COVID-19 GUIDELINES & FAQS
Your safety is our top priority. We are adhering to New York State and CDC guidelines while providing the same level of service and home-away-from-home comfort you’ve known in the past.
Please take a moment to review our guidelines. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have concerns not addressed below, please email us at Covidsafety@menla.org or ask at the Front Desk. Our standard FAQs can be found here.
Menla is a COVID-19 free community. We ask that all of our guests complete a Wellness Screening Questionnaire and get tested before they arrive, so we can continue to offer services in a healthy and safe environment for everybody. If these items are not provided to Menla prior to your arrival, we will be unable to check you in upon arrival, and you will not be permitted to participate in your program or Create-Your-Own Getaway until you provide the information and get a negative test. Thank you for helping our community and your fellow guests stay safe by adhering to our policies.
WELLNESS SCREENING
Please answer the following questions 48 hours prior to arrival by emailing frontdesk@menla.org:
- In the last 14 days, have you experienced symptoms similar to COVID-19?
This includes fever, cough, stomach upset, loss of taste/smell, or muscle pain. - Have you or someone you’ve been in close contact with tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
- Has a close friend or family member exhibited any symptoms of COVID-19 (listed in question one) in the last 14 days?
- Have you been vaccinated for COVID-19?
If you feel unwell or can answer ‘YES’ to any of questions 1-3, please contact us and cancel your reservation as soon as possible.
COVID-19 TESTING
All guests are required to show proof of vaccination OR a Covid-19 test that produced negative results within 72 hours of arrival. All test types are accepted at this time, including and not limited to PCR, proctored Rapid Antigen tests, and take-home tests.
Kindly submit all test results or proof of vaccination to covidsafety@menla.org.
MASKING
Due to a recent uptick in COVID subvariant cases nationwide, we are currently recommending, but not requiring that all guests wear masks while in common spaces indoors (Lhasa Inn ground floor, Dewa Spa, and the Barn; common areas and bathrooms in the Conference Center). We strongly recommend that group retreat participants remain masked in their dedicated meeting space (Conf Center Main Hall, Devi Room, Yoga Studio) whenever possible.
Even though we are taking these precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19, traveling (even in pre-COVID times) always involves some risk. For this reason, all guests are required to digitally sign a simple assumption of risk acknowledgement during the registration process.
When you arrive, please keep your bags in your car until you have completed the check-in process.
While social distancing is no longer required, we still recommend you observe social distancing whenever possible.
Far from crowds and congested streets, Menla’s unique surroundings inherently provide a safe escape. There’s plenty of space to distance physically while feeling the healing touch of nature, finding peace, and gaining strength from our community spirit.
Through the implementation of our new sanitization protocols and limiting person-to-person contact whenever possible, we’re confident our mountain oasis will remain COVID-free.
CLEANING PROCEDURES
We’re stepping up our daily maintenance routines by cleaning high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces multiple times throughout the day. This includes door handles, banisters, light switches, elevator buttons, and any surface in common areas, like the front desk and reception.
We use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners proven to kill COVID-19 along with other germs and viruses. Primarily BRIOTECH, a HOCI (Hypochlorous Acid) based sterilizer. It’s an electrolyzed, antimicrobial biocide that works by inactivating pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and spores. All-natural, it’s free of common additives like alcohol, sulfates, and parabens,
Each guest room is complete with a private bath and will be deep cleaned and sealed at least 24-hours before the next guest arrives. Transient items like pens and notepads previously found in the room have been removed. Keys will also be sanitized before being handed out again.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Whether it is a getaway or group retreat, we offer a flexible cancellation and rebooking policy. You can easily change dates and have your deposit applied to a future stay or refunded depending on the situation.
If you cancel 24 hours before your reservation, scheduled program, workshop, or retreat you will receive a refund minus a 10% service fee. You will not receive a refund if you arrive late or cannot give us 24 hours notice.
Any program may be cancelled by Menla due to low registration. If this happens, you will receive a full refund.
GROUP RETREATS
- Up to 24 hours prior to the program start, you will receive a full refund, minus a 10% processing fee (The 10% cancellation fee represents the fees we pay to our credit card processing company and the administrative fees and will be deducted from the paid amount). You will be refunded 90% of the original cost of your purchase.
- Within 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat, you will not receive a refund but instead will receive full credit, minus a 10% processing fee, which can be applied to any other Tibet House sponsored program or group retreat where we take accommodations or full registrations. This credit is good for one year.
- If the participant does not show up for any reason or chooses to leave early, no refund or credit will be given.
Need to adjust previously made arrangements? Call us at (845) 688-6897 ext 101 or 0 from 9AM to 5PM any day of the week. Alternatively, you can email frontdesk@menla.org.
We endeavor to keep as many services and amenities available as possible. This might change depending on current government guidelines and circumstances.
DEWA SPA
See what experiences are currently available on our spa menu. From massages to hands-free sessions, we will continue to update our selections, so check back often.
POOL
Our outdoor pool will be open and available for use. Everyone should be respectful of other guests and practice physical distancing both in and out of the water. Chairs are set at least 6 feet apart and guests will be responsible for cleaning their chair before and after use. High-touch surfaces like ladders and handrails will be disinfected regularly by staff.
THE FITNESS ROOM, YOGA, AND OTHER WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Private yoga, qi gong, fitness, meditation, and mindfulness programs are still available. In some instances, classes might be held outdoors to increase the amount of space between participants and embrace the health benefits of fresh air.
The Fitness Room is open with a limited occupancy rule. No more than 50% of the space will be occupied at any time. Use the sign-up sheet to request access, then receive a key from staff that will let you into the gym.
HIKING AND NATURE IMMERSION
You’re free to explore Menla’s hiking trails, book guided hikes, discover forest bathing, and experience the magic of bonfires and stargazing at night. Learn about the healing power of medicinal herbs on one of our garden tours.
GENERAL
Prior to arrival we ask that you complete our COVID-19 Screening and Informed Consent form. If you are feeling sick, have a positive COVID test, or are having any symptoms of COVID-19, we kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment.
SHARED SPACES
Guests may choose to wear a mask at any time. Masks are available in the Spa if needed.
PRIVATE SPACES
While in treatment, your practitioner may request that you wear a mask whenever you are facing up on the table. If your practitioner requests a mask during treatment, guests are permitted to take the mask off while facing down unless the practitioner instructs otherwise; guests are expected to comply with their practitioner’s preferences.
COMPLIANCE
We kindly ask that you direct any questions or concerns with Dewa’s COVID policy to management, and not to our practitioners.
Fresh is best. Nothing tastes better than vegetables grown organically (without pesticides) in the clean mountain air and warm sun, harvested and prepared by our world-class culinary team the same day.
Our vegetarian farm-to-table menu provides most of the food you will enjoy during your stay. Directly from our gardens, only a few people handle the food before it reaches your plate, virtually eliminating exposure to the germs that come with transportation and cultivation in large greenhouses.
Lunch and dinner are complimentary with accommodation for CYO guests. Breakfast is available for purchase at our front desk from our à la carte menu. If group events are in progress optional hot buffet breakfast is available for purchase upon arrival. Please inquire with our front desk staff.
Group retreats and rental programs will include Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner unless otherwise noted.
Meals are served by our kitchen staff in a takeout buffet style to ensure compliance with all CDC specifications. Our delicious meals can be enjoyed in our dining halls or on our deck.
Tables on the deck (overlooking Eva’s Pond and the beautiful Catskill Mountains) will be arranged in a physically-distant way. Staff will be nearby to ensure distancing standards are maintained and sanitation rules followed.
MARKET SERVICE (8AM – 11AM)
You can purchase pre-packaged breakfast from our Front Desk Staff. Selections include muffins, fresh fruit, granola and more.
If our Marketplace menu doesn’t interest you, take the opportunity to support the Phoenicia Diner and local favorites on Route 28 open for take-out.
If you feel unwell at any point during your stay, please inform one of our staff members immediately. They will advise you on where to seek medical care.
MENLA
