Question 1

Can you help me with arranging transport to the hotel?

Accepted Answer

You are responsible for arranging your own transfer to the island of Amorgos, as there are no airports on the island, you will need to book a ferry trip or high speed vessel to get to the island from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos or Naxos.

Aegialis Hotel & Spa can help you arrange your transfers upon arrival and departure on Amorgos (port-hotel-port), and this is included in your ticket package.
Tel.: +30 2285 0 73393 
www.amorgos-aegialis.com

Question 2

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

In order to secure the venue and programming, we are required to enter into binding contracts with 3rd parties that do not allow for refund or cancellation in any instance except for limited instances where “acts of god” render the entire event impossible. For example, if due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening and the Hotel & Retreat center must close down, then we would be able to get a refund and refund all ticket holders. Otherwise, unfortunately, we must enforce a strict cancellation policy and there will be no refunds in any instance. Also, purchasing trip insurance to protect yourself is always a good idea.

You may transfer your ticket under certain conditions to a friend or family member. You may transfer your ticket to another person up to 4-days before the retreat start date without penalty by emailing Heather at heather.n.lenz@gmail.com After that time, our strict cancellation policy applies.

Question 3

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Even if we need to cancel or reschedule the retreat due to “extreme situations” including Covid-19 related shut downs, we will only be able to refund ticket costs at most, and would not in any instance be able to compensate you for other costs, such as flights booked, etc. Due to this concern, we highly recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance.  
We suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” with your policy and include medical coverage. Many insurance policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation so please prioritize accordingly. Some credit cards also come with travel insurance benefits which you might want to consider.

Question 4

Will I be able to maintain my meditation practice after the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Yes! After the retreat I will be giving you some resources so that you are supported even after the retreat. If you prefer to continue meditating with me in person.

Question 5

Will I be able to keep up a daily yoga asana practice after the retreat?

Accepted Answer

I will be sending you home with some printed resources so you can continue in your own personal yoga and qi practice. I also have plenty of free videos on Qigong and Yoga With Heather on Youtube and some paid online video programs as well.
I find that a deep dive into yoga for a week beings to ground in how nourishing it is to integrate yoga into your life. I am confident that when you go home you will be able to maintain a practice that works for you.

Question 6

When is the rest of the payment due?

Accepted Answer

Any balance remaining after payment of the initial deposit of $1,000 will be invoiced to you and due immediately five months prior to start of retreat, so expect an email from us with this bill around November 2023. As noted above, we have a strict cancellation policy with no refunds (including for any deposits) so please make sure you have sufficient funds ready to pay any remaining balance at this time.

Question 7

Can my partner or friend come with me if they don't want to do the yoga?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everyone should feel free to take part in the activities and classes that feel right for them and skip the rest. However, there are no discounts related to non-participation in certain aspects of the retreat schedule.

Question 8

What about COVID?

Accepted Answer

As of now, taking into account the current state of affairs, we don’t intend to require proof of vaccination or pre-arrival testing. However, if you get sick and test positive before or during the retreat, you will not be allowed to attend and there are no refunds. We encourage you to purchase a comprehensive “cancel for any reason” trip insurance policy to protect yourself if this is a concern. Social distancing and mask wearing may be implemented if situations change.
Lastly, please note any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed while in attendance at the event.

Question 9

How difficult/advanced are the Yoga Qi classes?

Accepted Answer

Heather has created the retreat to be accessible and an enriching experience for newer to experienced yogis and at various fitness levels. Heather will offer adjustments and different options in all the classes, but especially in the in more vigorous Yoga Qi Flow Vinyasa classes.

Question 10

Is Yoga Indoors or Outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Heather is hoping to have at least a few classes outdoors, but it is dependent on the weather and most classes will be indoors.

Question 11

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you bring the following: 
- yoga/hiking/ swimming clothes
- beach towel
- walking/hiking shoes
- backpack for the hiking excursions
- sunscreen, sunglasses
- hat
- adequate layers for chilly mornings and evenings on the island 
- water bottle
- toiletries

All yoga mats and props will be available at the retreat, although you are always welcome to bring you own.

Question 12

When is the hotel check-in and check-out?

Accepted Answer

Rooms will generally be available for check in at 4:00 PM. Check out is at 11:00 AM. If you arrive early to the hotel you can of course deposit your bags at the reception and explore the beach.

Question 13

What is the weather like in April on the island?

Accepted Answer

The average temperatures in Amorgos, Greece in April is 63°F / 17°C. Generally, April is a pleasant time to visit the island as the temperature is mild. The weather in Amorgos Island in april is quite dry (with 0.8in of rainfall over 1 days). Weather is  unpredictable so please check the weather forecast yourself closer to the trip.

Question 14

Do I need to tip?

Accepted Answer

Tax and tip for all breakfasts, dinners, classes and activities are included in your ticket price so you do not need tip separately after group meals, classes or our activities together.

Question 15

What should I do when there is nothing scheduled during the day?

Accepted Answer

Nestled in a calming natural environment and surrounded by supportive retreat participants, you'll have all you need to relax and prioritize your well-being on this retreat with Heather. During free time you can participate in various activities, such as mindful tea conversations, journaling, walking and sitting meditations, mindful tea conversations with other participants, or enjoy some much-needed rest in the spa, by the pool, on the beach, or in your room during break times. 
If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of excursion activities available to book through the hotel. However, please note that personal excursions are not included and will be at your own expense and risk. 
Ultimately, this retreat is an opportunity for you to attune to your body and prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Do what feels right for you.

Question 16

Can you tell me how many people will be at the retreat?

Accepted Answer

This will be a cozy gathering to remember! Heather is limiting the group size to no more than 26.

Question 17

What if I don't want to do the hiking trips or other parts of the retreat?

Accepted Answer

That is no problem at all. Everyone should feel free to take part in the activities, such as the hiking excursions, and the classes that feel right for them and skip the rest. However, there are no discounts related to non-participation in certain aspects of the retreat schedule.

Question 18

What is the weather like in April on the island?

Accepted Answer

The average temperatures in Amorgos, Greece in April is 63°F / 17°C. Generally, April is a pleasant time to visit the island as the temperature is mild. The weather in Amorgos Island in april is quite dry (with 0.8in of rainfall over 1 days). Weather is unpredictable so please check the weather forecast yourself closer to the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you help me with arranging transport to the hotel?

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Will I be able to maintain my meditation practice after the retreat?

Will I be able to keep up a daily yoga asana practice after the retreat?

When is the rest of the payment due?

Can my partner or friend come with me if they don't want to do the yoga?

What about COVID?

How difficult/advanced are the Yoga Qi classes?

Is Yoga Indoors or Outdoors?

What should I pack?

When is the hotel check-in and check-out?

What is the weather like in April on the island?

Do I need to tip?

What should I do when there is nothing scheduled during the day?

Can you tell me how many people will be at the retreat?

What if I don't want to do the hiking trips or other parts of the retreat?

What is the weather like in April on the island?