Travel Update

Last Updated on September 22, 2022

To make a reservation, please visit our online bookings page. If you are a voucher holder, please call 1-866-559-5167 or email nassau@sivananda.org to make a reservation.

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Below are the most recent changes to our COVID policies:

Vaccination

Vaccination is not required to come to the Ashram.

Covid Antigen Tests

New arrivals will be tested upon arrival and again 48 hours after arriving. Tests are nasal swab antigen tests. You may bring your own tests or they can be purchased at the ashram for $14 + VAT Day pass visitors do not need to be tested unless they have been on a flight within the past 48 hours.

***Please continue reading for our full Covid policy*** 

Entry requirements for The Bahamas are as follows:

For full details on The Bahamas’ current COVID-19 protocols for travelers, please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates

Covid Policies

We have prepared our COVID health and safety policies in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Clean and Pristine Health and Safety Protocol of the Government of The Bahamas. These policies will be reviewed regularly and updated as the season progresses. Please take the time to review each of the sections below as you prepare for your visit. In addition, please check your chosen airline’s travel requirements prior to travel. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us: nassau@sivananda.org 1-866-559-5167 (toll-free from the US & Canada) 1-416-479-0199 (from all other countries) 1-242-363-2902 (local Bahamian number) We look forward to seeing you soon!  

Travel Requirements & Trip Planning 

Vaccination

Vaccination is no longer required to come to the Ashram. It is recommended for individuals to consult their doctor whether vaccination is recommended for them before traveling (particularly those that are immunocompromised, elderly or have underlying medical conditions).

Children

Children are welcome to visit the Ashram year-round. The Government of The Bahamas has additional entry testing requirements for unvaccinated people, including children. Please see travel.gov.bs for details.

Health Insurance

We strongly encourage all Ashram visitors to have insurance that covers and/or reimburses the following while in The Bahamas:

• The cost of COVID testing with a medical laboratory
• Hospitalization and doctor’s visits due to COVID
• Quarantine accommodations in the event one contracts COVID
• Travel medical coverage for accidents and/or illnesses (non-COVID related)

Arrival

Please contact us to reschedule your stay if you experience any symptoms of illness, including fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cough, and/or taste disorders. Although pre-arrival testing is no longer required for vaccinated travelers to enter The Bahamas, and many countries and airlines have lifted mask mandates, mandatory quarantine for positive COVID cases is still in effect in The Bahamas. Therefore, we strongly suggest taking a COVID home test within 48 hours prior to travel to minimize the risk of testing positive on arrival and consequently spending your stay in quarantine. A KN-95 mask is also highly recommended for the airport, airplane, and taxi.

Testing

We require that all guests take an on-site COVID-19 rapid antigen test upon arrival and again 48 hours after arriving.* The tests will be administered by a staff member and the cost* is USD $14+tax per test (no cost if guests bring their own nasal swab test kits). *Please note that testing frequency and pricing are subject to change without notice due to the evolving nature of safety guidelines and test availability. The cost is for use of the Ashram’s test kits.

What to Bring

Face Masks

Face masks are not required in open spaces, including satsangs, yoga classes, the beach, during meals and around the ashram. Most of our activities are conducted outdoors in an open space. Face masks are required in enclosed spaces; for example, where some workshops and courses are taught.

Sanitizer

There are many sanitizing stations located around the Ashram grounds. In addition, visitors are encouraged to bring their own personal hand sanitizer.

Yoga Mat & Cushions

We encourage guests (vacationers, students, and karma yogis) to bring their own yoga mats. We do not have yoga mats available for rental and a small number will be available for purchase in the Boutique.

Water Bottle & Travel Mug

Please bring your own water bottle and/or travel mug for water and tea throughout your stay.

During Your Stay

Yoga Classes & Satsangs

Yoga classes and Satsangs will be held on our outdoor platforms. All guests and staff must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others. Spaces are pre-marked.

Reporting Symptoms & COVID Protocol

Should anyone exhibit any illness symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing), they should report to reception and be tested.

Quarantine

The Government of the Bahamas requires that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 quarantines for at least 5 days and up to 10 days, until a lab-administered COVID-19 PCR test comes back negative. Guests who test positive can stay in the Ashram’s designated quarantine rooms and pay the applicable room fees or leave the Ashram and quarantine elsewhere Rules of Quarantine are subject to change without notice.

Day Visitors

Day visitors are now welcome! The cost of a day pass is $45 + VAT and includes all of the activities in our daily schedule. Please call Reception the day before to notify us of your visit and again on the morning of the visit to confirm. Boats to and from Nassau are not running unless they are pre-coordinated.

Going Off-Grounds

In order to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, we recommend guests refrain from going off-grounds (to Nassau, Atlantis, etc.) during their stay.

Failure to Comply with Health and Safety Standards

The Ashram reserves the right to ask guests not adhering to the safety protocols to leave the Ashram.

Clean & Pristine Certified

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas has received the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s “Clean and Pristine” Health and Safety Certification We have implemented all safety measures required by the Bahamian Government for Sanitation and Hygiene. ‘Clean & Pristine’ is a certification program introduced by the Bahamian government and implemented across hotels, restaurants and other tourism touchpoints. The program outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for visitors and residents alike during this time of COVID-19.