The following are some questions we have been asked about the retreats in Tulum.
Where is Tulum? On the Yucatan Peninsula Tulum approximately 81 miles south [131 km] from Cancun. About 1 1/2 hours drive from the airport.
How do I get there? Flights are into Cancun, a very busy international airport. There are many flights arriving daily from all over the world. From the airport you may take the ADO bus, a taxi/limo or use one of the airport transfers.
The following are some links for shuttles, etc:
Travel Yucatan here; Cancun Shuttle here; Cancun Express here; Cancun Transfershere.
The shuttles and airport taxis will take you right to Petit Shambala. The Bus takes you to Tulum pueblo. From there you take a taxi about 4 miles to Petit Shambala. The bus is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive option for some.
How many participants do you expect? These retreats average around 20 people.
Are the retreats suitable for beginners? These retreats are suitable for anyone, regardless of age, physical ability or prior experience in yoga and meditation. The teaching is primarily guiding each participant back to their own intuitive knowing. Students come to these retreats for different reasons and with different backgrounds. The retreat experience is unique for everyone, allowing them to have the understanding and experience they need at that particular time.
Will you find a roommate for me if I come by myself? Yes. Many people attend the retreats alone and if you do not choose a private room you will share one of the cabanas with another participant.
What is the daily schedule? .
Yoga asana and meditation session 7:30 - 9:30 am; Breakfast 9:30; Optional Meditation 12:30; Lunch 1:00; Restorative Yoga session and self-inquiry 4:00 - 5:30; Evening meal 6:00 pm; Evening Meditation 7:30 pm
What style of yoga is taught? We have studied with many teachers in a variety of styles over the years - including Iyengar and the Viniyoga of Desikachar. The teaching is a synthesis of all that we have studied for 25 years and what has evolved during years of practice. Go here for more about this.
What are the retreats like? The Yoga Retreats are an opportunity for one to relax and rest in the natural presence/awareness that they are. We feel this is the essence of yoga, meditation and retreat in general. The schedule, teaching and environment allow one to let go of the demands and details of daily life and to reconnect with and reveal their own deeper knowing. Yoga postures, breath awareness, restorative postures, meditation, silence, and free time in the natural world generally assist in this letting go. As we let go of tension and the busy mind, a deeper knowing that is always present, reveals itself. There is ample opportunity for people to ask questions of during the sessions or in private interviews between sessions.
Are there any silent periods during the retreat and if so why? While the retreats in Maine are held entirely in "social silence", the retreats in Guatemala and Mexico may have periods of silence. For most of these retreats we ask participants to refrain from social conversation after the evening meditation until after breakfast the following morning. Of course anyone may choose to have as much "alone time" as they would like to extend the periods of silence. Most people today have busy lives and spend very little time in silence. Silence is restful, being the mirror of our natural state. Silent community creates a supportive environment in which to deepen understanding, awareness, openness and compassion. This greatly enhances the benefits of a yoga retreat.
What is self-inquiry? A meditative investigation into the truth of our being.
What are the meals like? There are three full meals each day. The meals are vegetarian and fish and chicken is available. Eggs are available.
Can the retreat facility accommodate a special diet? Generally yes. Please let us know of any food allergies or special food needs.
Where are Petite Shambala and Uno located? These two quiet and intimate facilities are adjacent to one another right on Tulum’s beautiful beach. We will be staying in cabanas at both facilities. Shambala’s yoga and meditation hall is immediately on the beach with glass walls on three sides. Uno’s hall is elevated and a few hundred feet back from the beach surrounded by palm trees and open on all sides. Sessions will be at one or the other hall depending on the weather conditions and time of day. We have both facilities for the Feb 28 - Mar 7 and March 8 – 15 retreats while only Petit Shambala for the March 22 – 29 yoga retreat.
What does it mean that these yoga retreat facilities are in an electricity free zone? Tulum is still free from conventional electricity, so there are no TVs or CD players in the rooms and no air-conditioning or phones either. Lighting is generally by candles. There is a generator available at times and the facilities have solar power. The result is a welcome relief for the noise and light pollution we often experience in our everyday lives. The stars, moon, the sounds of the waves and the palm trees are more available.
What shall we bring?
Passports are now required for travel to and from Mexico!
Personal toiletries.
Swim suit.
A watch or time piece.
For the yoga sessions – a yoga mat is necessary. Also, we strongly recommend that you bring with you two blankets for the restorative classes. We often use the gray“compressed” wool blankets that are in many yoga studios – the point is to have one that creates some bulk when folded so it provides support for your body in the various supported postures. They are available in many places.
One option is Integral Yoga 1-800-262-1008 – 66’x80” $21.95 #5759GRE.
Another is The Blanket Connection – 973-546-6626
See also the following three links that go to companies that sell blankets for this purpose.
Yoga props here; Yoga Accessories here; Hugger Mugger here.
For travel we often roll them up with our mat, tie it with a strap and carry it on the plane.
What is the weather like that time of year? We have been in Tulum in late February and March for the past two years and the weather has been ideal. Warm, sunny days and comfortable nights for sleeping. There is often an ocean breeze to keep us comfortable.
What is there to do between sessions? Tulum's white limestone beaches and sapphire blue Caribbean waters are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. The famous Mayan ruins at Tulum are only a few miles away. The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is just south of Tulum with an abundant amount of flora and fauna and several distinct natural ecosystems. The reserve contains unexcavated Maya ruins, freshwater canals, cenotes, mangroves, lagoons and inlets. Mostly we encourage people to simply relax and watch the beautiful turquoise sea in the day and the stars at night.
Is bodywork available? Yes. There are many gifted healers and practitioners available for various types of bodywork. The massages from practioners at Shambala charge 700 pesos (about $50 in November 2008) for a 1 hr 20 min massage.
When should we arrive? Between 4 and 6 pm on the first day of the retreat. There is an evening meal at 6 the first day of the retreat.
When is the retreat over? After the morning session and breakfast the last day of the retreat. Morning session ends at about 9:30.
Can I stay at Petite Shambala or Uno the day before or day after the retreat? Yes, if there is availability. Many people have done this in the past. You will need to contact either of them to make these arrangements. See the Shambala contact information here and Uno here.
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