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How many people are going?

Our retreat is limited to 12 people which ensures an intimate experience.

 

I want to come but the date isn’t coordinating with friends. Can I come by myself?

Yes! Many guests attend retreats alone and leave having made wonderful new friends. It’s a great way to stretch out of your comfort zone and meet new people with similar interests.

 

Do I need a passport?

Yes, St. Lucia is an independent country. Passports are required for international travel.

 

I have food allergies and dietary restrictions. Can I come?

Yes. We accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. Talk with us!

 

I like yoga but am just a beginner. Will I be able to keep up?

Yes! Our yoga practice is geared toward all levels and abilities.

 

Is Balenbouche air-conditioned?

Balenbouche is cooled through natural ventilation. There are fans, but no air-conditioning. This is a conscious decision in operating the estate with as small a footprint on the planet as possible.

 

 

Can you tell me more about Forest Bathing? I’ve never heard of it.

Forest bathing consists of a series of guided invitations that help us enter more deeply into the present moment and the wise energy of the forest.  The invitations are about 20 minutes each, most experienced individually.  Then we come back together and share what we are noticing/receiving from the forest.  As the invitations progress our awareness expands and we become more and more receptive to the creative inspiration and resilience the forest has to offer us and our lives.  We often conclude forest bathing with a tea ceremony with foraged plants so we literally incorporate the energy of the forest into our beings to carry with us.

 

Is airfare included?

No, it is not. You will need to book using your airfare specialist or through an online travel site.

 

When should I arrive and depart?

Arrival is on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Departure is Saturday, March 10, 2018.

 

Would you cancel the retreat?

It’s highly unlikely but we do need a minimum of 6 people, so please help us in spreading the word!

 

Should I get travel insurance?

We highly recommend it. It is a relatively small cost for peace of mind in case of the need to cancel travel for any reason. One company to check out is World Nomads, www.worldnomads.com but there are many others to use as well.

 

What does our typical day look like?

7:00-8:30         Early morning snack

8:30-10:00       Yoga and Forest Bathing

10:30-12:00     Brunch

12:00-4:30       Excursions or free time

4:30-5:30         Afternoon snack

5:30-7:00         Yoga or meditation, Forest Bathing

7:30-8:30         Dinner

 

Will my phone work?

Check with your carrier for international plans and usage.

 

Is wifi available?

Balenbouche provides wifi in the main plantation house.

 

Electricity voltage and power adapters:

The electricity in St Lucia is 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK Standard). A step-down transformer to convert from 240 V to 110 V (US standard) is available by request.

 

What should I bring for doing yoga?

Comfy clothing for doing yoga and any other personal needs. Mats, blocks and blankets are provided.

 

Can I extend my time in St. Lucia?

Yes. Joan can provide you with possible accommodations.

 

It looks like there are 2 airports in St. Lucia. Which one do I use?

You should fly into Hewannora Airport in Vieux Fort (UVF). Transport from Hewannora is included in the retreat price. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the plantation from Hewannora.

 

What language is spoken in St. Lucia?

English, though you will hear Patois as well.

 

What’s the currency in St. Lucia? Will my bank card work?

The currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD). There are ATM machines to use on the island including one at the airport.

 

Health and Medical:

No vaccinations are required for entry to St. Lucia but it is recommended to be up-to-date, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

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There is a hospital 20 minutes from Balenbouche, however, hospitals and medical services are not US or Canadian standard.

There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito borne viruses. Consider mosquito protection, especially at dawn and dusk, by wearing a light-weight long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks.

 

Travel Light!

We recommend you bring only basics and leave precious valuables at home.

Each cottage has one lockable room or closet with a safe. We recommend that you lock away your valuables and your room when you leave your cottage.

 

I’m ready to book Forest Therapy in St. Lucia!! How do I sign up?

A $500 deposit will secure your place. Click here to make you’re your deposit.

 

The deposit is non-refundable. Of course, you may pay in full instead of making only the deposit.

 

Payment in full is required by December 1, 2017.

Payment may be made via credit card* (via Pay Pal) or check.

Payments by check (or cash) are eligible for a 3% discount.     

 

Checks can be made payable to Finger Lakes Forest Therapy and mailed to:  Finger Lakes Forest Therapy, c/o Deborah Denome, 6141 Hicks Road, NY 14512

 

Can I pay in installments?

Please contact us directly if you are interested in a payment plan. We want to make our trips accessible to as many people as possible and are open to setting up a payment plan.

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All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. --M. Buber

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