FAQ's

A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this! 

Our retreat welcomes women of all ages, starting from 18 and up. To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old. We love witnessing the diversity and unique perspectives and experience that each guests brings to the group. We have created an inclusive environment that ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of age.

• Participants must be at least 18 years old to book a trip independently.
• Minors aged 15, 16, and 17 are welcome to join our retreats when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during travel and activities.

Not at all! The majority of our guests come solo, and our retreats are carefully curated as supportive and inclusive experiences for everyone. You'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other like-minded women and most likely build friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. 

We host a maximum of 12 guests in the majority of the experiences.

We promise you’ll have an epic time. "It’s truly amazing and hard to put into words", our guests say...If you are feeling the call, just do it, let go of any expectations and let us host you during the time of your life!

Booking a spot is pretty easy and straightforward:

• Visit our website and navigate to the specific experience you're interested in.
• Click on the booking button provided.
• Choose your preferred accommodation.*
• Complete the booking by making an initial 20% deposit or full payment. We also offer an interest-free payment plan to make booking more flexible.
• The balance for the trip is due 60 days prior departure.
• Check your confirmation email to review the Welcome Kit carefully and submit all required documentation at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the experience

* Private and shared rooms availability are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book your reservations early to receive your preferred accommodation.

We accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). For added convenience, we also support Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Booking Protection is a new feature enabled for all customers to protect their purchase at checkout and request to be reimbursed if they need to cancel for a range of unforeseen circumstances:

• Unexpected transit delays or strikes.
• Injury, illness, or death of customer or member of immediate family.
• Customer is required as a carer for another ill or injured spot holder.
• Pregnancy.

Customers will be offered Booking Protection in the checkout flow, where they will also be able to review the terms and specific coverage provided by XCover. 

If selecting Booking Protection, the total cost (around 7-10% based on region) will be added to the booking total and will be collected during payment. 

All participants must provide the following documentation before arriving at our retreats:

• Signed Liability Release form.
• Signed Experience Disclaimer form.
• Completion of the Pre-Trip Questionnaire.
• Proof of valid Medical Insurance.
• Valid passport picture and travel itinerary.

Upon booking your AWA Retreat, you will receive a comprehensive Welcome Kit containing all necessary forms, area descriptions, packing tips, and additional activity recommendations.

Disclaimer: At AWA we value your commitment to your chosen experience. To ensure a seamless process, we kindly request customers to submit required documentation, and establish direct communication with our team within two weeks of the scheduled retreat. Please be advised that AWA reserves the right to cancel reservations if any of these are not met. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in creating enriching and hassle-free retreats.

To make changes to your booking, please send an email to hello@aweekawake.com with details of the changes you would like to make. Our support team will assist you promptly and make all necessary edits to your account.

We offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, including:

• Shared dormitories with bunk beds.
• Twin or double rooms.
• Private suites or villas.

Accommodation types may vary depending on the specific retreat location. Please check the details provided for each retreat on our website to see the specific accommodation options available.

Yes, we offer the option for guests to request specific roommates if they are booking together. During the booking process, you can email our team to indicate your preference for roommates, and we will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability.

Yes, single rooms are available at all of our retreat locations.

No. We host fully immersive retreats and surfing progression experiences so we encourage everyone to share the same space and that way deeply drop into the whole experience with the rest of the crew.

Yes, WiFi is always available at our retreat locations.

None! The majority of our retreats are designed for women of all surf levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. Our team of experienced surf coaches will tailor personalized lessons to meet everyone's individual needs.

* Some selected experiences will be curated for specific skill levels and will be clearly communicated in advance.

No problem at all! Our retreats are perfect for beginners and so are the locations we select. Our team of surf coaches will start with the basics, teaching you everything you need to know to catch your first wave safely and confidently. 

Our retreats typically include a variety of activities designed to enhance your experience:

• Surfing Lessons: Daily surf sessions with qualified instructors.
  
  
• Surf Skate Lessons: Daily surf skate sessions with qualified instructors.
  
  
• Yoga and Wellness: Morning or evening yoga classes and mindful practices to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
  
  
• Excursions and Cultural Activities: Guided tours to explore the local area and cultural experiences to connect with locals, and optional activities such as waterfall hiking, horseback riding, or sunset chasing.
  
  
• Group Activities: Social gatherings, group meals, and evening events to connect with fellow guests.

Specific activities may vary depending on the retreat location and duration. Please refer to the retreat details on our website for a detailed list of included (and not included) activities.

Yes, we offer flexibility to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences:

• You can choose to participate in specific activities or opt-out if you prefer.
  
  
• Some retreats may offer optional excursions or workshops that you can add to your itinerary for an additional fee.

Connect directly with our team to discuss customization options and help you plan your ideal retreat experience.

Yes, we intentionally build in downtime for relaxation and reflection. You can spend your free time exploring the local area, enjoying optional activities, or simply unwinding on the beach or by the pool.

These airports are the primary entry points for international travelers visiting Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Indonesia, offering connections to various cities and regions within each country.

Costa Rica:

1. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) - Located near San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. It is the primary gateway for international flights.

2. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) - Located near Liberia in the Guanacaste region, serving as another major international airport in Costa Rica, especially for tourists visiting the Pacific coast and nearby beaches.

Philippines:

1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) - Located in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. It is the busiest airport in the country and serves as the primary international gateway.

2. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) - Located in Cebu City, serving the Central Visayas region. It is the second busiest airport in the Philippines and a major hub for domestic and international flights.

Indonesia:

1. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) - Located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It is the busiest airport in Indonesia and serves as the main international gateway.

2. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) - Located in Denpasar, Bali. It is the main airport on the island of Bali and a major hub for international flights, particularly for tourists visiting Bali and nearby islands.

Most of our travelers discover that purchasing plane tickets online often provides better prices than those available through travel agencies. We recommend using websites such as Kayak, Skyscanner, or Flighthub for booking your plane tickets.

While surfboards and equipment are always provided, we encourage guests to bring their own if they have a preferred board or specific requirements.

The answers below apply to North America, most of Europe and Australia. It is always recommended to check with your embassy to double check your personal situation before traveling. 

For all destinations:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
• You must have a return ticket or onward ticket to another country; otherwise, you may be denied boarding.
  
  

COSTA RICA: 

• Most nationalities can enter Costa Rica visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days. Proof of onward travel and a passport valid for at least six months are typically required.

INDONESIA: 

• Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. You can get your visa directly at the airport in Denpasar (Bali trip). It cost around $35 USD. 

PHILIPPINES: 

• Most nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days. You are still required to complete an eTravel Pass to obtain a QR code to present at immigration upon arrival. This needs to be done within 72 hours of arrival.

Absolutely! We’re happy to help you curate your trip according to your needs. Our team is here to support you in arranging your stay, providing recommendations for accommodations, and connecting you with our local team for surfing or other activities. Our concierge services are always available to ensure your experience is exceptional, even beyond the retreat week. Please reach out to us directly to discuss your plans!

This depends on personal preferences but honestly not much as its super easy to pull out money from local ATM's. 

Here are a few things you might need cash money for:

• Local gifts for friends and family.
• Tips. While tipping is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated and to the discretion of each traveller. If you want to tip, we will collect cash money for surf coaches, cleaning and cooking staff members.

Most of the extras you may want to add to your experience can easily be paid for via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We carefully select destinations that are known for their hospitality and safety records. While every destination has its own unique considerations, we host our groups in specific locations and work closely with local partners to ensure that our experiences are conducted in secure environments. We provide detailed pre-trip information and safety guidelines to all guests, and our team is always available to address any concerns you may have during your stay. Your peace of mind is important to us, and we are committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable experience throughout your journey with us.

We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company: Blue-Cross, Manulife, Escapade, RBC, TravelGuard, etc. This insurance should also include coverage for adventure activities such as surfing, ensuring you are protected throughout your journey with us. 

Lots of credit cards offer coverage for short holidays. We advise you to check with your bank beforehand.

We promise you’ll have an epic time. "It’s truly amazing and hard to put into words", our guests say...If you are feeling the call, just do it, let go of any expectations and let us host you during the time of your life!

CANCELLATION POLICIES:

1. Cancellation 61 days or more prior to the retreat start date:

   • Full refund minus a non-refundable deposit $600* OR
   • Option to transfer 100% of the amount paid as credit towards another retreat date.
     
     

2. Cancellation 60 – 31 days prior to the retreat start date:

   • 50% refund of the total retreat package OR
   • Option to transfer 75% of the amount paid as credit towards another retreat date.
     
     

3. Cancellation 30 days or fewer prior to the retreat start date:

   • No refund available.
   • Option to transfer 50% of the amount paid as credit towards another retreat date.
     
     

4. Cancellation 15 days or fewer prior to the retreat start date:

   • No refund available or option to transfer credits.
     
     

* Additionally, if you have already paid in full, any applicable processing fees might be added.

CANCELLATION BY AWA:

At AWA, we prioritize the safety and smooth delivery of your surf experience. In the event that we need to cancel your upcoming trip due to natural disasters, safety concerns or operational reasons, we regretfully cannot offer refunds or cover travel costs. We will notify you via email at least 60 days prior to the start date and will then have the option to:

• Transfer 110% of your deposit value to an alternative experience.
• Receive a full refund of your deposit.

We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance or add  Booking Protection at checkout to safeguard against unforeseen events and potential losses.

Disclaimer: At AWA we value your commitment to your chosen experience. To ensure a seamless process, we kindly request customers to submit required documentation, and establish direct communication with our team within two weeks of the scheduled retreat. Please be advised that AWA reserves the right to cancel reservations if any of these are not met. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in creating enriching and hassle-free retreats for everyone.

You can reach our customer support team in three convenient ways:

1. Email: For assistance, please send an email to hello@aweekawake.com. Our team will respond promptly during our operating hours.

2. Schedule a Call: If you prefer a more direct communication, you can schedule a call with us using Calendly. Choose your preferred date and time slot here. This allows us to provide a more personalized assistance to address any questions or concerns.

3. WhatsApp: For quick inquiries or support, you can also reach us via WhatsApp. The WhatsApp link can be found on our homepage. Please note that WhatsApp is best suited for brief queries and may not be monitored 24/7.

Our customer support team is available to assist you during the following hours in Costa Rica time:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (UTC-6)