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FAQ
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Q: What does the Festival price include?
6 nights accommodation, November 29 - December 5, 2019
3 homemade all-you-can-eat meals a day
All onsite workshops and activities
Waterpark access
Q: Do you offer day passes or drop in classes?
A: Yes! Contact Mikka at (415) 582-6773 and let her know what days you would like to attend.
Q: What’s not included?
Airfare and transportation (we will assist in organizing but uber is great option!)
Massage, private lessons
Excursion Activities not organized by the leaders
TRAVEL
Q: What is the address for the retreat center?
A: The Chalananda Retreat Center is located next door and contiguously with the Chimulco Water Park in Villa Corona, Mexico. Chalananda may not show up on you or your taxi driver’s maps, but Chimulco Water Park (Parque Acuático Chimulco) is very well known in the area, and is located at Av. Vicente Ruiz Sahagun 75, Centro, 45730 Villa Corona, Jal., Mexico.
Your taxi will drop you off at the gates that lead into the waterpark and retreat center, next to a large sign that says “Chimulco Parque Aquatico”. Approach the gates and one of our greeters should flag you down and get you checked in.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: Travel time from the airport is a little over an hour - we recommend landing in GDL by 1pm on Friday, giving you time to grab your bags and hop a cab to the retreat center. Arriving at Chalananda by 3pm on Friday afternoon is ideal, giving you time to settle into your accommodations and join a refreshing 5pm yoga class to unwind after your travels. Dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by some fun connection games at 7:00pm and our Opening Circle at 7:30.
We will have greeters on hand to welcome you to the event through the hours of Noon and 6pm on Friday - please reach out if you will be arriving at a different time (or a different day!) and we can arrange a greeter for you. You can text MG @ 415.987.4472 on arrival day with any questions you may have.
Q: I am arriving a day or 2 early to the retreat, where should I stay?
A: If you would like to stay at the retreat center a day or two before the festival, contact Mikka at least 2 weeks ahead of time to extend your room reservation.
Q: How will I get from the airport to the retreat center?
A: Uber, rent a car or organize a carpool with others who are on a similar flight as you. From Guadalajara city or airport you can take a taxi or uber directly to Chalananda. Please specify to the driver to take you to Chimulco Parque Acuatico in Villa Corona (this is the waterpark Chalananda is based in). Don't tell them to take you to Chalananda because they will not know where it is. The cost varies: from 30-40 usd
Fill out the Logistics for here and then coordinate with others here.
Q: Are vaccines required to travel to Mexico?
A: No, no vaccines or medication are required for travel to Mexico.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Mexico?
A: Check which nationalities require a visa in this website: www.inm.gob.mx
Q: What should I do in Mexico after the retreat?
A: You can connect with others at the retreat to make plans or in the facebook group. You may also be able to extend your stay at the retreat center.
Chalananda RETREAT CENTER
Q: What should I pack?
A: Water bottle, sweater or jacket for the night, sandals you can slip off when entering a dance studio, sleeping bag, pillow & bath towel if camping, headlamp, mosquito repellent, towel and swimming suit are essential. For a full list of suggested items to pack, check out Mikka’s packing list: http://www.mikkaminx.com/packing-list
Q: Where can I pick up items I forgot to pack, necessities or snacks?
A: A small cafe is available onsite with coffee based beverages, tea, chai, rolling tobacco, chocolate, souvenirs and a few other crucial travel items should you need. Villa Corona is a very charming town only a ten minute walk from the retreat center. Amazing taquerias, bars, pastry and juice shops abound here, amidst authentic old town vibes. Corner stores and grocery stores are within walking distance.
Q. How is the weather?
A: This area of Jalisco has one of the best climates in the world. December is absolutely gorgeous, with nights just a touch brisk, the days warm and sunny. During the fall, the weather is cool in the evening and in the morning, (min. 10 C) and warm during the day (max. 27 C) Occasional rains can be expected. Check the weather closer to your travel date.
Q: Will there be filtered water on site?
A: Yes there will be plenty of filtered water throughout the retreat grounds.
Q: Should I bring bug repellent and rain gear?
A: Yes
Q: Will my cell phone work to make calls?
A: Most likely, but we cannot guarantee it. There is wifi but it comes and goes.
Q: What time is check in and check out?
A: Check in is 2pm and Check out is 11am. Let us know when you will be arriving so we can be ready to greet you when you arrive. Please make sure to attend the closing circle at 10am on the last day of the retreat! If needed, please contact us to request a late checkout.
Q: Will my belongings be secure?
A: Chalananda is inside a private water park that is very safe and secure. Jalisco has always been a tourist friendly state. As in any other place we advise you to take necessary precautions if you are staying or traveling in Mexico before and after the retreat.
Q: Are beach towels provided?
A: No, please bring your own.
Q: Where will I be sleeping?
A: MG will contact you and tell you your room assignment.
Q: What will my room accommodations be like?
A: You can read about the accommodation options for bungalows and camping on this site.
Q: Is there a washer/dryer onsite?
A: There is a laundry service. Please tip Martita 5 dollars.
Q: How will I know where everything is located?
A: There will be a schedules and maps throughout the grounds of the Retreat Center and a map posted on our website and in the facebook group.
Q: Will I have access to a kitchen?
A: The bungalows each have a fully equipped kitchenette.
Q: Where can I go for a run?
A: There is a running trail that does a full circle of the water park – or you can leave the park to the left and you can go by the lagoon and get to an overview of the lagoon.
Q: When can I use the pools and waterpark?
A: Anytime! The thermal pools begin filling at 3am everyday and start draining at 5pm every night. We will also have a nighttime pool party. Waterslide Therapy class will happen at 3pm everyday. Please NO drinking or smoking at the pools!
Q: Can I bring a floatie for the pool and lazy river?
A: Yes!
Q: Are RVs allowed?
A: yes
Q: Should I worry about the food and water?
A: We advise you to take precaution with street tacos before and after the retreat.
Q: What about credit cards, cash and exchange rates?
The exchange rate is always fluctuating so check before coming. Credit cards at not accepted at Chalananda, so grab some cash in case you need to buy something from the cafe or gift shop. You will find banks for money changing services in Guadalajara or Villa Corona town just outside the retreat center, as well as available ATM machines. Cheapest exchange rate is at your bank in your home country before you leave!
Q: Do you have any suggested Reading about Jalisco?
Juan Rulfo's "Pedro Paramo" and "El llano en llamas"
FOOD
Q: What will we be eating?
A: 3 homemade all-you-can-eat meals a day included, Greek/Mexican vegetarian fusion cuisine, prepared by professional holistic chefs from fresh, local ingredients and produce.
Q: What if I want extra food?
A: You can stop by the grocery store in town on the way from the airport, or venture to town during the week and pick up snacks to have during the retreat.
Q: Do you make accommodations for special diets?
A: Yes, please fill out the logistics form so we are aware of food allergies and dietary restrictions: .
Q: Are all meals included on the Retreat?
A. Yes
Q: Will there be alcohol?
A: Alcohol will not be provided but you are welcome to pick up liquor, cocktail ingredients, or wine on your way to the retreat center to have with you at the retreat. BYOB.
Volunteering
Q: I am scheduled to volunteer, where do I find out when and where I need to be?
A: MG will contact you and let you know your scheduled volunteer shifts.
Q: What if I am volunteering during a class time that I want to attend?
A: You can ask one of the other volunteers if you can switch shifts with them or join for just part of the class. Coordinate with MG to switch shifts after you found someone to take your place. All volunteers must have attended the orientation meeting upon arrival.
CLASSES, ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Q: What will we be doing all week?
A: We will be releasing the lineup a few weeks before the retreat. There will also be printed schedules posted all over the retreat center.
Q: What if there are changes to the schedule during the retreat?
A: All changes will be posted on the white board in the common area or communicated in the fb message thread.
Q: Where will the classes be held?
A: All classes will take place in either the large open air shala, the indoor dance studio, the thermal pools or on the lawn next to the open air shala.
Q: What if I am a beginner?
A: All levels are welcome to attend the classes. There will be assistants in every class to attend to your needs.
Q: I have an advanced practice, will I be challenged enough?
A: All the teachers are fantastic and have experience teaching / gearing the classes to challenge all levels.
Q: Do I need to bring my own mat, block and/or straps?
A: If you like to use a block or strap during your yoga practice please bring one. We encourage you to bring your own yoga mat if you have one. If you didn’t bring one, we may have a few extras on site.
Q: What if I want to spend extra time on the Poles?
A: You have access to the dance studio where the poles will be set up at all times. We ask that you do not do any inversions outside of class and dance at your own risk. No drunk poling.
Q: What if I don’t want to be in any photos or videos during the retreat?
A: Let the photographer and the videographer know so that they can make sure to keep you out of the shots.
Q: Where can I find more info about the teachers?
A: You can find more about our team for the retreat here.
Q: Are the activities mandatory?
A: No, all the activities are optional. You are more than welcome to opt out for personal or rest time whenever you would like as long as you do not interrupt the planned activities.
Q: What style of classes will be offered?
A: Our intuitive instructors will be teaching a variety of techniques, suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners. They are able to adjust the flow to the group so students can find their intelligent edge on their journey inward. Class descriptions will be posted here a few weeks before the festival.
Q: What kinds of cultural activities are available?
A: There is a sweatlodge on site. Medicinal plant ceremonies (mayan style) are available as well as mezcal and tequila tastings. The classes will include how the process of making and ceremonial rituals. Another option is a Puelbo walking trip, it is recommended to check out the holidays and horses. Other excursions options include local Pyramids and Tequila the city.
Q: Where can I find other festivals, classes, events or retreats produced by Minx Productions?
A: Classes are held in San Francisco but events and festivals have a wide variety of locations. You can see all classes, events and festivals on the website: www.MikkaMinx.com, look for the links at the bottom of the page.
Q: How Can I book a massage?
A: Contact Mikka to see what time slots are available and to inquire on massage styles and prices.
Q: Is there anything I can help out with during the festival?
A: Yes! Contact us.
Q: Can I do everything offered at the festival?
A: Yes but we don't recommend it. There is a full schedule of classes, excursions and activities throughout the week. It's likely you will need time to rest and recover at some point. We suggest prioritizing what is most important to you to attend.
Q: What if I am really tired from all the activities?
A: Take a nap! Get a massage! Go to bed early! If you need to leave an evening activity to go to sleep it’s no problem. It’s much better to feel rested and ready to take the day on then try and do everything when your body is asking for rest. You may be coming from a stressful day/week/life and your body may realize this is an opportunity to rest and recover, it’s best to honor your body’s requests so you can get the most out of your experience. This is a retreat after all!
Q: Where do I apply to teach at a future festival?
A: Apply here teach or offer a service at Embody Fest 2020
Q: What if I miss everyone after it's over?
A: We will be hosting more events throughout the year, along with an Embody Fest decompression in San Francisco!
