Zermatt, Switzerland

FAQs

WHAT TIME DOES THE RETREAT START AND END?

Check-in time is 4:00 pm. The retreat officially starts at 7:30 pm on August 25, 2024, with our Welcome Dinner and ends at check-out on August 30, 2024, at 11:00 am.

WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?

We recommend flying to/from Milan Airport (MXP) as it’s the most convenient and closest airport to the resort. In order to make your arrival and departure from Zermatt as smooth as possible, we can arrange your private transfer from/to Milan Airport at an extra cost.

Zermatt is a car-free village; only cars with a special permission are allowed. The easiest way to visit Zermatt is by train. The train runs from all 4 airports:

Zurich Airport ZRH – Zermatt, 1 change, 3 hours 40 minutes

Geneva Airport GVA – Zermatt, 1 change, 4 hours

Milan Airport MXP – Zermatt, 3 hours 26 minutes by car / 3 hours 30 minutes, 3 changes by train

Additionally, kindly note that we can arrange for you private transfers from the other mentioned airports as well! Please contact us if you would like more information at info@travelgems.com

HOW DO I GET FROM AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?

Airport transfers are not included, however, private transfers can be arranged from Milan Airport (MXP) and other airports for an additional cost. Alternatively, you can coordinate your own transport via bus, train or car at your discretion.

CAN THIS TRIP CATER TO SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?

Absolutely. We work closely with our partners and suppliers and can accommodate most dietary requirements. We will email you a form to gather information about your dietary requirements three weeks before the trip start date. 

WILL I GET ANY “FREE” TIME?

Absolutely! There is plenty of leisure time included for you to re-charge, nap, or do your own thing. We always schedule down time in our daily itinerary.

IF I DECIDE TO CANCEL MY SPOT, WILL I GET A REFUND?

The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel no later than 45 days before the retreat, which is by July 10th, then the amounts paid up to this point, beyond the initial deposit, will be fully refunded. However, from July 11th onwards, 100% cancellation fees will apply, resulting in no refunds.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The payment schedule for this trip is detailed below. 

• Deposit: 30% of the total value of your booking paid at the time of booking 
• Second payment: 35% of the total value of your booking due on May 10th, 2024
• Balance payment: 35% of the total value of your booking due on July 10th, 2024

The deposit is non-refundable. Travel insurance that covers cancellation is a condition of your booking.

 

IS THIS ADVENTURE ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PLUS-SIZE?

Yes. People in smaller bodies have many options out within outdoor adventure travel, however, people who are a size US 16 and above have very limited options. NAKOA Adventure accommodates the needs of persons in larger bodies so they can have a safe, accessible and supported space to do all the things.

ARE THE ADVENTURES & ACTIVITIES ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL LEVELS? CAN WE OPT OUT OF AN ACTIVITY?

As our founder, Kanoa, always likes to say, “Do you, boo!” which means do what feels comfortable for YOU. Our goal is to create an experience where you get to discover and explore different adventures that meet you at your level. Please keep in mind that some itineraries may be more robust than others in the types of activities we engage in and/or frequency, but we will always share the full itinerary.

Whether it’s surfing, rock-climbing, paddleboarding or a movement session, you always have permission to do as much or as little as you want and/or need. This is YOUR adventure.

ARE YOUR ADVENTURES OPEN TO ALL GENDERS?

Yes! Unless otherwise stated, all are welcome. There are instances where a select few of our experiences will be labeled as ‘women only’ due to circumstances surrounding that particular adventure.

CAN I COME TO THIS TRIP ALONE?

Yes! Traveling alone is a great way to meet new people, and many people will be coming solo. On this trip we’re all in it together and you’ll be part of the group from the moment you arrive.

I WANT TO SHARE A ROOM BUT I AM TRAVELING ALONE, DO YOU ASSIGN ME SOMEONE TO SHARE THE ROOM WITH ?

If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we use our best judgment to find a good match. We endeavor to accommodate any specific requests you may have. Please contact us with any requests so that we can assign you to an unaccompanied guest that also wants to travel in a double occupancy room.

HOW DO YOU ASSIGN THE ROOMS?

Rooms are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.

WHAT IS THE TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY?

CANCELLATION BY US

In the unlikely event that WE have to cancel the trip for any reason then we will offer you the following options:

• A full refund of all monies paid, including your deposit
• Transfer of your booking, free of charge, to a future trip of the same value

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the trip for any reason, any flight tickets purchased by you will not be able to be refunded. It is for this reason that travel insurance is a mandatory condition of your booking. 

CANCELLATION BY YOU

If you are unable to attend the trip for any reason, you will need to make a claim with your travel insurance provider to claim any trip costs. The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel no later than 45 days before the retreat, which is by July 10th, then the amounts paid up to this point, beyond the initial deposit, will be fully refunded. However, from July 11th onwards, 100% cancellation fees will apply, resulting in no refunds

Please ensure your travel Insurance provider covers you for the following:

• Flight cancelation
• Trip payments
• Positive COVID-19 test or other medical restriction preventing you from traveling
• Local and destination restrictions preventing you from traveling

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED?

We do not include travel insurance as everyone’s needs are different. However, having travel insurance in place for each person is a condition of your booking. If you haven’t purchased cover yet, you can do so here:

• US Residents link here
• UK Residents link here
• For other International residents link here

Please ensure your travel Insurance provider covers you for the following:

• Flight cancelation
• Trip payments
• Positive COVID-19 test or other medical restriction preventing you from traveling
• Local and destination restrictions preventing you from traveling

WHO DO I REACH OUT TO IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

You can reach out to us directly via email at info@travelgems.com

HOW DO I CHECK MY REMAINING BALANCE?

Remaining balance can be checked by following the payment link found in your booking confirmation email.