SEPTEMBER 1–6, 2026
Come as you are. Bring what you have. Become part of what unfolds. A co-creative retreat in the wild heart of Sweden.
A RETREAT FOR YOU
Ashes & Nectar is an invitation into a co-creative space where what has been released becomes nourishment, and where what longs to emerge can grow together. A retreat beyond fixed programs—held by presence, connection, and the willingness to engage in an open, living process.
What makes this retreat special is its co-creative spirit. We gather in the Swedish wilderness not only to receive, but also to share. It is a heartfelt invitation for everyone to contribute something of their skills, gifts, or impulses—for example through a ritual, music, yoga, dance, meditation, creative expression, a shared walk, or in their own unique way.
In this way, we support one another in stepping into our power, being creative, and showing ourselves within the shared field. What emerges is shaped by the group itself and by what each individual brings.
– feel drawn to genuine connection and honest exchange
– want to share your heart, your presence, or your creativity
– are curious about a shared field that unfolds through togetherness
– don’t feel the need to perform, but simply want to be yourself
– may wish to contribute something—and if not, that is just as welcome
Ashes & Nectar is not a consumption retreat, but a shared space of experience.
The main organization and overall framework of Ashes & Nectar are held by Linda Sarah Kotin & Nadine Ananda as co-facilitators. They hold the external structure, open and guide the process, and ensure a clear and safe container within which co-creation can unfold.
A nature-immersed, magical place in Sweden, surrounded by forest, water, and vastness. Here, the ashes of the old become the fertile soil of the new, and we share the nectar of life—quiet, wild, tender, and alive.
Shambala Gatherings is nestled deep in the Swedish forest by a beautiful private lake, often veiled in mist, and features a floating sauna and a cozy library right on site.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Each day is designed to nourish body, calm mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of the Swedish wilderness.
A space for creating, exploring, and bringing things to life together. Through mindful connection, we weave our ideas, talents, and visions: intuitively, playfully, and inspired by the nature surrounding us.
Traditional Swedish sauna sessions overlooking the lake. Release tension, cleanse deeply, and surrender to the ancient healing power of heat.
Wholesome, mostly organic and plant-based meals, sourced as locally as possible, to ground your body and restore your vitality.
Explore the surrounding forest paths and enjoy refreshing swims in the lake. The untouched beauty of nature revitalizes, inspires, and reconnects you with what truly matters.
Coming together in conscious presence, seeing one another and sharing real, meaningful moments.
Pause intentionally and allow yourself to truly rest, whether in a hammock, journaling in the afternoon sun, or meditating in the forest.
YOUR DAYS
Our days follow a mindful, nourishing rhythm—flowing between co-creation, community, nature, and intentional rest.
The schedule will vary slightly from day to day. The first and last days include our Opening and Closing Circles. All classes and workshops are optional, so you’re warmly invited to shape the retreat in a way that best supports your own needs.
In between the time slots will be time to integrate & relax. Enjoy the wood-fired sauna, the lake, the forest, or whatever your need and feel of the day is.
Check-in is at 15:00 on the arrival day, and check-out is at 15:00 on the departure day.
15.00
Arrive, settle into your room, and take time to land.
17.00
Coming together, getting to know one another, and setting our intentions for the days ahead.
19.00
A lovingly prepared, wholesome welcome meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
20.30
A conscious opening by the fire: to arrive, release, and connect.
07.00
An inspiring space for shared creation, exchange, and creative expression.
09.00
A light, nourishing meal in shared silence.
13.30
A plant-based buffet with fresh, mostly regional and organic ingredients.
16.30
A deepening space for creative exploration, reflection, and shared growth.
19.00
A wholesome evening meal in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
7.00
A gentle integration space for reflection and closing our shared journey.
9.00
A nourishing meal in silence, overlooking the lake.
11.00
A shared closing in circle and a conscious farewell.
13.30
A seasonal, grounding meal to support the transition home.
15.00
Departure from Shambala. Individual departure.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Not Included
Other room tiers available (full price per person, including all retreat costs):
• Twin Room: 7,400 SEK
• Triple / 4-Bed Room: 6,800 SEK
• Bring Your Own Tent: 4,400 SEK
• Private Glamping: 9,200 SEK
• 2nd Person in Glamping: 5,300 SEK
• Single Room: 9,500 SEK
Ashes & Nectar is a friends & friends-of-friends retreat and takes place in a small, trusted circle.
YOUR GUIDE
Linda Sarah works in a body- and process-oriented way, supporting individuals and groups in personal and collective development processes. Her work weaves together somatic approaches with cyclical perspectives. She is a certified yoga therapist and brings several years of experience facilitating workshops, courses, and ritual spaces in Germany and Switzerland.
YOUR GUIDE
Milena is a psychologist, musician, and intuitive facilitator. She opens experiential spaces where perception, sound, play, and shared exploration come together. At Ashes & Nectar, she brings her presence, creativity, and experience.
Many who have worked with Milena describe her guidance as inspiring and deeply moving—her presence, music, and movement open a tangible, vibrant space for discovery.
YOUR GUIDE
Nadine Ananda supports groups and individuals, drawing on a rich background in education, dance and bodywork, ritual facilitation, and creative expression. She creates spaces for connection, mindfulness, movement, and authentic togetherness.
Within the retreat, she holds a supportive presence in the group field—nurturing connection, encouraging creative expression, and guiding processes with clarity, presence, and heartfelt warmth.
GUEST EXPERIENCES
“Passion. Inspiration. Joy.
You immediately feel that Linda truly lives what she teaches. She is deeply devoted to her own path, and from this devotion arises her passion, her wisdom, her inner fire, and her lived experience that she so generously shares.
With gentleness, yet also with clarity, she invites you to listen to what lies hidden within. Through her meditations and practices, I was able to open to parts of myself that are rarely heard or felt in everyday life. Her presence helped me uncover my inner voice.
And the cherry on top? Being together in a circle of like-minded women, with delicious chai and homemade sweets.”
“I am deeply grateful for the time we shared and for the powerful experiences in our women’s circles. Linda guided us through many layers—from spirituality, feminine wisdom, and rituals to nourishment, healing, and self-discovery.
I especially appreciated the richness and diversity of her offerings: profound insights, soulful music, heartfelt exchange, and delicious, nourishing snacks.
What touched me most was how tangibly Linda’s joy and devotion filled the space. Her warmth, care, and presence were clearly felt.
I am truly grateful to have been part of this and already look forward to the next circles. Thank you for all the inspiration!”
“From my very first session with Linda, something clicked: For the first time, I experienced the deep connection between breath and movement throughout an entire class. I had the space to move within my own rhythm of breath and truly enjoy the flow.
I deeply appreciated how Linda wove everything into a larger natural context. It helped me root more deeply in the cycles of nature—and ultimately within myself.
Linda’s diverse offerings opened a doorway for me to nature, ritual, and embodied living in a way I had never experienced before. From women’s circles and elemental rituals to a fully personalized embodiment program, I was able to explore so much.
It helped me sleep better, feel more at home in my body, and rediscover my energy in everyday life. I am deeply grateful to have found Linda and look forward to everything that is yet to come.”
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. Before each retreat, our kitchen is thoroughly cleaned, and no gluten-containing ingredients are brought into the kitchen during the retreat. We source almost all ingredients with gluten-free certification, including our oats, although some items such as ground spices are not specifically sourced with a gluten-free label.
Our meals are generally suitable for guests with gluten intolerance and many people with celiac disease. However, as we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, we cannot fully guarantee the absence of cross-contamination for guests with severe sensitivity or celiac disease. If you have a high level of sensitivity, please let us know in advance so we can discuss the options available and help you find what feels safest and most comfortable for you.
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.
Want to support the environment? Bring your own sheets (single sheet, duvet cover, two pillow cases) and two towels and save 200 SEK — use code ECOLAUNDRY at checkout.
We kindly ask all guests to arrange a travel insurance before booking a retreat with us. As a small retreat centre, we are unfortunately unable to make exceptions to our cancellation policy, even in cases of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance helps protect you should your plans need to change unexpectedly.
If you are registering for this retreat directly with the teacher organizing it, please note that the teacher’s cancellation policy will apply, not Shambala’s. In that case, please ask your teacher directly about their cancellation policy.
The retreat price does not include travel insurance. We kindly ask all participants to ensure they have valid travel insurance before booking the retreat.
Join us September 1–6! Come as you are. Bring what you have. Become part of what unfolds. A co-creative retreat in the wild heart of Sweden.
Or write to us directly: hello@shambalagatherings.com
join our community newsletter
Receive rare updates on upcoming retreats, invitations, seasonal recipes, and reflections from the forest.
