HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE AT THE RETREAT?
To cultivate an intimate experience, this retreat is capped at 15 participants.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT REGISTRATION PRICE?
- Roundtrip ground transportation to/from Hilo International Airport*
- 7 nights lodging at Kirpal Meditation & Ecological Center
- 2x daily Mindful Yoga and movement practices, Yoga Nidra, and Meditation sessions
- Plant-based and gluten-free meals prepared by professional chefs
- Free time to explore the property, visit the nearby soaking thermal pools and new black sand beaches, or enjoy your personal practice
*Ground transportation included if arriving/departing Feb 24 and March 2, 2024
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT REGISTRATION PRICE?
- Airfare to/from Hilo International Airport
- Gratuity for the wonderful staff
- Travel insurance (We recommend Travelex insurance)
- Optional group excursion (Details to be determined depending on group interest)
WHAT IS THE RETREAT REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you wish to cancel your retreat registration you must notify Retreat Coordinator, Meghan, in writing at retreats@alixnorthup.com.
Once we’ve received your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
Cancel prior to Friday, October 6, 2023:
Full refund (less $500 nonrefundable deposit)
If cancellation takes place prior to Friday, October 6, 2023, any payments made will be refunded minus your $500 nonrefundable deposit.
Cancel after Friday, October 6, 2023 & prior Friday, December 1, 2023:
50% refund (less $500 nonrefundable deposit)
If cancellation takes place after Friday, October 6, 2023 and prior to Friday, December 1, 2023, 50% of the retreat payments paid up to date of cancellation will be forfeited plus the $500 nonrefundable deposit.
Cancel after Friday, December 1, 2023:
No refund
If cancellation takes place after Friday, December 1, 2023, 100% of the retreat price will be forfeited.
Please note: We are sorry but injury and illness do not disqualify you from any of the above cancellation policies. No exceptions will be granted.
Cancellations due to COVID still fall within the parameters of the general refund policy.
We recommend travel insurance to help you plan for the unexpected.
Reminder: $500 deposit due with registration is nonrefundable.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
Yes—EASY PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!
When you register, you can either choose “pay full amount” or payment plan option, whichever is easiest for you.
The payment plan is activated by paying a $500 nonrefundable deposit.
If you pay via your bank account (ACH transfer) you have no additional fees. If you pay via credit card, you pay 2.9% (3.9% for AMEX) PER transaction.
Payments are NOT automatically deducted from your account. Before the next payment installment, you will receive an email with a personalized payment link. This gives you full control over how payments occur.
If you would like to pay more than the monthly amount at any time, you can manage your payments and payment method in your WeTravel account under PAYMENT SETTINGS (WeTravel help article).
Payment schedule is as follows:
Friday, August 4, 2023
Friday, September 1, 2023
Friday, October 6, 2023
Friday, November 3, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
Friday, January 5, 2024
If you register after a payment date has occurred, the initial deposit includes previous payment amounts.
At any time, you can pay your remaining balance in full.
ARE THERE COVID POLICIES IN PLACE?
The COVID pandemic is a constantly evolving situation and our protocols around guest/staff safety must be as well.
Guest safety is a priority for Alix Northup and Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center. All guests will be required to follow public health regulations from state and country departments at all times. Closer to the retreat those current guidelines will be sent to all participants and staff.
In addition to following state and country guidelines, participants *may* be required to provide the following by Company and/or Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center, depending on the current state of affairs:
- Negative Covid test between 24-72 hours prior to arrival at Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center on Saturday, February 24, 2024
Failure to comply with any government COVID safety requirements, Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center protocols, or Company COVID policies will result in your forfeit of the retreat experience, any costs paid to Company, and any out of pocket expenses.
COVID testing expenses will be at the cost of retreat participant.
Cancellations due to COVID still fall within the parameters of the general refund policy.
WHAT IS THE RETREAT SCHEDULE?
Below is a tentative daily schedule.
Please note times may adjust to best accommodate the flow of the retreat.
- 6:45am approximate sunrise
- Enjoy an early coffee/tea and fruit snack
- 7:30am-9am: Morning meditation and yoga practice
- 9:15am: Breakfast
- Open Time to explore or relax
- 1pm: Lunch
- Open Time to explore or relax
- 4:30-6pm: Gentle/restorative yoga practice
- 6:15pm approximate sunset
- 6:30pm Dinner
- Personal Time
This is an example schedule and is subject to change as we get closer to retreat time and curate the experience for the registered retreat guests.
WHERE IS THE RETREAT LOCATED?
Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center (KMEC) in Pahoa, Hawai’i, offers a wonderful spiritual uplifting environment to heal and grow. Located a half mile from the beach, this sanctuary has access to swimming, fresh fruits, thermal ponds and the newest black sand beach in the world created by the 2018 lava flow.
About a 75-minute drive from Hilo International Airport, Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center [KMEC] is a 10-acre organic orchard with over 30 different trees planted with the intention to provide food and healing.
KMEC celebrates life in its myriad forms. We live in harmony with the jungle environment, which means you will probably encounter harmless creatures such as spiders, geckos and occasionally mongoose.
We have the least amount of mosquitos on this side of the island due to our constant trade winds, and we do provide 100% natural repellents if you need it. Our accommodations are simple and comfortable, with no televisions or phones.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
KMEC enjoys Hawaii’s ideal climate: Light ocean breezes, sunny days, pleasant year-round temperatures (65-85°F) and occasional tropical showers.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE RETREAT?
Hilo International Airport (airport code ITO).
The airlines that fly in/out of ITO:
HOW WILL I GET TO/FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE RETREAT?
Transfers to/from Hilo International Airport [ITO] to KMEC is included in the price of the retreat if they fall on the retreat dates of February 24 and March 2, 2024 only.
Transfers included with the retreat costs include (1) one-way from ITO to KMEC and (1) one-way transfer from KMEC to ITO Airport.
Anything outside of these transfer dates will be at your own expense.
*MASKS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR THE DURATION OF ALL SHUTTLE TRANSFERS*
We suggest arriving at ITO by 3pm on February 24, 2024 if possible.
This will allow you plenty of time to gather your luggage and make the 60-minute journey to KMEC in time for sunset, dinner and “Opening Circle” (If arriving at that time isn’t a possibility, not to worry!).
We suggest departure flights to be booked after 3pm on March 2, 2024.
I’M TRAVELING SOLO, CAN I GET A ROOMMATE?
If you are looking to book a room at the double room rate but plan on traveling solo, we can help you with that!
We are happy to pair you up with a fellow traveler who is also looking for a roommate during the retreat.
For questions on this please reach out to Retreat Coordinator, Meghan at retreats@alixnorthup.com
WHAT ARE THE KMEC AMENITIES?
The KMEC cabins have all been built by hand and are designed to be in harmony with the trees and nature surrounding them.
KMEC is a fully integrated with state-of-the-art solar power and water purification systems, yet still has all the features of any “on-grid” facility, including:
- Free WiFi
- Normal flush toilets
- Instant hot water
- Full electricity in each room
This ensures you are comfortable and never feel like you are “off-grid” living.
KMEC amenities include:
- Fresh linens, blankets and towels
- Full service laundry facility
- Comfortable beds
- Free wireless internet service
- Ocean views over the orchard
- Sound of the surf in the distance
- Salt water swimming in thermal warm ponds just a half mile away at Isaac Hale Park
- Safe, peaceful, healing ambiance with many flowering plants
- Freshest air on the planet from the fragrant Trade Winds
- Clear and beautiful star gazing
WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK?
AT&T phone and data works fine at KMEC. KMEC has poor Verizon reception and other carriers vary. Skype works, as well as any other wifi connected forms of communication. There is no landline onsite.
Wireless internet is available in many areas of the property. Usage is free. There is wi-fi at the dining area and yoga studio. Large downloads are strongly discouraged (it slows down bandwidth for everyone).
I HAVE A SPECIAL DIET. WHAT WILL I EAT?
When you complete registration, you’ll have an opportunity to share your dietary concerns. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.
All meals at KMEC are plant-based, gluten-free, and prepared onsite by a professional chefs. When possible the meals incorporate ingredients from the 10-acre organic orchard.
DO I NEED TO BRING A YOGA MAT?
There are community mats available, but if you are able, we recommend to bring your own mat or a yoga towel/sarong to place upon the community mat.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Our suggested items so your retreat experience is most comfortable:
- Reef-safe, biodegradable/mineral based sunscreen (Skinnies, Alba Botanical, and Sun Bum are great brands)
- Comfortable clothing and layers
- Yoga/movement clothes
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sandals, flip flops
- Walking shoes for exploring the property
- Lidded tea/coffee mug
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal hygiene items
- Any medications/supplements you use
- Headlamp/small flashlight
- Earplugs & Eye mask (especially if sharing a room or sensitive to nighttime nature sounds)
- Journal & pen
