RETREAT

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!)

Experience Only Cost: For those joining a circus 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!), would be joining us for meals, tours, trips, fun, all the things except the circus coaching.

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

Maybe. Our amazing retreat hosts own the building and might be able to work with you on your arrival and departure dates. If you plan to arrive earlier than October 15th or stay later than October 20th, let us know and we can provide you with rates depending on what you need.

Balance Payment is due 90 days prior to retreat start date.

ON-SITE COST: The cost is $2449 per person with a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $700 to reserve your spot (unless the retreat is cancelled altogether).

OFF-SITE COST: The cost is $2149 per person with a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $700 to reserve your spot (unless the retreat is canceled altogether).

Experience Only Cost: For those joining a Circus Mobility lover we have a few spots just for you! Your retreat includes everything except the movement sessions. We only have a few of these spots available so be sure to get yours quickly. The cost is $1599 per person with a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $700 to reserve your spot (unless the retreat is canceled altogether).

The remaining (balance) payment will be due 90 days prior to the start of the retreat.

The overall retreat spans six days and five nights, leaving you a day and a half of travel on each end – so you only have to take five weekdays off. Try to arrive before 3 pm on Sunday to leave yourself time to get settled in.

MONEY: You will only need additional money to tip any tuk-tuk drivers, or for going out on your own during your downtime. 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.

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.

SCHEDULE: You can download an example retreat schedule here for a previous pilates retreat at Crow's Nest. Our schedule will be similar, but with circus, and it has not yet been finalized. We have to wait on facility availability from Phare Circus.

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

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

Other things to do in Siem Reap:

• Enjoy the Silk Museum
• Take a pottery class
• Visit the markets and shop
• People watch on Pub Street
• Try the sticky rice. You’ll see them selling it on the street.
• Visit the Floating Village (we will be having Poly take us one day, please let us know if you are interested in joining, and we can all go.) There is an extra fee to ride along the water.
• Get a tattoo

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!

ROOMS: If you are staying on campus you will share a room with another retreater, unless you are coming as a couple. If you and your friend both booked a spot, please make sure to chat to us with the name of your friend so we can make sure you are assigned the same room.

We do have rates for travel partners who want the experience of travel and touring but not the classes/workshops. Just ask!

OFF-CAMPUS: You are more than welcome to stay off campus! There are hundreds of hotels in Siem Reap, and they range from frugal to grandios, so you can have whatever experience you want. If you want some recommendations, we’re happy to provide you with some – just chat to us. You will be responsible for getting to class each morning.  

I highly recommend staying at Crow's Nest to have the full retreat experience, whether it's taking a late tuk-tuk for foot massages or drinks, you'll want to be where the action is. Crow's Nest is a cute, safe, gated compound within walking distance of the night market in the center of Siem Reap. You’re going to love it. 

ON-CAMPUS: If you are staying on campus you will share a room with another retreater, unless you are coming as a couple. If you and your friend both booked a spot, please make sure to let us know the name of your friend so we can make sure you are assigned the same room.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION: If you are staying on campus, your tuk-tuk 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. You’ll be responsible for getting to class each morning. Generally it would be a short tuk-tuk ride away.

BOOKING YOUR VISA: You will be responsible to book your eVisa online. And, visa 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 2 months 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.

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. If you are traveling through another country on your way to Cambodia they may ask you to show your visa. 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’ll 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. Travel together and be smart and I’m sure you’ll be fine. 

CLOTHING: Make sure to bring clothes in which to practice aerial. Remember, you’ll have at least one movement 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 cover 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. 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.We are going during the “wet season” which means it might rain for an hour each day and could be a little muddy. You’ll want to bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy for our jungle walks. While it is their cooler season, it is still going to feel like 90 degrees. For the temples, your knees and shoulders need to be covered up. I usually wear loose cotton pants and bring a long sleeve button down I can tie around my waist for when I am not at the temples.

PROPS: Bring a peanut and at least one resistance band.

FLIGHTS: 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.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION: If you are staying on campus, your tuk-tuk 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. Usually it will be complientary to/from the airport, although you should tip. You’ll be responsible for getting to class each morning. Tuk-tuk rides are usually between $2 to $3 per trip.

COVID: As of June 2022, you no longer need a negative covid test to board the plan back to the US, although this may change in the future. 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 recommendations 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 will not be required by the Cambodian government to carry travel insurance to enter the country. It is always advisable to have, so this is a choice you will make.

Please bring a peanut and a resistance band. You can bring a yoga mat OR purchase one in Siem Reap. After placing your deposit please confirm if you want a custom handwoven yoga mat that you can take home with you (for an additional fee). You will not need to bring any aerial equipment with you.

ABOUT THE MATS: If you decide you do want the mat, we need to know at least 3 months ahead of time (they are hand made in a village outside of the city and we need to let the foundation that works with the women there know ahead of time so they can harvest the materials.) Here is a PDF of the awesome organization we support, along with some other products they make.

THE HOOKUP: I wanted to offer you $100 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 participating in the movement aspects of this retreat.

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.

CONTACT INFO: Please sign up for WhatsApp (you can download it to your phone) and let us know your WhatsApp number. 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!

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)

This retreat is designed for intermediate-advanced aerialists and aerial coaches who want to deepen their practice. Just send me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions whether you meet these requirements.

Hey Early Birdie, glad you asked!

Save $250 per ticket for those who are taking movement classes/workshops (i.e., those who are NOT doing the “experience only” ticket). You can be staying on or off campus and still take advantage of the Early Bird special. 

You will still place your deposit of $700 just like anyone else, but if you place your deposit inside the dates of the Early Bird Special you will get a coupon for $250 off your balance payment which will be due July 15, 2023.

Balance Payment is due 90 days prior to retreat start date, on or before July 15, 2023. We’ll be emailing you a link to pay the beginning of July. If you want to make your payment earlier that’s fine, just send me a note.

Ok, totally get you here. But having done this trip before, I’m happy to report that it’s not as difficult as it seems. In fact, it was easier that booking my flights to get to Mexico recently. The airlines have some great entertainment, lots of food and drinks, and they don’t mind if you are standing/stretching on the plane.

Generally speaking you’re going to have layovers because the airport at Siem Reap is small (but modern). This means they can’t land massive jumbo jets there. I highly recommend flying through Singapore because if you have a layover, there is a TON to do.

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 me.

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 me in Siem Reap, Cambodia!

Hey there, solo  traveler. I see you. Although I have since travelled the globe solo, I was once a traveling newbie too. You've got this.

If you are worried about traveling by yourself, I would love to schedule a call with you to address your concerns. Just set up a 15-min call.

No problem! Just send me an email at [email protected]. Or book a 15-min call!