While both retreats and vacations involve a change from your daily routine, a retreat like Umaversity offers a more structured and focused experience, with plenty of free time. It's designed to provide personal growth, learning, and self-discovery through workshops, seminars, and cultural immersion. Our retreat aims to combine relaxation with purposeful activities to enhance your self-confidence, self-love, and overall well-being while experiencing all the highlights of Rio de Janeiro.

We will be staying in at Villa Alexandrino, a traditional and historic Brazilian villa with a pool in the heart of Rio in Santa Teresa/Botafogo.

Umaversity retreat stands out due to its unique blend of female+ empowerment, personal development, and cultural exploration. We curate a comprehensive program that combines workshops, cultural outings, and recreational activities to provide a holistic experience that goes beyond typical events.

While we handle many aspects of your retreat experience, you should arrange your travel to the retreat location and ensure you have any required travel documents such as visas and passports. It's also important to pack appropriate clothing, personal essentials, and any medications you might need.

You will be traveling with a diverse group of women+ from various backgrounds, cultures. This creates a rich environment for learning, networking, and building new friendships.

Jo Sarah, founder of Umaversity, has been going to Rio de Janeiro for the last decade and this is the place where she and many other women+ that she knows have experienced female+ empowerment and growth in self-confidence. Rio just has this magic to it. Jo Sarah wants women+ all over the world to experience this magic while being in this beautiful city. Rio de Janeiro offers a vibrant and culturally rich environment that enhances the retreat experience. The city's natural beauty, historical significance, and dynamic atmosphere create a unique backdrop for personal growth, learning, and exploration.

Absolutely! Many participants attend the retreat individually. It's a fantastic opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and engage in a transformative experience.

After having travelled and stayed in Rio de Janeiro for the last decade, Jo Sarah really wanted to make Rio accessible whilst being able to experience all the highlights of Rio. This price is actually a cost-effective choice. The ticket covers transport, meals, drinks, workshops, and activities in one package whilst staying in a deluxe villa in the heart of Rio. If you planned everything separately, the costs would be higher, double. Additionally, group discounts, expert guidance, streamlined logistics, and unique experiences make the retreat a valuable investment for personal growth and meaningful connections.

Visas Check on https://www.riodejaneiro.com/v/visa-requirements/ if you have to get a visa for going to Rio de Janeiro. Make sure to check this right away after your payment so you have no last-minute surprises. Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Brazil.

Depending on the departure location, we recommend late afternoon arrivals and departures from the afternoon onwards on the final day. We arrange airport transfers which are included in the trip, so you have flexibility in choosing which flights work best for you (on the retreat program start and end dates). However, on the last day, check-out will usually be around 12 am.

We put a lot of care and months of preparation into organising these retreats before your arrival and during your stay, so you get the best experience imaginable. Should you require to cancel your participation, our cancellation policy looks as follows: Within 24hrs of booking: full refund, including deposit. After 24hrs of receiving your booking confirmation, the € 1000 deposit is non-refundable and you are entitled to the following (minus admin charges) depending on the date of cancellation prior to the retreat start date. After 24hrs - within 120 days: a 50% refund, excluding deposit Within 120 days - 90 days: a 25% refund, excluding deposit Less than 90 days: no refund

Yes! We offer a payment plan through our booking system (until one month before) or email us for a customised plan at info@umaversity.com. Please note that your balance must be paid off two months prior to the retreat start date, unless you booked within these last two months.

Certain vaccinations might be recommended or required for travelling to Rio de Janeiro. It's important to consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic well in advance of the retreat to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and immunizations. This is especially important for international participants who might be exposed to different health risks. Please make sure to have your vaccination records handy when you travel.

We have arranged transportation for all participants to pick you up from Rio Galeão International Airport upon your arrival on Day 1 and ensure a smooth transfer to the retreat venue. Similarly, we will arrange transportation back to the airport on the departure date, which is scheduled for Day 9. Detailed information about the pickup and drop-off process will be communicated to you closer to the retreat date. If you have any additional transportation-related inquiries, feel free to reach out to our team for clarification and assistance.

Safety is our top priority. We collaborate closely with local authorities, have experienced staff members on-site, and follow strict safety protocols. Participants will receive safety guidelines and emergency contact information upon arrival. While like any destination, Brazil has areas that require caution, our retreat is organized in safe areas and we provide guidance to ensure your well-being during your stay.

We strongly advise that participants have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. In case of minor health issues, there will be first aid available on-site. For any serious medical needs, we have known local healthcare providers and hospitals.

While the retreat has fixed dates, you are welcome to extend your stay in Rio de Janeiro at your own expense. Our team can provide recommendations for additional activities and accommodations if needed.

Absolutely! The Umaversity retreat in Rio de Janeiro is open to women+ from around the world. We encourage diversity and believe that cross-cultural interactions enhance the overall experience.

We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for summer, appropriate footwear for activities, personal toiletries, and any required medications. You will also get a list of things to pack after registration.

Yes, our villa will have access to Wi-Fi. However, please note that internet connectivity outside of the villa may depend on your cellular plan. We can help you get a local sim card with internet if you want.

The primary language for workshops and activities will be English. If there is a Portuguese teacher our team can translate to English.

While travel insurance is not mandatory, we highly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.

We will provide you with a cultural orientation session to help you navigate local customs and etiquette. It's important to respect local traditions and be mindful of our tips & tricks to make sure you have the best retreat experience.

Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences during the registration process. Our catering team will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Yes, the retreat program includes cultural outings and recreational activities that allow you to explore the beauty and attractions of Rio de Janeiro. These experiences are designed to complement the female+ empowering aspect of the retreat. Besides this there will be plenty of free time to discover the city at your own pace too.

We recommend attending the entire retreat to fully benefit from the experience. If you have exceptional circumstances that require a late arrival or early departure, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

The dress code is generally casual and comfortable. However, please note that certain activities or cultural sites may require more modest attire, such as covering shoulders and knees.

We hope these additional questions and answers provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the Umaversity retreat in Rio de Janeiro. If you have any further queries, don't hesitate to contact us at info@umaversity.com. We're here to make your retreat experience as smooth and enriching as possible. There will also be a live Q&A coming up soon so stay posted!