Q. How does the booking process work?

Great question! You have a few ways to book your retreat with us. You can book directly from our site using the book now button at the top of your browser or on each individual retreat page. Choose to reserve your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit or pay in full and save $200 with early registration (90 days prior to the retreat). You can also call or email us to get the ball rolling, or fill out this form. We can answer any questions you have and help you choose the best Via Yoga retreat for your schedule, budget and interests.

Q. Can I go on a Via Yoga trip by myself, or are these couples retreats?

Via Yoga retreats are for individuals, couples, and small groups of friends and family. Every trip typically has a mix of all three. If you’re traveling by yourself, chances are you won’t be the only one.

Q. How much yoga experience do I need to attend a Via Yoga retreat?

All levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced. The only requirement is an interest in yoga and a willingness to try new things! Classes are designed to accommodate multiple levels of experience at all times. Just let us know where you are in your practice and we’ll take it from there.

Q. How about surfing? How much experience do I need to attend a retreat that offers surfing?

As with yoga, all levels of surfing are welcome. We just ask that you be able to tread water for five minutes and be able to swim a minimum of 100 yards. Both come quite in handy when you’re out in the ocean!

Q. I’ve been practicing yoga (and/or surfing) for years. Will I still be challenged during lessons?

Absolutely! It’s our goal to help every student take their practice to the next level, regardless of experience.

Q. What style of yoga will be offered?

It depends on the trip. Retreats will vary in theme, yoga style, and intensity. We like to mix things up from trip to trip! Please refer to our retreat descriptions for details.

Q. How many people attend each trip?

It varies, but never more than 20 guests— we keep our retreat groups small so that our instructors can offer individual guidance and training.

Q. Is airfare included?

Airfare is not part of the Via Yoga retreat package, since we understand that many guests have preferred airlines and miles to use, but we offer a 7% discount on your airfare when you travel on Alaska Airlines. Ask your Via Yoga representative for a discount code when you sign up.

Q. What airport do I fly into?

Sayulita, Mexico guests should plan to fly into the Puerto Vallarta (PVR) International Airport. Via Yoga provides complimentary airport transfers on the first and last day of the retreat. It is approximately a 45 minute drive from the airport to the hotel. Representatives from Via Yoga will be there to greet guests between these hours.

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica guests should plan to fly into the San Jose International Airport, also referred to as Juan Santamaria (SJO). Via Yoga provides complimentary airport transfers on the first and last day of the retreat. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from airport to the hotel (but trust us, it’s a an incredibly scenic ride!). We suggest guests book flights that arrive and depart between 11:00 - 3:00pm when possible. Please note that a $29 (US) departure tax is required for all travelers departing Costa Rica and is paid at the airport before you check-in for your departing flight. This can be paid with Colones, US dollars or credit card.

Washington State retreat guests should plan on flying int Sea-Tac (SEA) International Airport. Airport transportation is not included in our Washington retreats but we are happy to provide car-rental or private shuttle recommendations.

Cave B is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle and 20 minutes south of the town of Quincy. Driving directions are provided below.

Driving Directions: Cave B Resort & Spa: 344 Silica Road NW, Quincy WA 98848 From Seattle (146 miles, approx 2 hrs 15 min.) • From I-5 take I-90 East toward Bellevue/Spokane for 141.3 miles • Take Exit 143, Silica Road • Turn left onto Silica Road SW and drive approximately 5.5 miles the Cave B Entrance will be on your left

The Inn at Langely is about an hour and a half from Seattle, Including a hour drive to Mukilteo and a 20-minute ferry ride to Whidbey Island. Driving directions are provided below.

Driving Directors: from Seattle via Mukilteo - Clinton Ferry (approx 1.5 - 3 hours depending on ferry lines) • From I-5 North take Exit 182 and Merge onto State Highway 525 North (Mukilteo Speedway) • Follow Whidbey Island Ferry signs and catch the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry • Ferry runs every 1/2 hour from 5:00am - 2:00am and is approximately a 20 minute ride • Please allow extra time for the possibility of ferry line waits. Check WA Ferries for more information • After departing continue straight onto WA-525 N • Turn right onto Langley Rd/ Langley Loop • Turn right onto Cascade Ave, continue straight onto 1st street and hotel will be on the right

Q. What if my flight arrives/departs outside the scheduled shuttle window?

If you are not flying during the scheduled Via Yoga shuttle times, we can assist you with private taxi or car service at an additional cost. Please ask a Via Yoga representative for details.

Q. What if I want to arrive a few days early or extend my trip?

By all means, please do! These destinations are wonderful and there’s much to see— sometimes we wish we could stay longer. Please note that any costs for extensions or changes beyond the scheduled retreat dates are the responsibility of each guest. We’re happy to help point you in the right direction for the best restaurants and activities, though!

Q. What are your policies for deposits and cancellations?

We understand that plans change and unforeseen circumstances arise, so we’ve kept our policies more lenient than many other luxury vacation providers. Please click here for our complete list of policies.

Q. Is it safe to travel to Sayulita, Mexico?

Yes! Via Yoga hosts our yoga retreats in the laid-back, visitor-friendly town of Sayulita, far from the border towns in Mexico that have experienced violence in recent years. Sayulita is a top destination for travelers because of its safety… not to mention its beaches, fantastic food, and friendly locals! We do recommend that our guests take standard travel precautions, but we’d do that for any international trip.

Q. What official documentation is needed to get into Mexico or Costa Rica?

All U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport to travel in and out of Mexico or Costa Rica. Some countries require your passport have at least 6 months remaining before expiration to be considered valid. Please check with your airline or travel agent if you have additional questions regarding necessary documentation as these requirements can change without notice. For the most up to date information, please visit the us Department of State: Travel to Mexico or Travel to Costa Rica

Q. What should I pack?

Clothing for a sunny, active vacation! Temperatures in Sayulita and Costa Rica average in the 80s, so don’t forget the sun protection. For yoga, we wear comfortable, form-fitting or not too baggy workout clothing. Other items to consider packing: comfortable shoes, flip-flops, a sun hat, phrase book, a light jacket or wrap for evenings. Laundry service is available at each hotel for an extra charge. You will receive a packing list in an email a couple of weeks before your trip.

Q. Do I need to bring a yoga mat and/or other props?

No. All mats and props are provided by Via Yoga. You are welcome to bring your own mat, though, if you prefer.

Q. What do I need to bring for surf retreats?

A. Via Yoga will provide a soft-top surf board great for beginners or a fiberglass board for intermediate - advanced surfers during scheduled lesson times. If you’d like to practice outside of lesson times your host can help you rent a board - there are many great options in town. We suggest packing a ‘rash guard’ (a close-fitting surf shirt worn to protect you from abrasion while paddling your board), or you are welcome to barrow one of ours. Booties are fine to bring but not necessary.

Q. Do I need to bring additional money?

Yes, the amount depends on what retreat you choose. In most cases you will need money for lunches and some dinners (our semi-inclusive Mexico and Costa Rica trips include all breakfasts and 3 group dinners, while some of our 3-night retreats are all-inclusive). Please see each trip’s description for a list of what’s included. Additionally you may want to plan on a little extra for shopping, spa services, and any activities that are not part of the retreat package.

Note: For trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, we recommend exchanging currency before leaving the US, or at the destination airport when you arrive. That way you don’t need to find an ATM or bank once your vacation has begun!

Q. What information does Via Yoga need from me before the retreat begins?

In addition to the information we ask you to provide when you book a vacation with us, we’ll need some additional information to make sure we can plan the best trip possible for you.

First, please email your flight info to us [info@viayoga.com] as soon as you book your travel— this will allow us to schedule your complimentary shuttle service to the hotel, and make sure your Via Yoga host knows when you’ll be arriving.

We’ll also need you to complete an online questionnaire to help us plan everything from dietary preferences to customizing the level of yoga instruction. You will be prompted to fill out the questionnaire as soon as you complete the online booking process. For our guests who book via the phone we will email it to you as soon as your registration is complete.

Q. Last but not least: to surf or to paddle board? That is the question!

For Mexico and Costa Rica retreats that include a surf or sup (stand up paddle board) option, we’ll need to know in advance whether you’d like to participate in surf or SUP lessons. If you’re not sure and think you might want to try both, we suggest starting in the surf group, because the first day lesson is the most important. If you decide it’s not for you, Just let your host know and you can switch.

Q. I’ve heard each Via Yoga retreat has a host. Can you tell me about that?

A Via Yoga staff member joins every one of our retreats as your host for the week. From greeting you when you arrive at the hotel to answering any questions you might have, they’re there as a friendly face to help make your trip great… which has been known to include mixing up a pitcher of margaritas for the group at a moment’s notice.

Q. What does an average day consist of?

Each retreat is a bit different, but the basic elements are the same: morning meditation, yoga class, a lesson (surfing or SUP), evening class (yoga, fitness or Pilates depending on retreat), relaxing, eating great food and enjoying great company, and watching amazing sunsets. But that’s just some of it! Visit the retreats page for individual trip details and an agenda for that specific retreat.

Q. What if I decide to skip a yoga session or workout?

That’s fine by us! It’s your vacation, and we understand that sleeping in, taking a nap, or just relaxing on your own is part of any good trip. The only thing to be aware of is that classes unfortunately cannot be rescheduled— but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make up for lost workout time.

Q. Can I book activities on my own?

Sure! We encourage everyone who travels with us to choose their own adventures if they’d like to. All Via Yoga classes and activities are optional. If you’d like to go into town or book other activities, your Via Yoga host can assist you with directions, recommendations, and booking. Check out our activities and excursions page to see what activities are available at each location.

Q. What’s the dress code for group dinners?

The dress code is COMFORTABLE! Whether it’s a sun dress, shorts, or what you wore to your last workout, come as you are. Some guests like to get a bit dressed up for fun, but overall it’s very casual.

Q. Will there be Wi-Fi?

Definitely. Every hotel we partner with provides wi-fi to guests, some areas of the hotel have spotty service, so check with your Via Yoga host if you need to connect.

Q. Will there be an onsite or in-room safe for my valuables?

We always recommend leaving valuables at home (you’ll be working out on the beach, after all!), but the hotels we partner with typically have safes.