Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for your retreat

 

California

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
Our weeklong retreat runs from Sunday 12 noon PST to the following Saturday 11:00am PST

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $6,800 per person. We are offering a $500 discount for our 50th anniversary in 2024 at our California location for a special rate of $6,300.

ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED?
Tipping is not necessary or expected but graciously appreciated.

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
We recommend that you fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or The Hollywood Burbank Airport.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM CALIFORNIA?
The Ashram no longer offers group pickups or drop-offs. We recommend two limo companies in your follow up informations or Uber is always available.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
You will receive a detailed packing list once you make your reservation. Good hiking shoes are a must. We furnish you with sweat suits, t-shirts, robes, and hiking poles. For more information and a packing list, please click here.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER OR CELL PHONE?
We prefer that you disconnect from the outside world for optimal results. Our guests have come to understand over the years that the world can wait. We do have WiFi.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I BE PREPARED FOR?
Our program is challenging with hikes ranging from 8-13 miles per day. We do have the ability to modify the routes based on an individual’s activity and fitness level but we recommend increasing your cardiovascular exercise in the weeks prior to your visit.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Our food is organic, vegetarian and predominantly plant-based. We seasonally harvest most of the vegetables and herbs in our very own organic garden. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy are excluded from the menu to give your body and digestive tract a chance to rest as well as reactivate your metabolism.

WHAT IF I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES?
We will do our best to accommodate any allergies or special dietary restrictions that you may have. Please contact our office to inquire about any special requests.

HOW MANY CALORIES WILL I EAT PER DAY?
We do not count calories. We are more concerned with providing you with a wholesome vegetarian diet. Our motto is “Increase your activity and decrease your food intake, and your body will do the rest.” You will be amazed at what your body can accomplish when fed nutrient-rich foods. We don’t want anyone to leave our table hungry, so portions and additional snacks can be modified based on individual needs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
If you cancel within 30 days of your scheduled arrival, 100% of your deposit plus the remaining balance of the total fee will be forfeited. We are happy to issue a refund, but only if we are able to book another guest in your place. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged to all refunded deposits.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE!

WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED FROM ME?
When making a reservation, we will need your name, age and general state of health. Upon you arrival, we will further discuss your individual health profile.

We will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. You are welcome to call us at 1.818.222.6900 anytime between 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday PST or email us at theashram@theashram.com


Mallorca

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
You arrive Sunday at 12 noon and depart the following Saturday at 11am.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $6,800 per person. (Except transportation to and from The
Ashram Mallorca)

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
Mallorca has a big international airport, Palma de Mallorca, (airportcode PMI) with connections from most larger cities in Europe.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM MALLORCA FROM THE AIRPORT?
You will take a taxi from outside the airport entrance. It is a 30 min. drive. We will email you directions in Spanish for the driver. There are no limo services or arranged pickups.

IF I COME IN A DAY EARLY, WHERE DO I STAY?
We will email you a list of recommended hotels and you can take a taxi from there to The Ashram Mallorca.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
With your reservation confirmation, we will email you a detailed packing list. Most important is comfortable and broken-in hiking shoes.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Yes, there is free WiFi in each room. We do ask that you minimize your use for the sanctity of our retreat as well as consideration for other guests. For this reason, cell phones and computers are not allowed in common areas, on hikes or in our buses.

WHAT INFO DO YOU NEED FROM ME?
We would like to know your height, weight, age, physical fitness level, workout routine, and current general health status. On arrival, we will further discuss your health profile and any concerns you may have.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I PREPARE FOR?
To fully enjoy our program, you need to be in good cardiovascular shape. The hikes are beautiful but challenging and range 4-6 hours in duration.

HOW MANY CALORIES DO I EAT PER DAY?
Aligning with The Ashram philosophy on food, we do not count calories. Our locally-sourced food is organic, vegetarian, and delicious, and can be tailored to meet your individual goals.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please call The Ashram at 1.818.222.6900 any time Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm PST or email us at mallorca@theashram.com


The Camino

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM ?
7 days walking and 8 nights accommodations all-inclusive. Pick up is at 10am on your start date. You are welcome to make flight reservations anytime on your departure date as there is no program on that day. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $6,800 per person. 

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
The Camino Norte: Fly into Oviedo (OVD) and take a taxi (50 mins) to the town of Luarca, Spain.
The Camino Portuguese: Fly into Porto (OPO) and take a taxi (45 min) to the village of Mar, Portugal.

WHERE DO I GET PICKED UP TO START MY PILGRIMAGE?
The Camino Norte: Hotel Villa La Argentina at 10am.
The Camino Portuguese: The Igreja Paroquial de Mar (Sao Bartolomeu) at 10:30am.

IF I COME IN A DAY EARLY, WHERE DO I STAY?
We do recommend that you come in a night in advance not to miss the pickup.
The Camino Norte:
Hotel Villa La Argentina www.villalaargentina.com
The Camino Portuguese: 

  1. Hotel Cantinho d’Avó - in Apúlia (20 mins) 

  2. Villa C Boutique Hotel-  in Villa do Condo (30 mins)  www.villacboutiquehotel.com

  3. Hotel Sense of Ofir- in Fão (15 mins) www.senseofofir.com

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
With your reservation confirmation, we will email you a detailed packing list. Most important is comfortable and broken-in hiking shoes.

IS THERE WIFI ON THE WALK?
Yes. Most of the small hotels we are staying in have free WiFi.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I PREPARE FOR?
The walk varies in terrain. There are some long uphills but also undulating sections thru meadows, fields and quaint little villages. The walk will be more enjoyable if you are in good cardiovascular shape.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please call The Ashram at 1.818.222.6900 any time Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm PST or email us at thecamino@theashram.com

We are looking forward to showing you THE WAY on this most exquisite part of The Camino.


Iceland

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
Our weeklong retreat runs from Sunday to the following Saturday.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $6,800 per person (excluding airfares).

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
Your journey will require 2 flights. The first flight is to the international airport in Reykjavik called Keflavik (airport code KEF). The second flight is from the domestic Reykjavik airport (airport code RKV) to Egilsstadir airport (airport code EGS). It is imperative that you book your Air Iceland flight from the domestic airport departing at 2:20pm on the Sunday of your arrival. You will also need to book your returning flight on the Saturday of your departure from EGS - RKV with Air Iceland leaving at 9:55am. This is a one hour flight. Please note that there is a one hour drive between the international and domestic airports. We will suggest transportation options in your reservation package.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM ICELAND FROM EGILSSTADIR AIRPORT?
Our staff will pick you up when you land in Egilsstadir airport at 3:20pm on the Sunday of your arrival. Please note that this will be the only pickup option. We will also drive you back to the airport on the following Saturday for your 9:55am departure.

IF I COME IN A DAY EARLY TO REYKJAVIK, WHERE DO I STAY?
We will email you a list of recommended hotels.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
With your reservation confirmation, we will email you a detailed packing list. Most important is comfortable and broken-in hiking shoes. The average temperature in the region is around 54 degrees Fahrenheit from mid July to early August so you will need to plan for this cooler weather.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Yes, there is WiFi available. We do ask that you minimize your use for the sanctity of our retreat as well as consideration for other guests.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I BE PREPARED FOR?
The Ashram Iceland is geared towards guests who are in good cardiovascular shape as the hikes are somewhat challenging.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Our food is organic and vegetarian with the option of enjoying freshly caught fish from the lake on the property. Caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar are excluded from the menu to give your body and digestive track a chance to rest as well as reactivate your metabolism.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please email us at iceland@theashram.com or call 818-222-6900 for further information and to reserve your time with us.

We look forward to enjoying this amazing adventure with you at The Ashram Iceland!