Question 1

What Is ISTA?

Accepted Answer

"ISTA" stands for the International School of Temple Arts.

ISTA holds week-long trainings around the world, and generates a global network of communities.
​
​If you are interested in joining an ISTA training - Level 1 will take place right after the festival, in Cyprus. Read more here.​

Question 2

How do I register for the festival?

Accepted Answer

To join the ISTA Festival, you start by selecting your room type, filling out the registration form, and paying a deposit of €350. This step reserves your spot, and you'll receive all relevant information by email.

You will then receive a confirmation email with a payment link to complete the remaining ticket fee. You can choose to pay it immediately or any time up until latest October 12th.

If you’d like to book a shuttle ticket, the confirmation email also contains the link for that.

Question 3

What’s included in the ticket price?

Accepted Answer

Full access to the ISTA Festival program: All workshops, ceremonies, rituals, parties, temple nights, and other sessions are included. There are four parallel workshop spaces, a daily full-group assembly, and optional emotional support spaces like the "Point of You."
Accommodation at a beautiful beachside venue: Depending on your ticket type, you'll stay in a single, double or shared room, or enjoy the designated camping area by the sea. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with essentials such as towels, bed linens, a fridge, bathroom, and more.
Three meals per day: The hotel provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegan and vegetarian options available at every meal. Coffee, tea, and water are also freely available throughout the day.
Atmospheric setting: You’ll experience the festival in a private, beautiful beachfront hotel with access to the sea, surrounded by nature and intentionally held spaces.

Please note: Shuttle service from the airport is not included in the ticket but can be booked separately.

Question 4

When is my place confirmed?

Accepted Answer

After you pay the deposit, your spot is provisionally reserved.

We encourage you to complete the remaining payment as soon as possible — no later than October 12th.

You’ll find the payment link in the confirmation email you receive right after paying the deposit.

Once your full payment is complete, you’ll receive your official ticket, and your spot will be fully secured.

Question 5

Can I cancel or transfer my ticket?

Accepted Answer

The €350 deposit can be refunded within 14 days of purchase, subject to a handling fee.

However, deposits made within 1 month before the festival are not eligible for a refund, regardless of the 14-day window.

After the 14-day period, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

Here you can find the full information about tickets transfer and cancellation.

Question 6

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

The €350 deposit can be refunded within 14 days of purchase, subject to a handling fee.

However, deposits made within 1 month before the festival are not eligible for a refund, regardless of the 14-day window.
After the 14-day period, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

Up to 21 days before the event you may cancel with a refund, minus your non-refundable deposit and a €300 admin fee. 
From 21 days before the event - your spot is non-refundable.

All transfer/payment fees are on the participant.

Question 7

Is the festival open to everyone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the festival is open to anyone aged 21 and over, whether you have previous ISTA experience or not.

Question 8

Where is the festival taking place?

Accepted Answer

The festival takes place at a beachfront hotel in Cyprus. The exact location will be shared only with confirmed ticket holders shortly before the event.

Question 9

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

You can fly into Paphos (PFO) or Larnaca (LCA) airports. We offer shuttle services from both airports.

Question 10

Is there a shuttle service from the airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, shuttle services are available from both Larnaca and Paphos airports. You can book the shuttle during the ticket payment process.

Question 11

Is there parking at the venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available on-site for those arriving by car.

Question 12

What types of accommodation are available?

Accepted Answer

Options include single, Twin/double, or shared rooms, and camping by the sea. All rooms are air-conditioned and designed with a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
Each room includes:
Private bathroom with shower
Towels, bed linens, soap, and shampoo
Hairdryer and mini fridge
Satellite TV and safety lock
WiFi on demand (we recommend unplugging!)
Some rooms have private balconies with sea views or garden views. All rooms are located very close to the beach and surrounded by nature, with everything within short walking distance to the festival areas.

Here you find all the ticket options and prices of the accommodation types.

Question 13

How are beds assigned in shared rooms?

Accepted Answer

Bed assignments are first-come, first-served within the selected room category. You can mention the person you would like to share a room with in the payment form. We try to accommodate preferences when possible.

Question 14

Can I camp at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a designated camping area close to the beach. This is the most affordable option if you want to join the festival. Here you find all the ticket options and pricing for the different accommodation types.

Question 15

Are meals included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Meals are included in the tickets. The hotel will provide us with 3 varied delicious meals a day. Coffee, tea, and water will be available throughout the day.

Question 16

Are there vegan or vegetarian options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every meal includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Question 17

Can I bring my own food or supplements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and rooms include a mini-fridge where you can store personal items. If you have special dietary needs, we recommend bringing your essentials.

No alcohol or mind-altering substances are allowed, do not bring that.

Question 18

Is there a snack bar or café?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a coffee shop onsite offering snacks, drinks, and treats outside regular meal times. This is not included in the ticket price.

Question 19

What kind of workshops and ceremonies will there be?

Accepted Answer

Expect a diverse program including intimacy work, shamanic practices, sacred sexuality, temple nights, music, and embodiment workshops. Have a look at the program here.

The ISTA Festival offers various highly experienced international presenters and artists from the best this field has to offer. We will continue to grow and update our list of presenters as we continue to build the festival's content.

Here you can find all the presenters that are already announced.

Question 20

Do I need ISTA experience to join?

Accepted Answer

No, the festival is open to both beginners and experienced participants. No prior ISTA training is required.

Question 21

In what language is the festival held?

Accepted Answer

All festival content and workshops are held in English.

Question 22

Is nudity allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nudity is welcomed but never required. It’s optional in workshops,  and in designated areas.

Question 23

Do I have to be naked to participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. You are always free to choose what feels right for your body. All expressions are welcome.

Question 24

Where is nudity accepted and where not?

Accepted Answer

Nudity is allowed in workshops and specific zones. In all other public spaces, clothing is required.

Question 25

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable, expressive clothing that allows movement is ideal. Bring layers for cool evenings.

Question 26

What are the consent principles at the festival?

Accepted Answer

At the ISTA Festival, we create a culture of mutual respect that celebrates our passions, boundaries, and rhythms. During the festival, in any meeting of an intimate nature, you are asked to communicate your desires and boundaries verbally and clearly. Move together only in the directions to which all who participate in the interaction have found their enthusiastic consent. Respond with gratitude when another person says "no", they are taking care of themselves and you. No further explanation is needed. "No" or "no, thank you" can be a complete sentence. Silence, the word "maybe", or any other answer that is not a 'hell yes' should be treated as a "no".

Question 27

Are there any rules or things that are not allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The following are strictly prohibited: alcohol and drug use, bringing pets, fire or grills, and filming/photography without consent.

Question 28

Is alcohol or drug use permitted?

Accepted Answer

No. To maintain a conscious space, no alcohol or mind-altering substances are allowed.

Question 29

Is there emotional support available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our "Point of You" space is available throughout the whole festival for emotional support, rest, or quiet reflection.

Question 30

Can I bring my children?

Accepted Answer

No, the festival is for adults (21+). Children are not permitted.

Question 31

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

No, pets are not allowed. The venue has its own resident animals. Please leave yours at home.

Question 32

Are there animals on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the venue has a few friendly resident animals such as cats and a dog.

Question 33

Can I volunteer at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are limited positions for volunteers. You can apply through this form.

Question 34

How can I apply as a presenter or musician?

Accepted Answer

We are open to receiving aligned proposals. Please reach out to istafest.cyprus@gmail.com with your offering and experience.

Question 35

What happens if the festival is postponed or cancelled?

Accepted Answer

If postponed, your ticket will be valid for the new dates. If cancelled completely, you’ll receive a full refund excluding the booking fee.

Question 36

What are the terms & conditions of participation?

Accepted Answer

Read our full list of terms and conditions here.

Q&A