JANUARY 21–24, 2027
A collaboration between Make + Move and Sister Stories, this four-day women’s retreat in Sweden is an invitation to return to what we were never meant to forget: the rhythms of the natural world, the joy of being together, and the threads that connect us all. Sauna, yoga, icy lake dips and the winter forest, guiding you back to yourself.
A RETREAT FOR YOU
Under skies, under stars, in kitchens and in temples, we have been circling for thousands of years.
This retreat is for the one who is carrying a lot. For the one who senses something is missing, and perhaps can’t quite put their finger on it. You might be tired, depleted or searching, longing for connection, for slowness, for togetherness, for truth-telling and a community that feels nourishing on a soul level.
A collaboration between Make + Move and Sister Stories, our days in Sweden will move to a different rhythm, offering a structure that feels restful, enlivening and deeply held. We’ll gather in the beautiful yoga shala for movement, breathwork and practices that invite us to stretch, soften and come back into our bodies. We’ll venture out into the winter landscape, move between the enveloping heat of the sauna and the exhilarating cold of the lake, and make space for deep rest and reflection.
There is plenty of time to truly relax, too: to curl up with a book, take an afternoon nap, or explore the snowy landscape around the lake. Time that belongs entirely to you. There will be delicious food shared around a bustling table, afternoon fika, wonderful conversations, laughter, and the simple pleasure of having nowhere else to be.
Woven through our days is Circle, offering moments of togetherness, reflection and ritual. A space to share what is on our hearts, to listen deeply to one another, and to experience the gentle power of a community where we can show up in our fullness.
It’s a calling back: back to your senses, back to your true nature, and a reminder of how exhilarating it is to be alive.
We know that not everyone can afford the full retreat price, and we want to make this experience as accessible as possible. That’s why we’re offering one reduced-rate spot for someone who feels called to join but would otherwise be unable to.
If this speaks to you, please email us at hello@shambalagatherings.com, share a little about yourself, and you’ll be considered for this spot.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Each day is designed to nourish body, calm mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of the Swedish wilderness.
Mark the beginning and end of our time together with non-judgemental, pressure-free rituals that gather and hold the group.
Daily embodied yoga blending Katonah Yoga and Vinyasa Flow, working with the energy of winter to stretch, soften and come home to the body.
Welcome winter with slow, restorative practices that honour the season’s invitation to rest, turn inward and replenish.
Be guided into a state of deep relaxation, moving between the enveloping heat of the wood-fired sauna and the exhilarating cold of the lake.
Share what is on your heart and listen deeply to others, in circles facilitated by Sister Stories, the UK’s leading Circle Facilitation Training School.
Take the practice home with three months’ complimentary membership to the Make + Move Online Studio, full of classes to enjoy whenever suits you.
— Previous retreat guest, Sweden 2026
YOUR DAYS
Our days move to a slower rhythm, balancing practice, rest, ritual and time in nature. Please note that the schedule is organic and may vary slightly from day to day.
Check-in is at 15:00 on the arrival day, and check-out is at 14:30 on the departure day.
Our opening circle begins at 17:30.
07:30
A shared, silent moment to arrive in the day together.
08:00
Embodied yoga blending Katonah and Vinyasa Flow to awaken body and breath.
09:00
A relaxed, nourishing and easy-to-digest meal enjoyed slowly in shared silence.
11:00
A guided ritual in the wood-fired sauna, inviting deep relaxation and icy lake dips.
12 :15
Free time to warm up, cool down and simply be by the lake.
13:30
A warm, freshly prepared vegan buffet to nourish and delight the senses.
16:00
A traditional Swedish pause for a warm drink and a sweet treat, savoured slowly together.
16:30
A space to share, listen deeply and be witnessed in community.
18:00
Slow, supported practices to soften, rest and land into the evening.
19:00
Gather for a delicious, wholesome evening meal shared in a peaceful and heart-centred atmosphere.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Not Included
per person · all-inclusive · shared twin room
until X
from X
(other room tiers available)
YOUR GUIDE
Lucy grew up in London, and spent years living and working in the city, playing the game of meeting expectations until it stopped making sense. Escaping to nature at weekends, she craved the feeling of grass beneath her feet and kept wondering whether there was more to life. Leaving employment, meeting her husband and moving away from London gave her the space to be whoever she wanted, rather than who was known or expected. Her first yoga teacher training lit a fire that has continued to burn, built upon by trainings in yoga, movement, cold water and sauna.
Through years of rewilding herself, connecting more deeply with herself, nature and people, Lucy has become, in her words, “the most ME version of me” since early childhood. Now she helps others do the same: to feel more comfortable in their own skin, to feel awe for the natural world, and to be their authentic selves.
Lucy helps you find your edge, then nudges you just beyond it, like a friend giving you the nerve to try something new. Whether yoga, breathwork or sauna rituals, her sessions are a communal experience, often involving sweat, chat about the season and astrology (both huge influences), and a soundtrack that takes you places.
KATONAH YOGA
BREATHWORK
SAUNA RITUALS
YOUR GUIDE
WOMEN"S CIRCLES
STORYTELLING
DEEP LISTENING
GUEST EXPERIENCES
“I had an amazing time at the Wild Winter retreat. It was my first experience with an organised retreat, and I’m so glad I chose this one!”
“It was everything I needed: rest, connection with my body and other people, a sense of being held but freedom to do what I needed. Thank you. I came home revitalised and inspired.”
“A beautiful retreat held by Lucy. She creates a wonderfully nourishing space and experience for all.”
“A fantastic combination of physical and spiritual, with a big dose of emotional nurturing.”
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 350 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 January 21–24 for a women’s retreat in Sweden, to slow down with the rhythm of winter, share in the gentle power of circle, and come back to your senses and your true nature.
Or write to us directly: hello@shambalagatherings.com
BRING A LITTLE OF SHAMBALA HOME
In less than 10 minutes a day, these simple practices will help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and bring the calm of the forest into your everyday life. Enter your email below and we’ll send the first practice straight to your inbox.
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