What meals are included in the price?
A Welcome Dinner on Sunday evening, brunch daily from Sunday through Saturday, and a Farewell Feast on Friday. On the first Saturday evening, people will be arriving at different times, so we will be on our own for dinner, but local eateries have much to offer at very affordable prices.
Are there restaurants and other places to eat?
-Yes! There are many restaurants in Puerto Morelos, ranging in price from very inexpensive to very comparable to in the US. There is also an excellent grocery store in the village center. Apartments at Villas Shanti have fully equipped kitchens.
Is all the food spicy?
Not necessarily. You can get any kind of food you want, and if you learn the Spanish for “not too spicy” (no tan picante), you’ll be fine.
What about the drinking water?
Bottled water is provided at Villas Shanti. Be careful always to use bottled water while in Mexico (for drinking and brushing teeth). Our bellies are typically not adaptive to local tap water. When singing in the shower, turn away from the water! :)
What other costs are there besides the price of the yoga vacation?
-Airport transportation (which will be arranged for you) is an additional expense of about $50 each way.
-Optional field trips may cost $85-110.
-Eating out (dinners can run $5-$30 / person).
-Guided snorkeling trips cost approximately $35 per person (includes gear).
-Shops in the village include a Mayan market, an English language bookstore, and many other shops with handcrafts and local wares.
-Windsurfers and sunfish sailboats are for rent at a few resorts along the beach.
-Guided scuba diving.
-Other adventures: bus to Playa Del Carmen, ferry to Isla Mujeres, etc.
What should I know about money and paying for things in Mexico?
Most establishments accept credit cards. American dollars are desirable to Mexican business owners but you might not receive change at the current exchange rate. You may want to exchange American dollars for Mexican pesos once you arrive. There is a currency exchange booth in the center of Puerto Morelos which offers the best current exchange rate. There is also an ATM in the village, which dispenses pesos at the current day’s exchange rate. Before traveling, contact your bank/credit card company to ensure that your credit card is not denied.
How should I pack for airline travel?
Follow the current regulations for airline security (https://www.tsa.gov) so you are not delayed in your journey. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through airport checkpoints, limited to 3.4 ounces or less per item. Keep in mine that you may not bring water or coffee through security checkpoints. You can bring an empty container and fill it after going through security.
What about baggage? Is it better to take carry-on?
Typically, it is faster to get through customs if you take carry-on rather than checked luggage. You may want to pack an empty duffle bag in case you purchase items in Mexico and need to check excess baggage on the return trip.
What happens when I get off the plane in Mexico?
If you are delayed in transit, call Villas Shanti at 011-52-99887-10040 and give Jack an update on your arrival in Cancun.
When you get off the plane in Cancun, you will go through customs and immigration, then wind through the airport to the outside where there are many taxis offering you rides. Once outside, look for a driver holding a VILLAS SHANTI sign. A taxi to Villas Shanti for 3 people or less is $50; a van for 5 or more is $15 per person.
Is there cell reception and internet service?
Yes, there is cell and internet reception in the courtyard at Villas Shanti. There is also at least one internet cafe in town. There are no phones in the rooms at Villas Shanti.
What should I bring?
-Passport. Also, make a copy of your passport and carry it with you in case your passport is lost.
-Comfortable, light clothing for yoga practice
-Shorts, T-shirts, bathing suit, perhaps a sarong or other warm weather clothing.
-Beach towel
-Light raincoat
-Light fleece/sweater/jacket for cool evenings
-Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, protective shirts or shorts, hat
-Comfortable, ventilated walking shoes/sandals
-Probiotics (acidophilus or bifidus) in case something doesn’t agree with you (you may want to start this in advance of your trip)
-Personal snorkeling gear, if desired (but gear is provided with the cost of snorkeling trips)
-Insect repellent for occasional buggy evenings (also available for purchase at the grocery in town)
-Special foods that you desire or need, such as your own blend of coffee or cereal. Do not bring produce, as it will be confiscated at the airport. Each apartment has a full kitchen with refrigerator, cooking utensils, pans, and dishes. There are several food markets within walking distance of Villas Shanti.
How do I keep my belongings safe?
-Each apartment at Villas Shanti contains a safe for small valuables as well as a locked pantry.
Is there a place to do laundry?
There are a couple of places in town that will wash, dry, and fold clothes.
A Welcome Dinner on Sunday evening, brunch daily from Sunday through Saturday, and a Farewell Feast on Friday. On the first Saturday evening, people will be arriving at different times, so we will be on our own for dinner, but local eateries have much to offer at very affordable prices.
Are there restaurants and other places to eat?
-Yes! There are many restaurants in Puerto Morelos, ranging in price from very inexpensive to very comparable to in the US. There is also an excellent grocery store in the village center. Apartments at Villas Shanti have fully equipped kitchens.
Is all the food spicy?
Not necessarily. You can get any kind of food you want, and if you learn the Spanish for “not too spicy” (no tan picante), you’ll be fine.
What about the drinking water?
Bottled water is provided at Villas Shanti. Be careful always to use bottled water while in Mexico (for drinking and brushing teeth). Our bellies are typically not adaptive to local tap water. When singing in the shower, turn away from the water! :)
What other costs are there besides the price of the yoga vacation?
-Airport transportation (which will be arranged for you) is an additional expense of about $50 each way.
-Optional field trips may cost $85-110.
-Eating out (dinners can run $5-$30 / person).
-Guided snorkeling trips cost approximately $35 per person (includes gear).
-Shops in the village include a Mayan market, an English language bookstore, and many other shops with handcrafts and local wares.
-Windsurfers and sunfish sailboats are for rent at a few resorts along the beach.
-Guided scuba diving.
-Other adventures: bus to Playa Del Carmen, ferry to Isla Mujeres, etc.
What should I know about money and paying for things in Mexico?
Most establishments accept credit cards. American dollars are desirable to Mexican business owners but you might not receive change at the current exchange rate. You may want to exchange American dollars for Mexican pesos once you arrive. There is a currency exchange booth in the center of Puerto Morelos which offers the best current exchange rate. There is also an ATM in the village, which dispenses pesos at the current day’s exchange rate. Before traveling, contact your bank/credit card company to ensure that your credit card is not denied.
How should I pack for airline travel?
Follow the current regulations for airline security (https://www.tsa.gov) so you are not delayed in your journey. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through airport checkpoints, limited to 3.4 ounces or less per item. Keep in mine that you may not bring water or coffee through security checkpoints. You can bring an empty container and fill it after going through security.
What about baggage? Is it better to take carry-on?
Typically, it is faster to get through customs if you take carry-on rather than checked luggage. You may want to pack an empty duffle bag in case you purchase items in Mexico and need to check excess baggage on the return trip.
What happens when I get off the plane in Mexico?
If you are delayed in transit, call Villas Shanti at 011-52-99887-10040 and give Jack an update on your arrival in Cancun.
When you get off the plane in Cancun, you will go through customs and immigration, then wind through the airport to the outside where there are many taxis offering you rides. Once outside, look for a driver holding a VILLAS SHANTI sign. A taxi to Villas Shanti for 3 people or less is $50; a van for 5 or more is $15 per person.
Is there cell reception and internet service?
Yes, there is cell and internet reception in the courtyard at Villas Shanti. There is also at least one internet cafe in town. There are no phones in the rooms at Villas Shanti.
What should I bring?
-Passport. Also, make a copy of your passport and carry it with you in case your passport is lost.
-Comfortable, light clothing for yoga practice
-Shorts, T-shirts, bathing suit, perhaps a sarong or other warm weather clothing.
-Beach towel
-Light raincoat
-Light fleece/sweater/jacket for cool evenings
-Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, protective shirts or shorts, hat
-Comfortable, ventilated walking shoes/sandals
-Probiotics (acidophilus or bifidus) in case something doesn’t agree with you (you may want to start this in advance of your trip)
-Personal snorkeling gear, if desired (but gear is provided with the cost of snorkeling trips)
-Insect repellent for occasional buggy evenings (also available for purchase at the grocery in town)
-Special foods that you desire or need, such as your own blend of coffee or cereal. Do not bring produce, as it will be confiscated at the airport. Each apartment has a full kitchen with refrigerator, cooking utensils, pans, and dishes. There are several food markets within walking distance of Villas Shanti.
How do I keep my belongings safe?
-Each apartment at Villas Shanti contains a safe for small valuables as well as a locked pantry.
Is there a place to do laundry?
There are a couple of places in town that will wash, dry, and fold clothes.