Frequently Asked Questions
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Q1: So, how much is this going to cost?
A1: The cost of the Practice Happiness retreat depends entirely on the lodging accomodations that you choose. Far Horizons Retreat Center features lodging options from campsites (which cost $40 per person/night) to double-occupancy private cabins ($100 per person/night.) Lodging costs include three delicious, all-you-can-eat, home-cooked meals per day. A program fee of $100 is also added to the cost of lodging.
Q2: I can only be there from Friday through Sunday, is this OK?
A2: Absolutely, though we do encourage full participation as the workshops and teachings build from one day to the next. Please note that partial participation still requires full payment of the program fee, and the reservation system is only set up for a three-day minimum payment.
Q3: So -- what would my total cost be if I choose a campsite?
A3: Campsite accommodations would cost you $220 out-the-door. The breakdown would be $40 campsite fee per day x 3 days + $100 program fee. There are five, large camp sites nestled among a grove of Ponderosa pine trees that can accommodate tents, trailers or campers. Hot showers and bathrooms are available in the campground. There are no RV dumps available.
A3: Campsite accommodations would cost you $220 out-the-door. The breakdown would be $40 campsite fee per day x 3 days + $100 program fee. There are five, large camp sites nestled among a grove of Ponderosa pine trees that can accommodate tents, trailers or campers. Hot showers and bathrooms are available in the campground. There are no RV dumps available.
Q4: Cabins are listed as 'double-occupancy' at the daily rate of $100 per person/night. How much would it cost to rent a cabin by myself?
A4: The out-the-door cost for a single person staying in a private cabin would be $800 ($200 daily cabin rate per day x 3 + 100 program fee.) Cabins offer beautiful views, private decks, bathrooms, many feature fireplaces and full kitchens. Each cabins has own special charm, sleeping 2 to 6 comfortably. Perfect for couples, families and friends.
Q5: Are there any options in between campsites or cabin options?
A5: There are several options to choose from:
A4: The out-the-door cost for a single person staying in a private cabin would be $800 ($200 daily cabin rate per day x 3 + 100 program fee.) Cabins offer beautiful views, private decks, bathrooms, many feature fireplaces and full kitchens. Each cabins has own special charm, sleeping 2 to 6 comfortably. Perfect for couples, families and friends.
Q5: Are there any options in between campsites or cabin options?
A5: There are several options to choose from:
- Pinehill Lodge offers cozy, single-occupancy accommodations. There is a shared bath house nearby with hot showers. Rooms are located near the main hall and dining area. Daily rate is $60, and additional adults are $40 per person, per night.
- Chalet Rooms offer slightly larger rooms and onsite bathrooms at a cost of $80 per night. Participants share a bath and a fridge in a common area with one neighbor. Chalet rooms are located up a short, steep hill about 150 yards from the dining area. Additional adults are $50 per person, per night.
- Chalet Apartment - Apartments offer sleeping accommodations for 4 to 6 people at a cost of $87.50 per night. Excellent for families and friends, they include sitting room, private bath and kitchen. Chalet is located up a short steep hill about 150 yards from the dining area. Additional adults $60 per person, per night.
- Lodgepole - A two story, house-like cabin that features a large fireplace, kitchen and bathtub. A great family lodge -- or a great dorm lodge with friends. Lodgepole is reserved for groups of four or more people. Daily rental is $125 per night for the first two people and additional adults are $60 per person, per night.
All prices are based on a 3-day minimum stay. A complete grid of the pricing breakdown is viewable on the Far Horizons website
Q6: This is a meditation retreat...so will we be sitting in silence and meditation for three days?
A6: While this retreat is centered around mindfulness and meditation, there will be lots of time spent doing things other than meditating. Andrea Dezubiria will begin each day with easy Tai Chi and Qi Gong (see a video HERE.) After breakfast participants join Lori Granger in various locations (outdoor amphitheater, meditation stream, meeting hall) for discussion and mindfulness workshops that focus on "The Four C's." After these workshops participants can choose their own optional sessions in the early afternoon of yoga, guided/non-guided meditation, or Tai Chi. The late afternoons are left as 'free-time' to do what you please - some people will take a five minute drive to hike through groves of Giant Sequoias or take a swim in the lake, while others choose to enjoy a well-deserved nap, or wander into the woods to write in solitude! Everyone reconvenes for dinner, which is followed by socialization (and maybe an impromptu drum circle) around a blazing campfire under a blanket of stars. It's for this reason that we invite everyone to bring drums, guitars, songbooks, or other musical instruments!
Q7: I see that meals are included in the cost of the program. Is it possible to bring my own food to offset this cost?
A7: Outside food is not allowed. Far Horizons Retreat Center is located in the heart of the Sequoia National Monument and all food items must be kept safely away from bears in the area. For the safety of all participants and the bears themselves, we ask that everyone respect this rule.
Q8: What about the all-vegetarian menu? I'm not a vegetarian, and I want to be sure that I'm getting protein in my diet, too.
A8: All meals are ovo-lacto vegetarian, delicious, and eaten out of doors under the trees. Many non-vegetarian participants will call our menu items "vegetarian comfort food" and are amazed at the variety. The chef at Far Horizons Retreat Center uses organic and/or locally grown products in our meals as much as possible. Menus include some dairy or egg products. We are unable to provide meals for non-registered guests or create special diets for campers.
Q9: What about tea/coffee? I need to have my cup every morning.
A9: Both are available starting at 7am every morning. There will be a variety of teas to choose from and the coffee comes to us by way of a local micro coffee roaster who uses only organic, fair-trade, small lot beans. If you want to bring your own teabags you can leave them with the culinary staff for safe storage.
Q10: What should I bring with me?
A10: Take a look at our our WHAT TO BRING page and take a look at the lists of recommended and optional items to bring with you.
Q11: This sounds great -- how do I sign up?
A11: It's easy! Go to farhorizons.org/reservations/ and make your lodging choice!
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