Find calm in simplicity

Space for stillness. Nature. You.

Where silence makes truth tangible
Where nature offers you an open space to simply be
Where you discover the space that lives hidden within you

What is it?

A week in which you return to simplicity and presence. Surrounded by forest, water, and the still purity of Finnish nature. Far from the noise, close to yourself.

For seven days, life becomes simpler. You slow down, breathe more freely, and allow mental clutter to settle. Through gentle yin yoga, zen meditation, silent walks, mindful working in the garden, and nourishing meals made from fresh local ingredients, you naturally fall into the rhythm of nature.

In this space of stillness, everything softens: breathing, moving, eating, resting.

Afternoons are open: time for nature, deep rest, or simply following your own rhythm. Nothing to achieve, nowhere to be.

Why join?

Simplicity & stillness
Experience how calming it is to need very little. How simplicity itself can be deeply nourishing.
Doing with presence
A few hours a day of mindful working like gardening, chopping wood, simple practical tasks. Not to produce, but to be fully present with what you do.
Movement & breath
Daily zen meditation, gentle yin yoga, reflection, and silent walks help you land in your body and experience what is here, step by step.
Living with nature
Untouched forests, a private waterfront on the Baltic Sea, swimming in natural water, a Finnish sauna and warm hot tub, cooking and living with the seasons, all invite you back to a natural rhythm.
Nourishment & care
Meals are simple, seasonal, and as local as possible. Eaten in silence, so you can truly taste and feel.

For whom

For anyone longing for clarity, stillness, and connection – with themselves, with others, and with nature.
No previous experience with zen meditation or yin yoga is needed. Everything is introduced gently, step by step.
During the retreat, participants are asked to hand in their phones, creating space for real rest and presence. Exceptions are possible in urgent cases. Group size is small — maximum of 12 participants — allowing for depth, safety, and personal attention.

Guided by Kaia

Kaia is the founder of Olemine (“to be being” in Estonian) and works as a zen teacher, yin-yoga instructor, and coach in Arnhem. Her roots lie in Estonia, where she frequently returns for the nature.
With her calm presence, she guides people who long for more peace, less pressure, and genuine attention for body and mind.In this retreat she leads the daily zen meditation, yin yoga, reflection practices, and silence guidance. Her approach is practical, down-to-earth, and attuned to nature: no fuss — simply being present with what is.

More information about Kaia can be found at: www.olemine.nl.

The “Back to Basics Retreat Finland” takes place on the following dates:

Sunday 7 June to Saturday 13 June 2026
Sunday 28 June to Saturday 4 July 2026

This is midsummer in Finland – the perfect time to enjoy:

Long summer days with plenty of daylight
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
Nature at its best: forests, sea, lakes, and vast wilderness

During the “Back to Basics Retreat Finland”, you will stay in simple yet comfortable Finnish cabins and eco-lodges. You may also bring your own tent. There is space for a maximum of 12 participants.

Privacy & comfort

Everyone has their own private room, although in some cases you may share a cabin with one or two other participants
You can indicate your preferences when registering
We take personal wishes and needs into account as much as possible

Lots of silence that makes what is true within you easier to feel
Simplicity in everything, so you can return to yourself
Zen meditation and yin yoga that create space to simply be and reconnect with what is essential
Pure, untouched Finnish nature that brings you back to your own purity
Fresh, healthy food that nourishes your body
Finnish sauna and the sea, helping you land in your body and in the present moment
Spending time outdoors and contributing to community life — with your hands, in full attention

During this week you live simply and close to nature.
The days are structured, but without hurry.
You stay with a small group of people who share the same desire: to step away from daily pressures, enjoy good fresh food, be outside, and find rest and clarity within themselves.

Below is an example of the program:

07:00 – 08:00
Morning meditation
(1–2 sessions of approx. 25 minutes)

08:00 – 09:00
Breakfast buffet — eaten in silence

09:00 – 12:30
Introduction / talk, exercises, dialogue, and short zazen (zen meditation) sessions

12:30 – 13:30
Lunch buffet — eaten in silence

13:30 – 14:00
Break / rest

14:00 – 16:00
Meditation in action — mindful work (samu)
Examples: garden work or a silent reflection walk

16:00 – 18:00
Free time / swimming / sauna & hot tub

18:00 – 18:30
Dinner

18:30 – 20:00
Free time / sauna & hot tub

20:00 – 21:00
Yin yoga

21:00 – 21:45
Evening meditation
(2 × 20 minutes — indoors or outdoors)

21:45 – 22:30
Silent campfire (optional)

The program may vary slightly from day to day — depending on the weather, the rhythm of the group, and the season.
There may be a full day of silence to deepen the experience.
Arrival and departure days follow an adjusted schedule.

The “Back to Basics Retreat Finland” is a small-scale, cost-sharing retreat. The price includes accommodation, all meals, use of the sauna and hot tub, guidance, and participation in all activities (yoga, meditation, samu work, and walks).

Price per person

Single room (private room with shared bathroom): €1,390
Shared room (shared room with shared bathroom): €1,190

It is also possible to bring your own tent. Please get in touch with us beforehand so we can coordinate what is possible.

Payment

Deposit: €300 upon reservation to confirm your place
Remaining balance: due no later than 8 weeks before departure

Included

7 nights in an eco-lodge
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (locally sourced and freshly prepared)
Guided yoga and meditation sessions
Samu work (mindful work in the garden or on the land)
Use of a wood-fired sauna and hot tub
All materials for activities

Not included

Flight or train to Finland
Transfers to/from the lodge (carpooling or a shared transfer may be possible)
Travel and cancellation insurance

The “Back to Basics Retreat Finland” takes place in an eco-lodge in the heart of the Finnish wilderness, about a 2-hour drive from Helsinki.

Travel options

Group travel from Turku: comfortable shared transfer to the lodge
Own transport: you can come by car or combine the retreat with a road trip through Finland

This way, you can choose to travel fully organized, or combine your journey with a personal adventure through the beautiful Finnish landscape.

During the “Back to Basics Retreat Finland”, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:

Photos & video

Images and videos may be taken during the retreat.
Anyone who does not wish to be filmed can indicate this beforehand.
Recording will always be announced in advance.

Offline moments

You can choose to be intentionally screen-free to fully relax. We highly recommend it — you may also hand in your phone.
Moments of silence and nature immersion are an integral part of the program.

Dietary preferences

We collect information on allergies and preferences in advance.
This allows us to adapt meals and facilitate mindful eating.

Cancellation by Participant

Your participation in the retreat is confirmed once you have registered via the registration form and received a confirmation email from us.

You may cancel your booking at any time by notifying us in writing. The following conditions apply:

Cancellation more than 60 days before the start date:
Your deposit will not be refunded, but any additional payments you have made will be fully reimbursed.
Cancellation less than 60 days before the start date:
You are required to pay 100% of the booking price (including the deposit).

Cancellation or Changes by the Organizer

If the retreat cannot take place — for example, due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions, or insufficient registrations — the full amount paid for the retreat will be refunded.
We will also, if possible, offer an alternative date or edition.

Travel and Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out travel and cancellation insurance that also covers the costs of flights, cancellations, or changes. Please note: the organizer does not cover costs for flights, transportation, or other travel arrangements if your participation is canceled or you cancel yourself. Take this into account when booking your trip.

Own Responsibility

Participation is entirely at your own risk. The organizer is not liable for travel, health, weather, or other personal circumstances, nor for costs incurred due to cancellation or participation.

1. What is the Back to Basics Retreat?
A week where you return to the essentials. You live simply, close to nature, with plenty of silence, reflection, and hands-on work. Each day combines gentle yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and samu work (such as gardening, cooking, or chopping wood).

2. Who is this retreat for?
For anyone seeking peace, simplicity, and connection with nature and themselves. No experience with yoga or meditation is required — everything is guided gently.

3. How big is the group?
A maximum of 12 participants. This keeps the atmosphere personal, comfortable, and balanced between togetherness and personal space.

4. What does a typical day look like?

Morning: meditation, talk, reflection exercises
Breakfast in silence
Samu work: gardening, chopping wood, or cooking
Lunch and free time
Afternoon walk or relaxation by the sea or in nature
Evening: sauna, hot tub, yoga, meditation, and campfire

5. What do I pay for myself, and what is included?

Self-paid: flight or train to Finland, transport to/from the lodge, and personal expenses
Included: accommodation, all meals, sauna/hot tub, yoga and meditation sessions, guidance, and use of materials

6. Can I participate alone or with someone?
Both options are possible. Many participants come alone, but the small scale makes it easy to feel comfortable quickly.

7. What if I don’t want to join an activity?
The group program forms the foundation of the retreat, and all participants are invited to join. Optional elements are completely voluntary — you can always choose rest, a walk, or simply enjoy the silence.

8. What about sleeping arrangements and accommodation?
You stay in an eco-lodge or Finnish cabins with shared bathrooms. You may also bring your own tent or camper.

9. Are dietary preferences taken into account?
Yes. We consider allergies or dietary preferences provided in advance. Cooking together and mindful eating are an important part of the experience.

10. How do I get to the lodge?
You travel independently to Finland. From there, you can carpool or use a shared transfer from Turku or Helsinki. Further details will be provided upon registration confirmation.

11. Is the retreat suitable for injuries or health limitations?
Yes, all activities can be adapted. Please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your situation.

12. Is there internet or mobile coverage?
Limited. There is some coverage, but we encourage offline moments so you can fully disconnect from daily distractions.

13. Will photos or videos be taken?
Yes, we may capture atmosphere shots for the website or social media. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, you can indicate this upon arrival — we always respect your preference.

14. What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is subject to the general terms and conditions (see Payment & Terms).
You may also let someone else participate in your place, provided this is arranged in advance.