Elo Retreat
11.01–17.01.2027 • Heimari, Finland
Elo in Finnish mean “living or being alive”
An 7-day winter experience for everyone looking to slow down, recharge and experience what it feels like to be truly alive through the Finnish way of being. Immerse yourself in Finnish rituals, wisdom, and traditions
alongside an intimate group of maximum 8 individuals from different parts of the world, different ages, different genders, and different life journeys and experiences.
Uncover why Finns have been ranked the happiest people on earth for the ninth year in a row.
Midsummer Retreat
2023 Recap
Have you ever wondered what makes one of the darkest and coldest countries the happiest in the world for nine times in a row?
Let me tell you about sisu.
Sisu is a Finnish way of relating to life—a quiet inner strength rooted in endurance, honesty, and self-trust. It is not about pushing harder, but about staying present with what is.
During the Winter Elo Retreat, we practice this every day, so it becomes something you carry with you—helping you stay connected, steady, and deeply at ease long after you return home.
So how do we get sisu?
Through practice. Through gentle challenge and conscious rest.
By connecting body, mind, and soul.
Think of sisu as a muscle—not one you force, but one you strengthen through presence, repetition, and care.
That is exactly what we do during Elo.
Sauna bathing relaxes your muscles and invites you to stay present with warmth and intensity—the Finnish way.
Ice bathing challenges the body in discomfort and brings the mind into stillness, forcing you to soften and surrender.
Intuitive movement to release stored tension and to deepen trust in your body’s own rhythm, beyond performance.
Holistic workshops and creative practices like writing a letter to your younger self, candle gazing, or a playfulness asana exploration lab.
Nourishing organic plant-based meals and gentle cleansing rituals to support digestion, clarity, and a grounded sense of wellbeing from the inside out.
Connection in a group of people, that couldn't be more divers and yet rooted in understanding, care, and inclusivity
And most importantly: Slowing down. Digital detox. Presence. In Finland we call it Joutilaisuus: The Art of Doing Nothing.
You may feel at home here if you recognize yourself in some of these:
You are naturally curious about life—easily inspired, passionate, and always open to discovering new experiences (or want to get there).
You feel deeply nourished by nature. Forests, lakes, fresh air and wide open landscapes bring you a sense of calm and presence.
You enjoy meaningful connections—the kind of conversations that go beyond small talk—yet you also cherish quiet moments alone with your journal or something to read.
You love to laugh. With strangers to become friends.
Movement is an essential part of your life. Yoga may be a practice you love, but you also find joy in other forms of movement like dancing, walking in nature, or swimming.
You are curious about other cultures, traditions and ways of living that teach us different perspectives on life and our part in it.
After busy days or stressful periods, you long for spaces where you can truly slow down, reconnect with yourself and feel grounded again.
The idea of stepping away from constant notifications and screens—even just for a few days—feels like a relief for both your mind and body.
You prefer intimate gatherings over large crowds, where people come together with intention and openness.
If even one of these resonated, Winter Elo might be exactly what you need.
Here are some highlights of this journey for you
Hatha and Yin Yoga
Intuitive Movement
Breathwork journeys
The Science of Breath
Gentle daily breathing
Sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls
Singing Circles
Sound exploration workshop
Finnish sauna rituals
Cold–heat exposure (sauna, ice hole, or snow rolling)
Cleansing practices
Nutritious, organic plant-based meals (three times a day)
Snacks, Tea, Water and Finnish Coffee (of course!)
This retreat is for you if:
You long for days outdoors in the crispy winter weather of Finland
You want to enjoy movement that feels alive like snowshoe walking, dancing, exploring intuitive movement patterns
You are looking for real, meaningful rest, not just physically but on all levels
You are looking to become more present with what is
You always wanted to experience winter in the North
This retreat might not be for you if:
You prefer large groups or very structured, fast-paced days
You’re looking for quick fixes or dramatic transformations
You want yoga mainly as a physical workout to tone the body
You’re not quite ready to put your phone aside for parts of the day to enjoy real connection through presence (we approach this gently and with choice)
What makes Elo Retreats different is that it isn’t about escaping life.
It’s about learning how to stay steady, connected, and alive, even when things feel intense.
Where will
we stay?
We will stay at a beautiful, modernly equipped Villa in the pure nature at a lake, very close to Mikkeli, Finland
What’s
included?
All yoga equipment, classes and activities, different workshops, group activities, 3 delicious vegan local meals a day and facilities of our home such as a wood-fired sauna. Additionally we will provide non-alcoholic beverages (water, tea, coffee) and snacks throughout the day.
What’s
not included?
Travel and private expenses of any kind.
What is the
Investment?
Prices: starting at 2000€
(please contact me for payment plans, if needed)
You don’t need to prepare, perform, or become anything to be here. Just come as you are.
I am Rika, born in Finland raised in Germany, wanting
to spread the beautiful Finnish culture with you and the world. Every retreat is different but always connecting to my roots and sharing knowledge and wisdom of the Finnish culture and traditions.
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HOST AND YOGA TEACHER
Rika is a certified Yoga Teacher for Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin. 2022 she accredited as sound healer and ever since has been including sound into her classes and sound baths/healings into her schedule. Breath, the science of the breath and its healing benefits are a big part of her daily life. You won't miss a good pranayama or breathing exercise within her classes.
She is passionate about the practice of yoga and dedicated to spread her knowledge to the world. But her willingness to share personal experiences and her unique journey is even greater.
Her classes are created with much thought and with creative and playful elements but the main focus is to arrive in the body and mind through the breath.Movement has always been a huge part of her life and she wouldn't want to miss it. She was a dancer in Jazz- and Modern from a very young age, where she at some point competed in tournaments all around Germany.
Every summer is filled with berry picking, swimming in the lake and many many rounds of sauna and cold dips. As well as eating grandmas famous "mustikkapiirakka" (blueberry pie), that you might get a taste of during her retreat.
Lisa works as a holistic coach, health advisor, Ayurvedic chef, and yoga teacher. With her wide range of tools, she has, over the past decade, held space and cooked at more than 30 retreats and workshops in England, German-speaking countries, India, and Sweden
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OUR PRIVATE CHEF
She is especially passionate about working with women’s health – how we set boundaries, care for our bodies, express ourselves with our voices, and embark on the journey from the head into intuition. We are here to truly be here. Fully present with what we feel, what comes from within and wants to be expressed.“The more I work with health, the clearer I see how strongly our mind influences the body.”
With lovingly cooked food, Lisa supports you throughout the week.