yourempressretreat

EMPRESS

RETREAT

THE

A luxury retreat experience in paradise, hosted by Megan Rose Lane and Mindspo Retreats

megan rose lane x Mindspo Retreats

YOUR WARM UP GUIDE

Please read everything on this guide before packing to ensure you are fully prepared for your retreat experience :)

If you have any logistical questions that are not answered in this guide, please reach out to us on DM @mindspo.retreats or via email at hello@mindsporetreats.com.

Please do not email, message or DM questions to the facilitators in the lead-up to or during the retreat - that’s why we have our team’s communication channels to support you.

By now, you should be in the big telegram group - if not please be sure to submit your proof of travel insurance to pa@mindspo.com asap. Please note that the telegram group is not for asking logistical questions. The group is there for you to connect, share and be in community with your other sisters.

In the lead-up to the retreat, you will also be put in a villa pod chat that will just be for you and your housemates to chat in and stay in touch during the week and beyond!

Communication and Telegram

THE AIRPORT YOU ARE FLYING INTO IS CALLED:
Larnaca International Airport

The airport is approximately 50 minutes from the retreat villas and the average transfer cost is around 60-70 Euro for up to 4 passengers. We will pass on our transfer recommendation and you can carpool with other attendees arriving at the same time.

Please note for Non-EU nationals:
To enter Cyprus, you must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and valid for at least 6 months still, along with a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of your stay.

Booking a Flight

Our private retreat Villas are located in the beautiful resort town of 'Protaras'. We are a short stroll from the beach and countless restaurants and cafes.

The complex is located at the corner of 'Athinas' and 'Mantaliou' and is called 'Vie Bleu Villas'.

Please prepare to arrive at 'Villa Olivine Pearl 3' between 1pm - 3.30pm on the first day when you arrive, so we can show you to your villa/room.

Due to our guests arriving at various times, we will share some more group orientation information during our Opening Circle which starts at 4pm and will be hosted at The Main Empress Villa.

The Retreat Location

On the first day you will be able to check in at the villas from 1pm. The official opening circle will be hosted at 4pm to allow enough time for everyone to arrive.

If you think you might be cutting it fine arriving within the window of 1pm - 3.30pm on Thursday 13th please make us aware via email.

Arriving

We recommend flying to Cyprus and arriving 1-3 days before the retreat, depending on how far you're flying from.

That's because jetlag can be a b*tch, and you want to be clear, recharged and ready so you can make the most of the experience.

Hotel Recommendations for the night(s) before

We've identified 3 hotels that are super close to the Retreat Villas that have great reviews.
On the first morning you can book a taxi at the hotel (or even walk, it's that close).
Here is a map to help you coordinate (and show how close we are to the beach! :D)

We've got a transport recommendation from our friends on the ground in Cyprus.
The cost will be 60-70 Euro from the airport to Protaras, each way, in a Mercedes Taxi.

The car can fit up to 4 passengers, so if you'd like to book 2 weeks before your arrival, once you're in touch with the other attendees in the Telegram Group, you can carpool if your flights arrive around the same time.

Airport Transfers

Travel Insurance

We do make this a requirement for our retreats, just for everyone's peace of mind.
We recommend SafetyWing.

Please note travel insurance is a requirement of the retreat and you are fully responsible for your own health and safety during this experience, you can not attend the retreat without sending your valid travel insurance.

Please email a screenshot or copy of your insurance coverage to our assistant Trang at least 2 weeks before the retreat.

Our Contact's name is Phil from ELITE CYPRUS TAXI
To book your transport with him, you can reach out to him via Whatsapp on +357 99499410

Message him saying:
Hi Phil, my name is (your name)
I'm attending the Mindspo Retreat on October 13th and would like to arrange an airport transfer.
My flight arrives at (date/time) and i'll be staying at (hotel).

Alternatively, book through his website under https://elitecyprustaxi.com/book-now/

Departure Flights

On our final day we will be finished at 10.30am after our last group meditation, breakfast and goodbyes. We kindly ask you not to leave earlier than this on the last day if possible, as not to disrupt the energy too much with scattered goodbyes :)

We recommend leaving at least 3 hours between then and your booked flight, so you can head to the airport and leave in a relaxed fashion. You'll have such a lovely energy built up, take as much of it as you can back into your everyday life ;)

We recommend organising your departure transfer at the same as you book your arrival one, to minimise any holdups on your end.

Packing and preparing for your retreat

WHAT TO BRING:

o Some sunscreen (or buy some locally)

o Beach towel

o Make-up towel

o A hat & sunnies (the Sun is always out in Cyprus)

o Some earplugs (just in case to ensure you have great sleeps)

o Some cash for lunch and little things here and there (We recommend 40-50 Euro per day)

o Your own toiletries in reusable containers if possible to cut back on plastic waste. Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, the basics and any boujee extra’s you can’t live without.

o Power converters for any electrics you may need (Cyprus uses the standard British plug)

o Your passport with 6+ months left until expiry as a minimum

o A journal (you will be using this lots) we often recommend bringing a new journal to mark the start of a new chapter!

o Pens and any highlighters you like to use

o Colouring pencils

We want you to be comfortable and at ease during your Empress retreat while also celebrating your own unique sense of style during the experience.

Here is our recommended packing list that reflects the activities and vibe of the experience:

o Yoga/Workout clothing if you want to get moving during the retreat

o PJ’s to sleep in as all rooms are shared

o A light jacket or jumper (doubtful you'll need it)

o A light easy to carry day bag/backpack

o A reusable drink bottle

o Any medications you may need

o Day wear x 7

Let’s talk clothes

Your day wear is for you to be comfortable in. These are the outfits you will be sitting in while doing workshops, heading out to lunch in, chilling at the villa and exploring in.

o A 'Higher Self' Outfit for the last night’s Empress Party, and a crown or tiara to decorate your highest expression with.

o Dark feminine outfit for out letting go ceremony - black or deep tones of red, purple, green or blue.

o Beachwear and cover ups

There will be lots of time by the pool on your retreat and a boat trip so we recommend bringing a few pieces of swimwear and also a cover up or two to help protect you from the sun in between dips!

o Footwear

We recommend bringing a few pairs of shoes that will fit the activities of the week. Some workout shoes for any walking or exercise you want to do, thongs and slides for around the villa. Boots, sneakers or flat shoes to head out in and a pair of sneakers/shoes that are comfortable to walk.

Get excited for a life-changing week in the sun

On arrival you will find some blank stickers to create your own name tag in your villa. For the first 3 days, we kindly ask you to attend all events at the main Empress Villa wearing your name tag. If you forget someone's name during the week and they don’t have a name tag on, just ask them again.

There is zero pressure to remember everyone's name, so please don’t worry!

Name Tags

The Empress Retreat is a sisterhood of 40 women with pods of 5-8 women per villa. This experience will give you an incredible opportunity to meet other women that share the same interests and connect in sacred sisterhood.

We likely all know and have experienced the sisterhood wound before - an ancient wound that can separate us and tear us apart when really all we want is to be together.

Therefore, we want to share some sisterhood guidelines to create a safe place for everyone.

- No speaking unkindly about or to other women

- No criticising your body or another woman’s body

- No sharing about another woman's experience with others outside of the experience without their consent

- Respect each other's space and journey

Sisterhood Guidelines

During the week, we will use the Manifestie App for our morning meditations, moving meditations and to create your very own Empress Manifestation Movie.

Some of the meditations that we will use during the week are only available via the premium version of Manifestie. So before coming to the retreat, please download Manifestie while on WiFi and start a yearly or monthly subscription on a free 7-day trial (monthly) or 14-day trial (yearly). Once downloaded, head to the meditations section and allow all the meditations to download to your phone.

After the retreat, you are more than welcome to cancel your Manifestie App subscription, which you can do via subscription management on your phone.

Manifestie App

Breakfast & Coffee

Every morning a breakfast buffet will be served at the main Empress Villa. Instant coffee, tea bags, milk (and alternatives) and orange juice will also be available.

Want a coffee out?
Many guests enjoy making a morning routine of walking to a local coffee shop before breakfast. We’ve got lots of local faves!

We recommend:
- Coffee Island
- Yannamaria Bar
- Costa Coffee Odessa Hotel
- MIKEL COFFEE COMPANY PROTARA
- Costa Coffee Protara (Odessa)
- Pahit Ice Protaras
- Miyu Coffee
- Fabricca Coffee n’ Bites

Every morning a breakfast buffet will be served at the main Empress Villa. Instant coffee, tea bags, milk (and alternatives) and orange juice will also be available.

Want a coffee out?
Many guests on our last retreat made a morning routine of walking to a local coffee shop after breakfast to get an iced latte.

We recommend:
- Coffee Island
- Yannamaria Bar
- Costa Coffee Odessa Hotel
- MIKEL COFFEE COMPANY PROTARA
- Costa Coffee Protara (Odessa)
- Pahit Ice Protaras
- Miyu Coffee
- Fabricca Coffee n’ Bites
- Café Amárena
- Patisserie Amelie
- OMG oh my gelato
- Porky's
- Piazza Cafe
- Canes cafe-restaurant
- McDonalds
- Starbucks

- Café Amárena
- Patisserie Amelie
- OMG oh my gelato
- Porky's
- Piazza Cafe
- Canes cafe-restaurant
- McDonalds
- Starbucks

Want to make your own coffee?

All villas have a coffee machine included in the kitchen. Depending on which villa you are staying in, this will either be a barista espresso machine or a filter coffee machine. Feel free to buy some ground coffee and filters in the local supermarket to make your own coffee at your villa or pack some before you fly to arrive fully prepared.

All dinners will be provided at the Empress Villa. A main course will be followed by dessert and the kettle will be on for anyone in need of tea!

Please note that we will cater in line with the dietary requirements as you have specified them on your application. If you didn’t specify any dietary requirements, please be mindful not to take from the vegan, veggie or gluten-free options.

Filtered water will be available to drink at the main villa. You are more than welcome to BYO non-alcoholic beverages to dinners, such as juices, soft drinks or mineral water. On the last evening we will relax the no-alcohol rule and drinking is allowed, so feel free to BYO wine, beer or spirits you may wish to enjoy. We will have a fruit platter and mixers available to compliment and garnish your beverage of choice.

Dinner

Lunch is the only meal that is not provided during the retreat. Your lunch time and afternoons are your own, so you can do and eat and experience what you like and get out and see the town.

Your lunch options are:

Order your lunch from the app WOLT
While Cyprus does not have Uber Eats, it does have WOLT. You can order your lunch and have it delivered to your villa on those days you just want to eat, journal and chill by the pool.

Cook your lunch
There are a bunch of mini-marts and supermarkets within walking distance or a short taxi drive away. You will have a fully equipped kitchen to make lunch in the villa if you choose!

Eat lunch out
Going full holiday mode? You are walking distance from a plethora of cafes and restaurants scattered along the Protaras walkway. At only 7 minutes walk away, you will also find the best hotels of Protaras where you can tan, eat and relax overlooking the bluest water you have ever seen.

Lunch

As mentioned on the sales page, this retreat is a sober experience, with the exception being our last evening. Please refrain from drinking during the week and enjoy this magical experience sober and present. If on our last evening you would like to celebrate with wine or spirits, you are more than welcome to.

Drinking

Our recommended foodie spots to explore during your retreat

One of the best things about travel is seeing new places so during the week you’ll find us and others out and about exploring some of the best spots in the area. Here are some local eateries, tavernas and restaurants we recommend checking out nearby:

- Nissiotis Beach Restaurant
- Yianna Marie Restaurant
- Island Affair Restaurant
- Kohili Seafood Stories on the Beach
- Nameless
- The Corner Restaurant
- Malthouse Beer n' Food
- Mr Cod Fish Bar Restaurant
- Java Lounge Cyprus

+ There are so many more places, and new ones all the time, go explore and enjoy!

You will be staying in a collection of very new, modern villas with fellow Empresses for the week. The set up is more ‘Independent AirBnB’ than ‘Hotel Vibe’ so there is no housekeeping service to tidy the villa or refresh towels. With this in mind please be mindful of your space.

We ask you to treat the villas as if they were your own home and remind you that guests are responsible for any damage caused during the week. There is a manual available in each villa please take the time to read on arrival and familiarise yourself with information and procedures accordingly.

Each villa has wifi - you will find the password in the villa manual on arrival.

Villa Guidelines

Some general guidelines:

- Cyprus uses British plugs, so please bring an adapter if you are using US, European or Australian appliances.

- Each villa has ONE KEY and a safety lock box next to the front door. Once you have opened the villa door, please put the key right back in the lockbox so your other housemates can get in. Villa keys should never be with guests or inside the villa to avoid losing or locking yourself out. Always use the key, and then put it back in the lock box.

- The white bath towels provided are for showering and bath usage only.

- Please bring your own beach towel.

- Please bring your own towel for makeup removal to prevent staining of the provided white towels.

- Avoid sleeping in fake tan during the retreat to prevent staining of the villa sheets.

- Please bring your own toiletries (see packing list)

- Be mindful not to sit on / use any inside house furniture when wet from the pool.

- Please wipe your feet and shake out your towels before coming back from the beach.

- No smoking in villas, backyards or around the pool areas as a courtesy to other guests. Please smoke outside of the properties and always away from non-smoking guests.

- Keep your space clean and tidy, and be respectful of your fellow housemates.

- The villas have a very ‘simple’ hairdryer so you may prefer to chat in your villa pod telegram group and plan to bring a few between you if needed.

- Be environmentally conscious with aircon and turn them off when you leave the villa.

- Aircon - have a conversation as a group and play around over the first few nights and experiment with what works for you all. If you know you feel the cold then maybe bring a light jumper with you to ensure you are prepared

Boundaries are sexy, and Empresses use them to be their best and rule their empires. Our facilitators lead by example and have some boundaries in place so that they can be their best, to ensure they are giving you the best experience.

The Empress Villa is our main villa and where we will meet for workshops, meals and activity connections. Each day the Empress Villa has opening and closing hours to allow time for hygienic food preparation and for our team to reset the space between workshops and activities.

Please always take your belongings with you when you leave and respect the opening and closing times of the Empress Villa throughout the retreat. You will find these times outlined on the daily schedule.

The Empress Retreat is all about embodying the Empress archetype, which means looking after yourself and nourishing your temple during the week.

To support this, we have 10.00pm quiet time and 10.30pm lights out boundary in place so that everyone can get a delicious 8 hours of sleep and be well-rested for our workshops and activities.

Please respect this time not only for yourself but also for your housemates.

Similarly If you are an early bird and want to be up for sunrise then please be mindful to not wake/disturb others as you start your day.

Sleeping

Facilitator Boundaries

Boundary 1: This is a group experience and not 1:1 coaching. In this experience, you are your own guru. This week will provide you with the space to step into your Empress energy and lead from a place of connecting to your inner heart and higher self.

Boundary 2: If you have a question please use your voice and ask during the Q&A time in workshops so that everyone can learn from the answers and grow as a group.

Boundary 3: You’re more than welcome to take small videos for social media, but voice or video recording of a whole workshop is not permitted.

Boundary 4: Facilitators are not available outside of their workshop times. Holding space for a week requires adequate breaks and time to recharge so that your hosts can be at their best during workshops.

Empress Villa Opening and Closing Times

Boundaries are sexy, and Empresses use them to be their best and rule their empires. Our facilitators lead by example and have some boundaries in place so that they can be their best, to ensure they are giving you the best experience.

The Empress Villa is our main villa and where we will meet for workshops, meals and activity connections. Each day the Empress Villa has opening and closing hours to allow time for hygienic food preparation and for our team to reset the space between workshops and activities.

Please always take your belongings with you when you leave and respect the opening and closing times of the Empress Villa throughout the retreat. You will find these times outlined on the daily schedule.

Workshop Information

All workshops during the week will be held in the Empress Villa in our big open space. Our workshops are like mini-seminars, filled with knowledge, embodiment practices, and opportunities for sharing.

Guidelines to make our workshops the best they can be:

- All workshops will start on time as listed in the retreat schedule. Please respect the time of your facilitators and fellow attendees and be on schedule.

- Please arrive prepared with your pen, journal, charged phone and headphones (with Manifestie App downloaded) and a full water bottle to each workshop.

- Please arrive with time to settle and arrive in the space. We will start all workshops at their scheduled hour regardless of whether everyone is in situ.

- No food to be eaten in the workshop space.

- Please put your phone on silent or do not disturb during the workshops.

- Please use the bathroom before your workshop and during the breaks, not during workshops so that the focus of the group is not broken.

- Most workshops will end with Q&A time so that the facilitator can get in a flow. Please hold any questions until Q&A time.

Content!

We love taking content and capturing the moment during our retreats. Sharing the magic and energy of these experiences inspires others to do the work and step into their power too!

During the week, members from Mindspo Retreats and Megan’s Team will capture videos and photos to share on social media and make a wrap-up video of the experience.

We will also share the best bits of this content with you, including group photos and videos.

Please note we are always mindful of what we do and do not capture, we never share your voice or what you say on social media through our recap videos or posts. The content we capture is all about sharing the vibe and energy of the experience with our community to celebrate you and this work so that others feel inspired to embody their Empress archetype.

Here is the dropbox link we will upload with retreat content taken by Team Mindspo and Team Megan.

We also have an attendees google drive where you can upload any images and videos you would like to share with the group. This cuts down on having to airdrop to multiple people.

If you would like to share your content with everyone to be able to use it freely on social media and online, please upload it to this link.

Photos with Megan, Fox and Chris
On our last evening we have allocated time to take photos before dinner. So you can get a nice pic/selfie with your host(s) if you choose to and we will take a full Empress Group shot too!

You are responsible for your own health and wellbeing and all things medical during your trip to Cyprus. If you have a medical emergency please contact your travel insurance to support you with your next step.

For reference:

The number for medical emergencies in Cyprus is
199 / 112

The closest hospital is
Valessia Polyclinic - Private hospital - 228X+634, Paralimni, Cyprus - 35723833755
Medical Center - Hospital - 23C2+237, Protaras, Cyprus

The closest pharmacy is
Katerina Alexandrou Pharmacy
Protara 13, Akinita Machato, 5296, Protara, Protaras, Cyprus

Please ensure you bring all regular medications, medical treatments aids and basic first aid provisions that you need to support you during your stay. Each villa has a fridge should your medication require chilling. Please do not share medication with others and ensure your medication is stored responsibility throughout.

Wellbeing Contact
Katrina (Meg’s left hand lady) will be our Wellbeing Care Contact for this week. Please reach out to her if you have a need that you cannot meet yourself and she will signpost you in the right direction.

Medical

That's it for now!

We're so excited to welcome you for this once in a lifetime retreat in Cyprus this October.

Any other questions at all, just reach out to us at hello@mindsporetreats.com or dm us directly via our @mindspo.retreats instagram account.

See you soon!

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