Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEAN ADVENTURE RETREAT AND YOGA HOLIDY
We have 2 different programs, one we call a RETREAT and the other one HOLIDAY. Those two programs do not run simultaneously.
RETREAT - The Five Elements Yoga & Adventure Retreat week is a 7-night all inclusive package with accommodation, 2 meals per day, a morning yoga classes, Five Elements Wisdom classes, and 5 excursions including all the adventure activities that are listed on our page.
HOLIDAY - While on the Yoga Holiday package program there is only morning Yoga class and breakfast. After that you have free time to be on your holiday. We do not organize dinners, excursions and any adventure activities during the Yoga holiday package but we can give you recomendations.
IS THE 7-DAY ADVENTURE RETREAT PROGRAM FOR ME ( FAQ )
** AVERAGE AGE ?** From teenagers with parents up to 60 years old but fit participants. Statistics say that the average participants were from 30 to 40 years old.
**MAXIMUM AGE ?! ** We cant be strict on this but let's say 60 If you are above 60 please read the next answer.
** FOR 60+?! ** If you are above 60 you need to be super fit because it can be challenging if the wind is strong for kayaking and the temperature is above 30°C for any activities. Please read also the next answer.
ADVENTURE FITNESS LEVEL ? Average physical strength and abowe is preferable. We had many people who have never tried some activities before like kayaking or windsurfing. The adventure program is most of the time easy but it can be a real challenge if the wind suddenly increases during kayaking or stand-up paddling or if the temperature goes too high during hiking and biking. Anyway, If you aren't sure about your physical condition because of the weather condition at the place you can skip the activity. Please note that we also keep the right to ask our participants to skip some activities if we see that their physical or mental conditions would benefit more if they relax and skip some adventures. Also, keeping the dynamic of a group connected and healthy. If you have some medical problems or conditions you need to talk to your doctor and let us know about them.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SKIP SOME PARTS OF THE PROGRAM ? To skip any part is possible if the reason is something like health problems or concerns. If you know in advance that you would prefer to skip one or more activities please let us know before you book so that we can talk about it. If you are concerned about windsurfing, we understand because many people are. You can decide here whether you want to try it or not, and if you don't you will still come with us and you can just chill on the beach and have fun watching others windsurfing, or you can swim or do stand-up paddling. So for any other activities except windsurfing, you should let us know if you have some concerns.
In any case, if you skip any part of the program for any reason the price of the whole package remains the same. Our program is like a book, every part of the program is part of a story so to skip any part is like you don't read a chapter of the book. And it is also about the energy of the group. Every participant is part of the story, a member of the group experience. Therefore it is expected that every participant is willing and excited to participate in the whole program
** FOR SOLO TRAVELERS ?** Yes. Mostly our participants are solo travelers. While going through the testimonials, you will find many comments about the program being the “excellent choice for solo travelers”. A lot of dedication goes to the synergy of the group and connection. So, whether couples, groups, or solo, you are welcome. Your energy is the most important part of a group sinergy.
** FOR COUPLES ?** Is perfect! You will bond even more in a new adventures :)
** FOR CHILDREN ?! - 15 ** We accept teenagers from 15 years up accompanied by parents or siblings. Still, it is essential for a harmonious environment for the whole group to embrace kindness, peace, and positivity during their stay. Also willing to participate in all the activities,including yoga and philosophical talks.
** FOR DOGS ?! ** Sorry, we can't accept dogs because we have 2 cats and they get very stressed when a dog is around.
** YOGA BEGINNERS ?** We always have some beginners in yoga, those who have never done yoga before, as well as yoga teachers. Yoga is always in the morning hours. You are gently taken through diverse styles corresponding to the designed program. Classes are suitable for all levels. However, you should know your boundaries and respect that.
** FOR YOGA TEACHERS ?** Yes, we had many yoga teachers and they loved our retreat because we do only one yoga class per day. Yoga teachers find our Five Elements concept very interesting because it is a unique knowledge that they can easily implement into their yoga teaching.
MY PARTNER/FRIEND IS NOT MUCH INTO YOGA SO HE/SHE WANTS TO DO ADVENTURE ONLY. IS THAT POSSIBLE ? Our invitation is to fully participate, remember? The program is designed as a whole, every part plays a part. Morning yoga, interactive talks, delicious food, adventures, and free evenings. So once again, if you do decide to book, come because you want to come, and be open to our invitation. We will do our best to make the best holiday decision yet! If you come with a partner, friend, or family they also need to like what we are doing and not come only because of you. This is a Yoga and Adventure retreat/holiday so if someone doesn't like Yoga or Adventure or Wisdom maybe this program is not for them.
**ABOUT BOOKING AND PAYMENTS **
HOW DO I RESERVE, BOOK, AND PAY ? Once you are ready to book we will give bank account info and hold your place for 24h to book. For 5-day Yoga Holiday booking is made with 50% and the other 50% in cash on arrival. For the 7-day Retreat Booking is made with about 30% deposits through bank transactions. Another 30% is one month prior to arrival to another bank account. And the rest of the price you will pay on your arrival. We also have an application form which needs to be filled in in order to complete the booking. After we receive the deposit and application form we send you a confirmation for booking. If you sending last minute inquiry (less than 15 days ) please check the next question
LAST MINUTE BOOKING If you send an inquiry less than 15 days prior to the retreat date you should send it directly to our email and leave your full tel number ( starting with +... with the country code ). Note that we receive many last-minute inquiries so if we have an available place we will send you a message ASAP and you need to be fast in reply.
WHAT IS THE CANCELATION AND REFUNDING POLICY? If you cancel your arrival at any time the deposit remains non-refundable. The payments are refundable (- 50€ administration work) only in case someone books your place. In case of a travel ban or other similar situations like a natural catastrophe that may prevent you from coming, you can reschedule your trip for a maximum of one year (12 months). If you leave earlier or you skip any part of the program the price remains the same and any part is non-refundable.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
HOW AND WHEN DO I COME THERE ? If you come by car there are free parking places around our house. If you coming by bus you need to come to Rovinj. From Rovinj center or Rovinj bus station is only 2km from our home and we can come to pick you up and others on Sunday at 16:00 h. The closest airport is PUY ( Pula ) only 40km from our house in Rovinj. From the airport, the best way is to take a taxi directly to our house, which we can also arrange, but there are also busses to Rovinj. Check-in is on Sunday from 16:00 but if you come earlier to our house you can chill out in the garden until 16:00 More about how to come you can read here : https://yogaretreatcentercroatia.com/where-we-are
WHAT SHOULD I BRING for the Retreat ? We recommend: Bathing suit (preferably 2 pairs if you want to change when you get wet), beach towel, sun protection (hat, sun cream), mosquito repellent cream, small backpack, water bottle of min 0,7 L, raincoat in case of local rain, water shoes, or slippers that can go in the sea. No need for hiking boots, normal sneakers with good grip are fine. You may need a NOTEBOOK to write down the wisdom of the Elements We provide yoga mats and all gear for adventure experience so you don't need to bring yours.
CAN I COME EARLIER AND STAY LONGER ? Yes, you can spend extra nights before of after Retreat in our Retreat House for aditional price ( but no meals avalible ).
WHEN DO I NEED TO LEAVE ? Check-out is at 12:00 if you want you can leave your luggage and go to the beach or chill in our garden until your taxi comes.