Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? View the Happy Buddha FAQs
Where is the retreat ?
The venue is nestled in the Blue Mountains, approximately 90 minutes by car or 2 and a half hours by train from Sydney city. The nearest town and train station is Wentworth Falls. Our address is: Happy Buddha Retreats, 50 Railway Parade, Wentworth Falls.
You can drive and park at the retreat. Public transport is also convenient. We recommend you catch a train to Leura or Katoomba so you can easily book a taxi to the retreat centre. (Note, there is a train station at Wentworth Falls, however, it can be difficult to organise a taxi from there.) If flying from interstate you can catch a train to Sydney Central. Check 131500.com.au for trip planning and schedules. Read Getting Here and Away for train and car directions.Â
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We will gladly offer a you the opportunity to reschedule your retreat if you are unable to attend a retreat. We can also offer a full refund should you need to cancel your retreat. In this case, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible.
What is the retreat schedule like?
Depending on the retreat offering you’ve chosen the program and schedule will differ. Check-in on the first day is from 4:00pm and checkout is at 11:00am on the last day and there is ample space for you to have free time as well. For further details, please choose an offering and view the specific program from there.
What is the accommodation like?
If you are participating in an Inner Joy program, all the rooms are twin-share with en-suite and are comfortable.There are ceiling fans for warmer months and plenty of blankets and a heater available for cooler months. We have two levels of rooms so please contact the crew if you require a ground level room.
For Journey into Stillness you will be staying in our communal house where rooms are cosy and there are shared bathroom amenities. Heaters and blankets are available for the cooler months. Simple rotating fans are available for warmer months.
Solo retreaters: If you’re retreating on your own you will be paired with another retreater of the same demographic in a twin share room, OR you can opt to have your own room for $124 per night extra (This is a great option if you are a light sleeper or tend to snore!).
As for the retreat facilities, in the past three years we’ve added our own “Happy Buddha boho” style to this chalet style retreat centre. Along with two levels of rooms, the centre includes a ‘hidden’ yoga space, quiet zen den, communal dining area, foyer lounge, outdoor patio with tables and of course the swimming pool! The communal house has cosy chill out areas, dining area and small lounge.
How can I make sure I am in the same room as my friend?
Please make sure you book for both you and your friend when registering via our booking system. This way you can choose a relevant room, twin or double, to suit your needs.
I have never done yoga, can I join?
Yes, you can! Our yoga and meditation classes are suitable to ALL levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners and you’ll feel included in our classes. If a pose is challenging, we recommend listening to your body and if you need to, just take a lie down or child’s pose (kneeling seat and bowing forward into a comfortable position).
Do I have to attend all workshops?
Even though we recommend attending most workshops to get the full benefits of the retreat, all are optional and our guests are free to occupy their time however they want.
Do you offer massages?
Yes, you can book a massage! Our wonderful massage therapists offer massage therapy on the second day of the retreat. You can book your massage at the time of check in. The price is $110 an hour and payment is made to the therapist with cash. Please note, limited places are available so arrive on time and book in a preferred time slot. Sorry, we cannot pre-book massages.
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Check in is 4:00pm. As we run our retreats back to back our friendly crew are working on housekeeping and retreat preparation. If you do arrive earlier, you may leave you bag at reception and explore Wentworth Falls village. Dinner starts at 6:45pm. We ask that you lease arrive on time for dinner.
Check out is 11am.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
Feel free to bring you own mat and props if you prefer. We have plenty here at the retreat for you to use as well.
What should I bring?
- Swimmers
- Beach towel (if you’re swimming)
- Loose comfortable clothing
- Shorts
- Jacket
- Sport / walking shoes
- Shower gel / shampoo
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Other personal toiletries
- Yoga mat and props (including a blanket for meditation)
- Personal sanitiser
- Water bottle
Are these retreats women only?
No, not at all! All retreat programs welcome all genders of all walks of life.
Can I purchase a Gift Voucher?
Absolutely! You can purchase a gift voucher and add a personal message. Find out more here.
Can I stay an extra day or on Sunday?
We are closed on Sundays. It’s not possible to extend your stay by one night.
Are the programs NDIS funded?
Currently we don’t offer specialised respite covered under NDIS and therefore not funded.
Can I volunteer?
We call this our Exchange Program. Learn more and apply here.
Do you offer Long Weekend retreats?
We hold retreats over Long Weekend dates, however they are still 2-night retreats. You’ll check out on Sunday at 11am, giving you time to return home and all Monday to let the retreat soak in.
Can I bring my kids?
In order to keep a consistent group and to enable everyone to speak freely during the meditation talks, the minimum age to take part in our retreat is 16 years old.
Is the pool heated?
Our pool is not heated. Nice and fresh!
What is the food like? And what if I have a special diet?
Our food is fresh, filling and tasty plant powered with Asian, Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
Meals are vegetarian (and almost vegan!). We occasionally include honey in our dishes. For coffee lovers, take a quick drive or stroll to the local cafes or make an instant cuppa in the dining area. We have a selection of herbal teas to try too!
We also cater for strict vegans and people requiring dairy or gluten free foods due to intolerance. Allergies will also be carefully noted. Please let us know your specific restrictions and allergies in the booking form. Sorry, we cannot customise meal times.
Can you cater for vegans?
All of our food is vegetarian and we can easily cater for plant-powered vegans! If you have other requirements such as gluten free or perhaps you are exploring a fodmap diet, that’s ok too. Just be sure to let us know all the details in your booking form.
I don’t speak english very well, can I join?
We have had non-English speakers attend retreats, however, you will need to be able to follow the instructions given during the yoga classes and we encourage all retreaters to partake in meditation talks. So it all depends on you, whether you feel able to do this or not.
What is your pet policy?
We do not allow outside pets on the property. If you have an assistance dog, please email us and we can discuss further. Please note, we do have a very friendly resident domestic cat who lives at the separate retreat house and very occasionally says hi to retreaters at the retreat centre.
Why can’t we drink alcohol?
This three days are for everyone to take a step back with a clear mind. Our retreat is 100% alcohol & recreational drug free in order to create the same safe space for all our retreaters.
What's your smoking policy?
Smoking is prohibited in the retreat centre hotel and surrounding grounds. Patrons who wish to smoke can do so at the car park located at the top driveway entrance only. We ask that you be extra cautious with disposal of your cigarette.
Can I stay longer than 3 days?
We know you’ll feel amazing after 1 retreat but sometimes 2 nights is just not enough. You can now book an extended stay from Wednesday to Sunday (that’s two Inner Joy retreats) however this will not include Sunday nights as we’re closed for some crew rejuvenation.
I am pregnant, can I join?
Yes you can, however, we would recommend you speak to your medical practitioner if you have specific concerns. Our yoga teachers will help you to adapt any poses to ensure they are done safely during your pregnancy.
Can I retreat on my own?
Absolutely. You’ll have an amazing time during your retreat and the best part is, you’ll meet like-minded people. Some people delay retreating because they’re waiting for their friend, but we really recommend you ‘choose courage’ and book this in for yourself. You won’t regret it. All you need to do is choose your date and book your place. As our rooms are twin-share we’ll pair you up with another retreater of the same gender.
If you prefer your own space, or a light sleeper simply add on your $124 per night private room supplement (via our booking platform.)
Do you have Wifi?
We don’t have wifi at the retreat although there is good mobile reception available. However, we do encourage our guests to take a step back and to disconnect from technology for the time of their retreat.
Do you have a laundry?
There is no laundry facility for our guests. Any emergency laundry can be done at the laundromat in Wentworth Falls (15 minute walk).
Can I retreat with my partner?
We welcome you and your partner to experience the Inner Joy retreat! Simply choose a date, book for 2 people and let us know you are retreating together. Please note, we don’t allow partners or friends to stay just for one night. Please note, the Journey into Stillness is an individual journey and not recommended for couples or friends.
Is there parking at the retreat centre?
Yes! If you’re on time you should get a park just outside the retreat centre in allocated car spots, but if all taken, please drive back up towards the entry gate where you can park on the left in an additional designated parking area. If you’re retreating with a friend we recommend car pooling.
Happy Buddha Retreats offers unique, short-stay retreat experiences to unwind, gain clarity and 'get your happy back'. Located in Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, we're just 90-minutes drive from Sydney, NSW.
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