🌍 Travel & Arrival

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• Where is Zanzibar and how do I get there?

        Zanzibar is a popular holiday destination – a beautiful tropical island just off the east coast of Tanzania, east Africa.

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• Is travel and health insurance required?

       Zanzibar requires mandatory health insurance purchased online in advance or on arrival. It costs USD $44 and can be purchased here.             https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/. Zanzibar will not accept any other health insurance. Note: this is health insurance only and does not relate to         travel. Normal travel insurance is also recommended to cover flights, delays, baggage, etc.

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• Are airport transfers included?

       They are not included but we will happily organise a taxi for you on request. Approximate cost is USD $50 each way, and the journey             takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to the retreat venue, Zen Boutique in Jambiani.

 

🛂 Visas, Health & Safety

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• What visa do I need and how much does it cost?

        Tourist visas cost USD $50 and can be bought in advance online, or on arrival at the airport. They are valid for 3 months. Apply here:            https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

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• Is mandatory health insurance required for Zanzibar?

       Yes. It costs USD $44 and covers any unforeseen medical expenses. Apply here: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

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• Is Zanzibar safe for travellers?

       Yes. Zanzibar has a low crime rate, friendly locals and a thriving expat community

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• Can I bring prescription medication into Zanzibar?

       Yes. Most common prescriptions are also available from local pharmacies

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• Are there mandatory travel vaccinations? Do I need to take malaria prevention?

       No vaccines are mandated. The one exception is if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is considered endemic, Kenya             for example. You will be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate – but this is not guaranteed. You are at very low risk of malaria         in Zanzibar. Expats living permanently in the country do not take malaria prevention medication.

 

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✈️ Flights & Transfers

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• Are flights included in the retreat price?

       No. Typical flight prices range between £550 to £900 return depending on airline and time of year. You need one connection if you are           travelling from the UK, but you can fly direct from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Airlines include British Airways, KLM, Swiss           Air, Air France, Neos Air, Turkish Airlines, Tui, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines. Flight time is           between 11 and 13 hours from the UK.

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• Which airport will I arrive at?

       Zanzibar’s international airport is called Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

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• Will someone meet me at the airport?

       On request, we can arrange for a taxi to meet you at the airport

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🏝️ Accommodation & Location

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• Where will I be staying in Zanzibar?

        Zen Boutique Hotel in Jambiani. The southeast coast of Zanzibar https://zenzanzibar.com/ Secluded and nestled in the bush around 900          meters from the nearest palm fringed, white sandy beach.

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• What are the rooms like?

        They are individual bungalows; each has a private terrace with a swing seat. Each has its own open-air ensuite bathroom – private of              course! And each as its own fridge. All are a few steps from Zen’s swimming pool.

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• Will I be sharing a room?

        No, but you can bring a partner or friend. Most bungalows have double beds but four have twin beds. There are special accommodation          prices for plus ones NOT taking part in the retreat. Prices per person per night (pppn): B&B £40, half board £60, full board £65.

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• Is Wi-Fi available?

       Yes

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• Is there air conditioning?

       Yes, and ceiling fans

 

🍽️ Food & Dietary Requirements

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• What type of food will be served?

        Zen offer a wide range of seasonal options from traditional Swahili cuisine, rich with fragrant spices and the vibrant flavours of the                coast, to elegantly crafted international dishes – all cooked with love by their dedicated chefs.

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• Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

        Yes. Let us know if you are a vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or carnivore. Also let us know any other dietary requirements or whether            you have any food allergies

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• Is alcohol served at the retreat?

       There is a fully stocked bar, but we recommend that you don’t drink alcohol during the retreat.

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• Is the water safe to drink?

       Drinking water is provided in the rooms. Bottled water is available. Drinking the tap water is not recommended

 

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🌿 Retreat Experience

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• What is a typical day like on the retreat?

        Most days start with a vin to yin yoga class, unless there’s an excursion planned. This is not compulsory but helps to get you ready for            the day. Then breakfast, followed by group workshops. Afternoons are free to journal, digest the morning workshop or just relax, unless          you are booked for an individual session or a complementary massage.

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• Is the retreat suitable for beginners?

       Yes. They are tailored to treat specific chronic health conditions and suitable for everyone, regardless of where you are on your health             journey

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• How many people will attend?

       A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 people will be at the retreat

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• Is there free time built into the schedule?

       Yes. Afternoons are generally free unless you have an individual session booked in with the practitioner. Massages are also scheduled             for afternoons. Afternoons are also good for journaling and processing morning workshops, but of course, you can head for the beach or         explore the local area or just relax and read a book.

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• Are excursions included?

       There are two excursions included. Swimming with dolphins and a visit to a local farm. Full details in the programme on the website.

 

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🧠 Health, Wellness & Suitability

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• Who is this retreat suitable for?

        If you are suffering with a thyroid issue or are looking to reset your emotions in our deep reset and recharge retreat, then the retreat is              suitable for you.

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• Do I need to be in good health to attend?

       Our retreats address health issues so if you are happy to travel, and your doctor or health practitioner says it’s okay, we are happy for               you to attend.

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• Will there be a health screening before the retreat?

        Yes. You need to book a zoom call with the practitioner. This gives you a chance to discuss the retreat in detail and for you to let the                practitioner know in private, a bit more about your health issues and your health goals. On rare occasions, the practitioner may                        recommend that the retreat is unsuitable for your needs.

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• Is this a medical retreat?

       It is an integrative natural health retreat not a medical retreat. All health recommendations will focus on dietary changes, lifestyle                     changes, inner-work and supplementation. If our practitioner feels you need a referral to an allopathic doctor, they will recommend and           write a referral letter that you can give to your GP or doctor.

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• Can I attend if I have a health condition?

       Yes. We will ask you to complete a health assessment form so we are fully aware of your health issues.

 

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👗 What to Pack & Cultural Considerations

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• What should I pack for Zanzibar?

       Temperatures are typically between 28°C to 31°C so pack lightweight clothes. It doesn’t really get cold at nighttime but there maybe a           breeze on the beach. Bring a shawl. It takes up so little room it can’t hurt! Bring mosquito repellent if you’re vulnerable to mossie bites –       not everyone is. Also reef friendly sunscreen.

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• What clothing is appropriate?

       Typical casual holiday clothes. Shorts, tee shirts, lightweight dresses, trousers and shirts. Swimwear!

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• Are there cultural or religious customs I should be aware of?

       Zanzibar is primarily a Muslim country but very relaxed when it comes to visitors. The only time you might want to wear long sleeves,           long skirts/dresses, or trousers, is if you are visiting Stone Town, the capital, or local villages.

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• Will we visit local villages or towns?

       Our excursions will take us to local villages and a farm. You are free to explore the local area or the island in your free time.

 

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💰 Payments, Cancellations & Policies

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• What is included in the retreat price?

        Full board, all group and individual workshops, yoga classes, a massage, an introduction to homeopathy.

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• What is not included?

        Flights, tourist visas, mandatory health insurance, airport transfers

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• What is the payment schedule?

       Option A: Two payments

                        50% deposit on booking

                        50% balance due 6 weeks before retreat start date

       Option B: Three payments

                        50% deposit

                        25% midway, 10 weeks before retreat start date

                        25% final payment 6 weeks before retreat start date

       Option C: Monthly payments can be arranged on request. Please email: healthcarefuture@proton.me or WhatsApp host Sally Beck on                            +447724042821 for details

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• Missed Payments

       Late fees may apply. If payment is not received within five days of the due date, a flat fee of £35 may be applied. Continued non-                   payment may result in cancellation of your place and forfeiture of your deposit

 

• What is your cancellation policy?

       Deposits are non-refundable, if you decide to cancel, due to the limited number of places but may be transferred to a different retreat if           you notify us no later than six weeks before the retreat start date. Your deposit may be transferred to a future retreat subject to                         availability

 

        Please note: The host is not responsible for refunding travel costs or third-party bookings

 

• What happens if the retreat is cancelled?

        If the host needs to cancel the retreat for any reason, you will receive a full refund, or may choose to transfer to another retreat, space              permitting.

 

        Please note: The host is not responsible for refunding travel costs or third-party bookings.

 

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🔌 Practical Details

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• What currency is used in Zanzibar?

       Tanzanian Shillings —TZS, also USD $, some places also accept Euros.

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• Are debit and credit cards widely accepted?

       Visa is the most common debit card accepted at ATM machines. Mastercard debit is less common. Credit cards and debit cards are                 accepted in hotels and most hospitality venues with a 5% surcharge. Zanzibar is a cash-based economy. TZS are available from all                 ATMs and Bureau de Change.

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• What plug sockets are used?

        Plug types: G (three rectangular prongs, same as the UK so no adapter needed if you’re travelling from the UK)

       Voltage: 230 V

        Frequency: 50 Hz

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• Will my mobile phone work?

        Yes. There is a good signal in most places. Local Sim cards are cheap. TZS 1,000 to TZS 2,000, that’s approximately £0.65 to £1.30                depending on exchange rate. You can buy mobile phone data from the local Wakala kiosk – agent. 5—10GB monthly plan costs                      approximately TZS 20,000–30,000 – £13-£20. Wi-fi is available at Zen.

 

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✨ Optional

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• Can I come alone?

       Absolutely! You will find a like-minded community dealing with similar issues

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• Can I extend my stay in Zanzibar?

       Absolutely! Either at Zen, subject to availability, or at another hotel or apartment

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• Is Zanzibar suitable for first-time Africa travelers?

       One hundred per cent! It’s a great introduction to Africa. Locals are friendly and welcoming

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• Will there be photography or filming during the retreat?

       We might ask your permission to film testimonials or the odd workshop, but you do not have to consent.