FAQ's
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FAQ's ❁
WHERE IS THIS LOCATION HELD?
Our retreat venue is located approximately 24 to 30 km south of Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is the nearest major airport to Hoi An. A taxi/Grab ride typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes. The distance from our retreat venue to An Bang Beach is approximately 4.8 kilometres with an average travel time of 10–15 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE VENUE?
When you have your flight details, you can organise a transfer with our venue. Contact Annie prior - via hoian@ayatanahomes.com or WhatsApp (+84932406303) or use a taxi/Grab on arrival
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH ARRANGING MY FLIGHTS?
I have been using my travel agent Alex for the past ten years. She is excellent at helping to arrange your travel needs. You can contact her alex@travelncruise.com.au
WHAT TIME DOES THE RETREAT BEGIN?
Our retreat begins at 3:30pm on day one with a yoga practice & opening circle. Please wear yoga attire.
WHAT TIME DOES THE RETREAT END?
Our retreat will conclude after our morning practice on the last day (approx 9.30am) and there will be time to enjoy breakfast before departure.
WHAT TIME CAN I CHECK INTO MY ROOM?
Check In is at 2pm. Check Out is at 12pm. Earlier/later check in/out can be arranged upon request & subject to availability.
CAN / SHOULD I STAY EXTRA NIGHTS?
Many women find that arriving the night before the retreat allows them to begin the week feeling less rushed, if possible.
If you would like to stay at our venue,the night prior please contact Annie hoian@ayatanahomes.com (+84932406303) for rates & availability.
CAN I PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE IN INSTALLMENTS?
For sure! If it’s easier for you to pay a little towards the final balance weekly or monthly, just let me know your plan.
I AM TRAVELLING SOLO - IS THAT OKAY?
Absolutely - and you will very quickly meet a wonderful group of women! Before the retreat I create a WhatsApp group so you can connect with others, arrange / share travel plans etc, if you like.
DELICIOUS MEALS PREPARED FOR YOU:
Meals (breakfast & dinner) on retreat are nutritious, nourishing, scrumptious vegan. Other dietary requirements can be catered for with prior arrangement.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN YOGA MAT?
No, all (basic) mats & props are provided for you. BYO if you prefer to use your own.
TO BRING:
A reusable water bottle (you will be able to refill your bottle at the accomodation), enough yoga attire for morning & afternoon yoga practices, swimwear, a light shawl / a cover for your shoulders if you visit a sacred site, insect repellent (if they like you!).
WHAT IF I FIND TWICE DAILY PRACTICES TOO MUCH?
The yoga practices are designed to accommodate all levels of experience - from complete beginner to the more seasoned yogi. Within the scheduled yoga practices, you will also enjoy guided breathing & meditation practices along with yoga asanas. All sessions are optional.
Morning practices to energise with the sunrise & beat the heat, and afternoon classes to unwind.
MASSAGE TREATMENTS:
Massages etc on site can be organised via reception whilst on retreat.
CAN I EXPLORE HOI AN DURING THE WEEK?
Yes, there is plenty of free time to do so!
Optional activities will be suggested to you throughout the week such as a cooking class, a basket boat tour through the coconut forests, bicycle tour, time on the beach or a visit to My Son Sanctuary
USE OF BICYCLES TO EXPLORE HOI AN:
Bicycles are available for use, at no charge, to explore the surrounding area.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY AND IS CASH EASY TO ACCESS?
The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Vietnam is predominantly a cash based society. When you exit the airport (where you find your pickup driver), there is a row of banks on the left outside. You can do money exchange or cash withdrawals there. When you are in town, there are many ATMs located in the ancient town or a short drive from our retreat venue. Cash is preferred over cards when in town/shops.
POWER ADAPTOR:
Pack a Type C or Type A adapter. Type C (Most Common): Features two round pins.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Pack light & be able to carry your own suitcase/bag if your room is upstairs.
Laundry service is available during your stay.
Towels are available in all rooms. Pool towels are also provided.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
It is recommended to drink only filtered/bottled water. The retreat venue provides daily water - so bringing a refillable water bottle is a good idea. I would suggest not using tap water for teeth brushing either.
ENTRY TO VIETNAM:
Please stay up to date with requirements for entering Vietnam such as the online documents that can be completed prior to arrival
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
WHAT TIME DOES THE RETREAT BEGIN?
Our retreat begins at 3:30pm on day one with a yoga practice & opening circle. Please wear yoga attire.
WHAT TIME DOES THE RETREAT END?
Our retreat will conclude after our morning practice on the last day (approx 9.30am) and there will be time to enjoy brunch between 9.30am - 11.00am before departure
WHAT TIME CAN I CHECK INTO MY ROOM?
Check In is at 2pm. Check Out is at 11am. Earlier/later check in/out can be arranged upon request & subject to availability.
CAN/SHOULD I STAY EXTRA NIGHTS?
Many women find that arriving the night before the retreat allows them to begin the week feeling less rushed.
If of course this is not possible for you, there are flights arriving that will still get you to the retreat on time for our first afternoon practice together.
If you would like to stay at our venue, The Shala the night prior please contact Jero for rates & availability.
There are numerous other options for accommodation in Ubud. These are some I can recommend
Tegal Sari - central Ubud
Ananda Cottages - next door to The Shala
Honeymoon Guest House - on the edge of central Ubud
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN YOGA MAT?
No, all mats & props are provided for you.
TO BRING: A reusable water bottle (you will be able to refill your bottle at the accomodation), enough yoga attire for morning & afternoon yoga practices, swimwear, a light shawl/a cover for your shoulders if you visit a sacred site, insect repellent (if they like you!).
Priest Fire Purification Ceremony: please have your shoulders covered. A sarong and sash will be provided.
Final Dinner: we will be dining on the terrace at the well known Indus Restaurant so you may enjoy a change from yoga wear! Drinks and meals to be paid for by guests.
I AM TRAVELLING SOLO - IS THAT OKAY?
Absolutely - and you will very quickly meet a wonderful group of women! Before the retreat I create a WhatsApp group so you can connect with others, arrange travel plans etc if you like
WHAT IF I FIND TWICE DAILY PRACTICES TOO MUCH?
The yoga practices are designed to accommodate all levels of experience - from complete beginner to the more seasoned yogi. Within the scheduled yoga practices, you will also enjoy guided breathing & meditation practices along with yoga asanas. All sessions are optional. Morning 6:30am to enjoy the sunrise & beat the heat, and afternoon 4:00pm to unwind.
DELICIOUS MEALS PREPARED FOR YOU:
Meals on retreat are nutritious, nourishing, scrumptious vegan. Coffee (Indo style) is available. Other dietary requirements can be catered for with prior arrangement.
SPA/MASSAGE TREATMENTS:
Beautiful Darshana Veda Spa - treatments can be organised via reception and paid for on check out. Bookings can be made in advance via WhatsApp
There are many other spa/massage centres also within walking distance.
CAN I PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE IN INSTALLMENTS?
For sure! If it’s easier for you to pay a little towards the final balance weekly or monthly, just let me know your plan
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE VENUE?
When you have your flight details, you can organise a transfer with our venue or I can recommend a local driver whom I’ve known since 2019 or you can arrange through The Shala If you are organising your own transport these are the directions to the venue. You will be dropped to the Mumbai Station Pure Vegetarian Cafe and staff will walk you and your luggage to the main site.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH ARRANGING MY FLIGHTS?
I have been using my travel agent Alex for the past eight years. She is excellent at helping to arrange your travel needs. You can contact her alex@travelncruise.com.au
CAN I EXPLORE UBUD/BALI DURING THE WEEK?
Yes, there is plenty of free time to do so! Our venue is not far from the hub of Ubud. Optional activities will be suggested to you throughout the week such as a mala making workshop, cooking class, visit to a waterfall and the Pyramids of Chi.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY AND IS CASH EASY TO ACCESS?
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah. There are ATMs as you leave the airport, a short walk from our venue at the Bingtang Supermarket, in central Ubud or you can always ask your driver to stop at one.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
There is FREE WiFi throughout the resort.
POWER ADAPTOR:
The plug standard in Bali is a two-pin plug for a socket, also known as plug type F and type C.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Laundry service is outsourced with a next day delivery in most cases. Rates are very cheap.
Towels are available in all rooms. Pool towels are also provided.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
It is recommended to drink only filtered/bottled water. The retreat venue provides daily water - so bringing a refillable water bottle is a good idea. I would suggest not using tap water for teeth brushing either. Salads & ice provided at the venue and at restaurants will be created with filtered water so is safe to consume.
ENTRY TO BALI: if you would like a smoother, faster transition through the airport I suggest completing the online documents prior to leaving your home. You will have four documents to show when required (instructions below)
Arriving in Bali: The 3 Steps:
1. Visa On Arrival (VOA) – AUD $50
2. All Indonesia Arrival Card - FREE
3. . Tourism Levy – AUD $15
Note: Fees in AUD will change slightly with the exchange rate
Step 1: Visa On Arrival (VOA)
The easiest way is to do this online before you fly. Use the official Indonesian government site (only this one!):
- Choose Visa Type: B1 (Tourist Visa)
- Use your phone to scan the bottom of your passport (it autofills your info!)
- Double-check everything, tick all the little boxes, then add your accommodation details (The Shala Bali address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.90, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia)
- Pay online – it's IDR 500,000 (around AUD $50)
Done! You’ll be emailed your e-VOA
Complete up to 48 hrs prior to your flight
Step 2: All Indonesia Arrival Card
This is replaces the Health Pass & Customs Declaration. It is a form that every traveller needs to fill out—free and easy.
Complete up to 72 hrs prior to your flight
Step 3: Tourism Levy
This is a new one (as of late 2024)! All international tourists visiting Bali need to pay a Tourism Levy of IDR 150,000 per person (around AUD $15).
You can pay this online before you fly (up to 60 days in advance):
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Bonus tips:
- Accomodation: The Shala / Address: Kab. Gianyar
- Airport: Select DPS - I Gusti Ngurah Rai (a.k.a. Denpasar Airport)
- Use a phone—you’ll need the camera for scanning your passport
- Keep a screenshot of your visa application number just in case
- Check your junk folder if the visa email doesn’t come through right away
INFORMATION TO ASSIST:
Border measures - All Indonesia Arrival Card
To prevent the entry of new variants of Mpox to Indonesia, the Ministry of Health requires all travellers arriving at international ports in Indonesia to complete an electronic health declaration form. The new All Indonesia Arrival Card is required for international passengers arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, within 72 hours (3 days) of your travel to Indonesia. This requirement will be extended to all international entry points at airports and ferry terminals from 1 October. The All Indonesia Arrival Card replaces the SATUSEHAT Health Pass and e-customs declaration for arrival. You’ll need to apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) at least 48 hours before your travel. The arrival card and e-VOA can be completed through the All Indonesia website (see ‘Travel’).
Check entry requirements with your travel provider or the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia before you travel.
e-Visa on Arrival and Visa on Arrival
If you're travelling to Indonesia for tourism, official government duties or business meetings, you can apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online through the Directorate General of Immigration e-Visa website or through the All Indonesia Arrival Card website (from 1 September), at least 48 hours before your travel to Indonesia.
If you do not apply for an e-VOA at least 48 hours in advance of your travel to Indonesia, you can still apply for a regular Visa on Arrival (VOA) at certain international airports, seaports and land crossings, including Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Medan, Manado, Aceh, Padang, Tanjung Pinang and Yogyakarta.
You cannot transit in Indonesia without an e-VOA or VOA. Ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and can pay for an e-VOA or VOA to ensure you can transit or enter Indonesia. Check the e-VOA requirements from Indonesian Immigration before applying.
Additional requirements apply if you're travelling on government duties.
The e-VOA and VOA cost IDR 500,000 (approximately $A 50), with the e-VOA charging a small online processing fee.
For the VOA, some airports, including Jakarta's international airport, are only accepting cash payment. Card payment facilities are available at Bali's international airport. ATM facilities may be in high demand. Be prepared to pay in cash if required.
The visa is valid for a 30 day stay and can be extended once (for a maximum of 30 days) by applying at an immigration office within Indonesia. Ensure you extend your visa within the initial 30 days to avoid an overstay fine and deportation.
To apply for a regular VOA, you must show:
your ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter. It's also recommended that you have at least 6 months passport validity from the date you plan to leave Indonesia, to avoid any issues for your departure or onward travel.
a return flight booking to Australia or onward flight booking to another country
Tourist Levy
Foreign tourists entering Bali are subject to a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person. The tourist levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. Cashless payments can be made online prior to travel or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali's airport and seaport. Exemption from payment of the levy applies to transit passengers and certain visa holders. See the Bali Provincial Government's official website and FAQs for further information.
