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FAQ

Who are you guys?

Weini and Lwam are two black women who got connected through movement and the idea of DESTA grew while visiting Zanzibar in 2021. Since then, a lot of time and effort has been spent on organizing these beautiful experiences. DESTA Experience is our dream project, connecting People of Color from all over the world, to find joy through movement in a safe space. 


Join us on this vibey experience in the Motherland. DESTA Retreat “unlock your joy through movement”. 


We have put together this FAQ but feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

Do I need to be an experienced Yogi to join DESTA Retreat?

You don't have to be an experienced yogi. All levels are welcome. The classes, led by the certified yoga instructors Lwam and Weini, will be suitable for all levels and we will suggest different variations and options that will suit everyone.

Why a retreat for People of Color?

We feel that the wellness space and particularly the yoga community lack representation and diversity. Therefore, we want to offer a safe space for People of Color to feel empowered in their identity and utilize the power of yoga as a practice for the mind, body and soul. Redefining the idea of wellness in our communities. DESTA Yoga & Movement Retreat welcomes brothers, sisters and non-binary People of Color. 

When is the next DESTA Retreat?

Next DESTA Retreat will take place in November 2025. More info will come soon.  

Subscribe on our website to stay up to date with us. Our subscribers will always be notified first with exclusive deals and pre-launch offers.

How do I secure my spot at DESTA Retreat?

Book your spot by filling in the DESTA Retreat booking form on the website.  Once we have confirmed your application, a payment link will be sent to you.

 

Please note that your spot is only secured when the deposit has been made. The due date for the remaining balance is at the end of the same calendar month.

Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?

Yes, we offer an Early Bird discount of USD 150 or a 3 month payment plan for bookings made before 1st of September 2023. Please note that the Early Bird offer cannot be applied with the payment plan. 

The deposit of USD 300 must be paid within 3 banking days to secure your spot.

What will a typical day look like at the DESTA Retreat?

7 AM Sunrise yoga
9 AM Breakfast buffet
Free time
Day activity, workshop or tour excursion
Free time
6 PM Sunset yoga

All activities are optional :)
 

What is included in the price?

This is included in the price: 

  • 6 nights, 7 days accommodation with breakfast buffet at Jambiani Villa

  • Welcome and closing dinner ceremony

  • Daily sunrise and sunset yoga classes

  • Journaling, meditation and breathwork

  • Acro Yoga Workshop on the beach

  • Movement activities 

  • Tour excursions

  • Community activity with Move Zanzibar

  • Goodie bag

  • and more...

This is not included in the price: 

  • Flight

  • Transportation to and from the airport 

  • Lunch and dinner is not included except for the first and last evening when we will arrange a welcome and closing ceremony dinner. 

Jambiani Villas has a restaurant and we will also provide different options of local restaurants in the area. Jambiani is a beautiful village and we encourage you to explore the different restaurants and local businesses to boost the local economy.

What do I need to travel to Tanzania?

A Visa is required to travel to Tanzania for most nationalities. Visa can be applied either online or upon arrival depending on your passport. The Tanzanian ordinary Visa fee is USD 50-100 depending on nationality. Make sure you have cash (preferably USD) when applying upon arrival.


Please check the requirements that applies to your country/passport with the Tanzanian embassy.

If I am a solo traveler but do not mind sharing a room with another guest, what should I do?

If you would like to share a room, but need to be matched with another guest, we got you :) Just let us know when you book your spot. Once we match you there will be an opportunity to connect with your roommate(s).

We will host a remote discovery call before the retreat where you have the opportunity to connect with the DESTA Tribe and ask us any questions you may have.

How do I get from the airport to DESTA Retreat?

Jambiani is about 1 hour drive from the airport in Zanzibar. We will provide contact details to taxi companies so that you can arrange your pick up from the airport in advance. The taxi fare to Jambiani from Stone Town could range from USD 30-45. Transportation to and from Jambiani Villas is not included in the retreat price. 

Currency and ATM?

The currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian shilling but US dollars are widely used in Zanzibar . We recommend you to withdraw cash at the airport in Zanzibar before arrival in Jambiani. ATMs are rare around Zanzibar and the nearest ATM is in the neighboring village 7 km away. 

What should I bring?

We recommend packing the following: beach wear, light clothing, comfortable clothing for your yoga practice, comfortable shoes/slippers, your own yoga mat, outfits for your evening events and dinners, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent, a journal, reusable water bottle, and maybe your choice of book. 
 
Beach wear and light clothing is acceptable on the beach but please dress modestly and cover up your shoulders and knees when you visit the village and Stone Town. 

What time should I arrive at DESTA Retreat?

Check-in starts from 2 PM the first day, February 4th, at the main reception at Jambiani Villas Katikati property. We will host a welcome dinner at 7 PM on the first night. Please let us know if you arrive later or can't make it to the welcome dinner. Check-out is at 11 PM on the last day, February 10th. 

 

You can store your luggage at Jambiani Villas if you arrive earlier or leave later. 

Can I arrive early and stay late?

You are more than welcome to book your travel to arrive early and/or stay post retreat at your own expense.


Should you want a unique, premium and accessible experience for the rest of your stay in Zanzibar, we have teamed up with Fay: The Nomad. A travel curator based on the continent, who can provide you with authentic and vibey recommendations both on the island and mainland. Get inspired on www.faythenomad.com 

How much free time will we have?

There will definitely be a healthy balance between group activities and solo free time to relax, read a book, explore the village. You can skip some day activities if you feel like chilling instead, however these are all included in the price. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Deposit USD 300 to secure your spot is non-refundable. If cancelation is needed, we offer partial refunds of the remaining balance as per below: 

50 % refund for cancellations made before 1st of September 2023.
25 % refund for cancellations made before 1st of October 2023.

Cancellations can only be accepted by email to info@destaexperience.com. Once the cancellation request is accepted we will confirm back to you by email. 


For further information please read the Terms and Conditions when booking the retreat. 

How are the rooms organized?

DESTA Retreat offers the following room options:

  • Single room - with one double bed

  • Shared Twin room - with two separate beds

  • Shared couples room - with one double bed

The rooms are located in fully equipped villa- and apartment properties with private pools, terrace and outside lounge areas. Every room has its own bathroom. If not specified, the rooms can be either in a shared villa or an apartment and may vary. For more information on the accommodation, please visit Jambiani Villas website www.jambiani-villas.com 

What about vaccinations?

It is your responsibility to check the latest updates on vaccination and travel requirements. 

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for those coming from or transiting (for more than 12 hours) from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.


Please consult with your local GP for other recommended vaccinations in Tanzania.  

Can I make changes to my reservation?

Please contact us directly at info@destaexperience.com if you have a special request for your reservation. We will do our best to accommodate.

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