Rest and Stillness, Wellness Retreat in Finnish Lakeland, Finland
February in the Finnish Lakeland is one of the quietest places on earth. Frozen lakes stretch as far as you can see, snow sits heavy on dark pine forests, and daylight is gently returning after the long Nordic winter. Temperatures sit around -5 to -10°C, crisp, clear, and extraordinarily still.
In Chinese medicine, winter is the season of the Water element - the time to go inward, replenish deep reserves, and rest without guilt. This women's wellness retreat in Finland is designed around exactly that. Five nights in this landscape, supported by acupuncture, Qi Gong, and Chinese medicine self-care, can feel like a profound exhale.
This is not a retreat packed with activities. It is a small-group winter retreat for women who are ready to stop pushing through and start working with the season.
Soak. Exhale. Restore.
Your Retreat Home for Five Nights
Olo Centre is a beautifully restored retreat venue set deep in the Finnish Lakeland, nestled between Kolovesi and Linnansaari national parks and surrounded by frozen lakes and ancient forest. It is genuinely remote - peacefully, restorative remote - with no traffic noise, no distraction, just nature on every side.
The building houses nine rooms across two retreats, a handful with private ensuites and the rest sharing bathrooms between just one or two other rooms. Rooms are available for solo occupation or to share with a friend. There are two retreat dates to choose from, each taking a small group of women.
Minimal Nordic interiors, organic bedding, and considered design throughout - this is simple done beautifully.
Prices below are per person for five nights including all meals and Jo's full programme.
| Room Type | Bathroom | Solo (5 Nights) |
Twin pp (5 Nights) |
Triple pp (5 Nights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pisara Private ensuite suite |
Private ensuite | £1,695 | — | — |
| Kulta Spacious ensuite suite |
Private ensuite | £1,695 | — | — |
| Kookos Twin room |
Shared with Lupiini | £1,395 | £1,250 | — |
| Lupiini Twin/triple room |
Shared with Kookos | £1,395 | £1,250 | £1,095 |
| Tuohi Twin/triple room |
Shared with Luola & Himmeli | £1,250 | £1,125 | £995 |
| Luola Twin room |
Shared with Tuohi & Himmeli | £1,250 | £1,125 | — |
| Himmeli Single room |
Shared with Tuohi & Luola | £1,250 | — | — |
Retreat 1: Saturday 20 February – Thursday 25 February 2027
Retreat 2: Friday 26 February – Wednesday 3 March 2027
All prices are per person for the full 5 nights, indicative pending final confirmation. All rooms include organic bedding, cotton towels and organic toiletries.
Would you rather explore the full details via my brochure?
Ready to dive into everything about The Stillness Retreat?
Leave your email on the next page and you'll get direct access to the full brochure.
This retreat is for you if...
You are ready to change pace - properly, not just for an afternoon. Five nights in a landscape so quiet it does half the work for you.
You are drawn to nature in its rawest winter form -frozen lakes, dark pine forests, and skies you have forgotten existed.
You want to understand what Chinese medicine has to say about winter - and to actually live it, not just read about it.
You are tired in a way that a weekend won't fix, and you know it.
You love the idea of morning Qi Gong, crisp white landscappe, nourishing food and long unhurried evenings.
You prefer a small group of women and a gentle, intentional pace over a packed schedule.
You want to come home feeling genuinely different - not just rested, but reset.
A Typical Day
Our days follow a simple, unhurried rhythm — with plenty of space to rest, explore and simply be.
Morning
We begin the day with gentle Qi Gong inside, overlooking the winter landscape - simple movement to wake the body and settle the nervous system. Breakfast follows, shared and relaxed. After breakfast there may be a group acupuncture session or a simple self-care practice inspired by Chinese medicine.
Afternoon
We share lunch together before the afternoon opens up. Wrap up and walk in the forest, rest by the window and watch the frozen lake, journal, or simply enjoy doing very little.
Evening
As the light fades (early, as it does in February) we gather for dinner together. On two evenings we'll also share a Shen Settling practice (similar to Yoga Nidra), a deeply restful guided session to help settle the body and mind before sleep.
Nothing is compulsory. Rest is always a valid choice.
What's included?
Five nights in the Finnish wilderness, offering the most unhurried version of the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Your stay
- Five nights’ accommodation in a boutique eco-hotel Minimal Nordic interiors.
- Organic bedding
- Cotton towels and organic toiletries provided in all rooms
- A philosophy of simplicity as true luxury
Nourishment
- Three meals a day
- Prepared using locally sourced, organic ingredients
Guidance & practices
- Morning qi gong with Jo , Shen settling (like Yoga nidra) & deep relaxation sessions
- Seasonal self-care guidance
The space
- Nestled in the Saimaa region between Kolovesi and Linnansaari national parks
- Traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna (extra cost)
- Snow-covered forests and frozen lakes for winter walks
- Aurora light gazing, when nature allows
Ease
- Coordinated group train travel from Helsinki Central Station to Savonlinna
- Group transfer arranged by Jo from Savonlinna to the retreat centre (approx. 30 to 40 minutes)
Not included
- Flights to Helsinki
- Cost of the train to Savonlinna (from approx. €9 to average €42)
- Transfer cost from Savonlinna to Olo Centre (paid separately by guests)
- Any required pre- or post-retreat hotel nights in Helsinki Optional extras such as ice bathing, snowshoeing, or facial treatments
For more info on transfers pop me an email.
Optional Extras
The Center offers a wonderful range of additional experiences to deepen your time there. I’m working on what I’ll be able to include for the group : more details to follow.
In the meantime, here’s a flavour of what’s available:
• Cold exposure & ice bathing
• Ice skating on the lake
• Snowshoeing
• Ice fishing
• Cross-country skiing
• Empathic ecology walk
• Outdoor campfire meal
• E-fat bike forest trails
• Organic herbal salt bath
• Soundbath
• Facial treatment & massage
• Somatic coaching
• Artisan chocolate tasting
Ensuite Rooms
Pisara and Kulta both with private ensuite bathrooms.
- Solo : £1695
Bedrooms with shared bathroom (two rooms)
Kookos and Lupiini can sleep 2/3 and share a bathroom.
- Solo : £1495
- Twin : £1250
- Triple ( Lupiini only ): £1095
Bedrooms with shared bathroom (three rooms)
Tuohi, Luola and Himmeli all share the same bathroom.
- Solo : £1250
- Twin ( Tuohi and Luola only ): £1125
- Triple ( Tuohi only ): £995
Ready to book your place?
Many women come on their own — you'll be very welcome.
Choose a room for sole occupancy or take the option to share.
Your Host Jo Darling
I'm Jo Darling — acupuncturist, retreat guide, and practitioner of Chinese Medicine.
I create retreats for women who are ready to slow down, live simply, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of life. My work is rooted in Chinese medicine and the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from it.
I'll be guiding you throughout the retreat — gently, practically, and with plenty of space for rest.
What women say about my retreats
"I didn't even realise how much I needed it."
Yasmine
"I got on the plane feeling sluggish, low and fed up. I came home feeling like a new person."
Helen · Google Review
"If you want to nourish your soul, Jo's expertise will surpass your expectations."
Gina
"I come home feeling so restored and ready to tackle any challenges."
Jennie · Google Review
Your Travel Plan
Getting There: The Journey to Olo Centre
True wilderness takes a little time to reach. That is precisely why it remains so profoundly still and quiet. The route to our Finnish lakeland retreat is straightforward once you know the shape of it, and the journey itself forms a beautiful part of the winter experience.
For a full travel plan please see this Finland 2027 Travel Guide, or look on below for a "quick version"
Briefly, how it works...
- The Day Before: You may need to fly direct from London to Helsinki the evening before your retreat begins, enjoying a calm, relaxing night in the city.
- The Group Train: The following morning, all guests will board the 13:19 train from Helsinki Central Station together. It is an approximate 4-hour, 10-minute shared journey through the lakeland to Savonlinna.
- Arrival at Olo: A 40-minute transfer will collect you from Savonlinna station and bring you directly to the Olo Centre to begin your retreat.
- The Return: Following an unhurried 11:00 check-out on your final day , you will be transferred to Savonlinna to take a midday train back to Helsinki. You will arrive at the airport around 17:00, allowing comfortable time for evening flights home.
This is my suggested travel guide, however flights will differ and I'll do my best to help you plan your travel. Any questions - message me via the contact form below before you book.
I'll help you find the best transfer options and put you in touch with other guests travelling at similar times, so you're never sorting this out alone. Many guests choose to share a car from the airport, it's a lovely way to start connecting before the retreat even begins. Transfer costs aren't included in the retreat price
The flight suggestions below are based on info at time of writing and may be subject to change.
| Airport | Airline | Outbound Flight | Return Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Finnair | Fly the evening before. | Fly home the same evening you depart Olo. |
| Stansted | Ryanair | Fly the evening before. | Fly home the same evening you depart Olo. |
| Gatwick | Norwegian | Fly the evening before. | Requires a second overnight stay in Helsinki to catch the early flight home the following morning. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
Do I need travel insurance?
Do I need travel insurance? Yes — required. Jo recommends taking out a policy as soon as you book that covers the retreat dates and any medical costs abroad.
Can I extend my stay before or after the retreat?
Personal choice - Helsinki is well worth a couple of extra days if you want to make a trip of it, and Savonlinna itself, with its lakeside setting and medieval castle, is a lovely place to linger before or after your time at Olo.
Is the retreat suitable if I have limited mobility?
This is a wilderness retreat in the depths of the Finnish winter. Expect deep snow, icy paths, and forest trails that aren't groomed or designed for accessibility, getting between buildings and outdoor spaces involves walking on natural, uneven, and often frozen ground.
If you have limited mobility or any concerns about the physical environment, please email Jo at hello@jodarling.co.uk before booking so she can help you decide whether this retreat is the right fit for you."
Accessibility issues and questions
We want to make sure our space works for you. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before booking. Please note that deposits are non-refundable (though you are welcome to transfer your booking to another person).
What's Included
What is group acupuncture?
The opportunity to experience relaxing and energising acupuncture treatment in a group setting.
If you're new to acupuncture with Jo, you'll be asked to complete a new patient form before you retreat so that she knows your full health history.
If you have any concerns about the treatment please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before travelling.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
The type of Qi Gong that Jo shares is self healing Dao Yin style. She chooses simple, meditative practice to share with you so that you can get maximum benefit in minimum time.
Jo's mantra is 'if you like it take it home'. She sincerely hope you will.
What happens during the workshops?
Jo curates your stay to harness the energetics of the Chinese energetic clock. Helping to make 'one day feel like three'.
The workshops on this retreat include seasonal support moving energy from Winter to Spring, one of the hardest seasonal transitions. From hibernation to growth.
What food is included?
Three meals a day, prepared fresh from organic and locally sourced ingredients — some grown in Olo's own garden.
The kitchen follows the rhythm of the season, which in February means nourishing, warming Nordic food, simply and beautifully prepared.
You'll be asked for your dietary requirements around a month before we travel.
Payment
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes. Payment plans are available to make the retreat accessible. You can reserve your place with a deposit and pay the balance in instalments before the retreat begins (full payment is required 60 days in advance).
You can also choose to split your purchase into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna at checkout.
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
If you would like a bespoke payment plan outside of website checkout, please get in touch (additional admin costs may apply).
Can I pay by Klarna?
You can also choose to split your purchase into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna at checkout.
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
What payment methods do you take?
Shop pay, Google pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
Getting There
How do I get there?
Getting There
Fly into Helsinki (HEL) — direct from London Heathrow (Finnair), Stansted (Ryanair) or Gatwick (Norwegian).
The journey to Olo Centre may involve an overnight stay in Helsinki either side of the retreat — and the train ride through the Finnish Lakeland to Savonlinna is all part of the experience. There's something special about watching the landscape change as you head deeper into the wilderness. The group train departs Helsinki after 1pm, which is worth keeping in mind when booking your flights.
Check in is from around 6pm on your retreat start date. There's a welcome gathering on the first evening and the retreat begins after dinner.
I arrange group transfers around suggested timings but can also help if you need to travel separately. I'll share a full travel guide with suggested flight times, train details and booking links once you've booked.
Retreat 1: Arrive Saturday 20 February 2027
Retreat 2: Arrive Friday 26 February 2027
Departing for home
Check out is by 11am on your departure day. You'll be transferred to Savonlinna in time for a midday train to Helsinki, arriving in good time for evening flights home.
Retreat 1: Depart Thursday 25 February 2027
Retreat 2: Depart Wednesday 3 March 2027
Full travel details, suggested flights and arrival windows will be sent once you book.
If you have any questions before booking, email hello@jodarling.co.uk
How much is the transfer?
Train costs vary and can be anywhere from €9 to €42 each way depending on when you book.
The transfer from Savonlinna station to Olo Centre takes around 40 minutes and is approximately €10-15 per person each way.
All travel costs are being confirmed.
Location And Facilities
Is there a hairdryer in my room?
We're confirming this with the venue and will update the page shortly — if it's important to you, drop me an email and I'll let you know as soon as I have the answer.
Do I need to bring towels?
No — Olo provide cotton towels for personal use.
Is there Wifi?
Yes — Olo Centre has Wifi throughout.
What is the temperature?
February in the Finnish Lakeland typically sits around -5 to -10°C — cold, crisp and clear. It's the kind of cold that feels invigorating rather than miserable, especially when you have a warm retreat centre and good food to come back to.
A full packing list will be included in your travel guide.
What's the accommodation like?
Olo Centre is a beautifully restored boutique eco-hotel nestled between two national parks.
Rooms are minimal Nordic in style with organic bedding, cotton towels and organic toiletries.
There are two private ensuite suites and a number of single and twin rooms sharing bathrooms between just one or two other rooms.
Tell me more about the local area
Olo Centre sits in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, in the Saimaa region — one of the largest lake systems in the world — and is surrounded by Kolovesi and Linnansaari national parks.
In February the landscape is blanketed in snow, the lakes are frozen solid, and the forests are extraordinarily quiet. It's genuinely remote in the best possible way.
