WINTER RETREAT
21-24 Jan 2027
Sweden
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Sweden *
“A really transformative and wonderful space.”
MAKE + MOVE / SISTER STORIES
Embrace Winter
The season of darkness, stillness, reflection & dreaming.
“we must learn to invite the winter in” - Katherine May, Wintering
What if winter isn't simply a season to endure, but a season with something extraordinary to offer us?
Deep in the Swedish countryside, surrounded by forest and frozen lakes, we invite you to step away from the noise and pace of everyday life and into the quiet, wild beauty of winter.
A collaboration between Make + Move and Sister Stories, this four-day retreat 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.
WINTER RETREAT: 21-24 Jan 2027
Step in to the wild beauty of winter and let yourself be held: mind, body & soul.
The women behind the retreat
This retreat brings together Lucy Wright of Make + Move - a hugely experienced retreat facilitator, yoga teacher and qualified Sauna Master - and Gemma Brady - founder of Sister Stories, one of the UK's leading women's Circle organisations, whose work has reached women across five continents.
“We've known one another for well over a decade and had the joy of being part of each other's spaces. We've experienced each other's work, felt the impact of it ourselves, and have enormous respect for what the other brings.
This retreat has grown out of a desire to bring our worlds together. The extraordinary practices of yoga, movement, sauna and cold immersion, alongside the depth, connection and storytelling of Circle.
A chance to offer you deep medicine for your body and soul, in the wild beauty of the Swedish winter.
We hope you’ll join us,
Lucy & Gemma x”
MAKE + MOVE / SISTER STORIES
Come back to your senses
We need to rewild.
Much of our lives are cocooned, wrapped up, separated. From the seasons, from the natural world, from one another, and sometimes even from ourselves.
There’s a deep collective longing which touches many of us every day. A longing for slowness, for togetherness, for truth telling and community that feels nourishing on a soul level.
We crave something so simple, yet so precious. Space to soften, to move, to breathe, to laugh. To share meals around a bustling table, to sit in Circle by candlelight sharing stories from the heart.
Winter has its own kind of wildness and its own gentle wisdom. It invites us to slow down, to turn inward, to rest. But also to step out into the elements, to play, to remember how exhilarating it is to be alive.
Perhaps we need both. The stillness and the aliveness, the quiet and the wild.
This retreat is a calling back:
Back to connection.
Back to your senses.
Back to your true nature.
“I loved making connections with new people, and deepening existing connections.”
What to expect
UNDER SKIES, UNDER STARS, IN KITCHENS AND IN TEMPLES, WE HAVE BEEN CIRCLING FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
Our days in Sweden will move to a different rhythm, offering you a structure that will feel 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 in the snowy chalet, take an afternoon nap, or explore the stunning 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 we need to be.
Woven through our days will be Circle, offering moments of togetherness, reflection and ritual. Space to share what is on our hearts, to listen deeply to one another, and experience the gentle power of being in a community where we can show up in our fullness.
BODY ~ MIND ~ BREATH
Modern life often separates the different parts of our being: the mind races in to the future whilst the body trudges through the motions and the spirit might be nowhere to be seen.
This retreat will look to yoke all parts of you.
There’ll be twice daily practices in the dreamy Shala. These will draw heavily on Katonah Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine and 5 Element Theory.
There’ll be breathwork, a sprinkling of vinyasa flow, restorative yoga, yoga nidra and of course practices will be aligned with the natural rhythms so that they develop our connection with both nature and ourself.
Classes will cater to different abilities through variations and modifications, giving the chance to challenge yourself or go easy.
“I learnt that putting yourself out there and offering up parts of yourself that I’ve been uncertain about in the past, can be so rewarding!”
There is something utterly extraordinary about moving between the enveloping heat of the sauna and the exhilarating cold of the Swedish winter.
But what makes this experience especially beautiful is the way it is held.
Lucy is an experienced and qualified Sauna Master and brings a wonderful depth of care, intention and skill to the rituals she creates, allowing you to move deeply into the experience whether you are sauna aficionado or a novice.
Ritualising the sauna experience elevates it from something to endure to something deeply moving. Drawing on sauna traditions and honouring the natural world, Lucy creates deeply immersive experiences that invite us to be fully present to ourselves, our bodies and the elements.
And then, for those who choose to, there is the exhilaration of stepping out into the cold lake. The sharp intake of breath, the laughter and that extraordinary feeling of being completely alive in the moment.
Whether you're a seasoned cold water dipper or a total beginner, full guidance is given, alongside advice and support in advance to help you prepare safely. There is no pressure to take the plunge.
Step into the Cold & find new depths
“The ritual was beautiful and felt really luxurious. ”
Our Home
The location
We’ll be staying at the renowned Shambala Gatherings, a retreat centre established on Buddhist principles and run on this basis. Jjust two hours west of Stockholm in Skinnkatteberg (pron: Shins-catter-bai). Surrounded by forest and lakes in the heart of the countryside this is well worth the journey.
Accommodation is simple and shared in twin rooms with the overriding ethos of communion, sustainability and nature connection. The vibe is understated, welcoming and easy. Little affirmations and deities adorn rooms and soon enough, it feels like home.
A special aspect of Shambala is how much care they put in to the food; it is vegan, gluten free and Ayurvedic. It also serves as an opportunity to come together - for all that are involved in the running of Shambala to commune. Us lucky guests, the volunteers and other souls that keep the cogs turning gather each day to share meals and conversations.
We’ll be fully catered throughout our stay (3 meals a day) and enjoy a fika each afternoon (Swedish for small treat). Most dietary requirements can be catered for if notified in advance.
Everyone is welcome here. It’s the perfect place to rewild ourselves.
Your Team
Lucy Wright: Make+Move
Gemma Brady: Sister Stories
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Lucy will be holding yoga, breathwork & sauna rituals during this retreat.
Lucy started running retreats in 2018 utilising her 20+ years of experience within wellness & travel. She has led expeditions internationally, managed charity challenges and has a 1st Class degree in Sports+Exercise Science.
Years of travelling, movement, rewilding and seeking joy have woven together to create these retreats. The passion underlying it all is a desire to help people have fun and connect more deeply: with themselves, the natural environment & each other.
This retreat is borne out of Lucy’s own struggle with winter and her desire to live seasonally. So rather than escaping the depths of darkness, we embrace them.
The practices that she’ll share work with the energy of winter and the water element. Lucy will encourage you to lean in to the lesser reached parts of yourself; reflecting on previous patterns & experiences, challenging beliefs and asking poignant questions.
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Gemma will be holding the thread of Circle throughout this retreat. Opening and Closing Circles will bookend the experience, with aspects picked up during the days.
Gemma Brady's journey creating Sister Stories began in her living room in 2017, but her understanding of story's transformative power was forged years before. As an award-winning documentary maker for the BBC and Channel 4, she witnessed something extraordinary: when people shared their truths in the interview room, everyone present - from sound recordists to producers - found themselves softening, connecting, recognizing their own stories in others' experiences.
This deep understanding of story's ability to dissolve differences and awaken compassion now infuses every aspect of Sister Stories. Drawing on her background as both a documentary maker and trained narrative therapist, Gemma has created a unique approach to Circle work that honors both the power of personal story and the ancient wisdom of women's circles.
"The yoga sessions were.... Incredible, you are a very gifted teacher. I felt thoroughly supported and allowed to go at my own pace and level of ability."
"The yoga sessions were.... Incredible, you are a very gifted teacher. I felt thoroughly supported and allowed to go at my own pace and level of ability."
"It’s ok to be me."
"It’s ok to be me."
“Snow, sauna, cold water and most importantly yoga with Lucy!”
“Snow, sauna, cold water and most importantly yoga with Lucy!”
limited spaces
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limited spaces 〰️ 〰️
SISTER STORIES WINTER RETREAT
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21-24 January 2027
SHAMBALA GATHERINGS, IN SWEDEN
21/01: Group transfer 1pm // Arrivals 3pm // Welcome Circle 4:30pm
24/01: Departures 2:30pm // Back to Stockholm 4:30/5pm
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WHAT’S INCLUDED?
3 nights / 4 days accommodation,
3 meals a day,
Afternoon snack,
Opening & Closing Circles
Twice daily movement / breath / meditative practices,
Sauna ritual,
Open Sauna,
Use of lake - cold water guidance,
Time to yourself,
Transfer from Stockholm at set time.
Pre-retreat 3 months access to On Demand Library, private Whatsapp group for support.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Travel to Stockholm (e.g. flights), personal expenses, insurance, linen hire (it is customary & eco-friendly in Sweden to bring your own linen, or you can hire c.350kr), massage / treatment.
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Early Bird: £925pp - until 31/10 -
Standard: £995pp
All accommodation is shared & allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to share with a friend please include this at time of booking.
To book requires a £250 non-refundable deposit.
The payment options are:
Pay in full within 30 days. Total paid is as quoted above
Pay by 2 instalments.
Standard Price Payment dates: 01/11 & 01/12.
Instalment amounts: £400
Total amount paid by instalment plan: £1050
Group size: min.12 max. 22
Terms & conditions: found here
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no set requirement as classes cater to all levels. Classes are taught with variations and modifications throughout, so you can go as deep or as gentle as your body wants that day. Pre-retreat you will have access to the Online Studio with over 100+ yoga classes to help you prepare.
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No — all meals are vegan, gluten-free and Ayurvedic by default, prepared with real care by the Shambala team, and most other dietary requirements can be catered for if you let us know in advance.
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A group transfer from Stockholm Central Station to Shambala Gatherings is included in your retreat.
This will depart at 1pm on 21/01.
Traveling to Shambala Gatherings outside of this is under your own steam. It’s around 2 hours from Stockholm by car with public transport also possible. Skinnskatteberg is the closest station.
Flights aren’t included in the retreat price — most people fly into Stockholm and from the UK this can be around £100.
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Accommodation is shared in twin rooms, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We find that people coming on these experiences almost always have a common thread and although sharing a room may appear daunting, it can be a great introduction.
If you want to share with a specific friend, let us know at time of booking.
Please reach out if you want to discuss.
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Travel to the venue, personal expenses, insurance, linen hire (bringing your own is customary in Sweden — or hire on-site for approx. 350kr), and massage/treatments (available to book separately).
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All places are allocated on a first come, first-served basis so once the retreat is full - it’s full!
The early bird pricing (£925pp) ends 31st October.
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Women that want time to themself / to rest / to connect with likeminded souls / to try something new / to continue their Circle work / to sit in Circle for the first time / cold water / sauna / daily yoga. Any and all of the above.
This is for you if it speaks to you.
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They’re led by Lucy, an experienced and qualified Sauna Master. Expect something more immersive than a standard sauna — think leafy whisks, curated playlist, story-telling and a real sense of ceremony, referencing traditional sauna culture. You don’t need any prior experience & can step out of the sauna at any point.
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Every session is optional. This retreat is about listening to yourself, not ticking boxes. You can watch, dip your toes, go all in, or stay in the sauna — the choice is always yours.
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Yes. Whether you’re a total beginner or you swim through winter every week at home, you’ll be fully guided and supported. Nothing is forced — you go in at your own pace, with as much or as little coaching as you need. Full advice is also given in advance so you can prepare properly before you arrive.
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Almost certainly not. Every retreat is a mix of complete first-timers and experienced cold water/sauna goers. That mix is part of what makes the group work.
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Cold water and sauna aren’t right for everyone in every circumstance. If you have any medical concerns, are pregnant, or are unsure whether this is safe for you, get in touch before booking and we’ll talk it through honestly.
“A beautiful retreat held by Lucy- she creates a wonderfully nourishing space and experience for all.”
