Yoga Vacation FAQs
- Have a question not covered in the FAQs below?
If you have questions about what we’ll be doing while we’re there or the resort in general– contact Stacey at: stacey@journeysinyoga.com
If you have questions about your room or reservation– contact the reservations department at Manchebo at: (888)-673-8036 or reserve@manchebo.com
Things to bring:
Passport—Don’t have one? Find out more here
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Bathing Suit
Shoes that will be comfortable to hike in
Casual, warm weather attire and yoga attire
Sense of adventure
Readiness to relax, unwind and experience a dream vacation in paradise!
1. What about those lunches and dinners on my own—where are the restaurants, how will I get there?
Aruba boasts many unique and wonderful restaurants, and we want you to explore some of them! Also we don’t want you to feel overly scheduled and tied to the group—so go ahead, have a romantic dinner for two, or a raucous night out on the town with friends (maybe a bit of both!).
Manchebo is equally close to town (Oranjestad, the capital) as it is the high-rise area (the tourist area) where the bigger hotels are and lots of shopping, nightlife etc. It’s not far, but not walk-able either, due to the terrain.
A taxi takes about 6 minutes and costs around 10 dollars.
Aruba has a great public transport system. There is a bus stop right by the hotel that goes both ways – to town and to the high rise area. The buses leave every few minutes, they are usually air conditioned and it’s very cheap, about $1.50.
Renting cars is only necessary if you want to venture out to the other end of the island, but we’ll be headed out there when we go on the Hike Excursion toArikokNational Parkso you’ll get to see that area then.
You are also certainly welcome to purchase lunches and dinners not included in the trip at the Resort’s three restaurants or in-room dining. Find out more and look over menus here. Your room at Manchebo also includes a microwave and a small refrigerator.
2. Do I pay a deposit to reserve my room? When is it due? When do I pay the remaining balance?
When you book your reservation online, $500.00 per person will automatically be charged to the credit card you provide. 45 days prior to arrival (June 6, 2012) you will automatically be charged the remaining balance to the same card used when booking the room. If you’d like to use another credit card for the remaining balance, or have other questions regarding payment, please contact Manchebo at (888)-673-8036 or reserve@manchebo.com
Remember, book before May 6, 2012 to take advantage of the early bird discount rate!
3. What if I need to make changes to make reservation?
When you book your reservation you’ll create a login and password. You can use this log in to cancel your reservation or change personal information. Need help with some other aspect of your reservation? Please contact Manchebo at (888)-673-8036 or reserve@manchebo.com
4. What if I book the trip, then have to cancel?
We understand that sometimes plans change. Manchebo is happy to offer a full refund, save a $25.00 cancellation fee per room anytime before June 6, 2012. Refunds requested after June 6, 2012 will not be issued. You can cancel your own reservation online using the login and password you created at the time of booking. If you need additional assistance, please contact the reservations department at: (888)-673-8036 or reserve@manchebo.com
5. How do I change the number of guests, the room type, or request a bed type on the online registration screen?
To change the number of guests, click the grey “Edit Dates” button in the top right. You’ll see a drop down menu that allows you to change the number of guests. Click “modify” to save your changes.
To change the room type (Garden View vs. Ocean View) simply click on the desired heading under the brown “Journeys in Yoga Package” banner on the left side of the screen. Whichever room type is highlighted in gold is the one selected—you’ll notice the rate will update accordingly.
To request one king bed or two double beds, etc. click the grey “Edit Dates” button then click the words “Room features” in the top right. You’ll see a drop down menu that allows you to choose other preferences.
6. I used the calendar on the home page of the resort to enter in the dates of the trip, but when the room rate shows up, it’s not the same as the advertised rate, what do I do?
The easiest way to register is to click here.
If you want to enter the days of the JiY trip (July 21 – July 28 2012), from the Manchebo home page, you’ll then have to enter florida2102 in the “corporate/promotional code” box. Then you will see the rates advertised for the JiY trip.
7. I’m an early riser, can I eat breakfast earlier? I am a late riser and may skip some morning yoga classes, can I eat breakfast later?
Yes and yes! The resort offers breakfast from 7:00am-11:30am daily, so you are free to enjoy breakfast anytime during that window.
8. Is airfare included in the Package Rate?
No, airfare is not included. Feel free to book your airfare at whatever time/departure city suits you best. You’ll want to arrive at the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba. Find out more about the airport here. Transportation from the airport to Manchebo is included in your Package Rate. Keep in mind the Welcome Wine and Cheese Reception begins at 5:00pm on Saturday July 21, Welcome dinner follows at 6:00pm.
9. What type of yoga will we be doing?
The majority of the classes will likely be Intro and Open Flow I and II classes that we offer at Journeys In Yoga, plus some Yin. We’ll wait to see who will be joining us before we decide for certain—feel free to suggest a particular style you’d like to see during the trip by e-mailing Stacey at: stacey@journeysinyoga.com
10. I haven’t done very much yoga, can I still come? Can I bring someone who has never done yoga?
Of course and of course—all are welcome! Truly, no yoga experience is necessary, we’ll offer many modifications and as always, we encourage students to “do what you can do” and enjoy the practices at a suitable pace—no competition, no comparison. We’ll move and breathe, listen to the ocean and smile! You are free to do as many or as few of the yoga classes as you like.
11. What will I do with all the free time?
What won’t you do is the shorter answer!
In addition to our two Included Excursions, your room at Manchebo is just steps away from Eagle Beach—Aruba’s most pristine beach. Beach chairs, shade palapas, and towels are provided free of charge for your comfort. Enjoying Manchebo’s sparkling pool is another great way to soak up the sun.
The Spa at Manchebo overlooks the ocean and is described as a “…Caribbean-Balinese style spa retreat. Teakwood furniture, chanting birds and soft music in the spa’s outdoor massage cabanas overlooking the beach stimulate waves of serenity.” Schedule some pampering ahead of time or once you get there! Read more about Spa services here.
A trip into town or the “high rise” tourist area is a short bus or taxi ride away, see #1 for details. Other island activities include wind surfing, jeep tours, golf and much more, find out more here. If there is interest among the group once we are there, we may also schedule a horseback riding excursion and a surf lesson.
Don’t forget, your room at Manchebo will be an oasis of comfort and relaxed luxury, so you may want to spend some time relaxing there as well! Find about more about room amenities here.
12. Do I need to bring a yoga mat?
Nope, the Resort will provide yoga mats and props—of course you are welcome to bring your own mat and/or yoga towel if you like, but no need to take up precious suitcase space for these!