“ALMOST” FULL RETREAT EXPERIENCE

For those joining a Pilates lover, we have a few spots just for you! Your retreat includes everything except the classes and workshops. So, your partner would be able to stay on campus with you (or off campus with you, obvs!), and you would be joining us for meals, tours, trips, fun, all the things except the Pilates, mindset, habits, and breathwork coaching.

We only have a few of these spots available so be sure to get yours quickly.

Along with tours of the Temples, we will be doing Pilates classes, and two workshops focused on breathwork, mindset, and habit building. It doesn’t matter your Pilates practice level, every person leaves with new connections and understandings of their own personal Pilates practice. It’s amazing what can happen in a week of being consistent. I’ve had participants who have never done a class before leave ready to take their Pilates practice with them and also had Pilates instructors discover new ways to do exercises they thought they couldn’t.

You can download an example retreat schedule here. Ours will be quite similar, but has not yet been finalized.

If you have any questions or want to book other excursions, just let us know. Please note, depending on the weather and availability, Brad and I may also be taking some unscheduled trips that you are welcome to join us on.

Also, once you get a feel for Siem Reap you will see that you can easily walk to many places.

I highly recommend a four-hand massage. Other things to do in Siem Reap:

• Take a pottery class
• Make some jewelry
• Visit the “Old Market” and the Night Market
• People watch on Pub Street
• Try the sticky rice!! You’ll see them selling it on the street. It’s so tasty!
• The Circus Show (not an animal one, lots of gymnastics). Tickets will need to be purchased ahead of time.

More things to do can be seen here:

1. http://blog.eoasia.com/things-to-do-in-siem-reap/
2. https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/things-to-do-siem-reap/

There will also be plenty of time to spend time by yourself to explore the beauty of Siem Reap each day and at night after dinner. Don’t be surprised if you end up making new friends among your retreaters and find yourself trying a bug or buying all your Holiday presents at the market!

FOOD: Don’t you worry, you’re not alone! I also have a specific diet. We will be working closely with our chef and some local restaurants and will keep any and all allergies in mind.

Please make sure you are communicating your allergies to us when you make your deposit. (Email is fine, or you can chat to us here!)

The amazing thing about owning our own apartment building is that we can work with you on your arrival and departure dates! If you plan to arrive early and stay late, we can provide you with rates depending on what you need. Just chat to us here to ask!

If you choose to stay with us on campus, accommodations are shared by default unless you select a private room.

• Shared rooms are for two people and are assigned by sex, unless you’re traveling together as a couple or friends.

• If you and a friend or partner are both attending and would like to share, let us know their name so we can assign you together.

• Private rooms are available in limited numbers and can be selected as part of your retreat booking.

If you prefer, you also have the option to book your own hotel, in which case you’ll arrange your own lodging and transportation while still joining the retreat experience you’ve chosen.

Some guests attend together where one participates in Pilates and workshops and the other does not. Both shared and private room options are available depending on availability—these details are confirmed after your deposit during your booking call.

Yes. You may choose to book your own hotel or stay with us on campus.

Book Your Own Hotel (Off Campus)

If you book your own hotel, you’ll arrange and pay for your own accommodation and airport transportation. Siem Reap has a wide range of hotels to suit different preferences and budgets.

• You’ll be responsible for getting to and from the retreat location each day.

• Most hotels are a short tuk-tuk ride away.

• You’re welcome to arrive earlier or stay later if your travel plans allow.

Hotel recommendations can be shared upon request.

Stay With Us (On Campus)

If you choose to stay with us, accommodations are provided on campus.

• Shared rooms are for two people and are assigned by sex, unless you’re traveling together as a couple or friends.

• Private rooms are available in limited numbers.

• If you’re attending with a friend or partner and would like to share, please let us know their name so we can assign you together.

Your specific accommodation details are confirmed after your deposit during your booking call.

Airport Transportation

• On-campus guests: Airport transportation to and from the retreat is included. Once your flights are booked, you’ll share your flight details so transportation can be arranged.

• Off-campus guests: Airport transportation is typically arranged through your hotel. Daily transportation to the retreat location is your responsibility.

If you have not already booked your flights, I would encourage you to do so immediately. The cost will only get more expensive the closer we get. We usually check out this website before we book. Brad and I are flying in a few days early. Please plan to arrive before 3 pm on Sunday. We will have a group Pilates mat class before dinner that evening. Our retreat ends at 9 am on Friday. Check out is 11am. Siem Reap, Cambodia is a short flight to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and more to explore if you want to take the long weekend to see more of South East Asia. 

Please chat to us with your flight and off-campus hotel details when you have them for our reference. Your hotel will be able to arrange your ride from the airport. It’s usually complimentary, but you should tip.

If you are staying on-campus, please send us your flight details so we can arrange your rides to/from the airport.

If you are staying on campus, your rides both from and to the airport are included in your retreat package. Once you have your flight information please send it to me so that we can arrange your rides, and we will have a driver waiting for you at the airport. When you land, jump on the airport’s free wifi and text us using WhatsApp. If you are staying off campus, your hotel can coordinate these for you. It is NO LONGER complimentary rides to/from the airport, as the new airport is 51 kilometers from town. If staying off campus you’ll be responsible for getting to class each morning. Tuk-tuk rides are usually between $2 to $3 per trip from your hotel to our place.

You will be responsible to book your eVisa online. And, visas are only valid for 90 days and are only good for one entrance into the country (meaning you will need a new visa if you decide to fly to another nearby country and then come back to Cambodia to fly home.)

BUT, don’t worry, we’ll be sending you a reminder email about it about 1 month out from our trip. It should only cost $36 for an e-visa. You only want to book your visa with the official government website (the others are service providers who hike the price for no reason). It should only take about 15 minutes to complete the application. Historically they have approved our visas within 3 days of our application.

For the picture they are requesting, last time we simply stood against a white wall and took our own “visa style” picture with our iPhones (we looked at our passports and mimicked those.) Make sure your hair does not cover your ears and don’t wear glasses.

For the “Address During Visit” section, just put “Crow’s Nest Apartments”. After you receive your confirmation and e-visa, please print 2 copies and bring it with you for going through airports and Customs (even though they are going electronic now). If you are traveling through another country on your way to Cambodia they may ask you to show your visa or even ask to keep one. Hard copies are just easier. (Also, when you get to Customs in Cambodia don’t try to show them your phone for them to scan your e-visa – they might not accept it.)

Please kindly chat to us when you have received your visa!

The United States Embassy in Cambodia has a scale of 1 to 4, where 4 is the most risk for traveling. They have listed Cambodia at a level 1, recommending you “exercise normal precautions in Cambodia.” Feel free to follow along and read more about it here.

Siem Reap, where we will be staying, is the tourist capital of Cambodia. Generally speaking, it is safe to walk around at night, even alone. Still, you should just be a smart, educated tourist. Trust your instincts, be aware that you are still in a city, with lots of other people. We recommend you walk around in groups, take tuk-tuks together, and generally be aware of your surroundings.

Our quiet little village that is just south of the main district of Siem Reap is quiet and safe. We have a gated compound with security bars around it, and lots of lighting at night. Each room has its own entrance with their own keys.

If you decide to come early or stay after the retreat and you are planning to visit Phnom Penh, the capital city, that is a much rougher place. Nothing that you couldn’t handle, but imagine New York City. We’re talking millions of people. Do not stick your phone outside of your tuk-tuk, someone may snag it and ride off. Same with bags/purses. We do not recommend carrying a purse around in Phnom Penh. Keep it in a backpack, or a small wallet that is not easily visible under your shirt. Travel together and be smart and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

COVID: On our last trip we did not even have to show proof of vaccination, however we still recommend you get vaccinated for satefy reasons. You can read the current covid requirements for entering Cambodia from the US Embassy here.

As of June 2022 you no longer need a negative covid test to board the plan back to the US. Read the most recent requirements here.

EVERYTHING ELSE: The CDC recommends being current on all your typical vaccines, potentially including Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, Shingles. You are welcome to read their full list and recommedations for travel to Cambodia here. There are plenty of places for you to get “the typical” vaccines near you when considering traveling to other parts of the world.

Please plan ahead.

You are not required to have travel insurance, but it is recommended. It can help with delayed/canceled flights, missed connections, rebookings, lost bags, healthcare emergencies, medical evacuations, and more. We recommend checking out SafetyWing’s Nomad insurance, and booking at your own discretion (we always get it!) You can read about exactly what they cover at that link. We sign up for a month of coverage before any of our international trips.

Ok, totally get you here. The first time Brad & I went to SE Asia on our honeymoon back in 2016 we were like… “How long is the flight?!” But I’m happy to report that it’s not as difficult as it seems! The airlines have some great entertainment (a gazillion movies and shows), lots of food and drinks, and they don’t mind if you are standing/stretching on the plane. Seriously, Brad’s stood for 30 minutes doing yoga poses before.

Generally speaking, you’re going to have a series of layovers to get there. However, because they just opened a brand new, larger airport in October 2023, they can now land larger planes. Now we’re just waiting for the airlines to offer routes directly to Siem Reap (fingers crossed!)

Even so, you might still have to take a short hop from Singapore or Vietnam. For example, we used to fly from Los Angeles to Narita, Japan, to Singapore, to Siem Reap. The flight paths have changed over the years.

Anyway, traveling internationally is exciting, and not as intimidating as you may be thinking. Just hop on the wifi in whatever airport you land in and you can check in with us if you want to.

We recommend paying attention to your country’s travel advisories regarding countries that you may be traveling through just to be on the safe side.

Excited to have you join us at our amazing home in Siem Reap, Cambodia!

Hey single female travelers, we’ve had many (just like you) join us on a retreat in the past!

We’ve had solo travelers join us from the US, Canada, England, Bahrain, Shanghai, Australia… all around this amazing planet.

One time a woman joined us from New York City. It was the first time she was traveling without her husband and (now grown) kids, and she was definitely concerned. We worked with her to answer all of her questions, and she joined us. She had so much fun, and felt so safe, that she changed her travel plans and stayed a full second week after the retreat was over. She ended up traveling all over Cambodia. We were so proud of her!

If you are worried about traveling by yourself, we would love to schedule a call with you to address your concerns. Just chat to our customer support team we’ll get you set up with a call with me or Brad.

Make sure to bring clothes in which to practice Pilates. Remember, you’ll have at least one class per day. While on the temple tours we’ll do some walking/hiking but it won’t be in heavy jungle. While at the temples themselves, shoulders and knees must be covered, so be sure to have pants/shorts that go at least to your knees. I recommend bringing a lightweight long sleeve shirt that you can take off during the walks but put on when we enter a Temple. I usually wear a flowy dress that covers my shoulders. Or, pants and bring a long sleeve button down I can tie around my waist for when I am not at the Temples. HOT TIP: bright colors look amazing in your photos from the temples! During your downtime you’ll be able to enjoy local activities, the city, etc. I recommend comfortable loose clothing, as it is warm.

We are going to dinner together one night and casual attire is appropriate. Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk around in and don’t mind getting muddy. Parts of our two days of Temple tours will be walking through the jungles so you’ll want to be in good walking shoes (trail running shoes are fine). If you want, you could prepare your hiking outfits ahead of time with a bug spray such as this one. Spray your clothes before you travel, and isolate them in your bag by putting them in a ziplock. We also recommend bringing a pack or two of deet wipes, like these.

WEATHER: It is hot and humid in Cambodia. Cambodia has two seasons, a dry season and a wet season. The northeast monsoon winds run from mid November until April and create the dry season. Whereas the southwest monsoon winds from May until mid November bring with them substantial rain, and the wet season.

You’ll want to bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy for our jungle walks. One red clay mud dries it’s tough to get out.

You will only need additional money to tip any tuk-tuk drivers, or for going out on your own during your downtime to do some shopping. Otherwise, all meals, rides, and on-site lodging are included. American dollars will work just fine in Cambodia – but bring small new bills with no tears or pen marks. If the corner is ripped off or there is even a small tear they won’t accept the bill. Do not accept any money that has tears either, as you will not be able to use it there.

Also, you will want to have plenty of $1s and $5s. You don’t want to pull out a $20 to pay for a $2 ride – they might not have change for that.

There is a recent push to use Cambodian Riel instead of US dollars, and they’re not as picky about the quality of the Riel bills, so feel free to go to an exchange.

Also, I know it will be difficult to do but please do not give money, candy, or food to the children in Siem Reap. It is important that we do not encourage them doing things for money instead of going to school.

You do not need to bring your own Pilates mat. We will provide a mat for you when you get there!

CONTACT INFO: Please sign up for WhatsApp (you can download it to your phone) and let us know your WhatsApp number by chatting to us. WiFi is plentiful in Cambodia, so you only have to find a coffee shop or restaurant to get online and make phone calls or send texts.

Before we leave for the trip we will contact you on WhatsApp so we’re already connected before you arrive.

Once you arrive in the Siem Reap airport you can hop onto their free wifi and shoot us a WhatsApp message. If you are staying on-campus with us your driver should already be waiting for you!

Also, we’ve had many guests in recent years pay the $10/day for cell service through their home carrier, which also works great – but you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.

LANGUAGE: Most Cambodians speak English, so you should be able to get around without too much trouble if you decide to explore 🙂

That said, the national language is called Khmer (pronounced “Kmai”.) Many Cambodians also speak French, and because Siem Reap is a tourist town you will hear different languages everywhere!

Here are some easy phrases to learn and say while you are in Siem Reap, Cambodia:

• Hello, Hey etc: Sous Dey (Seuss Day)
• Good Bye, see you later: Lea Hauy (Lay-a Howie)
• Thank you: Auc cogn (awe cone)
• How much for this one thing: Bpon Mon (bon mon)
• How much for all of this: Ah Bpon Mon (awe bon mon)
• Too expensive: Tlai Nah
• Yes: Jaa (if you are a male it is Baat)
• No: ot (ought)

THE HOOKUP: I wanted to offer you $150 off of your trip for each friend that you bring with you! There is no limit on this. If you bring 7 friends, I’ll return your deposit to you! We have tons of hotel recommendations that are super close to our place if we run out of room on campus. Let’s make it a big group!

REFERRAL BONUS only applies to friends taking Pilates

This trip is worth sharing with someone you know, and spaces will go quickly.

After you place your deposit we will be emailing you a release form that you can e-sign. All attendees must sign this release form prior to arriving in Cambodia.

The Early Bird special offers savings on the Full Retreat for guests who register during the Early Bird window.

• You’ll place the standard $749 deposit, just like all guests.

• When you register during the Early Bird period, you’ll receive $600 off your remaining balance, which is due 90 days before the retreat begins.

• Early Bird savings do not apply to the “Almost” Full Retreat (No Pilates Classes/Workshops)

Early Bird availability is limited and applies only to registrations completed during the promotional window.

Balance Payment is due 90 days prior to retreat start date. We’ll be emailing you a link to pay. If you want to make your payment earlier that’s fine, just chat to us here.

We understand that plans can change. Please review the cancellation and refund policy below, which applies to all retreat bookings.

Deposits & Payments

• All retreat bookings require a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit to secure your spot (unless the retreat is cancelled altogether).

• The remaining balance is due 90 days before the retreat begins.

• Once the balance is paid, it is non-refundable.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case your plans change.

What if the retreat is cancelled?

If the retreat must be cancelled due to circumstances completely outside our control (for example, travel restrictions that prevent entry into Cambodia), a full refund will be issued.

Retreat Timing

The retreat runs for six days and five nights, with travel days on either end — meaning you’ll only need to take five weekdays off.

We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Sunday to allow time to settle in before the retreat begins.