FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOGA HOLIDAYS
Why do a Yoga Holiday?
I’m travelling alone. Will I be the only one?
How much yoga and free-time is there?
What happens about meals? Does everyone eat together?
How do I get there?
Will everyone be better/more experienced than me?
Will I need a car?
What kind of people will be there?
What are the current prices?
Can I have a brochure? How do I make a booking?
Why do a Yoga Holiday?
Yoga Holidays are for anyone who needs to recharge their batteries, get some perspective on their life, to relax or simply to further their study and practice of yoga in a nurturing and fulfilling environment. Guests are encouraged to relax, enjoy, be themselves, make friends, ask questions, have fun and experience the great joy that yoga can bring. Many people experience the resolution of a problem or a new-found determination to change some aspect of their lives that has been bothering them. Others just find the holidays a complete break and come back year after year for their “therapy”. The holidays are not intended as a serious detox – the clue is in the word “holiday” but many guests choose to use the week or few days to maybe instil some good eating or drinking habits, to get more exercise or rest, to leave work and problems at home and to really devote time to themselves, to honour their body and their minds.
I’m travelling alone. Will I be the only one?
Many people come on the holidays on their own and quickly make friends and settle into the relaxed and friendly environment. You can choose to share a twin room with another single traveller, have a single en suite room for a supplement or share the dormitory space. We have a maximum of 5 sharers in the dormitory which is split into two private areas, with bathroom and showers next door. The sleeping area is above the yoga studio and is very pretty. So it is not unusual to welcome single travellers and there are plenty of friendly people around and plenty of space to have time to yourself.
How much yoga and free-time is there?
For all the holidays, there are morning and evening classes on most days except for arrivals and departures days. It’s not too early a start – either 8.30am or 9.00am depending on the time of year in the morning for a 2-hour class, followed by brunch and then free time until the 90-minute evening session at 6.00pm.
This allows for plenty of rest time, massage treatments, local walks or sunbathing. We usually take one afternoon off during the holiday to allow guests to explore further afield or take an extended relaxation day.
What happens about meals? Does everyone eat together?
This depends on the holiday centre as some holidays are fully catered, others half-board. At all locations, we take brunch together after each morning yoga session. If guests are rushing off to the beach, brunch can be taken in a packed lunch. At Quinta Mimosa, Portugal for example, apart from 2 evening meals which are provided, all other meals are self-catered. There is a large well-equipped kitchen in each house and plenty of eating areas. Often, guests will get together and share food/cooking and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and markets nearby to choose from, which we usually visit as a group at least once during the week.
How do I get there?
PORTUGAL: Flights can be taken from most European airports to Faro which is just 20 minutes away. If you’re coming from further afield you can also fly to Lisbon and either get the train or fly to Faro. From Seville and many other areas in Southern Spain you can arrive by Eva Bus. Quinta Mimosa is situated between Loule and Almancil and Quinta da Calma in Almancil – full directions will be sent to you when you book or you can visit their websites for more information. Taxis from Faro airport cost around 25 euros and if you arrive at the same time as another guest it is often possible to share transport.
I’m a beginner. Will everyone be better/more experienced than me?
All the holidays are suitable for all levels, even complete beginners. Rachel takes care that everyone, no matter what level, gets the teaching they need to suit their experience. Beginners are welcome as well as more advanced students and teachers and Rachel makes sure that those more experienced are sufficiently challenged! Having different levels in the class is a great learning experience as we all learn from each other.
Will I need a car?
PORTUGAL: It’s a good idea to hire a car as there is so much to explore in the Algarve. However, taxi’s are reasonably priced and easy to organise and you can also hire bicycles. Trains and buses have regular routes throughout Portugal and there is a little station in Almancil, about a mile from the retreat venue. There is a small supermarket and 2 great restaurants within walking distance but the bigger shops are a 5 minute drive away. Loule market is 5 minutes drive north and the beach is 10 minutes south by car but again, taxis will take you there for around 10 euros each way.
What kind of people come on a yoga holiday?
It’s always a pleasure to welcome guests on the yoga holidays as they are from all walks of life. We have guests from ages 20 to 80. Predominantly women but usually there’s a man or two! Some have done lots of yoga, some none at all or very little. Some have very stressful jobs in banking, media, fashion or in the caring professions, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists. Some are mothers or fathers taking some time out from family commitments, others are retired but keeping active. Some are writers, artists or graduates. All have one thing in common, they want to come away for a while to relax in a warm and peaceful environment, develop their yoga practice and enjoy good company.
What are the current prices and how do I pay?
Please contact Rachel for pricing details and availability. It is possible to pay via bank transfer, cheque or cash on arrival or even PayPal via credit card, for which there is a small admin charge. Deposits are taken in sterling or euros and the balance is payable in euros.
Can I have a brochure? How do I make a booking?
All the information is on the holidays page but contact Rachel for further details. We try to save paper by keeping all the relevant infor online and Rachel is on hand to answer any other questions you may have. To make a booking please contact Rachel direct via her email or telephone 0207 558 8658.
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