FAQS
We know that being part of a retreat is an experience that will change your life, and want to make sure you have all the information you need. Below are some of our frequently asked questions and comprehensive answers to get you started. We are more than happy to answer all your questions through our contact form or through our instagram page.
CAN I COME ALONE?
Of Course! The retreat is designed to create a community feel and is a great was to meet likeminded people and make new friends. You can join by yourself, with friends or with your partner, everyone is welcome. You can choose to have your own room or share with other retreat guests whether you know them already or not.
CAN I JOIN WITH A FRIEND OR PARTNER?
Of course! You can choose to share a double room with your friend or partner. What better way to spend quality time and an amazing holiday together?
HOW DO I GET THERE?
For retreats on Thulusdhoo Island:
The ferry to the retreat island leaves from Velana International Airport (MLE) 3-4 times a day and only takes 30 minutes. The cost is $25 per person each way. Please let us know when you arrive and we are happy to organise the transfer for you.
For retreats on Dhigurah Island:
There are two main transfer options from Velana International Airport (MLE) to the retreat, either by domestic flight or by speedboat. Please let us know when you arrive and we are happy to organise the transfer for you.
1) Speedboat:
Male Airport –> Dhigurah: 11.00AM and 16.00 PM
Dhigurah –> Male Airport: 6.30AM & 10.00AM
Costs: 60 USD per person, one way.
2) Flight: Domestic flight
From Male Airport to Maamigili (20 minutes) + Speedboat to Dhigurah (20 minutes). The departure dates and times are flexible.
Price: 140 USD per adult, one way
$70 for children <12.
Transport from Dhigurah harbour to the retreat centre is included and will be organised by us.
DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO JOIN?
No. You don't need to be an experienced in any of the scheduled activities to join us. Every level of experience is welcome and will be looked after well, whether you are doing yoga for the first time or are an seasoned yogi or even a yoga teacher yourself. The same applies to surfing, snorkelling and SUP yoga etc. We welcome you.
WHERE IS THE RETREAT LOCATION?
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. Think of picture perfect white sand islands covered in palm trees surrounded by crystal clear water and coral reefs. The Maldives is home to about five percent of the planet’s reefs that comes with an explosion of color and home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.
The Surf & Yoga retreats are held on Thulusdhoo island in the North Male atoll.
The yoga & ocean adventures retreats are held on Dhigurah island in the South Ari Atoll.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO DO DURING THE FREE TIME?
There is so much to do on the retreat islands, especially if you love the ocean. You can swim and relax on the bikini beach, go diving, motorised water sports, go snorkelling, SUPing, read books, explore the island, go for long walks, buy some souvenirs from the shops, join excursions or just be.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FULL BOARD MEAL PLAN?
On our Yoga & Ocean Adventures retreat, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included. Mineral water is included. Any other drinks are extra charge. There are options for different dietary requirements. Please let us know beforehand what your requirements are.
On our Surf & Yoga retreat, breakfast and dinner is included.
HOW IS THE SEASON FOR SEEING WHALE SHARKS?
Dhigurah is one of the best places to see whale sharks. It is possible to see them all year round. It depends on the weather how easy they are to spot from the boat. The calmer the sea and sunnier it is, the easier it is to see them. In December the weather is generally sunny and the seas calm, but of course like everything in nature,
it can never be guaranteed.
IS IT DANGEROUS TO SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS AND MANTAS?
No. Whale sharks and mantas are gentle giants, they only eat plankton and are of very graceful and calm nature so there’s nothing to worry about.
WHERE CAN I SWIM ON THE ISLAND?
As Maldives is a muslim country there are designated ‘bikini beaches’ for swimming on every local island. There is a designated bikini beach within a few minutes walk from the retreat centre. The beach itself starts only 20 meters from our front door, but the official ‘bikini beach’ starts about 50 meters further. You can also swim and snorkel from the sandbank.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE ISLAND?
No. Unfortunately alcohol is not allowed on any local island in the Maldives. However, the retreat centre offers great mocktails and 0.0% beers! If you're still very keen on a drink, there's a possibility to purchase a day pass to the neighbouring resort islands which are licensed to sell alcohol.
ARE THERE ANY SHOPS, PHARMACY AND MEDICAL CENTRE ON THE ISLAND?
Yes. There are a few souvenir shops on the main street of the island. There’s a handful of convenience stores, a pharmacy and a medical centre.
ARE THERE ANY RULES ON WHAT TO WEAR IN MALDIVES?
On the local island it is recommended to cover your shoulders in public spaces and shops. You can wear swimwear on bikini beach. For our yoga sessions, at the retreat centre and on our excursions you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
COVID-19 FAQS
As of 31st of May 2022
CAN I VISIT THE MALDIVES?
Yes! Hotels on local islands in the Maldives reopened in November 2020 (resorts slightly earlier).
With the naturally isolated islands, we believe it is unlikely that the borders will close again. However, if there is an outbreak in your own country, please double check with us or with the government if you will be allowed to travel.
ARE THERE ANY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTERING MALDIVES?
As of 13th March 2022 there are no more restrictions for entering Maldives.
Pre-arrival PCR test is NOT required for passengers arriving Maldives. However, it is recommended to undertake PCR testing between 3-5 days after arrival. Travelers who have symptoms of COVID-19 may take an antigen test.
Travel-related quarantine is no longer required
Wearing a mask is only mandatory under the following conditions:
In all health facilities, regardless of outbreak status, staff, patients and visitors must wear mask.
In outbreak areas (where sample positivity is above 20%), masks must be worn in public areas as per current guidelines for outbreak areas.
Wearing a mask is recommended in:
Services where crowding takes place
Gatherings in confined indoor spaces
Transport vehicles where many people travel and when using public transportation such bus, ferry, taxi)
Crowded places/ gatherings
People who have symptoms of COVID-19
VACCINATION: DO I HAVE TO BE FULLY VACCINATED FOR COVID-19?
No. You don’t have to be vaccinated to visit Maldives anymore.
We welcome you!
DOCUMENTS: WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO PRIOR TO ARRIVAL?
PCR TEST: Not needed anymore (as of 5th of March, 2022).
TRAVELLER DECLARATION: An online form to fill in within 48 hours prior to departure to the Maldives, which takes about 10 minutes and you can find here.
CONFIRMED BOOKING: At a registered tourism facility, which our retreat centre is!
DOCUMENTS: WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR DEPARTURE FROM THE MALDIVES?
When leaving the Maldives:
Filled TRAVELLER DECLARATION form <48 hours prior to departure
DO I NEED A PCR TEST ON DEPARTURE TO MY HOME COUNTRY? CAN YOU ARRANGE PCR TESTS ON DHIGURAH?
You don’t need a PCR to leave Maldives anymore but depending on which country you live you might need one. Check on the government website from your specific country.
We can arrange your PCR test on the retreat island. The test is taken within 72 hours prior to your international departure and you’ll receive your results usually within 24 hours, but no later than 48 hours.