Question 1

How does the pricing work?

Accepted Answer

The pricing is what teachers/leaders must pay The Lotus Feed retreat center to bring a group on retreat. We have a range of styles of accommodation, from premier to glamping.  It is up to the retreat leader to determine their own prices. The accommodations are described so that the leader can assign accommodations and prices to their guests accordingly. PLEASE NOTE : ALL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  THE LOTUS FEED RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REDECORATE AND RENAME DWELLINGS.

Question 2

What is the payment structure?

Accepted Answer

The details of the payment structure are laid out in the contract that must be filled out and submitted with the initial non-refundable deposit ($1000) to hold the booking dates. The contract states that 50% of cost of the retreat is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. This is 50% of the base price (base price is $5,500 for 3 days, $6,500 for 4 days, $7,700 for 5 days).  60 days before the retreat date the final 50% of the base price must be paid, resulting in full 100% base payment. Payment for the number of attendees over 10 ($250 per person for 3 day, $300 for 4 day, $350 for 5 day) is due three weeks before the retreat date and is based on the teacher's/leader's final attendee count to be emailed to info@thelotusfeed.com, last minute additions need to be approved by The Lotus Feed before attending and there will be no refund for attendees who drop out within that  three week timeframe.  15 guest minimum required.  Retreats with less than 15 guests are subject to cancellation.   All payments are nonrefundable.  In the unlikely event that The Lotus Feed cancels a retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, a booking fee of $1000 (the amount of the deposit) will be retained.  We strongly recommend that all leaders purchase insurance and advise attendees to do the same.

Question 3

How many students can I bring?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate a maximum of 30 attendees (including teachers, assistants etc..) plus one scholarship attendee.  We have a 15 student minimum.

Question 4

As a teacher bringing a group, do I get to come and stay for free?"

Accepted Answer

Due to our limited space and the energy that goes into putting on the retreats, we are unable to offer free lodging and meals for teachers/leaders. However, if a teacher/leader would like to stay the night before or after their retreat they are welcome to, free of charge, with advance notice.

Question 5

Can someone stay overnight for a portion of the time?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, however, they will be counted as a normal attendee and be invoiced for accordingly, regardless of the amount of time spent with us.

Question 6

Can my friend come for a meal without being an overnight attendee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with advance notice provided to The Lotus Feed guest meal costs are $30 per meal.

Question 7

What do you mean by rustic?

Accepted Answer

We are a working farm.  Dirt and bugs are what make farm systems successful.  We have farm dogs.  We ask that all attendees wash their own dishes. There are no heaters.  It can be cold and or hot.  Most activities take place outdoors.  Ya know...RUSTIC!

Question 8

Is there heat in the yurts and the tents? Electricity?

Accepted Answer

The yurts have electricity but the tents do not. There are no heaters.

Question 9

Wifi and Cell Service

Accepted Answer

We do not have wifi at The Lotus Feed and cell service may be limited.

Question 10

Water and Water Use?

Accepted Answer

We have incredible springs on the farm that provide drinking water for guests, PLEASE inform them to bring their own water bottle to refill, this helps us cut down on the glass washing over the course of the retreat.

Question 11

Transportation, how do we get there?"

Accepted Answer

You will receive directions once you book a retreat. Out of state retreaters can fly into Santa Rosa Airport (STS) which is 25 min away.  There are rental car companies at the airports. SFO and OAK airports are one and a half hours away, there is an airporter (www.airportexpressinc.com) that drops off in Santa Rosa. Teachers/leaders should arrange to rent shuttle vans to transport students themselves. Teachers/leaders need to work with participants that do not have their own transportation so that they arrive in groups to minimize trips to Santa Rosa.

Question 12

Gas stations?

Accepted Answer

The closest gas station is ten miles away. Inform your guests to get gas in Petaluma or Sebastopol before they drive to the farm.

Question 13

What time can we arrive? What time do we check out?

Accepted Answer

The teacher/leader can come as early as 8am, guests are welcome to check in anytime after Noon. Students will park in the parking lot at the top and follow the path down the hill to the retreat zone. Guests will leave their bags in the crates and a truck will bring the bags down. Guests need to know that the path starts by the Yoga Deck where there is a sign that says "THE PATH." Guests can get turned around upon arrival so please encourage them to follow the signs driving in and once they park walk DOWN the hill, not up. Check out is 3pm

Question 14

Why are people asked to stay on site during their retreat?

Accepted Answer

Aside from scheduled DIG IN experiences, activities requiring guests to drive on and off the farm are discouraged. Retreat leaders are asked to design their retreat utilizing the Dig In experiences we offer. The Lotus Feed is a unique family run business that depends on the kindness of our neighbors to continue operating. Reducing traffic on our shared small roads is the best way for us to respect neighbors.

Question 15

Dig In Experiences

Accepted Answer

Add on experiences are arranged at least 1 month in advance of retreat date.  Payments for all DIG INs, other than massage, are the responsibility of the retreat leader and must be provided before the retreat date.  Transportation is provided for all off-site experiences booked with The Lotus Feed.   We would love to provide a wellness practitioner to plump your retreat; however, if you would like to bring your own practitioner and plan to use our massage deck or indoor spa shala, we require a $100 space rental fee.

Question 16

Schedule? What time should we start?

Accepted Answer

Teachers/leaders can determine their own practice schedule.

Question 17

Meal Times

Accepted Answer

Day 1- Dinner 6:30   Day 2- Smoothies/Coffee/Tea: 8am  Brunch: 11:00  Dinner: 6:30pm   Day 3- Smoothies/Coffee/Tea: 8am  Brunch: 10:30 or 11:00   We put great effort and love into the meals we provide.  We ask that groups do their best to show up on time for meals.

Question 18

Is coffee and tea service provided all day?

Accepted Answer

Coffee and tea service is included until 10am.  Teacher/leaders can request all day service prior to retreat start date.  A supplemental feel is required for all day coffee and tea service:   3 day.......$5/head 4 day.......$7/head 5 day.......$9/head

Question 19

Meals, Allergies, and Dietary Restrictions"

Accepted Answer

At the Lotus Feed, we grow our own food and cook farm to table with what is available. Meals are vegetarian unless arrangements have been made otherwise. The Lotus Feed cannot accommodate severe food allergies and will not be held responsible for doing so. Teachers/leaders will communicate how many guests they will bring three weeks before their arrival. This number is the final number that we will use when preparing all meals. If a student misses a meal or leaves early, their meal is still accounted for, there will be no discount. If there are last minute additions please inform us ASAP so that we can prepare properly.   *If more than 50% of guests have dietary restrictions, a supplemental fee with be required to customize meals accordingly.   We LOVE cleanse retreats and are happy to prepare all meals using guidelines set by the retreat leader.  A supplemental fee per person is required for cleanse retreats- see next tab.

Question 20

Cleanse Retreats

Accepted Answer

We LOVE cleanse retreats and are happy to prepare all meals using guidelines set by the retreat leader. A supplemental fee per person is required for cleanse retreats.                   3, 4, and 5 day Retreats                            Vegan/Dairy Free...............$25, 35, 45/head Gluten Free........................$25, 35, 45/head  Refined Sugar Free............$25, 35, 45/head V, GF, SF............................$45, 60, 75/head   *If more than 50% of guests have dietary restrictions, a supplemental fee with be required to customize meals accordingly.

Question 21

Refrigeration

Accepted Answer

There is very limited refrigeration. We recommend non-perishable snacks. Teachers/leaders/attendees responsible for bringing coolers/ice if needed.

Question 22

Does The Lotus Feed provide all yoga props?

Accepted Answer

We provide blocks, blankets, and straps for 30.  Anything else needed must be provided by attendees (teachers or students).

Question 23

Bugs, Bees, and Poison Oak"

Accepted Answer

We have them all! Please inform your guests to bring EpiPens if allergic to bees and Technu if highly allergic to poison oak. All of the paths are maintained but there are many forested areas and poison oak is a fact of life in Sonoma County. We are a farm and there are bugs. As an organic farm, we depend on insects for everything from composting to pollination. Please inform your guests about doing daily Tick checks.

Question 24

Are children allowed?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 25

Are Pets Allowed?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 26

Hairdryers

Accepted Answer

We do not provide hair dryers.