FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions:

QUESTIONS SUMMARY

Logistical overview

  1. Can I come with one or more friends?
  2. We like Playa Guiones very much and would like to stay on longer after the week finishes. Could you recommend a suitable place?
  3. What happens if owing to weather conditions an activity can’t take place?

 Fitness and health

  1. Up till now, I have been leading a pretty sedentary life, so how fit do I need to be and should I be doing any training?
  2. I have always wanted to join an activities program like yours, but I suffer certain food intolerances, as well as possible allergies. Can you cater for such problems?

 Accommodation

  1. Do you provide linen and towels?
  2. Do you have wireless internet at the house?

 Booking

  1. Booking: Is it straightforward?
  2. What is the best way to pay?

Cancelation policy and liability

  1. What happens if I can’t come or I change my mind and want to cancel?
  2. Who is liable if I have an accident?
  3. What happens if I don’t take part in all the activities?
  4. What happens if my Escapes is cut short for some reason?

Other issues

  1. What amenities and places of interest are there in the Playa Guiones area?
  2. Withdrawing money: Is there a nearby cash-point?
  3. Do I need special clothing or footwear?
  4. Are children welcome?
  5. Can I bring a pet?
  6. Should I be worried about any dangerous animals?
  7. Do I need to bring an adaptor for the electrical plug outlets?
  8. What vaccinations do I need?
  9. Is Guiones safe?
  10. Is it necessary to speak Spanish?

ANSWERS

Can I come with one or more friends? Yes, feel free to come with a partner or friend(s). You could even come as a private group and book out the entire estate. Travelling alone has many benefits, but it is even better when sharing adventures and new experiences with people close to you.

We like Costa Rica very much and would like to stay on longer after the week finishes. Could you recommend a suitable place? There are many accommodations (with varying rates) in and around Playa Guiones. Email us and we'll give you our personal recommendation.

What happens if an activity can’t take place due to weather conditions? The weather conditions in Playa Guiones are usually predictable, but if the weather wins, we will do our best to swap to another activity and try to catch up later. Whatever the case, you won't run out of things to do during your week stay with us. 

Because I have been leading a pretty sedentary life, how fit do I need to be and should I be doing any training to prepare for this retreat? Some level of general fitness is expected. We're not expecting you to be an athlete, but the better prepared you are prior to your adventure, the more you will benefit from it. Swimming, cycling and light running provide ideal activities as they are low impact. As with any activity program, please see your doctor prior to booking to receive a check-up and medical approval. Your medical suitability is to your responsibility and you will be asked to confirm acceptance of this fact prior to arriving.

I have always wanted to join a retreat like this, but I suffer certain food intolerances, as well as possible allergies. Dose the program accommodate to those with dietary issues? If there are any specific preferences, requests or requirements, we will do our best to accommodate them. Please provide all relevant details in your registration form.

Do you provide linen and towels? Yes, all linen and towels are provided and replaced when needed.

Do you have wireless internet at the retreat estate? Yes. Wifi is available.

How do I book my spot? Once you register, we will email you the necessary payment advice, which requires a deposit of $750 to secure your spot on the retreat. Included will be a short booking form for completion of your registration details. Once this initial payment has been cleared, we will email you a confirmation receipt together with any other relevant information. The remaining balance is then due 30 days prior to your retreat start date.

What is the best way to pay? Unfortunately, we don’t accept credit or debit cards. The most convenient way to pay for your retreat is by bank transfer. It’s the same online payment method you might use to pay a family member, friend or company. It’s simple, quick, secure and trackable.

What happens if I can’t come or I change my mind and want to cancel? If you feel it necessary to cancel your vacation, then we will refund any payments made to us as long as we can resell the space which we have been holding for you. We will also retain a $200 admin fee. If we do not have enough time to resell your place then we will not be able to refund you, so it is important that you have adequate travel insurance to cover any amounts that you have paid to us. The most common reason for last minute cancellation’s are personal injury or a death in the family, so we advise that you check your insurer will cover you in these instances.

Who is liable if I have an accident during the retreat? We highly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance and medical insurance. You must be responsible for making decisions about these issues and act accordingly. You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the start of the course. This is mandatory for attendance.

What happens if I don’t take part in all the activities? ROTB Retreats carry a fixed fee. Once you arrive, everything is covered. Regrettably, there can be no price reductions should you choose to opt out of certain aspects of the program.

What happens if the retreat is cut short for some reason? Your holiday/vacation insurance policy should cover this. Please check.

What is the policy on possible damages and breakages? If you are personally responsible, then you are liable to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

What amenities and places of interest are there in the Playa Guiones area? The small beach community of Guiones offers a welcoming and peaceful vacation atmosphere. It has several surf shops, restaurants and cafes. Centrally located is a general store, modern doctors’ surgery and an ATM. The beach-side village of Ostional, only a scenic 20 minute drive away is home to one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. The black sands of the wildlife reserve have year-round nesting and during the rainy season, thousands of turtles descend onto the shoreline. Although the ROTB Retreat has a set schedule, you will have free time to exploration and you won’t be disappointed.

How much cash will I need to bring with me? Is there an ATM? Once you have arrived, your retreat is all-inclusive (airport transfer from San Jose is not included). You won’t need to bring much cash during your week stay with us. You may want to bring some money for lunch and dinner on the Wednesday, which is considered your "day off" and exploration day. There are several cafes and restaurants in town where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to get to know the village on your own terms for the day. However, we will still have meals available to you if you decide to spend your free day at the retreat estate. If you do decide to bring some cash with you, American dollars are accepted everywhere in Costa Rica (although often not $100 bills). If you don’t bring any, that’s fine. There is an ATM at the airport as well as here in Nosara (only accepts Visa) where you can get Colones, the local currency, if you need it. 

Do I need special clothing or footwear? Costa Rica can be very hot, the temperature rarely drops below 80oF. Light clothes, hats, swimwear and sunglasses are recommended. All equipment for the activities is provided, but you will need to bring your gym wear (including gym shoes). Sunscreen and bug spray are provided. To minimise bug bites in the evening, you may like to bring long sleeve tops, pants and shoes.

Are children welcome? As much as we love children, we only allow them to come if we are hosting a private group retreat. 

Can I bring a pet? Sorry, Fido and Garfield have to stay at home.

Should I be worried about any dangerous animals?No. Although you are very likely to encounter a wide variety of animals, most are quite harmless and more scared of you. Snakes should be avoided, but are rarely seen. There have been no reported shark attacks in Guiones.

Do I need to bring an adaptor for the electrical plug outlets? Costa Rica has the same electrical outlets as in the US. A surge protector is recommended.

What vaccinations do I need? As with any trip to a tropical jungle, it is best to have all vaccinations up to date. You should always seek medical advice before travelling to a foreign area.

Is Guiones safe? Yes. Although, as with anywhere in the World, if you are not mindful, petty crime can happen. From our experience, Nosara has a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere.

Is it necessary to speak Spanish? No. Most people in Guiones speak good English. Pura Vida!