vision—providing a space where conscious living meets luxury, sustainability meets design, and nature meets personal transformation.
The Genesis of The Seed: A Legacy of Sustainable Design
The Seed was born on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where 2.5 acres of land have been transformed into a living sanctuary. It is the result of 7 years of patient restoration: terracing hillsides, enriching the soil, and creating spaces that embrace beauty, functionality, and sustainability.
Our founder, Ana, a sustainable systems designer, brought a wealth of global experiences—from tribal societies to Buddhist retreats, economic think tanks to permaculture farms. After founding IslaVerde, a successful eco-hotel on Lake Atitlán, she envisioned The Seed as an evolution—a place that could harmonize sustainability and aesthetics while offering a platform for personal growth and community connection.
The Seed reflects Ana’s passion for architecture, agriculture, and conscious business, weaving traditional Mayan craftsmanship with modern design elements. Each building integrates natural materials like adobe, bamboo, and bajareque, resulting in structures that are as beautiful as they are functional.
The Essence of The Seed Habitat
The Seed is not just a retreat center; it is a space where luxury and sustainability intertwine. Across our three eco-homes, we host retreats, YTT, masterminds gatherings, and transformative events, all grounded in the principles of mindful living.
Seed Villa: A stunning four-bedroom villa with a rooftop yoga shala and panoramic views.
Violeta Cottage: A cozy two-bedroom house surrounded by lush, medicinal gardens.
Mimosa Casita: A bamboo hideaway, offering a serene one-bedroom retreat.
Throughout the property, edible gardens and permaculture systems nourish the land, while our Mayan sauna and natural plunge pool offer opportunities for healing and renewal.
The Seed Habitat is more than an estate—it is an invitation to connect with the rhythms of nature and explore a more intentional way of life.
A Philosophy of Flow: Designing Spaces for Transformation
The Seed is built on the belief that spaces can help people enter a state of flow—a state where creativity, connection, and well-being flourish. Every element of The Seed was curated with this intention:
Natural materials to calm the nervous system and inspire a sense of belonging.
Gardens that offer not just beauty, but food, medicine, and moments of discovery.
Gourmet meals made from scratch with ingredients sourced from local farms and our own gardens.
Lake Atitlán: A Vortex for Creativity and Connection
Lake Atitlán is known as a global hub for visionaries, healers, and change-makers. It has inspired writers, artists, and innovators to tap into their creativity. Surrounded by volcanoes and ancient Mayan villages, the lake provides a unique setting for personal growth and transformation.
Whether through yoga, plant medicine, traditional weaving, or sound healing ceremonies, The Seed offers guests the opportunity to engage with local culture and immerse themselves in the lake’s vibrant, high-energy community.
The Moth Philosophy in Action: Living a Kind Life
The Seed draws inspiration from Ana’s broader work with The Moth, a collective dedicated to regenerative systems and sustainable living. At its heart, The Seed embodies the same principles:
Community: Creating meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Sustainability: Embracing practices that respect the land and its resources.
Education: Offering learning opportunities through workshops, retreats, and immersive experiences.
Our philosophy of kind living informs everything we do—from our architecture to our food, from the ceremonies we hold to the way we welcome every guest. It’s about living lightly, embracing beauty, and nurturing the earth and each other.
Join Our Journey: Build a Partnership with The Seed
We believe in building long-term relationships with retreat leaders, creatives, and communities. Through our affiliate program, returning clients gain access to special discounts and exclusive promotions. Each retreat hosted at The Seed is an opportunity to contribute to a collective shift towards sustainable and intentional living.
Giving Back to the Community: Support Escuela Caracol
At The Seed Habitat, we believe in nurturing the community that nurtures us. One way we give back is by supporting Escuela Caracol—a Waldorf school in San Marcos La Laguna that has become a cornerstone for holistic education in the region. Many members of our local community, including the children of our staff and Ana’s own children, have attended or are currently part of this incredible learning environment.
We invite our guests and retreat leaders to give back by sponsoring a child’s education through Escuela Caracol. Your contribution helps provide life-changing educational opportunities to local children, ensuring they thrive in a loving, conscious learning environment.
If you feel called to contribute, please visit the school’s page and sponsor a child.
A Living Lab for Conscious Living
The Seed Habitat is the culmination of nearly two decades of experience in sustainable systems design and conscious business. It represents our ongoing journey to live harmoniously with the earth—one that began with IslaVerde, expanded through The Moth’s consulting work, and now continues at The Seed Habitat.
Through every challenge and triumph, we have stayed committed to our vision: to design beautiful, sustainable spaceswhere transformation happens, connections flourish, and a kinder world is made possible.
Explore The Seed
Whether you’re planning a retreat, a yoga teacher training, or a personal getaway, The Seed invites you to step into a world of sustainable luxury, creativity, and connection.
Join us as we continue to grow, learn, and co-create a future where kind living is not just a philosophy but a way of life.