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What are the accommodations?
We will be staying at the serene Aldermarsh Retreat Center. Aldermarsh is situated on the edge of a beautiful marshland in the Maxwelton Valley at the south end of Whidbey Island. The wooded 5 acre facility is a human-created space integrated within its natural setting where community, collaboration and sustainability thrive.
You can see the site map and accommodations here – www.aldermarsh.net/new-page-1
The Main House is bordered by gardens and framed by bamboo groves and a small pond . A Japanese soaking tub can be enjoyed after an active day. All the rooms are unique ( as their name implies – the Queen’s Room, the moon room, the spirit house, the owl house for example) and they all have a view of the marsh, bamboo grove or the forest. There is also an incredible yoga studio – a sacred gathering space that opens out into a beautiful meadow.
Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $800.
What is a typical day?
There are no typical days – every day is new and unique with exciting adventures and activities.
s around noon (you can either take the shuttle or Uber from the other side). Wednesday – We kick off our retreat around 10-11am at Aldermarsh. For travel info, please refer the Travel section under Quick Links.
We will begin our retreat with an easy hike over to Whidbey Institute where there is over 40 miles of trails through old growth forests ending at a beautiful labyrinth. Their motto is “we need to find other sources for meaning in our lives: growing the quality of our experiences rather than our consumption, building our communities together and reconnecting with the natural world.” Our delicious lunch will be waiting when we arrive back at Aldermarsh. We will then head to the home of our incredible guide Kaarina. Kayaking, SUP, swimming in the sound will be our introduction to the incredible Whidbey Island. After cruising the waters, we will be relaxing at her home right on the beach and enjoy the beautiful view of the mainland across the sound. While taking in the sea breeze, we will enjoy the BEST oyster (caught by Kaarina and her husband) and other fresh local fish. Dietary restrictions with wonderful local food for vegetarian, gluten-free and other food accommodations can be made. We will end the evening with a visit to our on-site Japanese Hot tub.
Thursday –
Rise and Shine to yoga in our beautiful marsh house. Breakfast by Jodi and another incredible day – Jax’s favourite – GIVING BACK. We will start our adventure on our E-bikes (or those that don’t want to ride will take a short drive) meandering through the winding road surrounded by old growth forests. After our beautiful ride we will arrive in Langley and begin helping Whidbey Island Nourishes organization that preps, assembles, and delivers over 2500 meals monthly – bridging the gap for those in need. www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org . We will help in the garden and preparing lunches for those in need. Our morning of service concludes with a well-deserved lunch in the quaint town of Langley (on your own). We will then jump on our bikes and complete the loop passing fields, beaches and forests. The rest of the afternoon will be relaxing at our beautiful property. A hike will be available for those non bikers. If you are interested, you may join us to pick some of the fruit and vegetables that we will use in our COOKING CLASS! For the evening, we will be guided to create our delicious farm to table Vegan dinner by one of the Northwest renown vegan chefs – Irene and Ricci Tan Guadagno of Earthbound Family Kitchen. https://www.earthboundfamilykitchen.com/
Friday –
Early morning RISE AND SHINE – We will leave at 7:00 AM after our hearty breakfast provided by Jodi, we will proceed to the wonderful Ebey’s Landing trail This hike will definitely be one of the BEST ever as we will climb to the bluffs and cliffs, meander in the forest, frolic on the beach and will be topped off by it’s interesting history.
The 11:45 am ferry will take us across the channel to Port Townsend. We will have a few hours in this historic quaint town for shopping and lunch. At 2:30 we will catch the Puget Sound Express for Whale watching – check out their website. https://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/port-townsend-4-hour-whale-watching-tour/ This tour concludes around 6pm and we will take the ferry back to our Island where Kaarina will have a delicious picnic dinner on the beach prepared for us.
What a FANTASTIC FULL day!
Saturday –
Rise and Shine Porcupine! (but a late start) We will start with our morning coffee and head over to the Marsh House with a class of vinyasa flow yoga. Upon arriving back to the dining area, we will enjoy a healthy, hearty breakfast. This morning is YOUR morning – to reflect, write in your journals, engage in a writing and poetry projects and just enjoy Aldermarsh. An optional hike is also available. Around noon we will head to Coupeville for lunch and explore this amazing little town. One of the most incredible things about this island is the art. We will experience art in the towns but also in the middle of the forests. Meandering through the amazing Price Forest sculpture garden where pieces of unique art are enhanced by the nature will definitely be a highlight of your trip. – https://sculptureforest.org/. Before dinner we will have time for a short hike through yet another stellar area. Dinner will be in Langley (on your own).
Sunday –
Yoga at Aldermarsh. Our final Breakfast in our little abode. We will finish the retreat with a short hike, walking the labyrinth, and our closing. We will leave you at the ferry terminal and say our goodbyes
What will the food be like?
Our meals will consist of delicious, fresh, organic food. Breakfasts will be will created by our own chef Jodi . Our lunches and dinners will be varied — picnics, farm to table dinners, bag lunches and our amazing cooking class dinner. We are able to provide for any allergies, food sensitivities, or diet preferences with prior notice.
Women’s Quest will include all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, except for two lunch and one dinner that will be on your own to give you a chance to try some of the amazing food and restaurants on the island.
Do I have to be experienced at yoga?
The retreat is open to all levels of yoga experience, from fresh beginner to the practiced yogini, as each will practice according to individual need.
What will the weather be like?
Early August is the PERFECT time to visit the Pacific Northwest. Sunshine, blackberries, cool breezes off the water and perfect riding temperature. Average temperatures for this time of year is just about 75 degrees. Mornings can be a little brisk so it is best to have a light jacket to wear at the beginning of rides and also something to snuggle into in the evenings. But just in case – bring a WATERPROOF rain jacket.
Do I have to do all of the activities?
No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you do to what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level. Massages will be available at Aldermarsh.
Am I in good enough shape to do the retreat?
Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. Since we break into hiking and riding groups we can accommodate just about any skill and fitness level. We have a variety of route options for activities and groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat.
What will the hiking be like?
The hiking will be beautiful. Our second day of hiking will be the most strenuous but there are many options in our route. You can decide how long and hard you want to hike. Since Whidbey Island is fairly flat, the hikes are not that difficult.
What will the optional biking be like?
One day of exceptional E-bike riding on Whidbey Island and it is BEAUTIFUL! Again, there are options such as hiking.
What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-75 years young. Each retreat will vary but the Whidbey and San Juan Island are for adventurers of any age.
What if I am coming alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends.
Payment Policy
Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation. All deposits are non-refundable.
A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo. You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.
We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.
Covid-19 Policy
Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest. Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.
Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above. This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up.
Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.
Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19. Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.
Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.
Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.
Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.
Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.
Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.
Purchasing Travel Insurance
We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses in the event you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues. We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid. Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.
If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.
We spoke with Allianz Travel Insurance about travel insurance primarily for Covid issues – trip cancellation, medical treatment and delay in coming home due to catching Covid. From our understanding, Allianz does offer policies providing for trip cancellation due to Covid and extended trip interruption coverage for Covid quarantine periods, however, you should talk to them via the phone to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid.
We are providing this only as our understanding after talking to Allianz and not as a representation of what Allianz will cover. You should do your own investigation including directly calling Allianz or any insurance provider you choose, and not rely on this overview to ensure you get the coverage that is right for you.
Check Squaremouth website, it will help you to quickly quote, compare, and buy travel insurance https://www.squaremouth.com/