Guest Policies & Information

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas Health, Safety & Guest Responsibility Policies

Health, Well-Being & Community Conduct

At the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, we aim to create a healing, sattvic environment grounded in spiritual discipline, respect, and mutual care. As a residential yoga community, we ask all guests to support the peaceful rhythm of Ashram life by observing the guidelines outlined below. These policies are designed to maintain the safety and well-being of all guests, staff, and residents and will be updated periodically in response to evolving needs or local conditions.

Rules of Conduct

To preserve a sattvic and peaceful environment:

• Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and narcotics are strictly prohibited on and off property
• Sexual harassment or misconduct will result in immediate expulsion
• No candles, incense, or open flames except in the temples
• Quiet time begins at 10:30 pm; lights out at 11:00 pm
• Guests must dress modestly and respectfully at all times:
  • Knees and shoulders should be covered in the temples
  • Swimwear is appropriate at the beach, but guests are expected to wear clothing when walking around the Ashram grounds
• Night‑time Safety: For your safety, guests are required to remain on Ashram grounds after dark.
  • The Ashram is only accessible by an unlit beach path. While the beach is patrolled 24 hours a day, it is not lit and the terrain can be uneven.
  • High tides can rise quickly, creating danger of falling, injury, or being swept away.
  • Although the Ashram itself is a safe and peaceful environment with no history of dangerous incidents, Nassau and certain tourist areas can experience higher rates of crime after dark.
  • Swimming at night is strictly prohibited due to strong currents and the presence of night-feeding marine life, including sharks.

Personal Belongings

• All rooms have locks.
• Tent spaces and tent huts do not have built-in locks.
• Guests are encouraged to:
  • Bring a travel lock to secure the zipper of their tent or tent hut (locks are not provided by the Ashram)
  • Keep personal items locked in their room or tent, or carried on their person in a small bag or fanny pack
  • Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended
  • Be aware that the Ashram has a relaxed and generous atmosphere; guests often leave or donate items for others. Items left on benches or in public spaces may be mistaken as giveaways
  • Leave valuables at home whenever possible. While theft is uncommon, items such as jewelry or electronics can easily be lost, buried in sand, or misplaced

Yoga Participation & Physical Risk

Yoga classes and activities are undertaken voluntarily. Guests should:

• Disclose any injuries, limitations, or health concerns to instructors before class
• Follow instructor guidance and consult personal healthcare providers as needed

Participation is at your own risk. The Ashram is not responsible for injury or aggravation of existing conditions.

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Guests with dietary needs or food allergies must contact the Ashram in advance. We strive to accommodate most guests and offer:

• Basic vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free options
• Simple vegetarian meals (no meat, fish, eggs, or garlic/onion)

However, please note:

• We cannot guarantee allergen-free meals
• Cross-contamination is possible in our kitchen
• We do not offer custom, medical, or individually tailored diets

Guests with serious or life-threatening allergies:

• Must notify the Ashram before booking so we can assess whether your needs can be safely met
• May be advised to bring your own provisions or medication
• May have your booking cancelled in advance if we believe the risk to your health is too high (this is rare)
• Are responsible for:
  • Confirming ingredients with kitchen staff at each meal
  • Following all safety instructions provided by Ashram staff
  • Bringing any medications you require in the event of accidental exposure (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPen)

Due to the risk of cross-contamination, the Ashram may not be suitable for those with life-threatening food allergies.

Room Policies

Room Locations

• While we are happy to note room location preferences, assignments are based on availability and operational needs and cannot be guaranteed. Our ashram layout is dynamic, and room allocations may change as needed.
• If a beachfront location is important, this is only ensured when booking the following room types: Beachfront Deluxe, Ocean View Deluxe, Beach Hut West, and Beach Hut East.
• The Reservations and Reception teams are not able to guarantee or adjust room locations beyond these categories.

Environment & Sensitivity

• The ashram is a shared, natural environment. Depending on the location of your room, you may experience ambient sound, light, or nearby activity.
• Tent and tent hut accommodations, in particular, are more exposed to natural elements and surroundings, and may not be suitable for guests with light or noise sensitivity.
• Guests who are sensitive to these factors may wish to consider enclosed room options.

Ocean Safety

• No lifeguard service is provided
• Swim at your own risk
• Do not swim in the dark or beyond your depth
• Be aware of strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and marine life

Children & Minors

• The Ashram does not provide childcare or supervision
• Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult
• Adults accept full responsibility for their child’s safety, participation, and dietary needs

Pets & Service Animals

• Pets and service animals are not permitted on Ashram grounds

Photography and Videography

Photographers may be present during your stay. Guests who do not wish to be photographed are responsible for stepping out of frame. Please note:

• Sitting at the front of the Satsang Hall will likely place you in view of the camera
• Satsangs are live-streamed, so choosing a seat behind the camera may help keep you out of shot
• Satsangs may also be recorded for archival or educational use
• The Ashram cannot control how guests, staff, or visitors share content captured on personal devices

Third-Party Services & Activities

The Ashram is not responsible for any activities or services offered by third parties, including:

• Alternative therapies
• Excursions, tours, or watersports

Participation is at your own risk and not affiliated with the Ashram.

Emergencies & Onsite Assistance

In the event of a medical or other urgent situation:

• Please notify Reception immediately
• Save and use our 24-hour emergency WhatsApp number: +1-242-426-6780

Ashram staff are trained to coordinate with local services as needed.

Travel Insurance Requirement (TTC & ATTC Guests)

All onsite Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC, ATTC, and Immersion) participants are required to have valid travel medical insurance that covers illness, emergencies, and unexpected events. This must be in effect for the full duration of your stay. Participants are responsible for all associated medical, testing, or quarantine costs—including any costs not covered due to an inactive or limited policy.

COVID-19 Protocols

• Testing: No pre-arrival COVID-19 testing is required. However, if you develop symptoms during your stay, please report to reception immediately. The Ashram will administer a test and advise next steps.
• Test Fee: USD $14+tax per test if using the Ashram’s test kits. Guests are welcome to bring their own kits.
• Quarantine: If you test positive, you may:
  • Stay in a designated quarantine room (standard accommodation fees apply)
  • Leave the Ashram to quarantine elsewhere
• Non-Compliance: Guests not complying with safety protocols may be asked to leave.

General Liability & Agreement

By attending the Ashram, guests:

• Assume full responsibility for their health and well-being
• Waive all claims against Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas (SAYR International) related to injury, illness, loss, or dissatisfaction
• Understand that non-compliance with Ashram policies may result in dismissal without refund

Payment & Credit Note Policy

• Payment is due 14 days prior to arrival
• Cancellations before arrival may be eligible for credit notes or a partial refund, in accordance with our policy here: https://sivanandabahamas.org/flexible-cancellation-policy/
• Guests leaving early, downgrading rooms, or withdrawing from a course may receive a credit note (valid for 2 years)
• No refunds or credits for no-shows

Questions?

For questions about our health policy, please contact our reservations team at [email protected]. Thank you for helping maintain a healthy and harmonious Ashram environment.