FAQ

Bikini Bootcamp is about more than just a fitness vacation or weight loss holiday. A stay here is designed to help guests reconnect to themselves and to nature by stepping out of their normal routine and taking time away just for them.

It is a combination of exercise, healthy eating, adventure, relaxing, and pampering. Guests leave feeling lighter — not only in body, but in mind and spirit as well. We offer a variety of activities, all of which are optional. Our trainers and teachers are all qualified and specialized.

Every retreat includes:

· Accommodations based on double occupancy
· Delicious, healthy meals
· Yoga & meditation
· Exercise classes: circuit training, body sculpting, beach cardio, kickboxing, Pilates mat, cardio dance, and more
· Guided tour to the Mayan ruins of Tulum
· Tour to the Mangrove Sian Ka'an reserve for kayaking on the lagoon
· Cenote adventure for snorkeling in fresh water swimming holes
· Two massages
· One full-body Mayan clay treatment (done as a group)
· Entertainment such as tribal drumming, cooking demos, dance lessons, and more

We rotate in guest teachers and trainers, so while yoga, circuit training, body sculpt, and beach cardio are always offered, some weeks feature special classes from visiting instructors.

Our guests range widely in age and fitness level. Most are women and men in their 30s through 60s, and we have even welcomed women in their 70s, with our oldest guest so far being 78 and strong. As long as you are young at heart, we would love to have you join us!

You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred dates. Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email with all the details you need to prepare for your trip.

If you have questions before booking, reach out to us at bikinibootcamp.amansala@gmail.com — we are happy to help.

Most of our guests come alone and leave with lifelong friends. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed and make up a large part of every retreat. You will never feel out of place.

Please note: shared rooms can only be booked by two friends traveling together. You cannot book a shared room as a solo traveler — solo guests are placed in their own room.

We offer customized private programs for individuals, couples, and small groups on dates that suit you. Contact us to discuss what a bespoke Bikini Bootcamp experience might look like for you.

Please contact us directly for current cancellation and deposit policies. We understand that plans change and will always do our best to work with you.

Program rates vary by room type and duration of stay. Please visit our Rooms & Accommodations page for the full list of packages and pricing.

Yes — three, four, and five-night programs are offered within our six-night retreats, based on availability. All short-stay programs include accommodations (based on double occupancy), meals, activities, classes, spa services, and entertainment. Please note that the 19% tax and 3% service charge are not included.

Contact us to check availability and pricing for shorter stays.

There is a 3% service charge included as part of your payment, but it is customary to leave additional gratuity at the end of your stay for the kitchen and housekeeping teams who work very hard to take care of you.

A good rule of thumb: $10/day for the kitchen and $3/day for housekeeping — roughly $80 total for a 6-night stay, shared between them.

For anyone else who has made your stay extra special (guides, trainers, client services), gratuity is entirely at your discretion. For massage therapists, $10 or so per session is customary.

All fitness levels are welcome. Our classes are designed to be modified up or down, and our instructors are experienced at meeting every guest where they are. You do not need to be athletic — you just need to show up.

A typical day includes a morning beach walk, morning yoga, a mid-morning fitness class, an afternoon sculpting class (dance, barre, or pilates), and an evening yin yoga session. You are welcome to participate in as many or as few as you like.

Every six-day program includes two spa services. These are scheduled throughout the week and delivered by Tulum's finest local healers. Additional treatments can be booked at an extra cost.

Yes — three delicious, healthy meals per day plus fresh juices are included. Our menu is plant-forward, locally sourced, and designed for energy and radiance. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies when you book and we will take care of you.

Included tours typically cover the Mayan ruins of Tulum (guided), the Mangrove Sian Ka'an reserve (kayaking on the lagoon), and a visit to a local cenote for fresh-water snorkeling. Details are confirmed upon arrival.

This is your vacation! While we encourage everyone to participate in everything, if you decide to opt out of any activity it is entirely up to you. Everything is optional.

Our motto is moderation, not deprivation. We serve lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh local fish, and chicken. Our menu is based on the philosophy of "from the earth to your plate" — we avoid preservatives and processed foods. Meals are low calorie (but not too low), high fiber, full of nutrients, and full of flavor.

The kitchen is open all day and can prepare a healthy snack whenever you need one. Vegetarian requests are easily accommodated. Coffee and tea are served each morning, and alcohol is available (not included in your stay).

Yes — additional massages, facials, and reflexology can be pre-booked at $95/hour. You can also upgrade one of your included massages to a Mayan Healing session for $45.

Please note: 12 hours' notice is required for all spa cancellations. Included massages canceled with less than 12 hours' notice are forfeited and may be rescheduled with a $30 fee. Pre-booked services are subject to a $30 cancellation fee. Our therapists travel far to be here and turn down other work, so we appreciate your understanding.

Yes to both. Our motto is moderation, not deprivation — this is your holiday. If you have a specific goal like reducing caffeine we can support you with that, and if you want a margarita, we make a great one. Alcohol is available but not included in your stay; ask us for pricing.

Yes. All fruits and vegetables are cleaned and soaked in an iodine solution. All water, ice, and beverages are prepared using filtered water and are completely safe. Filtered water is also provided in your room.

Amansala offers a range of beachfront and garden rooms built in natural materials with an eco-chic aesthetic. Rooms are simple, beautiful, and designed to make you feel at ease. Most are steps from the sand with the sound of the ocean as your constant companion.

Yes, private rooms are available at various price points from garden rooms to beachfront suites. Select your preferred room type when booking.

Shared rooms are available at a lower rate but can only be booked by two friends traveling together. You cannot book a shared room as a solo traveler.

Amansala is located at KM 5.5 Boca Paila, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico — approximately 2 hours south of Cancún along the Caribbean coast.

Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). We are located approximately 1.5 hours south of the airport by car.

We can arrange transportation from Cancún Airport with trusted drivers we have worked with for over 15 years. Transfer rates (each way) are:

· Private transfer — $185
· 2 people sharing — $90 each
· 3 people sharing — $70 each
· 4 people sharing — $60 each
· 5 people sharing — $50 each
· 6 or more — $45 each

We ask guests if they are willing to wait up to 30 minutes to share a ride. Payment can be made upon arrival or signed to your room. We will send you a link to enter your flight details so we can coordinate arrivals and groupings.

Official check-in is 3:00 PM and official check-out is noon. Guests typically arrive throughout the day on arrival day; the first group activity begins at 4:00 PM. Most guests depart mid-morning on the final day to catch afternoon flights.

We do our best to have your room ready early and you are always welcome to relax on the beach or in the restaurant area for as long as you need.

Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). From there it is approximately a 90-minute drive to Tulum. We recommend booking a private transfer in advance — we can connect you with reliable drivers. Do not take unofficial taxis at the airport.

Light, breathable workout clothes, swimwear, a cover-up, sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, a journal, and comfortable evening clothes. Tulum is casual — you will rarely need anything formal. A full packing list is sent with your booking confirmation.

WiFi is available at Amansala. That said, we gently encourage you to use your time here to disconnect — the magic of Bikini Bootcamp is largely in what happens when you put the phone down.

Tulum is a well-established destination and Amansala has been welcoming guests safely since 2001. We will share up-to-date travel tips upon booking and our team is always available to answer questions about navigating the area.

Most visitors from the US, Canada, UK, and EU do not require a visa for Mexico for stays under 180 days. Please check the current requirements for your specific nationality before traveling. A valid passport is required — if you do not have one, please contact your airline or Embassy well in advance.

We ask that incidentals — extra spa services, gratuity, transportation, and so on — be paid in cash (US dollars or pesos). There are ATMs in town if you need additional cash once you arrive. We also accept traveler's checks, although cash is much more widely accepted in the area.

No — we take you to all the major highlights as part of the program, and taxis are readily available for anything else. Most of our guests choose to stay at Amansala because it is so relaxing. We can also arrange additional day trips (such as Playa del Carmen) for an extra charge if you are interested.

Usually, although it depends on your carrier — it is best to check with your provider before arrival. The connection can be variable right on the beach, but you should be able to find a signal somewhere on the property.

It is usually sunny and warm here on the beach. July, August, and September are the hottest months. December, January, and February are the breeziest, especially in the evenings. Tropical showers are common August through November but usually pass quickly, leaving clear blue skies and sunshine.

Yes! We have four lovable white labs who adore all of our guests and make everyone feel right at home.