Ayurveda FAQ’s
Will I receive personalized Ayurvedic care?
Absolutely! At our retreat, personalized Ayurvedic care is a cornerstone of your experience. Every guest will be under the dedicated care of a qualified and advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner. Your day-to-day wellness journey will be meticulously overseen, ensuring a truly tailored and holistic approach to your health and well-being.
In addition to the guidance from our expert practitioners, our Ayurvedic Practitioner Interns will play a crucial role in your care. They will provide daily consultations and maintain high-level oversight of the entire program. From the preparation of nourishing, Ayurvedic meals to the administration of therapeutic treatments, every aspect of your program is carefully managed under the direct supervision of our lead practitioners.
We maintain a generous ratio of 2 guests for every 1 practitioner. This ensures that every individual receives the attention, care, and nurturing needed to foster profound healing and rejuvenation. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a supportive environment where your health and wellness goals can be fully realized.
Who will be overseeing my care?
Your care will be overseen by Jacky Rae and Andy Betancourt, the co-founders of Yoga Veda Institute, along with our team of Ayurvedic Interns. Jacky Rae and Andy Betancourt bring a wealth of experience and expertise to your wellness journey.
As former directors of the Monte Vista Ayurvedic Retreat Center, Jacky Rae and Andy were responsible for the care and oversight of hundreds of guests during their tenure. They are well-versed in Ayurvedic Panchakarma, detoxification, and cleansing practices, ensuring that you are in capable hands throughout your stay.
Under their guidance, along with the support of our dedicated team of Ayurvedic Interns, you can rest assured that your well-being is our top priority. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and support as you embark on your healing journey with us.
Flight Information
Faro Airport (FAO) is a 20-minute drive and welcomes international and domestic flights. Flights are approximately two hours from most major European cities throughout the year.
Transportation
The drive to and from the airport is roughly 20 minutes. Please take note of the suggested arrival and departure times so that you can join our group shuttle.
To the villa: Our complimentary, pre-arranged shuttles will depart Faro International airport at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm on November 27. We suggest booking a flight that lands at 2:00 pm or earlier.
To the airport: Our complimentary, pre-arranged shuttles will depart the villa at approximately 12:00 pm on December 1. We suggest booking a flight that departs at 2:00 pm or later.
If your flight will arrive outside our group shuttle times, we ask that you make your own way to the villa. The same applies to departures that will fall outside our group shuttle times.
Group Shuttle
If you’re utilizing our group shuttle, the driver will be waiting outside the airport in the shuttle area. The driver will be holding a sign that reads ‘Yoga Veda’. We’ll be waiting for you at the villa.
Travel FAQ’s
Where is the Retreat held?
The retreat is held in a private villa in the the town of Villamoura, in the Faro District of Algarve, Portugal (exact address will be provided upon booking).
What are arrival and departure times?
Check-in is at 3:00 pm CEST (local time) and programming begins at 4:30 pm CEST on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Programming ends at 11:00 am CEST, with check-out at 12:00 pm CEST on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Flight Information
Faro Airport (FAO) is a 20-minute drive and welcomes international and domestic flights. Flights are approximately two hours from most major European cities throughout the year.
Transportation
The drive to and from the airport is roughly 20 minutes. Please take note of the suggested arrival and departure times so that you can join our group shuttle.
To the villa: Our complimentary, pre-arranged shuttles will depart Faro International airport at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm on November 27. We suggest booking a flight that lands at 2:00 pm or earlier.
To the airport: Our complimentary, pre-arranged shuttles will depart the villa at approximately 12:00 pm on December 1. We suggest booking a flight that departs at 2:00 pm or later.
If your flight will arrive outside our group shuttle times, we ask that you make your own way to the villa. The same applies to departures that will fall outside our group shuttle times.
Group Shuttle
If you’re utilizing our group shuttle, the driver will be waiting outside the airport in the shuttle area. The driver will be holding a sign that reads ‘Yoga Veda’. We’ll be waiting for you at the villa.
Schedule
Wednesday November 27th
3:00 pm Check-In
5:00 pm Opening Circle
7:30 pm Dinner
Thursday, November 28th
8:30 am Light Breakfast
10:00 am Meditation into Yoga
1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 pm Ayurvedic Consultations & Spa Appts.
2:00 pm Afternoon Activity : Sea and Salt Walk
3:30 pm Snack
5 – 6:30 pm Restorative Movement
7:30 pm Dinner
Friday, November 29th
8:30 am Light Breakfast
10:00 am Meditation into Yoga
1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 pm Ayurvedic Consultations & Spa Appts.
3:30 pm Snack
5 – 6:30 pm Restorative Movement
7:30 pm Dinner
Saturday, November 30th
8:30am Light Breakfast
10:00 am Meditation into Yoga
1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 pm Ayurvedic Consultations & Spa Appts.
2:00 pm & 3:00pm Afternoon Activity : Alchemy Ayurvedic Workshop
3:30 pm Snack
5 – 6:30 pm Restorative Movement into Closing Circle
7:00 pm Evening Gathering
8:00 pm Dinner
Sunday, December 1st
8:30 am Light Breakfast
9:30 – 10:30 am Optional Movement
11:00 am Check Out
Share your itinerary
When you’re ready, please share your travel itinerary with us. We must collect this information for all students, regardless of whether you are utilizing our group shuttle. Travel itineraries must be sent by November 15, 2024. Our shuttle schedule will be sent one week prior to our arrival.
Suggested packing list
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Passport
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Fitness/yoga clothes
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Sneakers
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Casual attire
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Warm layers for chilly weather
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Swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
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Altar offering: a token of something you’d like to create more of, honor, or let go of
NOTE: Yoga mats will be provided
Are afternoon activities required?
Everything during the retreat is optional. We highly encourage you to join us for meditation, yoga, and restorative afternoon movement, as this programming is designed to be cumulative. This week is about taking care of YOU. Please do what feels best and right for your body and spirit.
Dietary restrictions
All our meals will be gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and, most importantly, delicious. If you did not submit any dietary restrictions or allergies during registration, please share them with us as soon as possible by emailing director@yogavedainstitute.com
What is included in the retreat?
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Light communal Ayurvedic breakfast
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Guided meditation into long-form yoga class
- Ayurvedic Consultations
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Nourishing Ayurvedic brunch
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Afternoon activities
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Restorative movement
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Group dinner with fresh, local ingredients
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Communal evening gathering
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Algarvian Coastal Tour
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Alchemy Workshop
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Complimentary Faro Airport (FAO) transportation
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Accommodations
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A specially-curated welcome gift
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Add-Ons:
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Stand-up paddle or kayak guided tour
- Massage appointments
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Cliff tours
- Surfing lessons
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Scuba diving
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Catamaran or sailing yacht tour
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Is pricing in USD?
Yes, pricing listed on our website is in USD.
Are yoga mats provided?
Yes.
What amenities are provided in the bathrooms?
Hairdryers, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion are supplied in each bathroom in addition to other luxury amenities.
Logistics
What is the cancellation policy?
Yoga Veda Institute LLC does not offer refunds for the deposit for any reason.
If you should need to cancel prior to the October 1, 2024, payment deadline you will not be responsible for the remainder of your payment.
Should you need to cancel on or after October 1, 2024, the remainder of your payment must be paid in full.
Yoga Veda Institute LLC is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip.
When is my remainder due?
Remainder payments are due October 1, 2024. Payments are auto-enabled using your credit card on file through Square.
Travel insurance
It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Naturally, no one books with the intention of canceling or postponing their retreat, but unexpected things do happen, so please consider purchasing travel cancellation insurance. Depending on the policy and conditions, travel cancellation insurance will pay for some or all cancellation fees. With most agencies, insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation. We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance through your travel agent, or visit the following web site to compare insurers www.worldnomads.com.
I have more questions!
Email director@yogavedainstitute.com for any further questions or concerns.