Frequently asked questions
Q: What is Bikini Bootcamp?
Bikini is about more than just a fitness vacation or weight loss holiday. A stay here is designed to help guests reconnect to themselves and to nature by stepping out of their normal routine and taking time away just for them. It is a combination of exercise, healthy eating, adventure, relaxing and pampering. Guests leave feeling lighter not only in body, but in mind and spirit as well.
We offer a variety of activities, all of which are optional. Our trainers and teachers are all qualified and specialized.
Q: What does Bikini Bootcamp Include?
Accommodations based on double occupancy
Meals which are delicious and healthy
Yoga & meditation
Exercise classes such as circuit training, body sculpting, beach cardio, kickboxing, Pilates mat, cardio dance, etc
Tour to Mayan ruins of Tulum for a guided tour
Tour to the Mangrove Sian K’aan reserve for kayaking on the lagoon
Drive to the fresh water swimming holes, known as cenotes, for a snorkeling adventure
Two massages
One full body Mayan clay treatment- done as a group
Entertainment such as tribal drumming, cooking, dancing lesson, and more.
We rotate in guest teachers and trainers, so while yoga, circuit training, body sculpt and beach cardio are always offered, some weeks we have teachers with us who share their special classes outside of the ones mentioned above.
Q: How much does the retreat cost?
Program rates vary by room types and the duration of your stay. Please check our Accommodation page for full list of Beach Bootcamp packages.
Q: How much Gratuity should we expect to pay?
There is a 3 % service charged as part of your payment but it is customary to leave some gratuity at the end of your stay for the kitchen and housekeeping people who will work very hard to make sure you are well cared for during your stay. A good rule of thumb would be $10 a day for the kitchen (imagine if your meals were $75 a day on average) and $3 a day for housekeeping.
As for the other members of the staff, so that would be about $80 for a 6 night stay for kitchen and housekeeping to split up. If anyone stands out who has made your stay extra special (guides, trainers, client services, and you can afford to say thank you with a gratuity they appreciate it and it is left up to you, for massage therapist it is customary to leave something, generally $10 or so.
Q: Do you have any programs that are shorter that 6 night?
Three, four and five night programs are offered within our six night programs, based on availability. Prices are as follows and include accommodations (based on double occupancy), meals, activities, classes, spa services, entertainment, but do not include the 19% tax and 3% service.
Q: Will I feel out of place if I come on my own?
Absolutely not! Most of our guests actually come on their own and wind up having an amazing time and meeting interesting people from all over the world. Meals are communal and there is a great blend of being with people, but also time to be on your own.
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
Cancun, we are located 1.5 hours south of the Cancun airport by car.
Q: How do I got to and from the airport?
We can arrange transportation from the Airport to Amansala with our trusted drivers we have worked with for over 15 years.
The cost of transportation is each way and is as follows:
Private transfer $185
2 people sharing 90 each
3 people sharing $70 each
4 people sharing $60 each
5 people sharing $50
6 plus $45
We normally ask people if they would be willing to wait up to 30 minutes to share the ride and base it on that. The driver coordinates with the people at the airport and brings them down to us and the service can be paid for upon arrival or signed to their rooms.
We provide you a link that you would send to your guests, where they enter their details, once we receive them all we create a document for you to see who is arriving when and who is grouped with others.
Q: Where is Amansala?
Tulum Quintana Roo, Mexico Located approximately 2 hrs south on the coast from Cancun.
Q: What time is arrival and departure?
We aim to be as flexible as possible. The first group activity begins at 4:00 pm on the first day, although guests will be arriving throughout the day according to the flight schedule from their area. Most guests depart mid-morning to catch mid-afternoon flights on the last day.
Official check in is 3:00 PM
Official checkout is Noon
We do our best to have your room ready for you when you arrive and you are always welcome to relax on the beach or in the restaurant area for as long as you need to.
Q: What is the food menu like?
Our motto is moderation, not deprivation. We serve lots of fresh fruits and veggies, fresh local fish, and chicken. Our meal plan is based on the philosophy of “from the earth to your plate” so we avoid preservatives and processed foods. Bikini Boot Camp meals are low calorie (but not too low), high fiber, full of valuable nutrients, and have lots of flavors.
The kitchen is open all day and can prepare a healthy snack whenever necessary. We can also accommodate vegetarian requests.
You can find a sampling of some of our meals on our food page
We do serve coffee and tea in the mornings. Alcohol is also available. For more information, see below.
Q: Are additional spa treatments available?
Yes. You can pre-book additional massages and/or facials by contacting us!
Additional massages, facials, or reflexology are $95.00/hour. You can upgrade one of your included massages to a Mayan Healing session for $45.00
12 hours’ notice is required on all spa service cancellations, including, but not limited to massages and facials.
**Please note: ANY spa service canceled or postponed with less than 12 hours notice will be subject to the following conditions:
Included massages: forfeited, may be rescheduled with a $30 per service rescheduling fee.
Pre-booked services: subject to a $30 per service cancellation fee
Pre-booked and Pre-paid massages: subject to a $30 per service cancellation feePre-paid balance, minus the $30 per service cancellation fee, can be used towards the following incidentals ONLY- alcohol, gift store items, additional spa services and phone calls.
There are NO reimbursements on pre-booked and pre-paid massages.
Our spa therapists turn down other work and travel far to get to us, so we appreciate your understanding of the situation. The $30 per service cancellation fee is what we have to pay them to cover their loss of business and time.
Q: Is it mandatory to participate in ALL Bikini Bootcamp activities?
This is your vacation, and while we encourage everyone to participate in everything, if you decide to opt out of any activity, it is totally up to you.
Q: Is Bikini Bootcamp good for a solo traveller?
Yes, yes, YES! Bikini Bootcamp is a great option for a solo vacation. Meals are served communally and you can be as social or private as you like. Most of our guests make friends and keep in touch with each other, and are completely comfortable being on their own.
Q: What if I am not in the best fitness shape?
Bikini Bootcamp is designed to accommodate ALL fitness levels and can be modified according to your needs. There is no competition, and everyone feels comfortable in the classes, regardless of their fitness levels.
Q: Do you provide filtered water?
Our fruits and vegetables are cleaned and soaked in an iodine solution. All of our water, ice and beverages are prepared using filtered water and are completely safe. There is water provided in your room.
Q: Do you serve alcohol and caffeine?
Yes, we serve both alcohol and caffeine. Our motto in moderation, not deprivation, and this is your holiday. If you have specific goals, such as giving up caffeine, we can work on this during your stay. If you are looking for a margarita, we make a mean one!
Alcohol is not included in your stay. For pricing, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Q: Do you provide internet access?
If you bring your own laptop with wireless card, we do have wireless available.
Q: Are there any cell service at the beach?
Usually, although it depends upon your carrier, it is best to check directly with your provider before arrival. The connection is not always the best from the beach, but you should be able to find it somewhere on the property.
Q: Will I need to spend cash while at Bikini Bootcamp?
We ask that you pay in cash (US dollars or pesos) for all incidentals (extra spa services, gratuity, etc) and transportation costs. There are ATM’s in town should you need additional cash once you arrive. We also accept traveler’s cheques, although cash is much more readily accepted in the area.
Q: Are there any shopping areas around the resort?
Tulum pueblo has a few charming shops but is not known for its shopping or nightlife. Playa del Carmen is a 45 minute drive north of Amansala, and makes for a nice day trip if you are interested in shopping.
Q: Do you recommend I rent a car?
No. We take you to most of the exciting sites in the area as part of the Beach Boot Camp program. We can arrange additional day trips for you to Playa del Carmen, etc. if you are interested, for an additional charge. Taxis are readily available as well. Most of our guests choose to stay at Amansala, as it is so relaxing. If you do decide to rent a car, direction to Amansala can be found on the Getting There page.
Q: Will I need a passport?
Yes. If you do not have a valid passport, please speak with your airline carrier in advance or contact the Embassy for additional info.
Q: Are there any pets at the resort?
Yes, we have four lovable white labs. They love all the guests and make everyone feel at home here!
Q: What is Tulum’s weather usually like?
While we cannot predict the weather, it is usually sunny and comfortable here on the beach at Amansala.
July, August, and September are the hottest, and December, January, and February are the breeziest, especially in the evenings.
Tropical showers are expected in August-November, but they usually pass quickly, leaving clear blue skies, lots of warmth and sunshine.
Check out weather.com for temperatures and precipitation throughout the year.
Q: Can I stay at Amansala, but not join Bikini Bootcamp?
Room-only rates are subject to availability only. Typically, you will have better luck finding a room outside of our programs between the months of May-early December.
Please visit rooms and rates at amansalaresort.com
Q: What is the average age group of your guests?
Our guests range in age as well as fitness levels. On average, our guests are between 33-48, but we get many 20-somethings and have guests up to 78 years old. As long as you are young, we would love to have you join us!
Q: What Should I pack for Bikini Bootcamp?
Please read our suggested packing list!