Before the retreat

• What are the minimum and maximum age to sign up as a participant Minimum age is 18 years old, and maximum age, as old as you think you can still cycling your way to the top. Our staff is always available to support as appropriate all the time.

• Do you guarantee the execution of retreat after booking? Cancellations can happen, and this is why your booking form is required first. When the retreat is confirmed we can immediately notify you and prepare the invoice and down payment requirement as deposit to be deducted from the remaining balance.

• Do I need travel insurance? Yes, a personal travel insurance is highly recommended as it brings peace of mind with any medical expenses, hospital services or assistance being fully covered.

• Can you arrange twin room with another traveller to avoid the single room extra cost? Yes, we can pair you with a same sex single traveler in a spacious room with separate beds and private bathroom.

• What is the accommodations standard? Accommodations vary every day and we always select the best option available that fits the cycling itinerary requirements. Detailed information are available on each trip itinerary, including 3-4 stars hotels minimum most of the time.

• Do I need to bring my own GPS? Yes, it is highly recommended too so you have access to your riding data such as distance, elevation, heart rate, cadence, power, etc. Before the retreat starts, you will receive links to our routes so you can download on your GPS device.

During the retreat

• How do you arrange different cyclist levels during your retreat? We usually divide the cyclists into 2 or 3 groups depending on there group size so each group will start and finish the daily stage independently with their own captain. A supporting and fully equipped van driver will be continuously updated for assistance as required, particularly in the most challenging stages.

• What is the support provided during the cycling stages? A support van fully equipped with refreshments and mechanical tools. In addition, a group leader or captain is assigned for each group.

• What type of mechanic support can I expect? A bike mechanic is available. If you rent one of our bikes we make sure that it is on good condition from the start to the end of the retreat however some maintenance can always be arranged. If your bring your own bike, our staff will help you for unpacking and packing as well as for unexpected maintenance or repair.

• Can you arrange special dietary requirements? Yes, as mentioned already, all dietary needs catered for.

Retreat Preparation

• How fit do I need to be? Typically, we ride between 70-90km each day, sometimes longer with an elevation gain up to 1,000 meters. We don not provide a training boot camp but an enjoyable and energetic yet relaxed time. Needless to say that cycling remains a physically demanding activity and can be challenging. For private groups bookings, we are delighted to design a bespoke cycling itinerary at the level you expect, ensuring you get the best out of your time with us.

• Do you have a recommended packing list? We do have a packing list that will be sent to you few months ahead of your retreat.

• What documents do I need to bring alongside? Your passport is the essential document to bring along as well as you driving license eventually show you like to extend your holiday and rent a car for instance.

• How much should I tip my cycling retreat guides? Tipping our staff, both local guides and drivers, is truly appreciated and at your discretion if you think the service is up to you expectations.

General Questions

• How many participants on your retreats? We don't set any specific numbers however we find that a group of 10 up to 20 participants is quite an ideal size for group dynamics, bonding and support.

• What will the group be like? As with any group everyone is different however we design bespoke retreats to meet everyone's expectations and cycling abilities. This is why specific retreats are designed for roadies, gravel riders, wellness seekers, bike-packers or adventure seekers. As we encourage diversity, an average group should partly consist of couples, and partly of solo travelers, typically with a fair balance of females and males, a mix of ages, in a range of people in their 30s to their 60s and above.

• Can I bring a friend or partner who doesn’t want to participate in the cycling? Non-cycling participants are always welcome. As informed, all activities are completely voluntary and we design our retreats based on their close locations to places of cultural or natural interest, with easy access to cafes, shops and local communities. There is always many options to see and enjoy in the surrounding areas to keep non-cyclists satisfied. Moreover a discount is available for those participants.

• Can I bring my kids? As for non-cyclist participants, this will depend on the retreat you pick up. We recommend you to consult with us, so that we can plan the best possible option.

• Do you offer discount for the non-cyclists? We do offer a discount of 20% for non-cyclist participants. Our specific tours in Bali are quite the ideal ones to bring your non-cycling partner. However some retreats designed for bikepacking or challenge seekers, and being located in other islands of the Indonesian archipelago, are definitely not recommended for non-cycling partners.

• Do you plan activities for the non-cyclists? Yes in our general retreats in Bali and we can suggest on activities to do in the area however most of the time, the non-cyclist participants might need to travel by car to our next destination and we can provide local transportation.

• What if I am a single traveller? Many of our guests come alone and we strive to match you with a same sex single traveler should you like to share spacious rooms with single beds and private bathroom. Single room are also available for an additional fee.

• What a typical day on retreat look like?We want you to enjoy the nature, people, culture and activities as much as possible to make your TOPAZ Adventure a memorable experience. Each day is unique, starting with a miracle morning, and planned to be filled with quality time and emotions. When it comes to post riding times, there are running or swimming sessions, massages and restorative yoga to restore and relax your tired body, pools to freshen up in, a diverse home cook food and beer or wine to enjoy and a comfortable, welcoming accommodation to rest and rejuvenate at the end of the day.

• Do I have to participate in all of the cycling and take every wellness activities? The retreat is an investment in yourself so get fit, when you feel good, you do good so put in the effort and fill up your energy. Therefore you're encouraged to take the time you need, either practicing all cycling during the week, attending every wellness sessions or resting one day instead. All activities being completely voluntary.

• What if I’m not a regular cyclist, is this retreat still for me? While it is a retreat, cycling is a physically demanding activity with a range of moderate to challenging stages. it is designed to challenge you and move you out of your comfort zone. If you are not a regular cyclist, we encourage you to prepare yourself with a consistent training programme at a minimum three months out from the start of your retreat to ensure you are comfortable and competent riding a bike on back to back days with aim to make the most of your time with us and other participants. With an effective logistics support, we can always provide you with an assistance throughout your retreat.

• What are the meals like on retreat? You will enjoy local food as it is a highlight of any Topaz Adventures's retreats. As you will burn more calories on retreat than you usually do, this means that you can indulge and reward yourself along the way. A selection of fresh tropical fruits and amazing fresh produce of the local areas to enjoy with grains or cereals, also some seeds, nuts, dried fruits, locally made fresh breads or pancakes with eggs, avocado and protein options for vegetarians, vegans or not. You will be amazed by the favours and diversity of the Indonesian food culture. Dinners are three courses and include locally inspired dishes with locally sourced and seasonal products. All dietary needs catered for.As part of your retreat, you will also enjoy communal eating with ultimate bonding experiences at dinner time, rejuvenating from the days ride with home cooked cuisine and local wines.

• What is included in the price? We include everything from day one until the end of the retreat, that will include all accommodations, meals, activities and logistics. You only pay for the optional sightseeings, activities, meals and drinks not included in the itineraries.

• Are there any extra charges? You just pay the advertised price only. You might need to pay for air tickets, visas, travel insurance, meals, drinks, activities and tips/ gratuities not listed in the itineraries and expenses of personal nature.

• How do I book a retreat? We recommend you to fill up and send your enquiry or booking form available on the website, or alternatively you can email us and we will email you back through all relevant information. We will check your requirements and availability upon receipt then we send you an invoice with instructions for 30% down payment. The payment of remaining balance should be settled at least 75 days before the start of retreat.

• How far in advance do I need to sign up for a retreat? Any time is fine however we suggest to book as soon as you are sure that the proposed retreat and dates are convenient to you in order to prevent disappointment. Depending availability, we can sometimes accept late bookings but it might be challenging to guarantee all your requirements or expectations.

• Is it possible to arrange booking for a private custom retreat? It is getting very common for groups of friends, a company or a sport club to benefit from a tailor-made retreat. Please feel free to contact us and let us know your needs. We make sure to revert back with a preliminary itinerary and estimated investment cost then taking from there.

• What is your cancellation policy?Detailed information about our cancellation policy are provided on our retreats information.