Do I need to book my own transportation to Sierra Hot Springs?
You are responsible for booking your own transportation. We recommend flying into Reno, Sacramento, San Francisco, or Oakland airports and either renting a car or carpooling with other guests. We suggest arriving by 3:00 pm to get settled before the retreat starts at 5:30 pm and planning your flight with enough time after our brunch on Sunday.
Where is the retreat center located and how do I get there from the airport?
Sierra Hot Springs is located at 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd., Sierraville, CA 96126. Airport transfer is not included but we can help set up shared rides among guests.
Will I need cash?
All of the activities highlighted on the trip page are included in the price. Sierra Hot Springs is isolated, so guests should bring any cash they might need for basic products available at the lodge and extra snacks.
Can I arrive early to the retreat and stay late?
Please plan your transportation to arrive by the opening ceremony. You might wish to arrive early or stay longer (we never want to leave!), and we are happy to help you with your trip planning and extended reservations.
What should I pack?
Check out Sierra Hot Springs packing list here: http://www.sierrahotsprings.org/pack.htm
Camping gear is not provided. You can camp outdoors or “camp indoors” in the carpeted yoga room in the Main Lodge.
We suggest unplugging and tuning in to the current of the beautiful nature we’ll be surrounded by. However, there is some cell service.
Is travel insurance mandatory for this yoga retreat? How do I purchase it?
Travel insurance for all of our international yoga retreats is mandatory. Unfortunately we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. Purchase your travel insurance within a week of purchasing your plane flight.
We highly recommend that you add “cancel for any reason” to your policy. Although normal trip cancellation will cover you for illness or injury, or for a travel companions illness, injury or death, it is limited to these. With “cancel for any reason” you will receive a percentage (usually 75%-100%) of all pre-paid costs. With this coverage if something comes up, a wedding, a new job opportunity, etc. or if YOGASCAPES has to cancel due to weather, staff injury or illness or other unforeseen reasons, you will be covered. *This option needs to be purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit.
We suggest this policy from Travel Guard or similar:
Travel Guard – Gold(Protect Assist) w/ Cancel for any reason http://www.travelguard.com/
For more information please contact the Insurance provider you are looking to purchase with or contact us
What food can I expect?
We will provide all meals during your trip (2-3 daily). Please let us know as soon as you sign up for the trip or before you sign up if you have any special needs; food allergies or other allergies, or any other special needs or conditions, dietary or medical.
Where does the yoga take place and how often?
We will practice on Friday night, twice on Saturday, and on Sunday morning.
If I sign up alone, how do you organize roommates?
We’ll arrange roommates based on gender, age, region and interests.
How many people will be on this yoga retreat?
There are usually around 15-20 people on the trip.
How much free time do we have?
We have a balance of group time, yoga, optional activities, and down time. You can find more details under the trip itinerary.
Where will we be be staying?
What to bring?
-Yoga Mat/towel if you use it
-Any props that you need
-Bathing suit if needed
-Warm clothing for cold weather
-Reusable water bottle
-Towel
-Comfortable shoes (pools are ~15 min walk)
-Flashlight/headlamp
-Any snacks you might need between meals
*what not to bring… alcohol. SHS doesn’t allow alcohol on site.
What can I expect on a YOGASCAPES retreat?
You can expect to explore the most incredible parts of the world, savor delicious flavors daily, and dive into incredible yoga with the best yoga teachers in the world.
Do I need yoga experience?
We welcome yogis of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practioners. Yoga retreats are not just for the yogi who practices every day and can touch the floor with their elbows. Our retreats offer opportunities for growth and new experience, no matter how much time you have spent on your mat. Regardless, we suggest keeping an open mind and trying out practices that might be new to you.
How do I pick which yoga retreats to go on?
Start by exploring the Escapes page to see what’s out there, and trust your instincts! We travel to all corners of the world, so whether you are looking to unplug at a tropical oasis, soak in hot springs just a short drive from the city, or gaze into the starry sky in the desert, we offer it all! Check out this blog for more ideas to get you started, and if you have questions, ask!
Can I go on a Retreat by myself?
Yes! About half our participants come alone and often come away with lifelong friends. If you’re traveling alone, a yoga retreat is the best way to meet new people with similar interests in a safe and healthy environment.
How many people will be on the retreats?
Our group sizes depend on which trip you are joining. They reflect our desire to be small and intimate for having a good teacher to student ratio while keeping in mind the joy and community that can come from a certain size group. The trips generally range from 15-25 guests.
What food can I expect?
We will provide almost all of the meals during your trip (2-3 daily), as described in the trip description. We always enjoy delicious food on our retreats and strive to include organic, fresh ingredients as often as possible. Please let us know as soon as you sign up for the trip or before you sign up if you have any special needs; food allergies or other allergies, or any other special needs or conditions, dietary or medical.
What should I bring?
Please see trip description for additional items, but you should generally bring: yoga mat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, headlamp, book, journal, reusable water bottle, and a little sense of adventure!
How much free time do we have?
Our retreats include a healthy balance between group activities and solo free time to relax, read a book, take a walk, etc. The days that we have outings planned we will go lighter on the yoga and we generally build in time for participants to go off on their own or simply stay at our retreat center.
When will I receive trip details?
Upon registration, you will receive a welcome message with general trip information. As the date approaches you will receive trip reminders and specifics relevant to your retreat.
What’s Included?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section of each trip for more details, but typically we include all lodging, all breakfasts and most other meals. Each trip varies, but we like to include 1-2 excusions and leave the other days for optional activities. All yoga classes are included. Some trips will include transportation from the airport and all trips will include transportation for listed included activities!
When should I book?
We offer discounts for signing up before certain dates, so the earlier you sign up the better your price may be. Check the specific trip you are interested in to make sure you sign up before the next deadline!
Do I need to book my own flight?
You are responsible for booking your own flight. Each trip will have suggested arrival and departure details based on when we know you need to be in the airport and you can always send us the itinerary before booking if you want to double check it’s correct!
How do I get from the airport to the retreat center?
For most retreats you are responsible for your own airport transfer unless stated otherwise. You can always request support booking your transfer and we are usually able to pair people up to share in the cost.
What is the currency and where do I get it? How much cash will I need?
All of the activities highlighted on the trip page are included in the price. However, we will have free time for you to explore on your own. If you choose to go on any optional excursions you will be responsible for the costs but we will definitely help you arrange anything.
Can I arrive early and stay late?
You will need to purchase your flights in order to arrive/depart by given dates and time ranges for your specific trip. If you choose to arrive earlier or later than given day/time you will be responsible for the cost of transportation needed to join up with the group. We always encourage you to to explore the area, if that option is available to you. At some locations you will be able to arrive early or stay late at the venue itself, while at other locations you will need to stay elsewhere.
Is travel insurance mandatory? How do I purchase it?
Travel insurance for all of our international yoga retreats is mandatory. Unfortunately we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. Purchase your travel insurance within a week of purchasing your plane flight.
Compare Insurance Options at SquareMouth.com. We highly recommend that you add “cancel for any reason” to your policy. Although normal trip cancellation will cover you for illness or injury, or for a travel companions illness, injury or death, it is limited to these. With “cancel for any reason” you will receive a percentage (usually 75%-100%) of all pre-paid costs. With this coverage if something comes up, a wedding, a new job opportunity, etc. or if YOGASCAPES has to cancel due to weather, staff injury or illness or other unforeseen reasons, you will be covered. *This option needs to be purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit.
We suggest this policy from Travel Guard or similar:
Travel Guard – Gold(Protect Assist) w/ Cancel for any reason http://www.travelguard.com/
For more information please contact the Insurance provider you are looking to purchase with or contact us
Is my ticket refundable?
If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date any payments made will be refunded minus your deposit. If cancellation takes place between 30-60 days prior to your departure, 50% of the trip price will be refunded OR 100% of the trip price minus the deposit will be credited toward another trip. If cancellation takes place less than 30 days prior to your departure date, 100% of the trip price will be forfeited.
Do you have discounts available?
We offer a limited number of early-bird prices and students/teachers/artist rates to make our trips as accessible as possible. We also offer occasional giveaways and specials that can be seen by following us on Facebook.
Payment plan
Please contact us directly if you are interested in payment plan. We want to make our trips accessible to as many people as possible and are open to setting up a payment plan in certain situations.