Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the retreat taking place?
The retreat centre is called “Flores del Camino”. We often refer to it as “Flores”. It is located in a village called Castrillo de los Polvazares, or “Castrillo" for short (our village). The neighbouring town (about 5km away) is Astorga, with all the amenities.
How far ahead of time should I buy plane tickets?
Before buying non-refundable plane tickets, please consider if the retreat has been confirmed to happen.
Should I get travel insurance?
Flores do not provide insurance. It is your responsibility to contract travel and medical insurance. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further details.
Can I get prescription drugs in Spain?
The only way to get prescription drugs in Spain is with a prescription from a medical doctor in Spain, even if we sometimes read the contrary on the internet. If you use prescription drugs, you should take them with you and keep them in your hand luggage when you travel.
When should I plan to arrive in Spain?
Some participants arrive on the starting day of the retreat. Others choose to arrive one, two or several days earlier to catch up with jet lag and visit Madrid or other parts of Spain.
How do I get to the retreat centre?
Most of our retreats include a transportation service from Madrid airport to Flores del Camino on the starting day of the retreat.
If you will arrive at Flores by your own means, please check in on the starting day at the time specified in the retreat description. You will find detailed information about how to get here on our website.
How does the airport pick up work?
If you wish to use the transportation service to get to Flores, we will pick you up from Madrid airport (Terminal 4) at 12pm on the starting day of the retreat. See here for further details.
If you plan to land in Madrid on the starting day of the retreat, please allow at least a couple of hours between landing time and pick up time.
How does the airport drop off work?
We will drop you off at Madrid Airport (Terminal 4) at around 1pm on the end day of the retreat.
Please check with your airline how long in advance you should be at the airport and make sure that the flight schedule is compatible with the drop off time.
Can I arrive earlier at the retreat centre or stay after the retreat?
We are sorry that it is not possible to receive you earlier nor accommodate you for the nights before the starting date. Neither is it possible to accommodate you after the retreat. There are hotels in nearby Astorga or León if you wish to extend your stay in our area.
What about phone and data in Spain?
Please ensure to be reachable during your stay in Spain. We need to be in touch for the airport transfer, when we go on visits and on the Camino if you take the pilgrimage option. We will create a WhatsApp group for participants during the retreat (and Camino) which you need to be connected to.
You can check with your service carrier to see if they offer an international or European option. It is the easiest way and could still be the cheapest for a short term stay. It should give you access to the network pretty much anywhere, including in our village.
It is also possible to get a SIM card with a Spanish phone number for the duration of your stay, either at the airport or in Madrid. It is straightforward to do from the airport. There are several retail stores that sell SIM cards and will help with installation. All main operators cover our village. You will need an unlocked phone to use the SIM card. Check with your carrier if you aren’t sure that your phone is unlocked and is compatible with European GSM networks.
How good is the internet at the retreat centre?
For a small village, it is very good, but not as good as what you may be used to in a large city. The internet is radio based and therefore can sometimes be affected by the weather. Download speed is typically between 20 and 60 Mbps.
What about electrical plugs?
Please note that plugs for electrical appliances are not the same in mainland Europe than in other parts of the world. You can buy plug adapters online before leaving or at the airport.
Can I wash my clothes during the retreat?
There is a washing machine at the guests’ disposal at Flores. There are clothes lines inside the house and in the patio. An iron is also available.
What incidental expenses do I need to plan for?
The retreat includes accommodation from the start to the end date, refreshments and food (except one or two meals taken outside in the case of some retreats), all material & equipment for the workshops, visit fares and airport transfers. You will need some cash on the Camino (if you have taken this option) if you wish to, or need to take a taxi for a portion of the trail. You will also need cash for a coffee, drink as well as for lunch. There are cash machines in some of the villages on the way.
What about credit or debit card usage?
Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere in Spain. It is very common to pay even small amounts by card. There are ATM’s everywhere in Madrid and in all main towns including Astorga (our neighbouring town), but not in Castrillo (our village).
Should I bring some Euros with me?
Check with your bank if you can withdraw cash in European ATM’s with your bank card. You will probably need a PIN number for this. There are also foreign exchange counters at the airport and in Madrid.
Can I ship personal belongings or material to the retreat centre ahead of the retreat?
We can receive packages for you before the retreat but not during the retreat. Please be aware that if you ship from overseas, it will be treated as importation/exportation by customs, which involves paperwork and possibly fees. If the paperwork is not in order, your items can remain stuck at the border for an indefinite period of time and end up being sent back. You can find our address at the end of this webpage. Please make sure that you put yourself as the recipient.
What will the weather be like?
The weather is often sunny all around the year in our part of the world. Some rain in spring or autumn is probable, less likely in the summer but not impossible. Here are some typical afternoon temperatures:
March- 13 C / 55 F
April- 15 C / 59 F
May- 19 C / 66 F
June- 24 C / 75 F
July- 27 C / 81 F
August- 27 C / 81 F
September- 23 C / 73 F
October- 17 C / 63 F
However you should treat this weather description as a rough guideline. Because of the altitude and the terrain, the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly and there are usually large variations of temperature between day and night (e.g. 20C / 40F differences).
Therefore we recommend that you pack layers at any time of year and be ready for all weather eventualities. Even in the summer you should take a jumper with you.
What else should I pack?
Pack comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes as our retreats usually include practical activities and some gentle walking.
We provide all the necessary art material (unless otherwise stated). But of course you are welcome to bring your own compass, paintbrushes, journal, etc.
Do you have air conditioning at the retreat centre and in the bedrooms?
We do not have air conditioning not only because it is not so common in Europe but also because it is not necessary. The retreat centre is in a historical building with thick stone walls that prevent excessive heat inside the house. The courtyard is shaded and protected from the heat as well.
We are located high in altitude and therefore it cools down during the night. Temperatures at night in the summer are very pleasant and you can open the window to get some fresh air.
What is provided in the bedrooms?
All our bedrooms at Flores or in the local hotel have a private bathroom, with towels, hair & body shampoo, hand wash, hairdryer provided.
There is no safe. There is no fridge or kettle in the bedrooms, however, you have access to the communal kitchen at the retreat centre for snacks & tea.
Anything else I need to consider?
As you sign up to a retreat, you will be required to agree to Terms & Conditions (T&C´s). They may vary slightly from one retreat to another but you will find here a summary of our T&C´s. This summary is for your convenience only. Please ensure to read carefully and understand the full T&C´s before making a payment for the retreat. We are at your disposal if you have any question.
This is all we can think of right now. But we remain at your disposal if you have any further question after reading this.