Frequently Asked Questions
We run a program like no other you´ve been on before. While we may not have some of the usual perks you´re used to, we do offer others that in our opinion are what make this trip unforgettable. We want to make sure you know exactly what you´re getting yourself into, so please read this extensive FAQ section and let us know if you have any questions we may have missed here.
Bookings, Hotel & General Info
Q/ Will we need local currency, and how can we get some?
A/ You can arrange for a money exchange with us at time of booking, please no later than April 1st. We will exchange at the official rate. You will have your pesos delivered to you personally at check-in. This is an all-inclusive program and you should not need to spend cash anyways aside from some shopping on a trip to town, or on the beach. *We have restricted access to beach vendors to make the experience as pleasant as possible anyways.
Q/ What about tips at the hotel and on trips?
A/ Tips at the hotel have been covered with your all-inclusive pricing. If you wish to tip someone on a daytrip or at the airport you make do so at your own discretion.
Q/ How many people are you expecting?
A/ We expect around 300 people, including babies and children.
Q/ Can we book partial stays?
A/ Unfortunately we can only accommodate families traveling for the whole Chag.
Q/ Do you offer guaranteed connecting rooms?
A/ Yes, as long as you make that request at the time of booking. We can accomodate most reasonable requests as long as they are placed before April 1st in writing via our email only, not WhatsApp.
Q/ Do you offer discounts?
A/ We are the most affordable program in the area. We do not offer discounts. We also think you´ll like to know with certainty that everyone at the Seder paid the same price.
Food & Beverages
Q/ Will you have the usual snacks and products that my children are used to having in the US?
A/ We have a generous variety of meal and snack options. We strongly recommend that if you know your children will be upset about the only flavor of chips we do not have, please bring them with you. There is no local kosher grocery. We will have plenty of snacks and treats but we don´t want kids or parents panicking over the only missing treat at the program.
Q/ Can we bring snacks and food from home into the hotel?
A/ In hopes of maintaining the strict kashrus of our program we ask that you do not bring food from home that could compromise our hashgacha. If it´s a reliable hashgacha that is Kosher for Passover it is ok.
Q/ Can we bring food into our rooms for later, and how does room service work?
A/ There is a room service menu available 24/7* and we therefore ask that you do not bring food up to the rooms. *Room service orders will have a flat fee of $20 charged to the credit card on file, regardless of your order.
Q/ Can I bring small and convenient cookware to prepare food in my room for my picky family members?
A/ Please do not.
Q/ Do you offer a variety of sodas, packaged juices and snacks?
A/ We will offer flat water, sparkling water and diet coke. We will not offer bottled apple juice. We will have a smoothie and pressed juice bar. Kedem grape juice will be available as needed for Kiddush. We offer a limited variety of American-style packaged snacks. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the fresh and local options as opposed to packaged goods available year round in your homes.
Q/ Can you accommodate special diets such as gluten-free, dairy free or nut free?
A/ We offer gluten-free matzah but cannot meet these requirements any further.
Q/ What if we only eat shmura matzah?
A/ Handmade shmura matzah will be available for the Seders. Machine-made shmura matzah will be available throughout the program.
Q/ Is there a tea room?
A/ We do not have a conventional tea room. We will have all day snack options throughout the various hotel restaurants and bars. Kids will have an earlier dinner option with kid-friendly options.
Q/ What food options do you offer if me or my children get hungry in between meals?
A/ See above and please let us know if there´s anything we should consider that may be absolutely necessary.
Q/ Will you have BBQ meals?
A/ Yes, plenty.
Q/ What about desserts...?
A/ We will have desserts at every meal. Shabbat and Iom Tov dinners will be followed by a dessert lounge open until midnight.
Day Trips
Q/ Are there any included daytrips in the program?
A/ Yes, we will offer one boat and beach party for the whole program to enjoy. Those who wish to stay behind will still have the hotel and restaurants available.
Q/ Can we book the daytrips at the hotel?
A/ For logistics reason we kindly ask that you book all daytrips before arriving at the program.
Q/ Will you offer to-go snacks for those going on the optional daytrips?
A/ Yes, grab-and-go stations will be set up in the lobby for those wishing to take something on their trips.
Flights & Logistics
Q/ How do we get there?
A/ You can fly into Santa Marta (SMR) via Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin or Barranquilla, we can provide private transfer for those arriving at these airports. We are located 10 minutes away from the SMR airport. You can take a cab or arrange for private transfer with us as well.
Q/ Can we take cabs from the airport to the hotel and viceversa?
A/ Absolutely, they are safe and should cost no more than $10 per ride for a standard cab. Vans will be a little more.
Yidishkeit
Q/ How many minyanim will you have?
A/ Because we are a boutique sized program, we are planning for one minyan.
Entertainment
Q/ Will you have activities for adults throughout the day?
A/ Yes, we have a jam packed schedule of activities for everyone. Morning jogging club, guided walks and hikes, as well as aerobics, soundbaths, and more!!
Q/ Will you have a Mimouna?
A/ Absolutely!
Q/ Will you offer entertainment?
A/ Yes, something for everyone. Children will enjoy movie nights, glow parties & much more. We will have live music during hol hamoed dinners, and DJ´s on the beach as well. Our evenings re what you would call ¨dinner and a show¨ but we do not offer after-dinner concerts, magic shows, etc.