Q&A
What time should I arrive/depart?
You will want to arrive in Belize City no later than 2:30pm on Sunday, November 1st. This will give you time to fly (puddle jumper on Tropic Air, 20 min flight) to Ambergris Caye and water taxi (10 min) up to Ak'Bol in time to get checked in and start unwinding before the 6pm Welcome Reception. If you choose to fly in earlier in the day, you can opt for a ferry from Belize City to the island (15 min taxi from airport, then 1.5 hour ferry). We will be wrapping up on Sunday, Nov. 8th at noon, so late afternoon flights from Belize City are possible. (If you do need to leave earlier in the day, just notify us once your flights are booked so we can make it work for you.)
What should I bring?
It is a known fact that tourists to Belize always bring too much! Your life is busy at home and it is easy to forget how carefree days with sand in the toes don't require a lot of clothing changes. Think simple and light! Yoga mats and equipment will be provided, so you can leave that at home. Pack plenty of comfortable yoga type clothing; a swimsuit or two; simple shoes for island time and then some good walking shoes for our excursion day; sunscreen and bug spray; a hat; light jacket/wind breaker just in case. While activities will mostly be centered at Ak'Bol, we will have one excursion day as well as a final evening out in the town of San Pedro. If you must stay connected to your life at home most US cell phone providers have access throughout Belize; check rates and your plan before you leave home. Ak'Bol has wireless internet access, although we'd love to see you sans laptop.
What is the Yoga like?
Our yoga practice will be plentiful throughout the week with at least one practice daily and options for a second class or meditation offered throughout the week. Kirsten has an eclectic style inspired by many Masters, and she incorporates techniques and poses which accommodate beginners through advanced. She will be able to meet you where you are and take you to a deeper place in your yoga practice as the week progresses, whether it's the first time you've done yoga or you've been practicing for decades. Classes are designed around other discussion and activities to utilize our mind, body and soul connection, truly letting our bodies unwind, be nourished and grow.
What is the beach like?
Ak'Bol has a lovely beach along the property where you can walk or take a quick swim anytime. It's a shallow beach that lends itself to lounging rather than surfing. Soft white sand, coconut trees, and hammocks — what else do you need! And for those who prefer a dip in the pool, you'll love the Ak'Bol lagoon-inspired pool. You can also get to know Ambergris Caye better by taking a beach walk further north and exploring the growing community, renting a bike to explore the beach or going into San Pedro.
What is our daily schedule during the retreat?
The schedule is based upon maximizing your opportunities to Unwind, Nourish and Grow — included are times for group work, yoga and meditation sessions and a generous amount of open time for whatever you choose. You will receive a day-by-day overview in your welcome pack closer to the retreat. And don't worry, no watch needed — everything is a two minute walk from your room and we'll use the birds and local bells to signal start times of any sessions. The day trip to the Mayan ruin will be a full day departing at 6:30am and returning at 5:30pm. The rest of our days will be in a more carefree and easy flowing "island time" vibe.
Is it best to come alone or bring a posse to the retreat?
It is totally up to you. The retreat is designed for women from all walks of life. The solo traveler will feel welcomed and safe, and she will not feel solo for long. The retreat will be very interactive with many opportunities to get to know and learn from each other. Although vacationing with your partner or your family can be fun, we recommend you either attend the retreat alone, or with a friend(s) who is also attending the retreat. Non-retreat attending friends or partners will feel left out as much of your time, including three meals each day, will be with fellow retreat participants. And there is something to be said for investing a week in just you and leaving everything else behind — your friends and family will be delighted to welcome the more relaxed you when you return home — or when you meet up with them on the island after the retreat.