MEXICO RETREAT FAQ’s

What airport should I fly into and when?

Puerto Vallarta (PVR).  Please schedule your flights to arrive and also depart early/mid afternoon.  Be sure to email your flight itinerary to alexdawson1@mac.com when you book your flight.  Indicate if you would like to be included in a potential shared ride.  If we have multiple guests on the same flight, the same day, we can connect you so that you may book a transfer together.

Where is Haramara Retreat Center? What time zone?

Haramara Retreat is located on the Central Pacific Coast of mainland Mexico in the coastal region of the state of Nayarit (known as Riviera Nayarit) near the town of Sayulita. Sayulita is located 45 minutes north of the city of Puerto Vallarta. We will be in the Central Time Zone.

How will I get to the retreat center?

Shuttle transfer can be arranged. Shuttle costs vary depending on the number of guests in the shuttle and is not included in the retreat package. Prior to departure, you will receive a notification of what time your shuttle will pick you up and approximate cost of the shuttle. Send in your flight details upon booking and if you are requesting transfer? Transfer can only be arranged on the first and last date of the retreat.

How are food allergies handled?

Enjoy delicious gourmet meals served in a spacious open air dining room with spectacular views that overlook the jungle and the ocean. Special dietary needs and requests will gladly be accommodated. Haramara kitchen staff and wait staff are friendly, well trained and attentive to your every need. Please send in dietary restrictions upon booking your retreat.

What is the property like?

We are stepping into a private little paradise here.  Haramara is situated on 12 acres of lush jungle that peaks around our yoga palaces and infinity pool and then wraps down to a private beach.  Bring comfortable shoes.  

What are the accommodations like?

Scattered across the beautiful tropical hillside, each individual cabana has been hand-built of all natural materials and offers exceptional views of the ocean and jungle canopy. Each cabana is situated to offer privacy and seclusion while still taking advantage of the spectacular views. Haramara cabanas have been designed with your comfort in mind. Enjoy the rustic luxury of any one of our spacious cabanas, which feature comfortable beds with hand woven sheets, gauzy sheer curtains to filter the sunlight and oil lamps and candles for softly lit evenings. Most cabañas have private hammocks for lazy afternoon naps. Each cabana has its own unique and individually designed private bathroom with hot water, monogrammed towels and an open air shower with a view.

Will my cell phone work there?

It will depend on the phone and service you have, Please check with your service provider about your specific phone and service. There is a cell tower in Sayulita with some accessibility from certain places at the highest point on the property. Also, we want everyone to feel they can contact home if needed. However, we also encourage you to come to "turn off" and get away from electronics to focus on your yoga experience.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

You do not need to bring your own. The retreat center provides high quality yoga mats, bands, blocks, Mexican blankets, and everything you need to have a great yoga experience.

What is there to do during the day?

During your down time, enjoy afternoon siestas, lounging by the infinity pool, walks on the beach, hiking or walking the grounds, or a trip to the fun, vibrant, and quaint tourist-friendly town of Sayulita. You can also treat yourself to a session in the Wellness Center with an experienced, skilled and highly professional therapist. Additional excursions include whale watching (seasonal), paddle boarding, surfing lessons, snorkeling, hiking and more. Each experience by appointment, prices vary depending on activity.

Do I really need travel insurance?  

At this time, yes.  Absolutely.  It is best to buy your insurance within a few days of booking your retreat in order to potentially qualify for a ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage.  Be sure you understand the policy.  It should cover the cost of your trip and travel in case of any cancellations, delays, covid related changes, and medical emergencies.  You do not want to get stuck in a foreign country without coverage.  I personally know people who shared with me stories of travel overseas where travel insurance saved them a lot of money and helped them through a challenging situation.  

Passport & Visa Info

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before the expiration date. You do not need a visa to travel on our trip.  

Currency

Peso. You can go to your local bank and bring pesos with you or you can exchange money at the airport upon arrival (not ideal rates at airport). There are ATM’s in town that are accessible as well. The majority of your costs are covered in your trip price, including your accommodation and meals. Unless specified otherwise in your individual package or group retreat price, airport transfers in the U.S. and Mexico, on-site purchases, off-site excursions and staff gratuities are not included. 

Cash and credit cards are accepted at Haramara for on-site purchases in our boutique, restaurant, terrace, pool bar and spa. Transportation shuttles in Mexico, staff gratuities and off-site excursions need to be paid for in cash. In the town of Sayulita, U.S. and Canadian Dollars and Mexican Pesos are much more widely accepted than credit cards or traveler checks. You can obtain Mexican Pesos at home before your departure or upon arrival in Puerto Vallarta, at the airport (a little pricey) or in Sayulita. 

Weather

Located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, its sub-tropical climate is often compared to Hawaii's. The weather tends to be dry and beautiful in February — with highs around mid-70’s and lows around low 60’s so bring something warm for the evenings. 

Electricity 

There is no electricity in the cabanas. They are illuminated at night with oil lamps and candles. You will be unable to use any small electrical appliances like hair dryers, curling irons or razors. There is no outdoor lighting so you will need to bring a flashlight or a headlamp for use at night. There are electrical outlets in the dining room, pool terrace and yoga shalas for recharging electronic devices and batteries. It is the same voltage as the U.S. so no converter is needed. 

Water 

The water from the faucets is safe for showering and other necessities. There is clean, fresh, purified water provided in each cabana for drinking, brushing your teeth and cleaning your contacts and contact cases and in the dining room for drinking. The ice used at Haramara is also made from clean, fresh, purified water. Bring a portable reusable water bottle for personal use. 

Phone & Internet

There is not wifi on the property.  You may venture into town for more extensive wifi needs. There are internet cafes in the town of Sayulita, a five minute taxi ride away or 20 minute walk. 

There is cell phone reception at the highest point on the property. Your cell phone, including data service, may work in Mexico depending on your service provider and your plan. Please contact your service provider before you depart to make this determination. 

If you do bring a cell phone with you, please make sure that during your stay it is either turned off or to vibrate so as not to disturb others. If you make or receive calls, please do so away from the yoga shalas when in session, pool area and other guests so as not to be disruptive. 

Can I charge my phone?

Yes.  There is electricity at the restaurant where you can charge your phone.

What level are the yoga classes?  

This is an open level retreat that includes morning vinyasa practices and afternoon or evening yin/restorative/meditaiton/sound bath.  Modifications are welcome and encouraged if you find it challenging.  If you are brand new to yoga and/or have difficulty standing up and sitting down and back up again, then the vinyasa classes may be too much.  In this case, you you could enjoy the afternoon/evening classes and skip out on the morning classes.

Do I have to attend all of the classes?  

You are encouraged to attend all of the classes.  AND you are encouraged to do what will takes care of you best.  

Will alcohol be served at the retreat?

Alcohol is not included in the retreat price, however you can order drinks and pay for them directly. 

How far is town?

Sayulita is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute cab ride away.  It is a charming surfing village with lots of artisan shops and cafes.