JULY 21–26, 2026
A nature-based deep rest retreat combining gentle yoga, Yoga Nidra, and herbal walks, with long, unhurried days to relax, restore, and reconnect.
A RETREAT FOR YOU
Deep Rest retreats are designed for those who want more structure and support in their rest, while still keeping the spacious, unhurried feeling of a self-retreat.
At Shambala Gatherings, you step into a slower rhythm, surrounded by forest, fresh air, and the lake just a short walk away. The days are simple and grounding, with plenty of time to rest, be in nature, and take care of yourself.
Unlike our Just Be retreats, which offer a single optional class per day, Deep Rest includes two daily sessions: a gentle mid-morning yoga class and an evening Yoga Nidra (yoga of sleep). Both are designed to support deep relaxation, nervous system regulation, and restoration, without any focus on performance or intensity.
Deep Rest retreats also welcome invited teachers and bodyworkers, each bringing their own approach to rest and restoration. Every retreat will highlight a different practitioner or theme, such as nervous system support, sauna rituals, or nature-based practices, so each experience carries its own unique quality.
The afternoons are kept open and spacious, with sauna rituals available each day and plenty of time to enjoy walks, swims, or simply do nothing.
There is also dedicated time to receive bodywork treatments (at an additional cost), and we encourage booking in advance to ensure availability.
This retreat is intentionally low-cost, offered at a fraction of our usual retreat prices, so that rest and time in nature can be accessible to more people. With a range of accommodation options, from shared rooms to private spaces and simple camping, you can choose what suits both your needs and your budget.
Deep Rest offers a gentle balance of guidance and freedom, supporting you to slow down, recharge, and truly rest.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Each day is designed to nourish body, calm mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of the Swedish wilderness.
A gentle way of being with your body that supports nervous system regulation and invites you into deeper presence. Through slow, mindful movement, you can soften tension and allow the body to release and settle.
Each evening, you’ll be guided into Yoga Nidra, a deeply restorative practice often referred to as “yogic sleep.” Lying down comfortably, you are led through a gentle process that allows the body to fully relax while the mind settles. This practice supports deep rest, nervous system reset, and can be as restorative as several hours of sleep.
Kirtan (ecstatic singing) is a way to connect your heart with others, and then feel the divine presence together. We cleanse the dust we all gathered on top of our pure being and channel our emotions towards higher power and blissfulness.
Daily sauna sessions overlooking the lake include guided sauna rituals, offering a simple and grounding way to unwind, release tension, and support deep relaxation, held in the quiet of the afternoon.
Surrounded by forest and lake, you’ll have easy access to nature throughout your stay. Walk, rest, or simply spend time outdoors—letting the natural environment support your sense of calm and reset.
There is the option to book bodywork treatments during your stay, offering additional support for relaxation, release, and care. Sessions are provided by Lisanne, an experienced practitioner who will be holding the bodywork space for this retreat. Treatments are available at an extra cost and paid directly to her. Availability is limited, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
— Previous retreat guest
YOUR DAYS
Our days unfold slowly and simply, creating space for rest, nourishment, and time in nature.
This is a light and supportive structure, designed to guide you gently through the day while leaving plenty of space to rest, receive treatments, or simply do nothing.
Check-in is at 15:00 on the arrival day, and check-out is at 15:00 on the departure day.
09.00
A relaxed, nourishing and easy-to-digest meal enjoyed slowly in shared silence.
11.00
Begin your day slowly. Our morning yoga session takes place mid-morning—no early wake-ups—offering gentle, accessible practices to awaken the body and support nervous system balance.
12.00
The middle of the day is intentionally spacious. Rest, read, swim in the lake, explore the forest, or take time for a bodywork treatment or Zen coaching session.
13.30
A generous, nourishing buffet prepared with care.
15.00
Afternoons alternate between gentle herbal walks in the forest and guided Yoga Nidra sessions. Whether walking in nature or resting deeply, this time is designed to support slowing down, restoration, and connection.
19.00
A wholesome dinner shared in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
20.30
Each evening, the wood-fired sauna is heated by the lake—an invitation to unwind, soften, and let the day settle in a calm and grounding atmosphere.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Not Included
THIS DEEP REST RETREAT SPECIAL GUIDE
We’re delighted to welcome Joanna Nation, our yoga teacher for this retreat, who brings a deeply holistic, intuitive, and grounded approach to her work.
With over a decade of experience teaching yoga, Joanna integrates yoga therapy, somatic movement, breathwork, meditation, and herbal medicine into her practice. Her approach is both evidence-informed and rooted in traditional wisdom, supporting the body as an interconnected system rather than a set of isolated symptoms.
Her classes are gentle, accessible, and focused on awareness and nervous system regulation—inviting you to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with your body’s natural intelligence. Drawing from her background in health science and therapeutic work, she creates spaces that are both deeply supportive and empowering.
Joanna’s work is guided by a genuine passion for helping people cultivate balance, vitality, and a deeper connection to themselves through embodied practice and self-enquiry.
YOGA
BREATHWORK
MEDITATION
THIS DEEP REST RETREAT SPECIAL GUIDE
We’re delighted to welcome Karin, our visiting bodyworker, who brings a wealth of experience and a deeply intuitive approach to touch and inner work.
With many years of experience in bodywork, Karin specialises in Alchemy of Touch massage—a deeply attuned and responsive practice that meets each person exactly where they are. Alongside this, she draws from a range of modalities, allowing her to adapt each session to support relaxation, release, and restoration on both a physical and emotional level.
In addition to bodywork, Karin also offers Zen coaching sessions—providing a quiet and supportive space for reflection, clarity, and inner alignment.
Her work is guided by a genuine passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies, soften held tension, and experience a deeper sense of ease and presence.
Treatments and coaching sessions can be booked in advance or on-site during the retreat.
MASSAGE
COACHING
GROUNDING
THIS DEEP REST RETREAT SPECIAL GUIDE
We’re delighted to welcome Nellie, our herbal guide, who brings a deep love for plants and a profound connection to nature’s wisdom.
With many years of study and practice in herbal medicine, Nellie is trained in both Western Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and also practices acupuncture. Her work is rooted in a deep curiosity about the relationship between the body, nature, and the cycles of the Earth. Through direct experience—observing, tasting, sensing, and listening—she has developed a rich and embodied understanding of the healing qualities of plants.
Over the past years, she has shared this knowledge through courses, workshops, herbal walks, and consultations, supporting others in reconnecting with nature and their own innate balance.
During the retreat, Nellie will guide gentle herbal walks, offering an experiential way to connect with local plants and their uses. She also offers health consultations for those who wish to receive personalised support through herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle, as well as acupuncture sessions.
Health consultancy sessions can be booked in advance or on-site during the retreat.
ACCUPUNCTURE
HERBS
HEALTH
GUEST EXPERIENCES
“The energy is so so clear, deeply heart centred. And the intent with which Shambala is held is so beautiful, it has become a massively important of my life.”
“Shambala is this gorgeous space where strangers become family, the lake and forest your home, your breath is your theme song, your movement medicine, and vibrant food to nourish YOU for your journey with yourself.”
“Shambala is a way of life I have yet to find anywhere else in the world. The healing and growth I experienced there has been life changing. This is a place I have encouraged so many people I love to go.”
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The journey from Arlanda to Shambala (Skinnskatteberg Station) takes around 3 hours and is quite straightforward. You can search for and purchase tickets at www.sj.se.
Please note that the full train schedule is usually available only 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date, so there’s no need to book earlier than that. There are several route options.
As there are no direct trains, you’ll need to take a combination of trains and/or buses. Once you arrive at Skinnskatteberg Station, we’ll pick you up — it’s just a 7-minute drive to Shambala.
Comfortable yoga clothing, a warm layer for the evenings, earplugs and an eye mask for the bright summer mornings, sturdy shoes for forest walks, and a journal if you enjoy writing. Yoga mats and props are provided. Swimwear for the sauna is optional. We’ll send a full packing list after booking.
Our kitchen is designed to avoid the most common allergens. That said, please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary needs, and we’ll take them into account when planning the menu.
For guests with multiple allergies, we offer a simple daily meal option of steamed vegetables and boiled rice.
While we aim to keep our kitchen as gluten-free as possible, trace amounts of gluten may still be present. Our meals are generally suitable for those with gluten intolerance, but we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination for guests with celiac disease.
At Shambala, beyond being a retreat space, we cultivate a way of living deeply rooted in the yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy and a sense of belonging. Therefore, our accommodations are simple and mostly shared, with a variety of twin rooms, triple rooms, and glamping tents.
The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy. If you do feel a strong need for a single room, you can write to us. A single room may be available for an additional fee.
All accommodation options have access to shared showers and bathrooms.
We love children and would truly love to be able to host parents with young kids.
However, we’ve found that having young children on site can make it challenging to maintain the peaceful retreat atmosphere that many of our guests seek and deeply value.
For this reason, unless otherwise agreed, our retreats are intended for adults and youth aged 12 and above.
We love animals, but as some guests have allergies, we’re unable to allow animals inside the buildings. For this reason, we kindly discourage guests from bringing their pets.
Bed linen and towels are included with your booking. You may opt out of both for a 200 SEK discount. To do so, please apply the coupon code ‘ECOLAUNDRY’ at checkout.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and if something unexpected comes up, we truly want to support you as best we can. At the same time, as a small business, we need to honor the sustainability of our work and are therefore unable to offer refunds close to the retreat start date. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Cancel up to 3 months before arrival and receive a full refund.
Cancel up to 14 days before arrival and receive a 70% refund.
Cancel up to 6 days before arrival and receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel 5 days or fewer before arrival, the retreat fee is non-refundable.
We warmly recommend arranging travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
The retreat cost does not include travel insurance. Travel insurance is recommended for all participants.
Join us July 21–26 for a 5-day Deep Rest retreat focused on slowing down; featuring gentle yoga, Yoga Nidra, herbal walks, sauna rituals, nourishing meals, and optional sessions in zen coaching, bodywork, and health consultations—alongside plenty of time to rest, reset, and reconnect.
Or write to us directly: hello@shambalagatherings.com
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