Retreat participants will meet and be picked up at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on August 9, 2023 at 2pm. 

The transportation will arrive to Helsinki Airport on Friday August 14, 2023 at 12pm.

All retreat participants must arrive before Retreat Welcome Circle (6pm on Aug 9, 2026) and can leave after Closing Circle (finished at 9.30am Aug 14, 2026). If you want to come straight to the retreat venue on your own or stay after the retreat, just inform us that in the pre-retreat questionnaire (provided after registration). We're happy to assist you with all logistics and planning of your travels. Please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

We're so excited to share with you the Finnish culture especially through food. Traditional food consist of Karelian pies with egg butter, rye bread, fresh potatoes, salmon soup, bread cheese with cloudberry jam, sautéed reindeer, wild berry desserts like blueberry pie or fresh strawberry cake, Finnish pancakes, Fazer chocolate, salty liquorice etc.

Water in Finland is pure and so tasty from the tap, it's not normal to drink bottled water. Finland is known for their Long Drink that was created for the 1952 Olympics Summer Games in Helsinki, Finland.

Yes, over 3 million house holds in Finland have saunas out of 5.5 million people. This is such a traditional part of everyday living and you will have access to sauna experience each night. 

What is traditional sauna, you may ask? It's sitting in a wooden sauna and when it gets hot, you go to cool off in the lake. And then back to sauna to warm up.

Absolutely! Most of the retreat guests are joining without knowing anyone or just one of the host. Guests consistently report how they leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends. It's okay to feel nervous, it can also mean that something new, out side of your comfort zone, is on its way.

The menu combines fresh, local whole foods with high quality produce. Request can be made for specific dietary restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free, egg-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. You will be asked if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences after registration via specific pre-retreat questionnaire. Please make sure you inform us about your food preferences.

There is never pressure to attend the group activities although it's recommended to get the full experience. If you feel called alone time to relax, that's perfect too. This is your time for you, so it's important you listen to your body and honor what feels right.

6 days/5 nights accommodation, breakfast & dinner, snacks for nature excursions, transportation to/from Helsinki Vantaa airport, day adventures in nature and locally, traditional Finnish dance workshop, daily workshops and guidance from Elaine and Veera, daily sauna, cultural experiences, family dinner at Veera's family lakehouse, and many more traditional, cultural immersions.

If you would like try water activities on the lake, options for rowing and paddle boarding are available. The resort is next to a golf course. Email [email protected] for more info of extra activities.

We take all levels into consideration. We provide modifications and give a lot of suggestions to support you. No experience is a great starting point and we will build experience from there. If something doesn't resonate, that's okay. We deeply believe that you know your body, mind and soul the best. Here we practice listening to it. 

You're arriving to Finland during the best time of the year. The days are typically in the 70'F/20'C and nights/early mornings little cooler.

$500 non-refundable deposit is needed to secure your spot on the retreat. The balance needs to be fully paid 30 days in advance (July 9, 2026) but you can make payments until then based on agreement with True Light Sanctuary Team. Please inform after paying your deposit what's your preferred payment installation. Email [email protected].