Studio 101   To respect the Yoga atmosphere for all students & clients of the attached Clinic, Spa & Guest House, please speak softly in the reception and studio. Please maintain silence while entering the building and while in the stairwell. Cell phones, food and alcohol are not permitted in the Studio. Because space is limited we request that only students attending a class enter the building. Children under 12 and pets are not allowed.

Yoga Attire   Students are asked to ideally be dressed in their Yoga clothes upon arrival. If circumstances require you to change here, please do so in the washroom (be sure to arrive early and change quickly). Please wear clean, preferably cotton clothes that fit loosely. Traditionally it is recommended to avoid jeans, tights, spandex or any tight fitting undergarments (this helps circulation and lets your skin breathe). We do recommend that jewellery and perfume not be worn to the studio.

Yama & Niyama   In the yogic tradition it is expected for students to abide by the following:

~Eat at least 1-2 hours before coming to a yoga class. Yoga should not be done on a full stomach. Do not drink during class.

~Clean yourself at least the morning before yoga class or after any sweaty work. This will make deep breaths easier for all. 

~Focus your attention inward during classes. This studio atmosphere is meant to be without judgement. Don’t worry about what others are doing or what they might think, you are here for yourself. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed if you feel awkward or if you can’t do something others can. We are all individuals and we accept ourselves as we are. 

~Ask questions. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you need a more thorough explanation, ask. Remember, you will only receive the benefits of an exercise if you are doing it correctly. If what you’re doing doesn’t seem right, don’t be shy, ask. You don’t want to risk hurting yourself.

Belongings & Storage Please leave shoes at the entrance, on the shoe rack. Coats can be hung on the hangers at the entrance or in the studio wardrobe. All other belongings can be kept in the studio wardrobe. Please avoid clutter by keeping things off the studio floor. Please bring your own yoga mat, cushion and blanket.

Class Times   Please arrive with enough time to prepare yourself and sit silently on your mat. Doors open 15mins before class starts. Classes will start and end on time. Sorry no latecomers will be permitted to join a class already in session. Doors are locked 5mins before class starts. Please pack up and make your way out at the end of class in order to allow the teacher to close up in a timely manner.

Class Availability   For the time being all of our group Yoga classes are pre-registered 4-6 week series (except for private Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy classes). Please call or purchase class series passes here. Each series will be confirmed to run when at least 5 students have registered and paid in advance. Any series which do not meet the minimum student registration 2 weeks from the start date will be postponed to a later date. In such a case, registered students will be credited or refunded.

Drops-ins   For students who have not pre-registered but wish to join a class or portion of a series in session, please call in advance to ensure space is available. Payments for drop-in classes must by made in advance by phone or here or in cash at the studio (please arrive early). Most Yoga classes can fit a maximum of 7 students. Meditation classes and other workshops & events where students need not spread out as much can fit 9-25 students.

Health Assessment   Students will be asked to complete a Student Health Form & Waiver prior the first class. Please arrive early on your first class to allow time for this. Some of our classes are not recommended for students with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and some respiratory conditions. If you are pregnant, please let us know in advance so that we may advise whether or not a class is suitable. Though unlikely, in certain cases, students may be turned away for any reason the teacher deems reasonable (and refunded).

Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Booking Policies 

(most of the above & all of the below apply to private classes, by appointment)

Private Classes When booking private Yoga Ayurvedic Yoga therapy sessions, we recommend you schedule your appointment a minimum of 3-7 days in advance. To arrange a booking we will need to confirm your appointment by valid credit card or gift certificate number. While we make every effort to accommodate your preferred times, unforeseen circumstances may require us to make changes to your itinerary. All Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy appointments must be booked in advance; no walk-ins. Our Therapists are on call and will be called in especially for you. Please inquire for last minute openings.

Appointment Times   Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to enjoy a few moments of rest, fill out a health form and in order to ensure your therapy starts on time. Please keep in mind that should you arrive late we will still need to complete the service at the originally scheduled time. Clients who arrive more than 20 minutes late will be charged 50% of the cost of the consequently cancelled service.

Cancellations   In the event where circumstances arise which require you to change or cancel your appointment time please notify us at least 24 hours before the scheduled time for individual classes to avoid a 50% cancellation fee. Packages must be rescheduled or cancelled no less than 48 hours prior to avoid a 50% cancellation fee. If you have already booked an appointment time but wish to change the service, we require 24 hours notice in order to schedule the appropriate Therapist.

Therapists   All Samya Ayurveda Yoga Therapy sessions are performed by a Registered Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner who is also a Certified Yoga Teacher with at least 10 years of teaching experience in order to offer the highest quality of service and practical experience. Sorry, Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner services are not yet covered by insurance plans. Registered Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioners are required to have a minimum of 3,000 hours of Ayurvedic training including clinical internship. Our Registered Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioners have over 4,000 hours of Ayurvedic training and internship and many more of Spa training, certificates and diplomas as well as a minimum of 10 years of practical experience. This training and experience includes various styles and forms of massage, herbal medicine, detoxification, rejuvenation, yoga, meditation, nutrition, disease assessment and management, pharmacology, counseling and more.

Gratuities   Gratuities are not included in the service prices. Gratuities of 10%-20% are commonly given in recognition of service excellence and may be offered after the service.