Q. WHAT IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE?

ESCAPE TO SHAPE offers vacations combining comfort, culture & fitness at unique locations around the world. A traveling spa, our trend-setting locations change throughout the year and provide guests the opportunity to discover the history, people, food and natural wonders of various cultures while toning the body and meeting new friends along the way. A combination of places of cultural interest, along with luxurious accommodations, delicious food, Vinyasa flow yoga classes (unless otherwise specified), hikes and other physical activities and cooking lessons, ESCAPE TO SHAPE is ideal for solo travelers as well as for couples. ESCAPE TO SHAPE takes the planning and stress out of your holiday, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy

ESCAPE TO SHAPE takes the planning and stress out of your holiday, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy

Q. WHAT ARE GIVE BACK GETAWAYS?

Give Back Getaways are vacations with a conscience. ESCAPE TO SHAPE is excited to offer these vacations, recognizing that each of us has our own limited resources, whether it be time, money or attention, but that we are still more fortunate than most people in the world. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to others to do what we can with what we have, and Give Back Getaways give our guests the opportunity to 'do just that. To take time out for themselves, which is a much needed and deserved rejuvenation and that while still luxurious, pampering, cultural, physically active and fun, they can give back to the local community in the area by offering their helping hands for a few days during their holiday.

Each Getaway will offer all the luxury, culture & fitness of our traditional Escapes, along with cultural activities centered on giving back and making a mark on the local community. In addition to providing hands on help to local schools, farms, children and women, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the local people in the area. There is no need to 'rough it' in order to help others- after a morning yoga session and an afternoon helping local women plant a garden or build a school, you can enjoy a cooking class, delicious food & wine in a beautiful setting, relaxing massage and the comfort of a plush bed. Give Back Getaways offer a balanced, rewarding holiday.

Give Back Getaways will be held in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala; Marrakech, Morocco, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia and Zihuatanejo, Mexico in 2009.

If you work with a charity organization that you would like us to consider supporting, please email us. Additionally, Give Back Getaways provide a wonderful bonding experience for groups, should you like us to organize one for your members, with proceeds benefiting the local community in your organization's name.

Please email us for specific dates and additional information.

Q. WHAT DOES ESCAPE TO SHAPE- ZIHUATANEJO INCLUDE?

Priced at $3000 US, ESCAPE TO SHAPE-ZIHUATANEJO
includes:

• Six nights accommodations based on double occupancy (we can pair you with a roommate) at THE TIDES- ZIHUATANEJO. Each luxurious suite is spacious with an in-suite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan & deluxe amenities.
• Vinyasa yoga (unless otherwise stated) taught by inspiring & FUN teachers- lead in a beachside palapa.
• Beach power walks & Pialtes based body sculpting classes
• Cooking class & local market excursion alongside the chef. Learn the secrets to traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as healthy adaptations you can prepare back at home.
• Surf lessons - all levels welcome. We have instructors for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Sea kayaking & hiking offered for those not interested in surfing.
• Salsa dancing lessons
• Boat trip to include snorkeling & picnic lunch (unless otherwise stated for your session)
• Beach bonfire
• Movie nights on the beach- lounge under the stars in our beach front outdoor screening room
• Each person also receives one massage.
• Delicious, healthy meals reflective of the region are served each day. The tasty low-fat meal plan consists of chemical free food, fresh catch fish, lean meats, creative salads, healthy whole grains and lots of exotic fruits and juices. We even include some yummy desserts, made the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way!
• Round trip ground transportation from the Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa airport to THE TIDES.
• Tax

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price for a six night stay is $3000 US (approximately 1900 Euro). This rate includes everything listed above and is based on 2 people sharing a room (we can pair you with a roommate).

There is an extra charge of $1300.00 US for a private room.

If you would like to extrend your stay, 1 or 2 additional nights added on to the 6 night stay are a special rate of an additional $300.00 US per person/per night (based on double occupancy, includes accommodations, classes, meals and tax). Extra nights are based on availability.

The above rate does not include airfare to Zihuatanejo or alcohol. Gratuity is at your discretion.

Q. CAN I COME FOR LESS THAN 6 NIGHTS?

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, one massage, excursions, round trip ground transportation to/from the airport/villa .

• 3 nights- $1500.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 4 nights- $2000.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 5 nights- $2500.00 US per person, double occupancy

Q. WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?

You fly into the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport (airport code ZIH). We are located 20 minutes, by car, away from the airport.

Q. HOW CAN I GET TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT?

Round trip ground transportation from the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport to THE TIDES is included in your stay. Look for the ESCAPE TO SHAPE sign as you exit the airport. We will send you a reminder a week prior to your departure.

Q. WHAT CURRANCY IS ACCEPTED IN THE AREA?

Mexican Pesos are accepted as payment upon checkout, as are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You can exchange money at the airport, and there are ATM's readily available throughout the town as well.

Q. WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN & CHECK OUT?

We aim to be as flexible as possible. The first group activity begins in the early evening on the first day (for those that arrive earlier in the day, there will be activities available), and the program ends after breakfast and the morning workout on the last day. We realize that flight times vary so we work with your schedule as much as possible.

Q. WHAT WILL YOU EAT IN ZIHUATANEJO?

Wondering what your healthy, nutritious Pacific-Mexican diet will consist of? We use organic, natural, unprocessed, chemical free food in order to ensure that you fuel your body with the very best. We provide meals that are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, while low in fat and calories. The meal plan consists of whole grains, fresh fish and shellfish, organic chicken, lots of exotic fruits, vegetables, nuts and traditional Mexican dishes and desserts, all prepared the ESCAPE TO SHAPE

We serve lots of fresh fruit smoothies and juices, and yes, coffee is available! THE TIDES also offers an interesting wine selection and delicious margaritas, mojitos and pina coladas (optional). See below for a few sample days of eating & drinking.

SAMPLE 1

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, eggs, fresh juice, tea & coffee.
LUNCH - Fish ceviche served with carrot & celery sticks, stuffed poblano chili
SNACK - Fresh fruit smoothies
COCKTAILS - Wines & cocktails, guacamole- served on the beach
DINNER - Tortilla soup, chicken & vegetable enchiladas
DESERT - Banana bread with chocolate drizzle

SAMPLE 2

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, eggs, fresh juice, tea & coffee
LUNCH - .Gazpacho soup, tacos al pastor
SNACK - Fresh mango slices
COCKTAILS - Wines & cocktails, tuna tartare -served on the beach
DINNER - Goat cheese & watermelon salad, grilled red snapper with grilled vegetables.
DESERT - Flan

SAMPLE 3

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, eggs, fresh juice, tea & coffee
LUNCH - Mixed salad, tamale
SNACK - Fresh watermelon slices
COCKTAILS- Wines and cocktails, salsa with vegetable crudites- served on the beach
DINNER - Lime soup, grilled shrimp & octopus with asparagus
DESSERT - Bite sized cacao brownies

Q. ARE ADDITIONAL SPA TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?

Yes. One massage is included in your stay with us. You can pre-book additional massages on the REGISTRATION form. Additional massages are $85.00 per hour (approximatley 55 Euro).

THE TIDES has a delux full service spa offering manicures, pedicures, facials, wraps and scrubs using all natural incredients. Ask for a spa menu prior to arrival to pre-book.

Q. IS IT MANDATORY TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ESCAPE TO SHAPE 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 completely up to you. There is no pressure or competition to participate, just healthy and fun options every day.

Q. IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE GOOD FOR THE SOLO TRAVELER?

YES! ESCAPE TO SHAPE was created with the solo traveler in mind. Meals are served communal and you can be as social or as 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. This is also a very safe place to travel as a solo woman. That being said, couples will also love this trip, and we have three suites that are especially ideal for couples!

Q. WHAT IF I AM NOT IN THE BEST FITNESS SHAPE?

Not a problem at all, as our program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Each class is challenging and offers you an opportunity to return home lighter and leaner.

Q. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN MY STAY?

Airfare is not included, nor are extra spa services, or additional excursions or alcohol.

Q. DO WE HAVE INTERNET ACCESS?

If you bring your own laptop with wireless card there is wireless service throughout the property. There is also a business center located on the property, in case of emergencies.

Q. DO CELL PHONES WORK IN ZIHUATANEJO?

Yes, most US and European carriers do work in Zihuatanejo. Please check with your specific carrier prior to arrival to make sure you are set up for international roaming.

Q: HOW CAN I SETTLE MY BILL WHEN I DEPART?

Cash (Mexican Pesos), and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted.

Q. DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

Definitly not. We take you to all the 'must see' locations. Taxi's are readily available should you need them.

Q. DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

Yes, you will need a valid passport- unless you are a Mexican citizen.

Q. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE?

Zihuatanejo is very easy to get to, as it is accessible by most major airlines, including American, Alaska, Continental, Northwest, United and US Air. Mexicana and Aeromexico also offer numerous daily flights.

Q. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

While we cannot predict the weather, it is usually sunny and warm (80 + F). While we cannot predict the occassional rainfall, the temperature is between 75-88 degrees (F) almost year-round in Zihuataenjo, and almost always sunny. The evenings are typically just as warm.

See www.wunderground.com for current forecasts.

Q. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR GUESTS?

Our guests range in age as well as fitness levels. On average, our guests are between 35-50, but we do attract younger and older guests as well. As long as you are open to traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, exercising and sleeping/dining in luxury, ESCAPE TO SHAPE is for you!

Q. WHAT TO BRING?

You can be as casual or as formal as you like. Remember, every day will include exercise classes, beach time and dinners in unique locations throughout THE TIDES property.

A few things NOT to forget:

• Valid passport
• Comfortable walking shoes- although you will spend A LOT of time barefoot!
• Workout clothes
• Comforatable clothes for a warm, tropical climate
• A few sweaters in case the air conditioning or fans are too strong for your body temperature
• A hat to protect you from the sun while walking
• Personal toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit/cover up
• Camera
• Convertors for outlets - only if coming from Europe. Mexico operates on the same system as the US.