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Frequently Asked Questions
Spring Renewal | 24-26 April 2026

What is included in the cost of the retreat?

  • All guided and self-guided sensory sessions as outlined in the program

  • Forest walks and forest bathing experience in Nuuksio National Park

  • Entrance to Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

  • Guided art and tactile photography workshop

  • Traditional kantele workshop and live music session

  • Yoga and meditation sessions

  • Nordic pantry tasting and food workshops

  • Guided Finnish sauna experience with herbs and optional cold plunge

  • All meals (breakfast is included only if you are staying at Haltia Lake Lodge)

  • Group reflection circle

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Important accommodation note:

  • The total prices listed reflect the entire experience including accommodation at Haltia Lake Lodge (e.g. program participation fee plus your room type). You will book and pay for your accommodation directly with Haltia Lake Lodge using a preferred retreat rate code. The hotel will handle your reservation according to their terms and conditions. To guarantee your room, please complete your hotel booking no later than 31 days before the retreat.

  • Participants staying elsewhere may pay a program-only participation fee, invoiced separately, while booking lodging independently. Contact us for rates and guidance.

What is not included in the cost of the retreat?

  • Flights or transportation to and from Helsinki

  • Transportation to and from the airport or train station

  • Massages and additional spa treatments at Haltia Lake Lodge

  • Personal travel insurance​

I want to attend the entire retreat, but I can't. Can I attend only a part of it?

While we strongly recommend you attend the entire retreat to get the full benefit of the experience, we understand you may not be able to due to various reasons. We can work with you to accommodate your wishes while ensuring the integrity of the retreat and the experience of the other attendees. If you are unable to attend the entire retreat, but would like to attend a portion of it, please contact us regarding scheduling and pricing.

Where will I be staying?

The recommended accommodation is Haltia Lake Lodge, an award-winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Nuuksio National Park. You are encouraged, but not required to stay at Haltia Lake Lodge. It may be possible for you to share a room with another retreat participant at Haltia Lake Lodge if both parties are open to the idea. Please let us know if you are interested in this arrangement so we can try to match you. Retreat only option is available.

What is the group size?

We intentionally keep the group small to create an intimate, calm, and personal experience. We are aiming for a group of about 10.

How physically demanding is the retreat?

  • The retreat is designed to be gentle and accessible.

  • Forest walks are slow and unhurried

  • No hiking experience is required

  • Terrain is natural forest terrain with some uneven paths

  • You can walk as much or as little as feels right for you

 

Nothing is physically demanding unless you choose to make it so. The focus is on presence, not performance. If there happens to be snow in late April, which is unlikely but possible, we will adapt the walks accordingly.

What should I pack?

We recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes suitable for forest paths

  • A warm jacket and layered clothing

  • A waterproof outer layer in case of rain

  • Comfortable indoor clothes

  • Yoga or movement clothes

  • A bathing suit for sauna and cold plunge

  • A reusable water bottle

  • A small day backpack

  • Optional notebook or journal

 

Late April weather in Finland can unpredictable. Please check the forecast before traveling and pack accordingly.

What about food and meals?

You will be well fed throughout the retreat. All meals during the program are included:

  • Nutritious daily breakfast at Haltia Lake Lodge (if you are staying at the Lodge)

  • Lunch buffet at Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

  • Dinner at Haltia Lake Lodge

  • Nordic pantry tasting session

  • Three-course bonfire dinner in a kota/teepee

  • Traditional bonfire pancake feast

 

Meals are seasonal, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared. You can expect three satisfying meals each day along with tastings and workshops. Please bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs including:

  • Vegetarian

  • Vegan

  • Gluten-free

  • Dairy-free

  • Food allergies

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Please let us know your dietary requirements during registration so we can coordinate with our chefs and partners.

What is the cancellation policy?

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  • If you cancel at least 31 days prior to the start of the event, we will return the retreat participation fee less €69 for administrative and transaction fees.

  • If you cancel 10–30 days before the start of the event, we will withhold 50% of the retreat participation fee. If the fee has not yet been paid in full, we will send an invoice for 50% of the participation fee, including any amount already paid.

  • If you cancel less than 10 days before the start of the event, we will withhold 100% of the retreat participation fee.

  • The organizer reserves the right to cancel the retreat if, for example, an adequate number of registrations is not reached. All retreat participation payments will be returned if the event is cancelled for any reason other than force majeure.

  • More information will be provided when your booking terms are finalized. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. All cancellations must be sent in writing to the same email address from where you received your confirmation email.

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Note: Accommodation cancellations are subject to Haltia Lake Lodge’s own terms and deadlines.

When is my payment due?

  • The retreat participation fee, if staying at Haltia Lake Lodge, is €667 (payable to Five Senses Retreats). Please contact us for program-only participation rates.

  • One-third of the retreat participation fee is due within seven (7) days of receiving our confirmation email to secure your spot.

  • Two-thirds of the retreat participation fee is due 45 days before the start of the retreat.

  • Full payment of the retreat participation fee is due 31 days before the start of the retreat.

  • Your registration is fully confirmed only when we have received your complete retreat participation fee.

  • You may choose to pay the full retreat participation fee upfront if you wish.

  • Accommodation payments are handled directly with Haltia Lake Lodge according to their terms and deadlines.

Is this retreat right for me?

It most likely is if you are asking that question. This retreat is for people who work hard – in an office, at home, on an assembly line, or anywhere else. It is for those who want:

  • Deep rest and restoration

  • Time in nature

  • Cultural immersion

  • Space for reflection

  • A slower rhythm

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