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Bluerise

Yoga Retreats

FAQ’s

Table of contents

How do I make a reservation?

Simply go on to our retreats page, choose the retreat and rooming option you would like and select ‘book now’. You will then be directed through check out.

What is the cancellation policy?

CANCELLATIONS BY YOU

A full refund of the monies paid will be given for all cancellations up to 3 months prior to the start date of the booked retreat. Any deposits made by you become non-refundable after this time. The balance is due 6 weeks before the start of your retreat and all payments are non-refundable after this time.

CANCELLATIONS BY BLUERISE RETREATS

Should a circumstance arise and Bluerise Retreats has to cancel your retreat for any reason, you will be informed as soon as is reasonably possible.  In these circumstances, Bluerise Retreats will, if we are able to do so, offer you an alternative retreat of equivalent standard. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can receive a full refund.

For more details on our cancellation policy please see our Terms and Conditions.

Should I buy travel insurance?

Yes. It is essential that you have valid personal travel insurance before your trip that covers you for any activities you will be taking part in. If you are hiking with us, please also choose a policy that includes high mountain rescue up to 2500 m.

We cannot advise you on which insurance company to use. Please compare and read policies carefully to be sure to choose the right insurance for you.

What should I bring (to a yoga and hiking retreat)?

We recommend bringing sunglasses, sun cream, swimwear (for the spa areas), a hat, warm layers and a waterproof coat. If you are hiking with us please bring either hiking boots or sensible outdoor footwear and a backpack. Don’t worry if you come unprepared or forget anything, there are plenty of shops in town.

We provide all yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, eye pillows, straps, bolsters and blankets). We have kitted our retreats out with eco-friendly mats from Jade Yoga; a company committed to making the world’s most environmentally friendly yoga products, giving back to the earth by planting a tree for every article sold. Of course, if you’d prefer to use your own mat we’re happy for you to bring it along.

We also provide towels and bathrobes, so no need to bring your own.

What should I bring (to a yoga and skiing/snowboarding retreat)?

We recommend bringing any snow gear you have (snow trousers, ski jacket, gloves, goggles etc) and a small backpack (for carrying water and a packed lunch to the slopes). In the pre-arrival form we ask if you will need to hire ski / snowboard equipment. When you are here we will take you to pick it up on the first day.

We also recommend bringing sunglasses, sun cream, swimwear (for the spa areas), a hat, warm layers and a waterproof coat (if you don’t have a ski jacket).

Don’t worry if you come unprepared or forget anything, we may be able to lend you certain items but if not, there are plenty of shops in town.

We provide all yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, eye pillows, straps, bolsters and blankets). We have kitted our retreats out with eco-friendly mats from Jade Yoga; a company committed to making the world’s most environmentally friendly yoga products, giving back to the earth by planting a tree for every article sold. Of course, if you’d prefer to use your own mat we’re happy for you to bring it along.

We also provide towels and bathrobes at the chalet so no need to bring your own.

What should I bring (to a yoga and surfing / beach retreat)?

We recommend that all our clients bring sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, swimwear, flip flops / sandals, light clothes for hot weather, warm layers and a waterproof coat.

We provide all yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, eye pillows, straps and bolsters). We have kitted our retreats out with eco-friendly mats from Jade Yoga; a company committed to making the world’s most environmentally friendly yoga products, giving back to the earth by planting a tree for every article sold.

Of course, if you’d prefer to use your own mat we’re happy for you to bring it along.

We provide all surf equipment; boards and wetsuits. If you have chosen an activity other than surfing (in the drop down menu on the pre-arrival form) we will provide the equipment needed for that activity. All activities are led by an experienced guide.

We also provide towels and beach towels at the villa so no need to bring your own.

Can I join a waiting list if the retreat I’d like to go on is sold out?

Yes. Just get in touch and let us know you are interested and we will put you on the waiting list.

Do I need prior yoga experience?

We handpick wonderful teachers from across the globe who are experienced and inclusive for students with all levels of practice. This means that even complete beginners, as well as advanced practitioners, will be given alternative poses and guidance so that all can enjoy the classes.

If we create a retreat for a specific skill level only this will be made very clear in the description of the retreat.

Will the hikes be difficult?

No prior fitness level is required. However, Chamonix’s mountainous terrain means the trails can have a fair amount of ascent and descent. Our qualified and experienced walking guide and nature expert, Susanna Walker, carefully chooses trails to suit the abilities of our clients. She makes sure no-one is left behind, while imparting knowledge on the local wildlife and beautiful fauna.

How long are the hikes?

Our half day hikes last 2 – 3 hours.

The full day hikes usually last around 6 hours. This includes plenty of rest time to enjoy a healthy packed lunch and take in the incredible views.

What will the weather be like (Chamonix)?

Chamonix Mont Blanc is the most beautiful Alpine region in Europe but as with all mountain regions, the weather is unpredictable. It can be extremely hot on sunny days in winter and occasionally very cold even in summer, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather report right before you travel.

What will the weather be like (Portugal)?

Our surf and yoga lodge is located between Lagos and Sagres in the pretty village of Praia da Luz, close to the best surf beaches and the most picturesque coastline in Europe. With over 300 days of sunshine a year this is the perfect place for an autumn retreat. On sunny days it can be lovely and warm (20° – 30°+) but it can sometimes rain at this time of year. It’s always a good idea to check the weather right before you travel.

Are transfers included?

Yes, transfers are included as part of your retreat – from the closest airport to the retreat venue.

If your retreat is in Chamonix, transfers are according to the following time-slots. For all destinations we will be sending a pre-arrival form to collect travel details in order to book you onto a suitable transfer.

Please check the retreat page for your retreat to see what’s included.

What time is check-in / check-out?

For most of our destinations, check in is from 4pm and check out is from 10am. If you are coming to Portugal, check in is from 3pm. It may be possible to check you in to your room earlier but you will need to get in touch with us to find out.

How much is a deposit to secure my place on the retreat?

Deposits for all of our destinations are £500.

When do I need to pay the remaining amount?

The balance is due 6 weeks before the start of your retreat.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

No. ALL activities are optional. This is your retreat and we want you to enjoy it. If that means sleeping in one morning or resting your legs and enjoying the spa on a hike day that’s fine by us.

Can I book additional activities through you?

Yes. There are many great optional activities you can enjoy on all of our retreats as they are in such great locations. Please check the retreat page for your retreat for more info or contact us if you would like us to book an activity for you during your retreat. For more info on activities in Chamonix check our activities page.

Do you accommodate my dietary requirement?

Quite simply; yes. Our chef is very experienced and well-practiced in accommodating all types of dietary requirements. It is important that you let us know in advance so we can prepare, especially if your specific dietary requirement is an allergy. We will send you a pre-arrival form 6 weeks before the start of your retreat to collect dietary requirements and other important info to make sure your retreat runs as smoothly as possible.

I’m a yoga teacher. Can I lead a retreat at your accommodation?

Yes. We like to collaborate with people from all over the world and regularly host groups. Please get in touch if you’d like to bring a group to one of our venues.

If you would like to work with us as a yoga instructor please refer to the next section ‘are you hiring?’.

Are you hiring?

Maybe! We are always interested in hiring down to earth, incredible people. If you are passionate, outstanding in your field and seriously interested in working for us please email us your CV. We review CV’s periodically and will be in touch if something opens up.

What’s the average age on your retreats?

This question is a hard one to answer because our retreats attract people of all ages, from all walks of life. There is often a mix of ages on any one retreat that usually range from people in their 20’s to people in their 60’s. We have had a few lovely clients in their late teens and a 74 year old doing handstands. The only restriction we have is that we do not accept children our retreats.

Is it ok to come to a retreat on my own?

We get a lot of solo travellers on our retreats. They’re wonderful for relaxing self-reflection, a break from day to day life and having some alone time. However, our retreats are also a great place to meet lovely, like-minded, interesting people. There is always a lot of laughter over dinner and the life-long connections many of our clients seem to make while on our retreats is truly heart-warming to witness.

Can I come a day early?

Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate you if you come a day early. This is because there is likely a retreat just before yours. We also only provide transfers on the first and last day of the retreat, so you will have to make your own travel arrangements. However, there are lots of great places to stay in Chamonix so if you feel like extending your trip we advise looking on booking.com or airbnb.com to find suitable accommodation. At the bottom of this page you will find links to various busses and transfer companies that go between Geneva airport and Chamonix, with whom you can book directly.

Can I come for a few days of the retreat?

Our retreats are really special and we find that people tend to bond over the 7 days, have amazing experiences together and make life-long friends. If people come for just a portion of the retreat it doesn’t feel as intimate and can be slightly unsettling for the group. We have created an amazing schedule for the week and you’ll get the most out of the retreat if you attend the whole thing. For this reason we don’t usually accept shorter stays.