GENERAL RETREAT QUESTIONS

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What is Portal Mindful Retreats?​

Portal Mindful Retreats offers small-group scuba + yoga retreats designed around ocean time, mindful movement, and well-paced travel. Each retreat is intentionally built to combine diving, recovery, rest, and the kind of overall experience that helps people feel more grounded while they travel. We prioritize excellent service and comfortable accommodations because the overall experience matters — not just where you dive, but how supported and restored you feel throughout the week.

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Where are the retreats held?

Retreat locations will vary. I work with carefully selected scuba resorts in destinations such as Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, and other ocean-centered locations. Each retreat page includes the specific resort, dive operation, and key trip details. I choose locations based on the overall experience — great diving, strong service, comfortable accommodations, and a setting that supports both adventure and rest.

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Who are these retreats for?​

These retreats are designed for travelers who want a better way to experience ocean adventure — one that balances diving, movement, recovery, and rest. They’re a strong fit for certified scuba divers, yoga seekers, and travelers who want a more supportive, well-paced kind of trip. They can also work well for solo travelers, couples, or friends traveling together with different interests.​

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How big are the groups?

Groups are intentionally kept small, usually around 8 to 14 travelers, plus the on-site host and yoga instructor when applicable. Keeping the group small helps the experience feel more relaxed, personal, and easy to manage.​

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What are the accommodations like?

Accommodations vary by retreat, but I typically work with smaller scuba resorts that offer clean, comfortable rooms, easy access to the water, and strong service. Depending on the destination, that may mean private rooms, shared rooms, or bungalow-style accommodations. Each retreat page includes the specific resort details.

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Can I book my accommodations directly with the resort and still join the retreat?

All participants need to book through Portal Mindful Retreats so I can coordinate the retreat as one complete experience, including accommodations, diving schedules, yoga sessions, transfers, and other logistics. The value of the retreat is not just the room — it’s the structure, pacing, support, and overall experience.

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What's included in the retreat prices?​

What’s included can vary by destination, and each retreat page outlines the full details. In general, retreat packages are designed to include accommodations, airport transfers, meals (typically at least breakfast and lunch), scuba diving for diver packages, and daily yoga or mindful movement sessions.

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Yoga seeker packages include the full retreat experience without the scuba diving portion.

 

Can I participate in part of the retreat?

Portal Mindful Retreats are designed as full-week experiences, and participation is not offered on a partial or drop-in basis. That structure helps keep the week well coordinated and allows the overall experience to feel smooth, intentional, and well-paced.

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SCUBA DIVING

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Do I need to be a certified scuba diver?​

Only certified divers may join the diving packages. However, if you are not yet certified, we'd be happy to customize a retreat package for you to obtain your Open Water Certification with the host resort, if available. Just ask us for this option when you contact us to book your retreat. We'd love to make that happen for you!

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How many dives are included?

Most retreats include 10–14 dives, depending on the destination and schedule. Each destination page will list the exact number.

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Is scuba gear included?

It varies by resort. Some partner resorts include full equipment; others offer rentals for a small weekly fee. All details will be listed on each retreat page.

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What if I haven’t dived in a long time?

Many destinations offer optional refresher dives or private tune-ups with an instructor. Just let us know in advance.

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Are the dive sites beginner-friendly?

We choose destinations known for calm conditions, excellent visibility, and high-quality dive operations. More advanced dives may be optional, and that information will be communicated on the retreat page.

 

Do I need to be medically cleared to dive?

If you’re in good overall health, you’re usually fine to dive. But if you have any medical concerns — even small ones — please check with your doctor beforehand. Some destinations require a doctor’s note for certain conditions, and it’s always better to be safe.​​​​​

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YOGA & MINDFUL MOVEMENT

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What style of yoga is offered?

Accessible, breath-centered practices designed to complement diving — gentle flow, restorative, mobility work, breath work, and meditation. Sessions are suitable for all levels.

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Do I need yoga experience?

Not at all. All classes are beginner-friendly.

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Do I need to bring a mat?

Some resorts provide mats; others do not. You’ll be informed ahead of time so you can pack accordingly.

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TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

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Do I book my own flights?

Yes. This is the only thing you'll need to handle yourself. You will book your flight to the retreat destination, and we will coordinate your round-trip airport transfers and everything else. 

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Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely! We don’t sell travel insurance, but we strongly recommend guests consider coverage that includes trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical/evacuation. You can compare options here:

• Squaremouth — compare quotes and coverage side-by-side, with customer reviews and filters.

• InsureMyTrip — compare and purchase plans from multiple providers; they also offer support from licensed travel insurance agents.

• For scuba divers, dive-specific coverage such as Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) is required.

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Are these retreats safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Solo travelers are absolutely welcome. The retreats are designed to feel well supported and easy to settle into, with a good balance of structure, personal downtime, and optional group interaction.

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Do I need a visa?

Requirements vary by country. We will provide guidance for each destination.

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Is WiFi available?

Usually yes — though speed may vary by destination. Many guests find this refreshing.​​​​​

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PRICING & PAYMENTS

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How much do retreats cost?

Because every destination has different lodging standards, local pricing, dive operations, and travel logistics, retreat costs vary. Our goal is to curate cost-effective, meaningful adventures that offer exceptional value without compromising on quality, safety, or the small-group experience.

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Each retreat page will list the exact cost for that destination.

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Is there a deposit?

Yes — a $300 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. This allows us to secure lodging, dive reservations, and retreat logistics in advance.

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When is the final payment due?

Final payment deadlines vary based on the resort or destination. Most partners require full payment 60–90 days before arrival, and we follow their guidelines closely. The exact due date will be listed on each retreat page and in your confirmation email.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary by retreat and are listed on each individual retreat page. Because each destination has its own resort policies and booking terms, the specific payment schedule, deadlines, and cancellation fees may differ.

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Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Your $300 deposit is non-refundable, as it secures your room and retreat spot.

• Refunds beyond the deposit depend on the resort’s timelines.

• Many resorts offer partial refunds outside of a certain window (often 60–90 days before arrival).

• Spot transfers (sending a friend in your place) are usually allowed at no extra charge.

 

The full cancellation policy for each retreat will be listed on the retreat’s dedicated page.​​​​

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MISCELLANEOUS

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Can vegetarians or dietary preferences be accommodated?

Most resorts can accommodate common dietary preferences. Let us know ahead of time.

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Is alcohol allowed?

Typically, yes — responsibly. (Divers must follow safe diving guidelines.)

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Can I add additional dives or excursions?

We’re happy to help facilitate additional dives if you’re craving more ocean time, though our schedule already gives you plenty of opportunities to explore the water safely and intentionally.

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Excursions depend on the location, but many of our destinations are intentionally simple with few distractions. Our retreats are designed for rest, not packed itineraries — outside of diving and yoga, downtime is yours to enjoy as you wish.​​​​