Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Barefoot Yoga Retreats over a retreat center?
What level of yoga experience is required?
Do I need to be in good physical condition for the adventures?
I am an independent traveler, why choose a group retreat?
Are your retreats more appropriate for solo, partner, or group travel?
Are your retreats spiritual?
What do I need to bring?
Do you cater to special dietary needs?
What meals are included?
Why do you include seva (community service) in each retreat?
Do you offer custom retreats for small groups?
Why only islands?
I am planning on coming early, can you recommend a place to stay?
I am a vegetarian, but my partner is not. Will one of us go hungry?
Is yoga mandatory?
I’m planning on staying near one of your retreat programs; can I just practice with your group?
Why choose Barefoot Yoga Retreats over a retreat center?
The Barefoot experience takes you to exotic islands in the far reaches of the earth, and deep into the heart of each island. We pride ourselves in providing authentic travel adventures. Instead of isolating you in a retreat center, we take you out into the world to experience people, places, and food that you have never encountered. Our yoga sessions are held in beautiful outdoor locations, instead of crowded studios. Our small group size allows for a customized and intimate experience. And unlike most retreat centers, our accommodations are truly luxurious.
What level of yoga experience is required?
We cater to your yoga experience and abilities. We normally have mixed level classes, ranging from new beginners to very advanced practitioners, and we are skilled at providing a fulfilling and challenging class to each participant. Our small group size allows us to easily customize the classes to your needs and desires.
Do I need to be in good physical condition for the adventures?
We recommend that you are in good physical condition if you choose to participate in the included outdoor sports and activities. Please contact us if you have specific questions.
I am an independent traveler, why choose a group retreat?
The group experience has many benefits, even to those who normally travel solo. Our local guides will take you off-the-beaten track to places that you could not access alone, and because of the group size, we can arrange for you to stay in luxurious accommodations that would be out-of-reach for most solo travelers. Part of the Barefoot experience is the fun and fulfilling group interaction, which ranges from partner yoga to beach picnics to cultural ceremonies. At the same time, we are conscious to balance your needs for group time and individual time.
Are your retreats more appropriate for solo, partner, or group travel?
Our retreats are designed to accommodate everyone from individual travelers to small groups. Because group size is limited, if you have a large group, please contact us about arranging a custom travel tour.
Are your retreats spiritual?
Yoga is not a religion and should be open to people of all spiritual and non-spiritual persuasions. We never teach spiritual dogma at our retreats, and respect that everyone has different beliefs. Philosophy from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras may be discussed during yoga classes. We provide a comfortable space for you to meditate on your own beliefs.
What do I need to bring?
Pack lists vary by retreat, so please contact us for more information on your specific destination. In general, we recommend that you pack very lightly as you won’t need much! We do recommend that you bring your own lightweight yoga mat for all retreats.
Do you cater to special dietary needs?
Please contact us to discuss the specifics of your dietary needs. In general, we provide vegetarian food at every meal, with some options for seafood or meat. We choose locally-sourced, organic food whenever available. Most meals have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because we travel to far-off islands, it is sometimes difficult to cater to strict diets, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What meals are included?
At most retreats, large and healthy breakfasts and lunches are prepared for you daily by top-quality chefs. Dinners are included in some retreats, but not in others, so please refer to selected retreat itinerary or contact us for more information that is specific to your destination.
Why do you include seva (community service) in each retreat?
We believe in providing authentic cultural exchange, where you will have intimate interaction with local people and experience cultural ceremonies, and in return, you will be expected to give back to the community. This draws from ancient island traditions where you always greet your host with a gift to show gratitude. We work with local non-profits to identify meaningful service activities that will have lasting impacts on the community. Not only is this the right and respectful thing to do when visiting island people, we promise it will be the most memorable part of your trip.
Do you offer custom retreats for small groups?
Yes, we are happy to put together and operate a custom island retreat for your group. We can cover everything except airfare. Please contact us to discuss the details.
Why only islands?
We love islands. We live on one (the Big Island of Hawaii), have extensive knowledge and experience traveling, working, and living among them, and feel that from islands we can offer an experience that is unique and intimate. We can help you experience the dream of white sand beaches, refreshing waterfalls, lush forests, and introduce you to friendly locals and rich cultures.
I am planning on coming early, can you recommend a place to stay?
Yes. Often, participants choose to either come early or stay after. We are happy to recommend accommodations and give additional advice.
I am a vegetarian, but my partner is not. Will one of us go hungry?
We provide vegetarian food options as well as meat options. We provide gourmet meals and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as outlined in every yoga retreat program. If you have specific requirements, please contact us. We are understanding and accommodate whenever possible.
Is yoga mandatory?
Yoga is an important part of each yoga retreat program. During the retreats, we promote a yoga lifestyle and desire to preserve it for each individual in the retreat. It is completely acceptable to miss a class or two if you want personal practice time, rest, want additional time to explore an island. Practicing yoga is an integral part of the program and we anticipate that you will be excited to practice on the best island beaches, waterfalls, and forests.
I’m planning on staying near one of your retreat programs; can I just practice with your group?
We cannot extend our services to those who are not retreat participants. We limit the size of our retreats to ensure that everyone’s needs are met, and feel that. We welcome you to register for a yoga retreat; they are carefully crafted to provide excellent yoga, gourmet food, luxurious and exclusive accommodations, and many activities, all at a reasonable price.
Te share with you this correspondence to help you learn more about Barefoot Yoga Retreats .
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