Questions, answered

Each retreat page has a full 'What's included' and 'What's not included' list. As a rule, accommodation, the listed meals and the guided programme are included; flights, insurance and optional activities are not.

No. Every session is optional. Some outings need to be booked in advance so we can arrange transport — these are marked on the itinerary.

Most of our retreats welcome beginners. Each page lists the experience level and any fitness requirements. Hiking weeks need good fitness.

Between 10 and 16 guests, depending on the retreat and the property. Writing and photography weeks take 10, and hiking weeks 12, which is what one mountain leader can safely look after on the trail.

Each retreat lists its facilitators, with their qualifications and what they lead. A SOLARA host is also on site for every retreat.

Weather or local conditions sometimes mean we move or swap sessions. We'll always explain why and offer an alternative.

Choose a retreat, select your room and number of guests, enter your details and pay the deposit. You'll get a confirmation email once the payment is verified.

Yes. The deposit is shown on each retreat page, usually €350–€500 per person. If you book inside the balance window, you pay in full.

60 days before arrival for European retreats and 75 days for Bali. We send reminders 14 and 3 days before the due date.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay and SEPA bank transfer.

You can move to another retreat once, free of charge, up to 60 days before arrival, subject to availability.

You can join the waitlist. If a place opens, we'll email waitlisted guests in order and hold the place for 48 hours.

Yes — private rooms are listed with their prices on each retreat page, subject to availability.

Yes. Choose a shared room and add a second guest, or note your friend's name in special requests.

We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Tell us about allergies when you book. Our kitchens are not allergen-free environments.

Each destination page lists the property's amenities, accessibility and check-in and check-out times. Check-out is usually by 11:00, but times vary by property.

Yes, at every property.

Each destination page has a travel section with the nearest airport, transfer options and recommended arrival time.

In Bali, airport transfers are included. In Europe we run shared shuttles from a set meeting point for a flat fee, bookable at checkout.

Each retreat page has a preparation list. Our Guest Information page has a general packing list.

Yes. You must have travel insurance that covers cancellation and medical costs. Hiking retreats require mountain rescue cover.

Accessibility varies by property and is described on each destination page. Please contact us before booking to discuss your needs.

Let us know as soon as you can. We'll keep dinner for you and arrange a taxi from the nearest station if the shuttle has left (at your cost).

More than 60 days before arrival: you lose the deposit, or transfer it once to another retreat. 30–60 days: 50% of the total is non-refundable. Less than 30 days: no refund. See Booking Policies for full terms.

Yes, free of charge up to 14 days before arrival.

You receive a full refund of everything paid to SOLARA within 14 days, or you can move to another retreat. We are not responsible for flights, so we recommend flexible tickets.

No, except when SOLARA cancels the retreat.

Dates are fixed once a retreat is confirmed. Day-to-day activities may change for weather or safety.