Helpful Retreat Info:
We're less than a week away from our incredible adventure together! To help with final preparations, here’s a little extra info to guide you.
Zoom Call Recap:
Don’t forget to complete our immigration questions form here as soon as possible. We will use it to fill out the official immigration document on your behalf. A copy will be sent to the email address you provide.
Make sure to have a visible ID tag on all luggage.
The EB Hotel Miami has a 24-airport shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the hotel. The shuttle does pick-ups on the Arrivals Level (1) at designated zones outside of baggage claim across from doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 20 & 23. Follow signs at curbside to the zones just beyond the crosswalk. Once there, give the hotel a call to let them know you've arrived and which zone you're at. (305) 324-6835
On Sunday morning, plan to be in the hotel lobby at 4:45am to get to the airport 3 hour ahead. We will utilize the hotel airport shuttle and supplement with team vehicles to get everyone to the airport with plenty of time for check-in.
The beach resort will now offer pescatarian lunches, and plant-based dinners. (Don’t worry vegans, we’ve got you covered too.)
Please bring your original Covid-19 vaccination card. As an alternative, a photocopy is acceptable, or a negative PCR test within 72-hours of travel.
Please bring a face mask for the flights. Also, traveling with Covid-19 tests is never a bad idea.
Copa Airlines will allow a personal item as long as it fits under the seat.
If you have a white linen dress, white scarf, or white top it will be great for our closing night celebration by the beach, but not required. Linen in a light color is good too.
Colombian shops do not accept dollars, but most will take major credit cards.
GROUP FLIGHT INFO:
Copa Airlines #433
MIA to PTY
10/30
Departing: 8:16am
Arriving: 10:24am
Copa Airlines #874
PTY to SMR
10/30
Departing: 12:07pm
Arriving: 1:46pm
Baggage: Included in our group flight to Colombia is a personal item, carry-on (22lbs) and one checked bag (50lbs). We recommend packing light. Consider traveling with just a carry-on.
Laundry: Laundry will be available at both the hotels and retreat center for a reasonable extra charge. We will help you coordinate if you would like this service.
Electric Outlets: All electric outlets are the same as the United States. No need for a converter/adapter.
Colombian Currency: The best way to get Colombian currency is through an ATM which will give you a very good exchange rate. You will have access at the Santa Marta airport as well as both hotels. You do not need much cash, but may be helpful for small gifts and shopping.
Credit Cards: You can use your credit card to pay for shopping and extra spa services. Make sure to call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know the dates you will be in Colombia. This process is usually automated and the phone number is often located on the back of your card.
Wifi: You will have access to wifi throughout the trip at airports, hotels, restaurants and the retreat center.
Phone Calls / International Date Plan: Most mobile carriers offer an international data plan. Feel free to explore these options with your phone company. But we don’t think you’ll need it. This will be an opportunity to have a little break from technology and a chance to unplug.
WhatsApp: Many people outside the United States use WhatsApp for sharing texts, photos and videos with friends and family. It's easy and free to download, and uses your existing phone number.
Vaccines: Colombia requests a Covid-19 vaccine before entering. Make sure to have your vaccination card. They will also accept a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel. No other inoculations/vaccinations are required.
What to Wear: We’ll dress mostly casual with 2 dinners where you may want to be a little dressy. At the beach resort, expect to wear yoga clothes, bathing suits, sarongs, kaftans and anything comfortable. If you have a white linen dress, white scarf, or white top it will be great for our closing night celebration by the beach. But it’s not required. We’ll be in warm weather the entire trip, but you may want a small sweater for the flights.
Shoes: For the city walking tours, very sturdy sandals are ok. But closed walking shoes are even better. For hiking, walking/running shoes or tevas will work.
Where we’ll be staying:
AC Hotel Santa Marta
Calle 23 No 1C-37 Santa Marta, Colombia
Gitana Del Mar Boutique Beach Resort
Km 46 via Riohacha, Buritaca, Magdalena, Colombia
Hotel Casa Don Luis By Faranda Boutique
Calle del Cuartel Carrera No. 36–16, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
On-Call Organizer COntact (during the retreat):
Nick Hanna
(Mobile & WhatsApp) 1.323.793.5072
Email: nick@ambuyoga.com