I’ve never attended a retreat before and I’m nervous about signing up.

You are absolutely not alone! Most of our attendees are first-time retreat attendees. We know it’s not easy to show up totally alone with a group of strangers. However, we place a great deal of importance on bringing together women who are open-hearted, kind and supportive. One of our most important missions as a company is to create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space. And trust us... you will make friends before dinner on the first night, and leave at the end of the week feeling like you have gained friends for life. When you join a Thurayya retreat, you really are coming into a beautiful sisterhood.

What does it cost?

The cost varies by retreat location and depends on room selection. However, the cost in general typically comes to around $300-400 per day for accommodations in a private villa / resort + 3 healthy (but substantial) meals + a fitness class + a wellness activity every day. It also includes adventures and activities like watersports, day trips, massage, hiking, local cultural experiences and more. All your transportation and arrangements are made for you. And there is a professional photographer documenting your whole experience every day.

Are flights included?

The trip package includes everything except flights and tourist visas for the full 7-day program. However, our team is available to support with finding the best flight options as well as to provide guidance with the visa application process if needed. All meals, accommodations, transport, workouts, activities and photography are all fully included.

Can I sleep in my own room?

We’re not able to guarantee single rooms for anyone, but we do offer the option of booking an individual bed. We will also facilitate a roommate matching process to make sure everyone is comfortable with her sleeping arrangement. This has worked beautifully on past retreats with no issues. Remember: connecting and building friendships with other women is an important part of this experience!

What if I am not already fit?

Our retreats are completely beginner-friendly, but also designed to challenge and up-level those who are at an advanced fitness level. Our dedicated yoga instructor is fantastic and will stay deeply connected with the group each day. She also has experience training mixed-level groups, so within a single group session she can structure the workout to accommodate all levels of experience.

What is the typical profile of your retreat attendees?

Most of our retreat attendees are women in their late 20s, 30s and early 40s. We usually welcome a mix of single and married women, both with and without kids. They are typically adventurous, successful women from around the world. Some come for personal growth, others come to heal from trauma or heartbreak, or to process a significant life event. Regardless of which walk of life or corner of the world, one of the most important criteria is being open-minded, non-judgmental and supportive.

Should I come with a group or friends or is it better to come alone?

Many attendees come alone and don’t know anyone else in the group before the start of the retreat. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to book with a friend or a small group. We’ve also have had quite a few returning clients who got to know one another at previous retreats. Whatever you are more comfortable with, what matters most is that you come into the retreat with an open mind, ready to connect and embrace the experience. Our sessions and activities will facilitate new connections and group bonding even if you feel more comfortable booking with someone you are already know.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We always conduct a detailed survey prior to the start of the retreat to gather information about your dietary needs, as well as other requirements related to your health and what you want to get out of the experience. We are happy to accommodate food allergies, Halal, vegan and high-protein diets, and most other dietary needs.

What if I can’t make international transfers from my bank account?

We understand that money transfers are difficult in some parts of the world. When these circumstances arise, we will work with you to find suitable payment options. (For example, we’ve lined up a local bank account in Egypt for anyone requiring EGP payments.) Please contact us to discuss any special requirements you may have.

What if I have an injury?

It’s important to communicate to us in advance about any injuries, whether major or minor. First and foremost, we want to make sure you can still get the most out of the retreat experience. For example, if you have a broken leg, you probably won’t be able to to enjoy the daily workouts or a hiking trip, and it might not make sense for you to join under those conditions. However, if you can still take part in most physical activities, we’re happy to accommodate your needs in the workouts and wellness sessions however we can. The best thing to do is communicate your limitations with us so we can coordinate with the wellness facilitators and local providers to ensure you are fully supported.

Before the start of every retreat, we conduct a detailed survey to understand any injuries, health conditions or physical limitations that affect you, as well as any medication you are taking.

Can you help me with flights and visas?

While each attendee is ultimately responsible for booking her own flights and applying for her own visa, we are happy to provide support with searching for the best flight routes and getting you connected with embassies and visa application platforms. We also provide guidance on specific arrival and departure times to make sure your flight arrangements are in line with the retreat schedule.

I’m looking for a shorter vacation — can I just come for part of the retreat?

We do not recommend or accept partial bookings. While some exceptions can be made for someone who is unable to arrive on time or has to leave early, missing more than the first or last day of the retreat can have a significant impact on your overall experience. We highly recommend only joining if you can attend the full retreat.

I don’t want to be featured on your social media or website. Can I opt out?

Of course! If you do not wish to be photographed or featured in our digital or marketing content, just let us know and we will ask the photographer / videographer to avoid you in shots. However, during some of the group activities, we may ask you to avoid positioning yourself in the center of the group, as that would make it impossible to omit you from the group footage. The bottom line is: don’t worry about this! If you’re not comfortable with photos and videos, we will find a way to respect your privacy.

What if I can’t ride a bike?

Riding a bike is only necessary for our Barefoot Detox retreat in Gili Air, Indonesia. The island has no motorized vehicles, so the main form of transportation is by bicycle. Walking is an option, but has proven difficult in the past because it requires much longer commute times between activities, which is not always feasible with the schedule. We recommend selecting another retreat program if you cannot ride a bike.

What if I can’t swim?

You can still enjoy our retreats to the fullest if you aren’t able to swim. While we do many activities in the water across our different programs — such as snorkeling, surfing, fliteboarding, boat trips, and more — life jackets are always available and we are often in shallow water. There are no activities that require open water or deep water swimming. However, if you are completely uncomfortable being in the water without a life jacket, you can always choose not to join an activity.

What if I don’t want to participate in one or some of the activities?

No problem! Not every activity is going to resonate. While we love for everyone to join all of the sessions and activities, we strongly encourage each attendee to listen to herself and do what feels right for her. Our most important priority is that you get what you need out of the experience, and sometimes that means taking some extra alone time for yourself, or giving yourself permission to rest during a workout if you feel like your body needs a break. No sessions or activities are mandatory, in other words.

How do I know if this retreat is for me?

There are many different reasons why someone would choose to attend one of our retreats. Here are some of the most common reasons to join:

• You want to prioritize growth and self-reflection.

• You’re looking to improve, enhance or kickstart your wellness routine.

• You're ready to realign with your purpose and direction in life.

• You want to relax, recharge and embrace your feminine essence.

• You're craving sisterhood + connection with likeminded women.

• You're looking for a safe, supportive space to heal and process emotions, a breakup, or a significant life event.

• You're ready to reconnect with your most authentic self.

What if I pay a deposit and then have to cancel?

Depending on your dates and circumstances, your deposit may be refundable. Please refer to our Refund Policy for clarification.

I’m healing from a break-up. Is it a good idea to join a retreat?

Our retreats can be a great way to help you heal from a break-up. Many of our past attendees reached out and signed up after experiencing significant heartbreak, and shared extremely positive feedback afterwards about how healing and transformative the experience was. It can feel scary and intimidating to join a group of people you don’t know while struggling emotionally or not feeling like yourself, but we work hard to create a safe, supportive space. In our humble opinion, participating in a Thurayya Retreat is one of the best steps you can take towards healing and feeling like yourself again.

Don’t see your question here? Drop us a note on our Contact page.