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In Autumn 2025, we brought a group of trailblazing women into the stunning landscapes of Northern Sweden. We discovered enchanted forests displaying Autumn colors, pristine lakes, rivers and mountain peaks. The retreat featured a carefully curated itinerary of activities which were designed to enrich the participant’s overall welness. It was an unforgettable experience. We are now planning to return to the Nordic region in February 2027 to experience the white winter wonderland of Arctic Norway. Be one of the first to hear about the event launch by filling in your email address above.
NATURE
Welcome to an unforgettable journey into the wild landscapes of Northern Sweden. Nature isn’t just scenery here, it’s the backdrop to personal transformation.
Over seven days and six nights, we will explore the stunning lands of this hidden Scandinavian gem.
CONNECTION
Come together with like-minded women for a soulful journey into the wild.
Designed for adventurous, curious women, this intimate experience blends outdoor adventure, creativity, mindfulness, and deep soul nourishment.
EXPANSION
This retreat offers opportunities for relaxing in traditional Swedish saunas, as well as exploring wild untamed destinations.
Offering the perfect combination of comfort while exploring some of the world’s most pristine natural landscapes.
Connect with nature, find your tribe, and reconnect with your soul
Swedish Lapland in September is a quiet kind of magic. The light softens, turning golden in that unmistakable way that only the North knows. Birch leaves shimmer like coins in the breeze—sunlit and trembling—while the first touches of red and ochre begin to paint the forest floor. The air is crisp and clear.
You can feel the shift, not just in the landscape, but in your body. Nature is preparing to exhale, and you, too, are invited to slow down. To listen. To ground.
Some mornings are touched with frost, other days hold onto the warmth of late summer. It’s the season of the in-between—where you walk through mist in the morning and watch pink skies dance with the mountains at dusk.
It’s a time for layering wool, picking the last blueberries, and if you listen closely, hearing the rustle of reindeer in the forest. Fires feel more sacred, conversations more honest. And somehow, even silence feels like company.
There’s something ancient in the air. A kind of remembering.
And if you’re lucky, you may witness the northern lights begin their slow dance across the sky, reflected like liquid poetry in still autumn lakes. No crowds, no noise. Just you, the stars, and the wonder of the Earth’s magic.
If you’d like to speak to our hosts about whether this retreat is right for you, you can schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation call via the link below:
Guided Treks & Kayaking
Yoga & Breathwork
Sauna & Cold Plunges
Photograph the Northern Lights
7 Day Sweden Itinerary: Days 1-3
On Day 1, our trip starts in the vibrant city of Luleå, known for its unique blend of Arctic beauty, cultural heritage and modern innovation. We will travel north in our private vehicle to reach Sörbyn Lodge, far away from any city buzz, where a warm, wood-heated sauna will await us. In the late afternoon, we will hold our welcome circle, followed by our first dinner together. Tonight you may get your first glimpse of the Northern Lights!
On Day 2, we'll head off on a Foraging excursion with local expert Eva Gunnare, and learn all about the incredible edible delights of the surrounding foresf. Upon return to the Lodge, our retreat leader Sara will host an Introduction to Photography workshop. Then we'll head out again to a beautiful secluded nature spot for a mindfulness session with Melanie. We'll end the day with delicious dinner at the Lodge.
On Day 3, on retreat will start with yin yoga and breakfast before we'll depart on a hike, with an option to go kayaking on the lake. We'll soothe our muscles in the sauna, followed by a another wholesome dinner. Tonight is a trip highlight - a night photography session under the open sky.
7 Day Sweden Itinerary: Days 4-7
On Day 4 we'll enjoy a morning yoga class, before we depart for Årrenjarka Lodge, incorporating scenic stops and a picnic along the way. Upon arrival at Årrenjarka we'll get settled in, try out the sauna and enjoy a warming dinner together.
On Day 5, we will set off on a mountain hike, taking in the dramatic scenery of this unique Lapland landscape. Back at the Lodge, we'll enjoy an optional dip in the lake and sauna session. At sunset we will doing a Spiritual Fire Ceremony to mark the Autumn Equinox, and enjpying another evening of Stargazing.
On Day 6, it'll be your opportunity to have a private portrait photography session with Sara, or enjoy free time around the Lodge, do a short hike, swim, or sauna.
On our final morning of Day 7, we will travel along a scenic route back to Luleå via Storforsen River. Upon arrival we will say our farewells and start planning our next meet up.
What's included?
- Six nights accommodation - Stay 3 nights at Sörbyn Lodge and 3 nights at Årrenjarka Lodge. Twin share basis. Single room may be available for an additional fee.
- Private transport throughout the week, from starting point to finishing point in a private vehicle.
- All meals - 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners. Plus healthy snacks for hikes etc (Special dietary needs catered for).
- Expert photography guidance with host Sara Lindström - Learn how to capture beautiful nature images in both day and night settings under Sara's personal guidance.
- Guided hiking - Discover the beauty of Arctic Sweden on foot along pristine trails with a selection of guided hikes.
- Guided Breathwork and optional cold plunge sessions in picturesque nature locations.
- Forest Foraging Excursion - Discover the wild, edible bounty of the forest with expert forager Eva Gunnare on an immersive nature walk .
- Yoga classes - Participate in our private group yoga sessions to stretch your muscles and relax the mind.
- Sauna Sessions - Optional daily sauna sessions located at our accommodation bases.
- Autumn Equinox Fire Ceremony - Celebrate the changing of the seasons with a guided intention ceremony led by our host Melanie.
Who is this retreat for?
This week-long retreat is for the woman who craves space to breathe.
She’s ready to step away from the noise - of her phone, her roles, her routines - and reconnect with what’s real.
She’s drawn to wild nature, meaningful connection, and the kind of beauty that can’t be filtered.
Whether she’s a creative, a coach, a healer, or simply in a season of reimagining her life, she’s ready to see the world - and herself - through a new lens.
She doesn’t want a luxury spa escape.
She wants soul, silence, and starlight.
And a camera in her hands.
Sound like you?
Accomodations
Split in between a forest and a mountain location, the whole week you'll be staying in cosy, modern comfort - in therapeutical natural surroundings.
Tucked beside a mirror-still lake and framed by whispering pine forests, Sörbyn Lodge is a hidden gem in Swedish Lapland where rustic charm meets simple luxury.
With its cozy modern rooms, sauna by the water’s edge, and slow, nourishing meals crafted from local ingredients, it’s a place that invites you to exhale fully, and remember what stillness feels like.
Cradled by ancient mountains and the clear northern sky, Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge feels like stepping into a sacred Nordic storybook.
Timeless wooden cabins, crackling fireplaces, and panoramic views create the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection, deep connection, and wild, starlit wonder.
Here, the land holds you, and something inside you softens.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Melanie Sands
With over a decade of experience leading life-changing retreats around the world, I bring deep passion, global expertise, and heart-centered guidance to every journey I create.
Raised in Australia with an unshakable curiosity for the world, I have explored hidden corners of the globe, led adventure tours across four continents, and pursued studies in Tourism Management and Outdoor Leadership and later, Holistic Therapies and Naturopathy. My background blends the adventurous with the intentional, creating the perfect foundation for transformative wellness experiences.
For the past 11 years, I have curated soul-nourishing retreats that inspire deep personal growth, inner clarity, and holistic healing. I’m the founder of Vida Sana, and currently lead transformative experiences both through my own brand and as Head of Retreats at Palmaïa, Mexico’s premier wellness resort.
In 2023, I relocated to the Riviera Maya with my three children to be closer to these sacred lands and expand my offerings.
All my retreats are rooted in nature, guided by intention, and designed to reconnect you to your truest self, and feel lighter, more aligned, and empowered with a renewed connection to your health and purpose.
Sara Lindström
In my role as a travel & adventure photographer, I’ve had the priviledge to roam all over the globe to chase light and beauty with my camera through my work, but it has struck me that few places compare to my home in Swedish Lapland.
It took a global pandemic for me to slow down enough to fully see and then rapidly fall in love with the untamed beauty and serenity still available in this remote corner of Europe, and today I’m passionate about sharing it with others. Not only for it’s visual splendour, but for the highly positive impact these unexploited landscapes tend to have on our own bodies and minds.
I am all too familiar with the conscious commitment it often takes to prioritize your own well-being and find the balance in life. That struggle of turning off the mental noise constantly demanding us to be more, perform better and get more shit done.
Nature is the place where I go to recharge, find my inspiration and reconnect with the whispers of my heart.
My intention with gathering a small crew of women here is to share some of the many treasures I’ve found, to teach you how to use nature and photography as a kind of mindfulness tool, and to give you a glimpse of a different way of life, a little wilder and simpler.
DATES, PRICING AND PAYMENT PLAN
This 7-day retreat will be held from the afternoon of September 18th, 2025 until midday on September 24th, 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a stunning part of the world with like-minded women, guided by expert hosts and local guides.
Total price: EUR 4490
Or choose our interest-free Payment Plan: EUR 1497/month for 3 months.
Send us a message to confirm you’d like to use the payment plan option.
All image credit to our co-host Sara Lindström
I'm a retreat newbie, will I be okay?
Yes! Many of our guests have never been on a retreat before. Each session can be tailored to suit beginner level, or to suit your individual requirements.
Our facilitator team is here to support you and guide you through each stage of your retreat journey.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, we offer the option of paying off your retreat in equal payments, to spread the cost over several months. The final payment will be due 6 weeks before departure. If you would like to discuss an alternative payment arrangement, please get in touch with us.
I have special dietary requirements. Can you cater for this?
Yes absolutely; our kitchen team can create a nourishing menu that is suitable for your requirements.
What happens after I pay my deposit?
Once you book your place, we will send you an email with further information on what to expect, what to pack and how to prepare for the retreat to get the most out of your experience.
We are also happy to answer any questions you may have in the lead up to the retreat.
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