Welcome Kit - Doron Yoga

Participant
Welcome Kit
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
www.villasumaya.com
Contacting Us
Lizzy, our General Manager, will
be handling the preparations
for your group. Anything she
can do to help make your trip
more enjoyable, would be her
pleasure. Please ask your
Bienvenidos
questions to your group
leader and if they can’t
We are so happy that you will be visiting our center and are sure
answer them, they will forward
bit about your destination and some tips about how to get
right back to you.
you will have a magical experience. It’s really helpful to know a
them to us, and Lizzy will get
around. This welcome kit will go hand in hand with the
Important Numbers:
registration information from your group leader. Please read
through this very carefully and forward questions/information
through your groups’ organizer. Feel free to visit our website to
learn more about our center. www.villasumaya.com . There are
also great videos on Youtube – just search for Villa Sumaya.
When in Guatemala call our
hotel at: 4026 1390 OR
4026 1455
Xocomil Shuttle: 7762 2005 OR
5710 3903
Safety – The Most Important Thing
Please read this entire package carefully. We, at the Villa Sumaya, are pleased to announce we
have never had any problems getting our guests from the airport to our hotel. Here, in Santa
Cruz, the local ex-pats all feel very safe. We walk around late at night, leave our doors unlocked
etc… but we are also aware of the news articles about Guatemala City and its dangers. Read the
following information to ensure your safe and smooth arrival to our center.
Once you arrive to Villa Sumaya, there will be an orientation about your surroundings. For your
convenience, we have a hotel safe, where you can place your valuables.
THE LOREM
Welcome
KitIPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2013
Arriving to the Airport
When you arrive at Aurora Airport (Guatemala City), you will
first go through Immigration, then you will get your bags and
Shuttle Prices
Guatemala City to Panajachel
exit after customs. Do not leave your bags unattended in
1-2 people
$90US
the airport or at the curb or with someone who may say they
3 people
$35 each
will watch them for you. Inside the airport there are men to
4 people
$30 each
help get your bags off the carousel. Depending on the
5 or more
$25 each
number and weight of bags you can tip them in dollars ($1-2
per bag). Sometimes, the men who carry your bags, hand
Antigua to Panajachel
1-3 people
$80US
the tip between them. We will have your shuttle waiting with
4-6 people
$90
the driver holding a sign
7 or more
$12 each
with our name “Villa
Public Shuttles from Antigua are $12
Sumaya”. If you are in a
and leave at 8:30am, 12:30pm and
them off at the curb, to another helper. If this happens split
shuttle and need to wait
4:00 pm
for other in-coming
passengers, you can wait
in the van or leave your bags in the shuttle and go into the
airport to shop or eat something. Please be sure if you do
this to be back to your shuttle on time. The drive to
Panajachel is about 3 hours (about 1 hour into the ride the
roads get curvy and mountainous).
Please pay the shuttle driver, unless it is
included in your package. They accept
dollars or quetzals. No credit cards. It
is customary to offer a small tip to your
driver. $5-10 per group is adequate.
Boat Transfer to our Center
Arriving in Panajachel
Once you arrive in Panajachel you will
Your shuttle driver will drop you off at the top of the dock
take a 15 minute private or public boat
area. If you need help with your bags-kids are there to help
ride, depending upon the group size and
are on a prearranged private boat, Xocomil, the shuttle
will give us this information and confirm
about 5 Quetzals per heavy bag (.80US) to the boat. If you
company, will call ahead and your boat should be waiting. If
you plan to take a public boat, walk down to the dock and
get a boat to our dock (just say “Villa Sumaya”).
This is important to establish before you get
on the boat… ALL OTHER DOCKS ARE
TOO FAR TO CARRY YOUR BAGS.
your groups’ preference. Group leaders
with you if you have a private or a public
boat.
If taking a public boat the cost is about
$3 per person. You must pay the driver.
For private boats for - 1-4 people it’s
$20 and for each additional person, add
$5. Private boats will be added to your
guest bill, unless it is included in your
retreat package.
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THE LOREM
Welcome
KitIPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2013
If You Go to Antigua or Guatemala City First
Coming To a New World
check out Antigua, a very quaint Spanish Colonial
Although Guatemala is only a couple hour flight
from Florida and Texas, it is a different world. I
think in most cases, you will be pleased with the
difference.
Some guests decide to come a day or two early to
city about 40 minutes from the airport. If you arrive
very late and stay in the city, we have some hotel
suggestions in this package or you can surf the net,
for other options. Typically, whatever hotel you
choose, will make airport transport arrangements for
you. If they do not provide this service, we are happy
to. We like to make shuttle arrangements for your
journey to Lake Atitlan, so we know where you are intransit. Private shuttle pricing is located on the
previous page, along with the shared shuttles times
and prices. We recommend that you arrive before
5pm to our center, as it is nice to get here in the
daylight to become acquainted with our center.
At your hotel in Antigua or Guatemala City, be sure
to ask at the front desk about safety. We do not
suggest, walking around either city past 9 at night.
You may ask for a cab or Tuk Tuk if you plan to be
out late.
Whether you are on a private or public shuttle, please
be sure to be waiting in front of your hotel or
designated location 15 minutes before
your schedule time. You may want a
snack and water for the ride. It’s about a 2.5
-3 hour drive, but with traffic or road
construction it could be longer.
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Spanish is one of the main languages spoken here.
Versions of Mayan dialects are also spoken by the
majority of indigenous people. At our center, our
managers speak English and Spanish. They are
happy to do translations for housekeeping and the
kitchen personnel.
Guatemala is a slower paced culture. Which
translates to single tasking, and efficiency
meaning, “enjoying your life by slowing down and
savoring this cultural vantage point”. This heart
centered perspective, for most people coming on
retreat, is a relief. A few tips; if you notice a staff
member is dealing with another guest and there is
a small line – come back. Be patient, things take a
bit more time and feel free to ask again, if
something did not get done that you requested.
Please know we are here to serve you in every way
we can. A smile and a sense of humor go a long
way towards accomplishing your goals. Our
English speaking staff will be close by to help.
THE LOREM
Welcome
Kit IPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2013
Traveling on Your Own
Some guests prefer to make their own
arrangements, which is fine for the experienced
third world traveler. If you have never
traveled in this way, please let us organize your
ground transportation. In either case, we
would like to know your plans, in the event of a
late arrival, we know where you are.
We do not recommend taking public “chicken”
buses (unless you are familiar with this type of
travel). In most cases, you will have to transfer
to different buses and the bus drivers and
helpers do not speak English. Chicken Buses
are notorious for theft. Keep valuables on your
lap and if a disturbance happens around you,
hold on tight to your bag, as it may be a scam to
distract you. You want a bus that will take you
to Panajachel, and near the Tzanjuyu dock
(boats that go to Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz).
Gratuities
Villa Sumaya Staff
If you enjoy your stay, the staff and
management greatly appreciate it, if you would
leave a tip at the end of your retreat. We
recommend between $5-7 per day ($35-50 for
the week). This dana goes to the entire staff;
from the gardeners (who carry your bags), to
kitchen staff and housekeeping to the local
managers. There is no need for additional
We honor and respect everyone’s decision as to
how they would like to get to Villa Sumaya.
tipping to our staff. This does not include
body-workers.
Changing Dollars to Quetzals
If you have a chance to exchange money in a U.S. airport, I would recommend getting $100.00 to start off. In
the Guatemala City Airport there is also a chance to change money depending on timing of your shuttle. Your
shuttle driver, airport vendors, Villa Sumaya and many other places will accept dollars. Please do not worry if
you do not get a chance to change money, Xocomil, the shuttle company, will accept US dollars for your
shuttle. Once you are near our center, there are banks and ATMs in Panajachel who would be happy to
change dollars or travelers checks. At Villa Sumaya, we are unable to change large amounts of money.
Paying your Bill at Villa Sumaya
At the end of your retreat, you will pay for any incidentals you have
incurred. We prefer if you use: U.S dollars, Quetzals, or U.S.
personal checks or Travelers checks). We accept credit cards, but
we add an 8% fee to cover our costs for processing credit cards
(customary in Guatemala). There are ATM’s in Panajachel so you
access your funds or you may want to bring a few hundred dollars
for your incidentals.
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THE LOREM
Welcome
Kit IPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2013
Vaccinations
You may be thinking of getting vaccinated. You can call
your doctor, check on the internet or go to an
international airport that has a disease control clinic and
ask what vaccines are necessary for Guatemala. Most of
the Americans and Europeans who live here do not get
vaccinated. So this is your call, whatever you feel most
comfortable with.
Extending Your Stay at Villa Sumaya
We would love to have you stay with us before
and after your retreat if space is available.
Please write us at: [email protected] to
inquire about reservations. You can also check
our website: www.villasumaya.com for room rates
and room photos.
Communication
Internet - We offer wireless service in our courtyard for
those who bring their own laptop at $20.00 a week for
unlimited emailing. No up/downloading allowed – we are
on a satellite system and our bandwidth is limited.
Phone – Our phones are available for calls. Fees
depend on country. United States is $1.50 per minute.
Your Cell phones – may or may not work. You need an
internal chip and roaming service. Please contact your
Body Work
cell provider. If you would like someone to call you,
please find out your group schedule and asked your
family to call when you are not in session. Otherwise we
can take a message.
We have a wonderful staff of healing
practitioners. Our services range from table
massage, Thai massage, energetic healings,
Special Dietary Restrictions
If you need non-dairy or vegan meals or have an extreme
allergy, we are happy to accommodate you. You must
Feldenkrais therapy, facials and haircuts to
oracle readings. Services vary depending on
the time of year. Most guests have enjoyed
inform your group leader, so they can pass this
experiencing these services and often want
information on to us. Please remember we are in
more than one treatment during their stay
Guatemala and do not have access to specialty foods.
with us. Please try to book a treatment at the
You may need to bring some items with you. We are
beginning of your stay.
happy to store them for you.
Pricing
One hour session
$65
Two hour sessions
$105
One and half hour session
$85
There will be envelopes for tipping therapists.
Some specialty treatments have different pricing.
A 24 hours cancellation required.
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THE LOREM
Welcome
Kit IPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2012/13
Activities
Tours and Activities
During your retreat, most groups go on at least one tour
and perhaps do an activity together. This really depends
on the nature of your retreat. If you are involved in a
meditation retreat, you will be focusing on inner
exploration. Most yoga groups do
choose to get to know the
Guatemalan culture a bit. We have a
big selection of tours and activities to
choose from. Most tours have a
minimum of 6 people and request at
least a 48-cancellation. There will be
Tours and Hikes:
! Santa Cruz (our village)
! Santiago (largest village)
! San Juan/San Pedro (Crafts)
! Santa Catarina/San Antonio
(walking tour of 2 villages)
! Chi Chi Market (one hour drive)
! Kayak/Hike to San Marcos
! Climb San Pedro Volcano (must
be in excellent physical condition)
! Hike to El Pico de Cielo
! Bird Watching Tour
! Eco Sumaya Tour
a chance to sign up for tours at the
beginning of your retreat.
Your teacher will select tours and activities for your group.
Some guests will go out on their own, to visit a village or go
shopping, on a day off. Please consult your group leader
for planned activities during your retreat.
Activities Around Villa Sumaya:
! Renting Kayaks
! Swimming in lake or pool
! Hiking
! Artisan Market (one day only)
! Spa Services
Miscellaneous Information
1. Electricity is 110, just like in the U.S.
2. We do not have hair dryers
3.
Activities:
! Shaman Protection Ceremony
! Re-birthing Workshop
! Feldenkrais Workshop
! Weaving Demonstration
The Weather here is typically cool 55-60
So many wonderful options!
Fahrenheit,(sweater weather) in the early
mornings and evenings. During the day it’s usually
between 70-90 Fahrenheit. Air conditioning and
heat are not necessary. May, June, September
and October are the rainy times. During most of
the rainy season there will be a hard rain in the
afternoons and late at night.
4. We do offer laundry service for our guests by the
pound.
5. We provide unlimited purified drinking water.
6. We do make available our yoga props. This
includes mats, straps, blankets and blocks.
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THE LOREM
Welcome
Kit IPSUMS
for Participants
SPRING
2012
2012/13
Yoga or M editation Props:
! yoga mats and props only if you want your
own special ones
! zafus for meditation, (ask group leader if
necessary we do have some)
! eye pillows for savasana
Food and other comforts
! decaf coffee or -decaf black tea or other
List of Items to Bring
Clothing :
special teas – WE DO NOT HAVE ANY
! hat – for sun and for chilly nights (We are at
high altitudes- 5000ft)
DECAF COFFEE AVAILABLE IN
GUATEMALA
! clocks and hair dryers
! bathing suit, cover-up or sarong
! laptops – we have wireless in our
! sunglasses
courtyard for emails only for $20.00 per
! windbreaker or raincoat
week. No up or downloading, skyping,
! layers for cool mornings and evenings
youtubing etc… allowed.
! sunny and warm weather clothing
! any other items that will make you feel at
! shawl , sweatshirt, poncho or fleece (one
warm thing for cold mornings and evenings)
home, ie ipod, ipad, headphones
! snack for airplane and shuttle ride to
center (3 hours)
For getting around:
! books and magazines
! sunscreen and lip balm
! PASSPORT and a copy of it, Airplane
! flashlight (eco flashlights on sale in our store)
Tickets and other form of ID
! insect repellent
! Personal checks, cash or travelers checks
! walking shoes or sport sandals
to pay for incidentals and spa treatments
are preferred. Credit cards we must add
Health
on 8% fee.
! homeopathic remedies
! Villa Sumaya Wish List – if you have
! Highly recommended –Nutribiotic (grapefruit
mat that is in good condition and would
seed extract) tablets-that can really help bad
travelers’ stomachs (we have remedies for bad
tummies)
! vitamins/energy drinks
! Dramamine (car sickness) Winding roads to
Panajachel
! any prescriptions
! eye glasses
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like to donate it, we would be grateful, as it
is very hard for us to ship things here.
Thank - You
Hotels in Antigua
You can google hotels in Antigua or Guatemala
City. We have listed 4 hotels in Antigua for your
convenience, but would recommend surfing the
web for new and great places. We are always
interested in hearing about your experiences in
local hotels. We are not prepared to act as your
booking agent for other hotels. All prices are
approximations.
Meson Panza Verde
www.PanzaVerde.com
Rates:
Double: $100
Suites: $165 -$300
Very special place *****
Casa Christina
Tel; (502) 7832 0623
Rates: Double Room: $30.00
We have heard the rooms are cute. Good price
value.
Posada Los Bucaros , (they have four
different locations in Antigua)
E-mail: [email protected]
Tels. (502) 7832 2346
Rates/ Taxes Included
Single Room: $35.00
Double Room: $45.00
Triple Room: $50.00
Hotels in Guatemala City
If you arrive super late at night and would
like to stay in Guatemala City we
recommend hotels in Zone 10 or Hotel
Tikal Futura $110.00 (which is attached
to a mall) www.grandtikalfutura.com.gt/
Hotel Real Plaza
The Best Western, Stofella, in Zone
Tel. (502) 7832 2239
Otelito – [email protected] is in Zone 10,
E-mail: [email protected]
Rates /Taxes included
Single Room: $55.00
Double Room: $65.00
Triple Room: $75.00
10 it is fine, the cost around $70 and also
about $100.
All hotels in Guatemala are required to charge
a 22% hotel tax.