Adventure to the Azores with Rachael Whitworth & Kelly Gurdeniz

      Azores, Portugal

      Pb
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      278 reviews
      Sep 13 - 18, 2024
      Group size: 10 - 31
      Adventure to the Azores with Rachael Whitworth & Kelly Gurdeniz
      Azores, Portugal

      Powered by SolSeed Retreats
      • Email address verified
      278 reviews

      Sep 13 - 18, 2024
      Group size: 10 - 31

      About this trip

      Looking for meaningful travel?


      Join Rachael and Kelly at the stunning Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, a 5-hour direct flight

      from Boston or NY. Start each morning with yoga overlooking the breathtaking ocean vista.


      Your days will be filled with hiking (suitable for all levels) to the island's most stunning views,

      soaking in natural hot springs, exploring coastal towns, and relaxing amongst the gorgeous,

      peaceful grounds of the oceanfront beach resort. All meals (with the exception of 2 lunches)

      are included, and will be nourishing, locally sourced, and delicious.


      Please read on for important info on:

      • Selecting your Room Type

      • What is Included

      • What is not Included

      • Passport & COVID-19 Entry Requirements

      • Cancellation & Refund Policy

      • Required Travel Insurance

      Your Guides

      Rachael Whitworth:

      Rachael is the Co-Founder of Love Defeats Fear and an E-RYT 500 yoga teacher, trained in

      Vinyasa, Restorative, Kundalini & Ayurveda, Yin Yoga & Meditation, as well as a Level III

      Advanced Reiki Practitioner in the Usui Holy Fire Tradition.


      Kelly Gurdeniz:

      Kelly is a RYT 200 yoga teacher trained in Vinyasa, as well as a Level I Reiki Practitioner in the

      Usui Holy Fire Tradition.

      Selecting Your Room Type - PLEASE READ

      Below you'll find all our available accommodation packages.


      By selecting a single occupancy room type you will have a private bedroom and bathroom,

      while selecting a double occupancy room type you will have a shared bedroom and bathroom

      with your travel buddy.


      If you are wondering which is the best type for you, and possibly your travel buddy or group of

      friends, please follow this link to our handy ROOM SELECTION FLOW CHART.


      All Villas and Studios are equipped with:

      • LCD TV

      • Independent air conditioning

      • Wi-Fi

      • Hair dryer

      • Bathrobes

      • Electronic safe

      • Kitchenette equipped with microwave, fridge and utensils

      • Coffee machine with capsules


      ALL PRICES LISTED ARE PER PERSON and a €500 per person non-refundable deposit is due to

      reserve your spot on the trip. Trip balances are due 120 days prior to departure, on May 5th. If

      you'd like to inquire about payment plan options or have retreat related questions, please

      email info@solseedretreats.com.

      Includes:

      • 5 nights / 6 days lodging at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort

      • Daily yoga led by Rachael & Kelly, mats + blocks provided

      • 2 guided half day excursions with picnic lunches to the island’s best hikes, relaxing hot springs, and local towns

      • 2 free days to explore or rest at your leisure

      • Daily breakfast + dinner

      • Lunch on arrival day and both excursion days

      • Early check-in on arrival day

      • Roundtrip airport transfers from Ponta Delgada (PDL)

      • All base gratuities & taxes for resort staff, taxi drivers and tour guides

      Not included:

      • Airfare to Ponta Delgada (PDL). We fly SATA (Azores) Air direct from Boston.

      • Lunch on your two free days

      • Alcoholic beverages

      • Additional excursions or cab rides

      • Massages & spa services (can be booked directly at the resort front desk)

      • Required Travel Insurance

      Flight Parameters

      You will be flying into Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL).


      For non-stop flight options, we recommend booking flights directly through Azores Air out of New York (JFK), and Boston (BOS). If you are originating from another US airport, you will need to connect through either JFK or BOS to take advantage of these direct flights to and from Sao Miguel island. We recommend allowing 3 hours minimum between your connecting flights. 


      Feeling adventurous, and have some extra PTO? Look into "stop over" packages which would allow you to continue on to Lisbon or Porto for very little extra money on Azores Air.


      Retreat departure date: Thursday, September 12th

      Yes, this is correct - the direct flights are red-eye flights, so you leave one calendar day prior to the start date of your retreat. Everyone's rooms are held for an early check-in, so you will have an opportunity to get settled and take a nice nap. The first event of the retreat is a lunch at the resort at roughly 1PM. If you are arriving on a flight other than the direct options from BOS and JFK, you should arrive at Ponta Delgada by 11:30am in order to attend this meal.


      Retreat return date: Wednesday, September 18th

      Check out at the resort is noon. The last programmed events are in the morning leading up to and including breakfast. We will offer multiple shuttles to Ponta Delgada airport, and/or hotels in Ponta Delgada, during the day according to people's travel itineraries. The resort will safely store luggage, and you are welcome to enjoy the restaurant and grounds if you schedule an evening flight.


      If you book flights outside of these dates, you may be responsible for paying for your own taxi (budget about 35 Euro for this each way), but we can still help to coordinate a taxi for you.


      Once you have secured your flights, please forward your flight confirmation email itinerary to info@solseedretreats.com.

      Passport & COVID-19 Entry Requirements

      You must have a valid passport to travel to the Azores. Please check your passport expiration date and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your retreat.


      Currently, there are no COVID testing or vaccination requirements to enter the Azores or mainland Portugal. We will keep you posted if this changes prior to your retreat. However, registrants are personally responsible for complying to local laws, at their own expense. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to:

      1. Proving adequate vaccination status
      2. Providing a negative PCR test(s)
      3. Showing proof of travel insurance

      Cancellation & Refund Policy

      All retreats include a €500 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit, which is required to hold your spot on the trip. Any balance payments made are also non-refundable / non-transferable. SolSeed Retreats can only make an exception to these terms if:

      1. The host government forbids us to visit as tourists.
      2. The host government forbids our vendors from hosting us as tourists.
      3. The US government forbids us to travel to the host country as tourists.

      If SolSeed must further postpone or cancel the trip for any of the above reasons, all registrants will receive a refund of all deposits paid less €200.


      If you refuse to comply with the entry laws of the host country, region, town, etc; SolSeed will not consider this a valid reason for receiving any refund. SolSeed will ensure to the best of their abilities that all registrants comply with all then current laws and regulations.

      Required Travel Insurance

      The purchase of travel insurance is required for this trip.


      Most policies protect you against potential trip delays or cancellations due to airline issues, family emergencies, illness, injury, etc. The travel insurance will also demonstrate to the host country that you are able to pay for any emergency services which may be necessary during your stay.


      SolSeed is not authorized to sell travel insurance. Any offer to purchase travel insurance that you encounter during the checkout process are third party offers. You are free to select your own policy provider. If you would like to review options in a convenient online marketplace, we like what www.insuremytrip.com has put together. We have also had great experience with Trawick International and their customer service, and heard very good things from AAA and AMEX Members who have purchased their travel insurance through those respective agencies.


      We strongly encourage you to speak with a travel insurance agent to discuss your specific coverage needs, and to clear up any questions you may have relative to travel insurance coverage, including questions about COVID-19.


      Please make sure you purchase a plan that includes coverage for COVID-19 related trip cancellations and trip interruptions as not all do. 


      To learn more about Travel Insurance and review some FAQs, please visit this helpful blog post that we put together on the topic: https://solseedretreats.com/travel-insurance-faqs/

      Available Packages

      Two Bedroom Villa - Double Occupancy
      Sold Out

      This beautiful villa features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. By selecting a Double Occupancy Bedroom, you and your selected roommate with share a bedroom and a full bathroom with stand up shower. 


      Your bedroom will contain two twin beds OR one double bed (please indicate your preference upon registration).


      You will then share a common living area with kitchenette, which separates the two bedrooms, as well as a beautiful outdoor seating area, with one other person who will occupy the second bedroom and bathroom of your villa. 


      YOU MUST HAVE A ROOMMATE TO REGISTER FOR THIS PACKAGE. ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON. If you don't have a roommate, please email info@solseedretreats.com prior to registering. 


      Click Here for Photos


      **Please indicate your roommate's name upon registration. If you would like your own private bedroom and bathroom within a Two Bedroom Villa, please register for the Single Occupancy Bedroom option. If you and your bedroom-mate would like more privacy, please register for the 1 BR Villa - Double Occupancy Villa option.**

      €2,399
      Deposit: €500
      Two Bedroom Villa - Single Occupancy
      Sold Out

      This beautiful villa features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. By selecting this Single Occupancy Bedroom option within the two bedroom villa, you will have a private bedroom with one double bed, sink, toilet and European style soaking tub with handheld shower-head.


      There is also a common living area with kitchenette, which separates the two bedrooms, as well as a beautiful outdoor seating area.  Common areas are shared with 1-2 other people, who will occupy the second bedroom of your villa.  


      NOTE: If you would like to share a 2 Bedroom Villa with a friend, and each have your own private bedroom and bathroom, please indicate your friend's name upon registration so we can pair you up in the same villa. You and your friend must each register for one of these retreat packages.


      Click Here for Photos


      If you would like more privacy, please register for the 1 BR Villa - Single Occupancy Bedroom option.

      €2,899
      Deposit: €500
      One Bedroom Villa - Double Occupancy
      Sold Out

      This beautiful one bedroom villa is ideal for two friends or a couple seeking a bit more privacy and space.


      It can be configured with one double bed OR 2 twin beds, and has a private bath with stand up shower. The Villa also comes with a living room, small kitchenette and private outdoor seating area.


      Click Here for Photos


      YOU MUST HAVE A ROOMMATE TO REGISTER FOR THIS PACKAGE. ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON. PLEASE REGISTER FOR 2 OF THESE PACKAGES, ONE FOR YOU AND ONE FOR YOUR ROOMMATE. Please indicate your roommates' name upon sign-up and whether you'd like 1 double bed or 2 twin beds. 

      €2,599
      Deposit: €500
      One Bedroom Villa - Single Occupancy
      Sold Out

      This beautiful one bedroom villa is ideal for the solo traveler seeking the most privacy.

      It comes with one double bed and a private bath with stand up shower, as well as a living room, small kitchenette and private outdoor seating area. 


      Click Here for Photos


      €3,199
      Deposit: €500
      Luxury Studio - Double Occupancy
      Pre-registration

      These private studios are ideal for a couple and feature an open style floor plan with one double bed, private bath, kitchenette, and living area. The studios also have access to a plunge pool, which is private to only the Studio Guests.


      Click Here for Photos


      *YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER TO SIGN UP FOR THIS ROOMING OPTION. This price is per person. Please make sure to book TWO of these retreat packages. One for you and one for your partner.*

      €2,699
      Deposit: €500
      Luxury Studio - Single Occupancy
      only 1 left

      These private luxury studios feature an open style floor plan with one double bed, private bath, kitchenette, and living area. The studios also have access to a plunge pool, which is private to only the Studio Guests. 


      Click Here for Photos


      If you'd like to share this room (1 Double Bed) with a partner, please book two of the Luxury Studio - Double Occupancy packages.

      €3,399
      Deposit: €500
      Retreat One Bedroom Villa - Double Occ
      Pre-registration

      This luxury one bedroom villa is ideal for two friends or a couple seeking the most privacy and most upscale rooming option available.


      It can be set up with one double bed OR two twin beds and a private bath, as well as a living room, small kitchenette and private outdoor seating area with hot tub.


      Click Here for Photos


      **YOU MUST HAVE A ROOMMATE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS PACKAGE. Please indicate their name and bed setup preference upon registration.**

      €3,199
      Deposit: €500
      Retreat One Bedroom Villa - Single Occ
      Sold Out

      This luxury one bedroom villa is ideal for the solo traveler seeking the most privacy and upscale rooming option available.


      It can be set up with one double bed OR two twin beds and a private bath, as well as a living room, small kitchenette and private outdoor seating area with hot tub.


      Click Here for Photos

      €3,699
      Deposit: €500


      Itinerary

      High-Level Itinerary
      Rachael + Kelly's Azores Retreat

      September 12 (Day 0): Red-eye flight to Azores


      September 13 (Day 1): Arrival + Settle In
      Early morning arrival post red-eye and check into room
      1pm Lunch and SolSeed orientation
      5pm Ground and Unwind flow
      7:30 Dinner at resort


      September 14 (Day 2): Excursion Day
      8am Morning yoga class
      9:30am Breakfast buffet
      10:30am Excursion
      7:30pm Dinner at resort


      September 15 (Day 3): Free Day

      8am Morning yoga class

      9:30am Breakfast buffet

      Free time

      5pm Evening yoga class

      7pm Depart for dinner out 


      September 16 (Day 4): Excursion Day
      8am Morning yoga class
      9:30am Breakfast buffet
      10:30am Excursion
      7:30pm Dinner at resort


      September 17 (Day 5): Free Day

      8am Morning yoga class

      9:30am Breakfast buffet

      Free time

      5pm Evening yoga class

      7pm Depart for dinner out 


      September 18 (Day 6): Free Day + Departure
      8am Morning yoga class
      9:30am Breakfast buffet
      12pm Check out
      Shuttle to airport

      Your Organizer


      Pb
      Powered by SolSeed Retreats
      278 reviews
      SolSeed Retreats offers adventure and wellness retreats to exotic, off-the-beaten-path locations like: Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Guatemala, Panama and Colombia. We aim to build community and broaden our perspectives through experiential travel. We believe whole heartedly that traveling changes lives. Take the leap and join us on your next adventure abroad! For more info, visit www.solseedretreats.com. All offers of travel are not valid to residents of Washington, Iowa, Hawaii and Florida.

      Reviews

      R
      SolSeed folks were so supportive, communicative and thoughtful during this trip! I'm so grateful for their support to find activities and knowledge about local events and places to explore. Thanks so much!
      By Rebecca for Adventure to the Azores: Cultural & Wellness Retreat w/ Dana & Jenese on May 07, 2024
      I had a wonderful experience on this retreat. It filled my soul spirit and body in every way. Wonderful excursions, delicious food and wine, gorgeous eco-hotel. Dana and Jeneeze. oudid themselves! A life changing journey
      By Roberta G for Adventure to the Azores: Cultural & Wellness Retreat w/ Dana & Jenese on May 06, 2024
      The retreat center and all their staff were amazing. The food and all included tours and guides were outstanding. The yoga leaders, Gretchen and Terri were phenomenal, as usual. My only complaint is the communication from SolSeed upon our arrive. Some information that was given to me was incorrect and delivered in a rather abrupt and unprofessional manner. It definitely did not make for a good first impression. Since I’ve seen how the company responds publicly to any constructive or negative feedback, I anticipate this review will likely be received in the same defensive and scathing manner.
      By Kelly R for Escape to Costa Brava with Greener Postures Yoga on May 06, 2024
      Amazing “Roaming with Romy” Azores retreat! Accommodations at the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort were fabulous as was the food. The setting was magical!
      By Emily R for Roaming with Romy's Adventure to the Azores Retreat on May 06, 2024
      KG
      Epic adventure ! Loved hotel and food and activities. Dana and Jenese thought of everything. So special.
      By Kimberly G for Adventure to the Azores: Cultural & Wellness Retreat w/ Dana & Jenese on May 05, 2024
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