Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
All you need to know
Retreats
Can I attend a retreat if I have little yoga, meditation or hiking experience?
Yes, it doesn’t matter if it’s your first retreat, or if you’ve practiced yoga, meditation, or hiking before. Everyone is welcome! The important thing is to come with an open mind and be in reasonably good health.
Can I attend a retreat if I have an injury?
Yes, we simply ask that you let us know on the booking form and at the first yoga and hiking session, so we can take it into account and offer you variations.
How do I arrive to Casa Cuadrau if I do not have my own car?
You can let us know on the booking form.
There are several options. We usually help you organize shared trips about 15 days before the start of the retreat.
- We connect those who come by car with those who come without a car from the same route.
- If there are not enough people coming by car, then we will let you know, so you can choose to rent a car or we can help you arrange a shared taxi from Barbastro or Ainsa (this service will be paid directly to the taxi driver in cash).
You can find more information on how to get here.
What is the maximum number of participants per retreat?
22-24 people.
What is the average age of participants?
The average age is usually between 35 and 45 years old. But it varies a lot, as there are very young people of 18-20 years old and others older than 65-70 years old.
Can I attend 2 consecutive retreats and stay at Casa Cuadrau the days between retreats?
Yes, you can take two or more consecutive retreats.
One option is to stay at Casa Cuadrau, knowing that on the last day of the retreat we do a deep cleaning of the house, and then it’s your day off. During our downtime, the kitchen is closed, so we can’t offer lunch or dinner service, only a simple breakfast. People often take advantage of this time to visit and eat in a nearby village or town.
Another option is to leave on the last day of the first retreat and stay in another rural house, or take the opportunity to visit Ainsa or some other village and return on the day the next retreat begins.
Please let us know which option you prefer when you make your reservation. You will need to make a separate reservation for each retreat.
What can I expect from a retreat at Casa Cuadrau?
The retreats at Casa Cuadrau are designed to allow each person to immerse themselves in the experience of inner retreat, beyond the mind and emotions.
We wake up early so we can meditate and practice yoga before breakfast. Afterward, we have a two-hour meditative walk, and when we return home, we have lunch. Then there’s free time to relax, take a nap, go for a walk, read, etc.
In the afternoon, depending on the retreat, we have a shorter meditation and a workshop (the workshop content will depend on the retreat in progress). We have an early and light dinner, and finish with a Satsang, which is a meditation, a time for sharing, and sometimes for singing meditative chants from different cultures.
One or two days during the retreat, we take a longer, full-day hike. The schedule changes slightly on that day. After meditation, we have breakfast and then go hiking. Upon returning, we have a gentler yoga class, dinner, and either Satsang or a relaxation session.
Schedules are generally similar across retreats, but vary depending on the activities and time of year. We recommend checking the specific retreat page for more details.
Can I arrive to Casa Cuadrau before/after the beginning of the retreat?
Arriving before the retreat begins: Sometimes the house is closed before the start of a retreat, or we are in the middle of another program, so we do not usually offer accommodation before the retreat begins.
Arriving after the retreat begins: It is very important for us that the group is complete at the start of the retreat, as this is when we do an orientation, all participants introduce themselves and we give an introduction to all the activities we will be doing.
Can I leave Casa Cuadrau before/after the retreat comes to an end?
Leaving before the end of a retreat: We ask all participants to stay until the end of the retreat whenever possible, but we understand that sometimes you may need to leave early for various reasons. However, the price of the retreat will remain the same.
Leaving after the retreat ends: Yes, we can accommodate you for a few more days at Casa Cuadrau, provided we have availability and the house remains open. Please let us know in the comments section of the booking form.
Activities
Should I attend all activities in the retreat?
The schedule and all programmed activities are completely optional. The idea is for you to come and make the most of your time at Casa Cuadrau, but we also know that sometimes what you need most is to rest. It’s important to listen to yourself and use your time in the best way, resting when necessary and doing what you feel like doing.
What is the difficulty of the meditative hikes and excursions?
The hikes are progressive. The first hike allows us to assess the group and each participant, so we can offer routes suitable for everyone.
What type of yoga is practiced at Casa Cuadrau?
Our yoga classes combine the principles of Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga, as well as breathing exercises, movement, mobility and ANIMAL FLOW.
Learn more about our yoga practice here.
What type of meditation is practiced at Casa Cuadrau?
We use simple meditation techniques in which we focus on posture, breathing, and the sensations/emotions that arise, which are very universal objects of concentration.
Learn more about our meditation practice here.
Is the retreat held in complete silence?
No, but at Casa Cuadrau we greatly value silence. In fact, all the activities we offer invite us to pause, listen to ourselves, and observe. We practice joyful silence for half the day, beginning each evening after the last activity (Satsang) and lasting until before lunch the following day.
Learn more about our silence practice here.
What is food like at Casa Cuadrau?
The food we serve is organic, local, and seasonal whenever possible. We follow a vegetarian diet, using very few organic eggs and sheep and goat dairy products. We can offer vegan menus or special diets for those with diagnosed medical conditions, upon request on the reservation form.
More information about our food here.
Practical Information
What should I bring? Should I bring towels, sheets, or a hairdryer? And a yoga mat and other yoga accessories?
No. You’ll find sheets and towels upon arrival, as well as a shared hairdryer. It’s advisable to bring a towel and swimsuit for the river in summer.
In the shala you will also find all kinds of equipment for practicing yoga (mats, blankets, blocks, cushions, belts…).
Learn more about what to bring to a retreat here.
What is the weather like in Vió?
Except in winter when it can get very cold, Vió usually has a mild and pleasant climate, but it should be noted that it is at an altitude of 1,210 meters and that on excursions we can climb up to 3,355 meters.
In the mountains the weather is very variable. In the middle of August, a strong storm can surprise us, temperatures can drop sharply, and in high mountains, it can even snow.
Is there Wi-Fi and/or mobile service?
We do not offer internet service, in order to preserve the retreat atmosphere and allow you to fully benefit from contact with nature.
Upon entering the house, we will invite you to turn off your mobile phone and all electronic devices, and to leave them aside for an electronic detox.
We ask that before you come, you let your family, friends, and work know that you will not be available during your stay.
If you really need to use the phone, for an emergency, we kindly ask that you find a place outside our premises to make the call and turn it off again as soon as you finish.
Prices and Bookings
What is included in the retreat price?
What is not included in the retreat price?
The price does not include transportation to or from Casa Cuadrau, nor any additional activities such as private classes, massages, etc.
When and how should I make the payment of the retreat I booked?
We require a deposit to reserve your place at the retreat, which can be made online. The remaining balance can be paid via bank transfer before your arrival, or in cash or by credit card upon arrival at Casa Cuadrau.
How does your cancellation policy work?
Provided you notify us and we confirm this possibility, your deposit is transferable to a friend or family member who can go in your place.
See the Cancellation Policy here.
Do you offer any kind of discount?
We offer a range of prices (basic, sustainable, and generous). We also have an “assisted rate” in shared dormitory accommodation for people in financially vulnerable situations who cannot afford the full price of this program.
We do not offer financial assistance for retreats facilitated by other teachers/instructors.