Earth-to-Bar chocolate making workshop
Description
Listening to the forest, protecting its future
Macaw Lodge once again welcomed a group of 6 participants for a 5-day Earth-to-Bar chocolate making workshop. This year’s students brought a wide range of experience, from those just beginning their craft chocolate journey to true cacao experts.
Guided by Obie and Michelle Pressman of Insight Chocolate, the immersive program offered a rich blend of learning and joyful experimentation. Taking part in cacao harvesting and post-processing gave participants a rare, hands-on understanding of cacao and a deeper appreciation for every step of its transformation. By the end of the class, everyone left with their own chocolate bars to share with family and friends, along with the knowledge to make more.
Each class brings together new people and fresh perspectives. This year, we were also joined by Sarah Barath, an Agro-Ecologist and Cacao Specialist, and explored cacao agriculture and fermentation in depth. With more than 25 years of experience working with cacao, Sarah shared an extraordinary depth of knowledge about the process that turns the cacao seed into a cocoa bean. Her insights were warmly received, and with her guidance, Macaw’s agricultural and fermentation processes will be transformed.
After everyone returned home, we were delighted to hear from several students and to learn how much fun they had sharing their chocolate with friends and family over the Easter Holiday. The sense of connection we feel with everyone who joins our chocolate workshops is, for us, the heart of cacao. We hope you can join us someday.
Interested in joining the next class? Email
Accommodation Options
Habitaciones Standard
The 8 Standard rooms are located on the second floor of the main building and feature a lovely balcony overlooking the main lobby. Designed for comfort and simplicity, each room includes two full beds with therapeutic mattresses, creating a restful space after a day spent exploring or unwinding.
Guests will also find a ceiling fan, a private marble bathroom, and hot water supplied through solar panels. Thoughtful details add to the experience, including bamboo-fiber towels and sheets, handwoven bedcovers made by Guatemalan indigenous artisans, and window mosquito screens crafted with a special bronze mesh. WiFi access is also available, offering the convenience of staying connected while enjoying a serene atmosphere.
Bungalows Standard
Set within the peaceful surroundings of Macaw Lodge, the three Standard Bungalows offer a simple and comfortable stay close to nature. Each bungalow features a lovely terrace with rocking chairs, creating an inviting spot to relax, listen to the sounds of the environment, and enjoy the slower rhythm of retreat life.
Inside, the bungalows are equipped with two beds, arranged as either one full bed and two single beds or one full bed and one single bed. Guests also have the convenience of a private bathroom and a ceiling fan for added comfort. The windows include mosquito screens with special bronze mesh, helping maintain a more restful and protected atmosphere.
Included features:
- Private terrace with rocking chairs
- Two beds: 1 full and 2 singles, or 1 full and 1 single
- Ceiling fan
- Private bathroom
- Mosquito screens on the windows with special bronze mesh
Please note that there is no internet access, allowing guests to fully disconnect and enjoy a more mindful, nature-focused experience.
Bungalow Familiar
The largest bungalow at the Lodge, this spacious accommodation is fully equipped for a comfortable stay with the freedom to prepare your own meals. It features two full beds, a ceiling fan, and a private bathroom, along with a kitchen complete with a refrigerator, sink, dining utensils, and a table with chairs for relaxed in-room dining.
Designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, the bungalow also includes window screens with special bronze mesh to help keep the space airy and protected. Outside, a private terrace with rocking chairs offers a peaceful spot to unwind, read, or simply enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
Included features:
- 2 full beds
- Ceiling fan
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Sink
- Dining utensils
- Table and chairs
- Window screens with special bronze mesh
- Terrace with rocking chairs
Please note that there is no internet access.
Bungalow Natural
Set closest to the main building, these bungalows offer a serene stay surrounded by natural materials and thoughtful comfort. Built with bamboo and teak, and finished with bareque and clay walls, they create an earthy atmosphere that feels both simple and inviting.
Each bungalow is equipped with two beds, either one full and one single or two full beds, along with a ceiling fan for added comfort. The private bathroom is finished in marble, while hot water is provided through solar panels. Soft towels and bed linens made from bamboo fiber add to the natural experience.
To help you rest peacefully, the windows include mosquito nets with special bronze mesh, and each terrace features rocking chairs for quiet moments outdoors. Bungalow #15 also includes a ramp for accessibility. Please note that there is no internet access, making this an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy a slower pace.
Teachers
Obie Pressman
Michelle Pressman
Sarah Barath
Place
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Price
On request
Duration
4 nights / 5 days
Available any date