All accommodations, meals and classes are at Haramara Retreat Center located on the outskirts of Sayulita, Mexico. Registration does not include airfare, gratuities, alcohol, spa services or excursions.
*Please see ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE for schedule of classes and meals on check-in and check-out dates.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations are provided in beautifully appointed, indigenous-style palapas set in the jungle hillside overlooking Haramara's private beach. Most every palapa has an ocean view. The grounds of Haramara are expansive, with jungle trails connecting the palapas. Palapas are situated to give total privacy. Palapas do not have electricity and are lit entirely by kerosene lantern and candlelight. The weather at Sayulita is temperate and there are no mosquitoes.
MEALS
Meals are vegetarian or seafood and are served in Haramara's dining room with full table service. Full breakfasts are served, and lunch and dinner are typically three courses, including a starter, main course, and home made dessert prepared by Haramara's on staff pastry chef. Wine is available at additional fee.
YOGA & CHANTING
There will be a 2-1/2 to 3 hour mixed level asana class each morning, and restorativeyoga/pranayama class each afternoon in Haramara's fully-equipped hilltop yoga hall boasting 360 degree views . Each afternoon will feature a half hour chanting session. While you are encouraged to participate in all classes, you are welcome to create a class schedule suitable to your condition and interests; for example, if you are recoverying from an illness, you may take only the afternoon restorative session, or you may choose not to participate in the daily chanting class if you are not interested in the subject.
GRATUITIES
A gratuity for the Haramara Retreat Staff is recommended at the end of the retreat. Typically individuals give $50 each, which is collected and given to the manager for distribution to the kitchen and housekeeping staff.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
The retreat begins on Saturday, December 6, 2008 with a 7:00pm welcome dinner in the Haramara dining hall followed by an orientation. The retreat comes to a close following morning yoga and brunch at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 13, 2008.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
You are responsible for booking and purchasing your flight. The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta. The easiest and cheapest flight from the Bay Area to Puerto Vallarta of which we are is a non-stop flight on Alaska Airlines from San Francisco, at a little over three hours flight time. A van will be available at the Puerto Vallarta airport at 4:30pm to take you to Haramara Retreat Center, approximately 45 minutes away. The van can accommodate up to seven people at a cost of $75 to be split among passengers. When making your flight reservations please allow enough time to clear customs. If you are unable to catch the van, you are responsible for your own transportation to the retreat center. Taxis are available at the airport for approximately $40 or cars may be rented. Please note, there is a one-hour time zone difference between Haramara Retreat Center and Puerto Vallarta — Haramara Retreat Center is one hour behind. A van to the airport will be available on the last day of the retreat at 12:30pm to take you to the airport, with an estimated arrival of 2:30pm.
RECREATION AND SPA SERVICES
Haramara Retreat Center has its own private beach for sunning and bathing. It is a twenty minute walk or short cab ride away from Sayulita, a quaint Mexican town with many cute boutiques and restaurants. Sayulita is world renowned for surfing, and surfing lessons may be scheduled during your stay. Group excursions for snorkeling and hiking the nearby volcano are available through Haramara, and can be scheduled at additional cost. Hamamara Retreat Spa offers massage and facials in a beautiful ocean front setting.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
Participants in Yoga in Mexico should be in good overall health and have been practicing yoga consistently for at least one year. Participants should be comfortable with considerable walking on hilly, dirt trails, and navigating by flashlight at night. Each participant is responsible for insuring that they have adequate medical coverage while attending Yoga in Mexico. Participants are advised to carry insurance documentation and medical emergency information on retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be presented in writing (email is acceptable) and received no later than September 26, 2008. Upon receipt of letter of cancellation, registration fee will be refunded less $500 deposit. No refunds will be made after September 26, 2008. No refunds will be given for early departure from retreat. Because cancellations result in additional costs and time for the Presenter (Ann Dyer Yoga), under no circumstances, regardless of reason for cancellation on the part of participant, will the $500 deposit fee be returned, nor will the terms of cancellation as stated above be waived. Presenter reserves the right to cancel Yoga in Mexico prior to departure. If such cancellation is NOT due to circumstances beyond the Presenter's control - such as war, terrorist activity, adverse weather conditions, fire, and natural disaster - Presenter will refund all payments, constituting full settlement with the participant. However, should cancellation or early termination of retreat be deemed necessary by Presenter due to reasons beyond Presenter's control as outlined above, no compensation or refund will be made unless or until Presenter is able to recover any trip-related sums. In the event of cancellation arising from circumstances beyond Presenter's control as set forth above, trip-related sums recovered by the Presenter will be distributed equitably to the participants after all out-of-pocket costs and related expenses have been deducted. Ann Dyer Yoga is not responsible for expenses incurred for delays and/or detainments as a result of circumstances beyond its control. It is recommended that participants purchase their own travel insurance.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Once registered you will receive a confirmation package including detailed information on what to pack, spa service details, near-by sites and other useful information. Please be aware that Haramara Retreat Center ACCEPTS ONLY CASH for payment of additional services. Please note that all matters regarding Yoga & Chanting in Mexico are to be addressed to Ann Dyer Yoga and not be taken directly to the Haramara Retreat Center management.
RELEASE AND RESPONSIBILITY
The participant, by signing this agreement, agrees that Ann Dyer Yoga and its representatives, except for their gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned for any reason. The participant agrees to assume all risks associated with Yoga in Mexico and agrees that no liability will attach to the Presenter, its employees or agents, or to any member of the trip in respect of death, personal injury, illness or delay of the passenger, or for any loss of or damage to the property (including luggage) of the participant during the course of Yoga in Mexico, howsoever caused.
REGISTRATION
Enrollment is limited. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. To register please send signed and completed registration form along with check for $500 to: Ann Dyer, POB 1257, Oakland, CA 94604.
The registration must be paid in full by September 26, 2008. Late registrants will be accommodated depending on space availability and must pay full rate at time of registration. Checks are to be made payable to Ann Dyer.