Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for your retreat

California

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
Our weeklong retreat runs from Sunday 12 noon PST to the following Saturday 11:00am PST

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $6,300 per person.

ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED?
Tipping is not necessary or expected but graciously appreciated.

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
We recommend that you fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or The Hollywood Burbank Airport.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM CALIFORNIA?
The Ashram no longer offers group pickups or drop-offs. There are recommendations for car services in your follow up information, or Uber is always available.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
You will receive a detailed packing list once you make your reservation. Good hiking shoes are a must. We furnish you with sweat suits, t-shirts, robes, and hiking poles. For more information and a packing list, please click here.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER OR CELL PHONE?
We prefer that you disconnect from the outside world for optimal results. Our guests have come to understand over the years that the world can wait. We do have WiFi.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I BE PREPARED FOR?
Our program is challenging with hikes ranging from 8-13 miles per day. We do have the ability to modify the routes based on an individual’s activity and fitness level but we recommend increasing your cardiovascular exercise in the weeks prior to your visit.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Our food is organic, vegetarian and predominantly plant-based. We seasonally harvest most of the vegetables and herbs in our very own organic garden. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy are excluded from the menu to give your body and digestive tract a chance to rest as well as reactivate your metabolism.

WHAT IF I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES?
We will do our best to accommodate any allergies or special dietary restrictions that you may have. Please contact our office to inquire about any special requests.

HOW MANY CALORIES WILL I EAT PER DAY?
We do not count calories. We are more concerned with providing you with a wholesome vegetarian diet. Our motto is “Increase your activity and decrease your food intake, and your body will do the rest.” You will be amazed at what your body can accomplish when fed nutrient-rich foods. We don’t want anyone to leave our table hungry, so portions and additional snacks can be modified based on individual needs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
If you cancel within 30 days of your scheduled arrival, 100% of your deposit plus the remaining balance of the total fee will be forfeited. We are happy to issue a refund, but only if we are able to book another guest in your place. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged to all refunded deposits.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE!

WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED FROM ME?
When making a reservation, we will need your name, age and general state of health. Upon you arrival, we will further discuss your individual health profile.

We will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. You are welcome to call us at 1.818.222.6900 anytime between 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday PST or email us at theashram@theashram.com

Mallorca

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
You arrive Sunday at 12 noon and depart the following Saturday at 11am.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The rate for our all-inclusive program is US $7,000 per person, including taxes and cc fees. (Except transportation to and from The Ashram Mallorca)

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
Mallorca has a big international airport, Palma de Mallorca, (airportcode PMI) with connections from most larger cities in Europe.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM MALLORCA FROM THE AIRPORT?
You will take a taxi from outside the airport entrance. It is a 30 min. drive. We will email you directions in Spanish for the driver. There are no limo services or arranged pickups.

IF I COME IN A DAY EARLY, WHERE DO I STAY?
We will email you a list of recommended hotels and you can take a taxi from there to The Ashram Mallorca.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
With your reservation confirmation, we will email you a detailed packing list. Most important is comfortable and broken-in hiking shoes.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Yes, there is free WiFi in each room. We do ask that you minimize your use for the sanctity of our retreat as well as consideration for other guests. For this reason, cell phones and computers are not allowed in common areas, on hikes or in our buses.

WHAT INFO DO YOU NEED FROM ME?
We would like to know your height, weight, age, physical fitness level, workout routine, and current general health status. On arrival, we will further discuss your health profile and any concerns you may have.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I PREPARE FOR?
To fully enjoy our program, you need to be in good cardiovascular shape. The hikes are beautiful but challenging and range 4-6 hours in duration.

HOW MANY CALORIES DO I EAT PER DAY?
Aligning with The Ashram philosophy on food, we do not count calories. Our locally-sourced food is organic, vegetarian, and delicious, and can be tailored to meet your individual goals.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please call The Ashram at 1.818.222.6900 any time Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm PST or email us at mallorca@theashram.com

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you need to cancel 60 days or more before your scheduled arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations made within 60 days are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your space, we will gladly issue a refund, less the 10% fee.

The Camino

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM ?
8 days walking journey with 8 nights of all-inclusive accommodations. Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up on your start date. On your departure day, there is no scheduled program, so you are free to book your flights at any time that suits you.

Special Note: For the Camino Norte and Camino Portuguese programs, please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes—we’ll begin your pilgrimage right away.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$7,000 all-inclusive- with the exception of airfare and transportation to the meeting point

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
The Camino Norte: Fly into Oviedo (OVD) airport and get a taxi (40 min) to Luarca, Spain. Please arrive in your hiking clothes as we will be begin the first 10 miles of the walk right from the pickup point.

The Camino Portuguese: Fly into Porto (OPO) and take a taxi (45 min) north to the village of Belinho, Portugal. Please arrive in your hiking clothes as we will be begin the first 12 miles of the walk right from the pickup point.

The Camino Frances: Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) and take a taxi into the city center (30 Mins)

WHERE DO I GET PICKED UP TO START MY PILGRIMAGE?
The Camino Norte: Hotel Villa La Argentina, Luarca, Spain at 10:00 am. Please be dressed in your hiking clothes as you will walk the first 10 miles of the Camino from your pickup point.

The Camino Portuguese: The Igreja Paroquial de Belinho (in Belinho) at 10:00 am. Please be dressed in your hiking clothes as you will walk the first 12 miles of the Camino from your pickup point.

The Camino Frances: Hotel Palacio Del Carmen, Autograph Collection at 11:00 am

IF I COME IN A DAY EARLY, WHERE DO I STAY?
We do recommend arriving a night in advance to ensure you do not miss the pickup.

The Camino Norte: Villa la Argentina in Luarca. villalaargentina.com

The Camino Portuguese:

Hotel Cantinho d’Avó - in Apúlia (20 mins from pick up point)
Villa C Boutique Hotel- in Villa do Condo (30 mins from pickup point) www.villacboutiquehotel.com
Hotel Sense of Ofir- in Fão (15 mins from pick up point)www.senseofofir.com

The Camino Frances: Hotel Palacio Del Carmen, AC www.hotelpalaciodelcarmen.com

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Upon booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. Most essential: comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes.

IS THERE WIFI ON THE WALK?
Yes. Most of the small hotels we are staying in have free WiFi.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Wi-Fi is available at most of the small hotels we are staying in, however, packing light is recommended.

WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I PREPARE FOR?
The walk varies in terrain. There are some long uphills but also undulating sections through meadows, fields, and quaint little villages. The walk will be more enjoyable if you are in good cardiovascular shape.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
You’ll enjoy a wholesome preset Pilgrim Menu, with your choice of fish, meat, or a vegetarian option—always accompanied by a fresh mixed green salad.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you cancel 90 days or more before your reservation date, your deposit will be refunded, minus a 10% administrative fee.
If you cancel within 90 days of your reservation, payments are non-refundable. However, if we are able to rebook your space, we will issue a refund, less the 10% fee.

We recommend travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please call The Ashram at 1.818.222.6900 any time Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm PST or email us at thecamino@theashram.com

We are looking forward to showing you THE WAY on this most exquisite part of The Camino.

JAPAN

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
A 7-night, 8-day retreat along Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo trail.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$8,500 all-inclusive- with the exception of airfare and transportation to the meeting point

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I USE FOR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE?
For arrival, you may fly into either:

Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka — followed by a 2-hour train ride or taxi to the meeting point.
Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) — served only by Japan Airlines (JAL) with a required connection through Tokyo.

For departure, all flights should be booked from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.

HOW DO I GET TO THE MEETING POINT, AND WHERE DO I STAY THE NIGHT BEFORE?
The program begins at the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel at 9:30 am. From Kansai International Airport (KIX), it’s about a 2-hour train or taxi ride, while from Shirahama Airport (SHM), it’s just 5 minutes by taxi. We recommend booking the night prior at the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel to ensure a relaxed and easy start to your journey.

WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM END?
On the final day, a shuttle will depart Koyasan at 10:00 am, arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka between 11:30 am–12:00 pm. Please plan departure flights from KIX no earlier than 2:00 pm.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
We’ll provide a detailed packing list to guide you, but in general, plan to bring a hiking day pack for layers, a bento box lunch, water, and personal items, along with one main bag (duffel or suitcase under 50 lbs / 23 kg).

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Wi-Fi is available at the hotels, and you may bring a computer if needed. Please have an international data plan and WhatsApp for communication—service in the mountains is limited.

WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED?
A good level of fitness is essential. Sections of the trail are quite rigorous, and with no alternative routes, you must be in strong hiking shape.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Guests will enjoy traditional Japanese breakfasts, bento box lunches, and beautifully presented kaiseki dinners—a seasonal, regional, 14-course dining experience that may include beef, pork, chicken, fish, and seafood. Vegetarian requests can be accommodated, though it is not recommended, as menus are highly curated and vegetarian concepts are not widely understood in the region.

Canary Islands

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
Our weeklong retreat begins on Sunday at 1:00 PM and concludes the following Saturday at 11:00 AM.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The all-inclusive rate is $7,000 USD.
To secure your spot, a $2,500 USD deposit is required. The remaining $4,500 USD will be automatically charged to the same card 60 days prior to arrival.

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
Please book your flight to La Palma Airport (SPC).

HOW DO I GET TO THE ASHRAM FROM THE AIRPORT?
A taxi from La Palma Airport (SPC) will bring you directly to the retreat in about 30 minutes. The cost is approximately 45 euros.

IF I ARRIVE EARLY, WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
If you plan to arrive a day early, we recommend:

Parador de La Palma – A serene hilltop hotel with sweeping views, just outside Santa Cruz de La Palma
Hotel San Telmo – A charming boutique stay nestled in the historic heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Upon booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. Most essential: comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes.

CAN I BRING MY COMPUTER?
Yes. Each room has complimentary WiFi, though we do ask that you minimize your use for the sanctity of our retreat as well as consideration for other guests.

WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED?
To fully enjoy the program, guests should be in good cardiovascular shape. Daily hikes span 4–6 hours through varied volcanic and coastal terrain, designed to invigorate and challenge.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Expect nourishing, plant-based meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. Each dish is crafted with love to energize, replenish, and celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Canary Islands.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you cancel 60 days or more before your scheduled arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 60 days are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your space, we’ll gladly issue a refund, less the 10% fee.