Faq

Booking & Payment

How does booking work?

After completing the booking form, you will receive an email with the payment information. After that, you have to pay 30 % of the total value of the tour or retreat. Only then the reservation will be formalized.

What is the payment deadline?

After you book your trip, you have to pay 30% of the total value. Then you have to complete the payment of the remaining 70% until 30 days before the beginning of the trip, if it’s a retreat; you can pay the 70% after if it’s a day tour.

What happens if I give up my trip, after I’ve booked?

The amount paid on the act of booking (30% of the total price) will only be refunded if we cancel the tour for some reason; or if it’s a cruise ship that cancels the tour.

What happens if I give up my trip, after having paid in full?

We will refund 70% of the total price of the trip if you cancel until 30 days before the retreat or day tour.

What are the available payment methods?

You can pay by bank transfer, credit card (by Redunicre) or PayPal.

How far in advance should I book my trip?

To get the best prices for your flights and to secure your place in one of our retreats or tours, you should book your trip in advance. The ideal would be to book it 3 months before.

Can you book flights for me?

No. However, we will be happy to assist you in finding the best solution to reach Faial Island.

The Azores

What language is spoken in the Azores?

Portuguese is the official language, as the archipelago is part of the Portuguese Republic. However there is a wide range of Azorean accents.

How is the weather in the Azores?

The climate is mild temperate, the average winter temperatures are 13ºC / 56ºF and 24ºC / 75ºF in the summer. The average temperature of the seawater varies between 17ºC / 63ºF and 23°C / 74ºF, being warmer in summer. The air humidity average is 75%, so the thermal sensation is sometimes 30°C / 86°F during summer. The Azores are typically known for having four seasons in the same day; the weather changes very quickly, sometimes we have hot clean weather in the winter and rainy cloudy days in the summer.

What kind of food you eat in the Azores?

The Azorean cuisine is very tasty and full of tradition. You will find both fresh grilled fish or stewed fish, as well as grilled or stewed meat. Seafood is also part of the snacks here. The cheese and the regional bread are also very popular.

If I am vegetarian or vegan, what should I expect from Azorean food?

The Azorean cuisine is not vegetarian or vegan. As a result, most of the local restaurants are not prepared for this. However, whenever we receive someone who is vegetarian or vegan, we make sure the restaurants suggested by us present a vegetarian option at least.

My Retreat with Our island

Where is the meeting point?

At the Horta Airport on Faial Island, Azores. All our costumers will be greeted and picked up by an Our Island Guide.

Who will accompany me on the retreat?

Each retreat includes an Our Island Guide, who will lead all planned activities and will accompany you throughout your trip. During your free time you can also count on your Guide’s help if something comes up. He is always on call for anything that you might need.

How many people will share my retreat with?

Our retreats are designed for 4 people at least and 7 people at the most. Our retreats are private, that means the Guide will be only with you and your group. We don’t do groups.

Which language will I speak during my retreat?

The Our Island Guides speak fluent Portuguese and English. We also work with a German speaker.

Where will I sleep?

You will sleep in double rooms on local lodging accommodations or rental apartments / houses. Your comfort is very important for us and we guarantee that all basic amenities will be available. If you prefer single room on an hotel, we can manage that with a different price.

Are all meals included during the retreat?

No. The number of meals included will be featured in each trip.

What should I pack?

You should pack comfortable and practical clothing. You should take into account the time of year that you will be making your trip and the kind of retreat you chose. You should always bring good hiking/running shoes, bathing suit, and rain jacket or raincoat.

What kind of transport will I use when I get there?

Transports used during Our Island trips can be: taxis, cars/vans and boats (maritime passenger transportation services).

What is the degree of difficulty of the retreats?

It depends on the kind of retreat you chose:
Tailor-made for Families: easy / moderate; depends on the type of trip you want;
Hiking: hard;
Trail running: severe;
Mountain biking: severe;

Can scheduled activities be changed due to weather conditions?

Yes. Sometimes the hiking/running/cycling trails can be done with rain and fog, but if the weather conditions are adverse or uncomfortable, the itinerary can be changed or the activity in question can be replaced by another. The Guide will decide.

Day tours

What is the degree of difficulty of the tours?

It depends on the kind of trip that you choose. Each day tour page tells you the difficulty.

Can one tour be changed for another?

Yes, if the weather conditions are adverse or uncomfortable. In this case the activity in question can be replaced by another similar. The Guide will decide.