Retreat Into Nature
Yoga & Meditation Based
Veduna Retreat Centre in Velenje, Slovenia
24th September - 30th September 2023
Breath of Life
I breathe in All That Is
Awareness expanding
To take everything in,
As if my heart beats
The world into being
From the unnamed
Vastness beneath the
Mind, I breathe my
Way to wholeness
And healing
Inhalation. Exhalation.
Each breath a “yes”,
And a letting go,
A journey, and a
Coming home
~Danna Faulds
Take this time to enter into a journey within yourself, and find inspiration in nature on a week-long retreat in the mountains of Slovenia. Connect with your breath, free your mind and nurture your body to tune into your deeper self. Set on 23 hectares of lush organic farm land surrounded by enchanting woodlands and wild meadows, this energetically charged space is the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the senses and recharge your soul. Partake in sunrise meditation, a morning hatha yoga to energize you, daily self-nurturing activities and restorative evening yoga practice to help you sleep like a baby.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you enjoy the natural swimming pond with magical valley views. Join the group or venture out on solo scenic nature walks along special energy vortexes. Additional experiences include guided visualization, explorative journaling, a cleansing fire ceremony, yoga nidra, re-balancing cacao ceremony, and a deep sound healing journey. All activities are optional as it is time for you after all. Morning meditation sessions will take place outdoors alongside the natural pond overlooking the alpine mountains. Yoga sessions will take place indoors, in a well-equipped studio with endless valley views. There will be opportunities to practice yoga outdoors on some days.
Indulge in the serenity of yogic living in a natural environment, secluded from the outside world yet equipped with modern amenities. The retreat centre is designed according to vaastu principles of colour, direction and space for harmonious energy flow. Each room is prepared to tend to your basic needs along with a balcony overlooking magical, panoramic views of nature. The centre is designed to help you completely switch off from the distractions of modern civilization in order to reconnect with yourself and nature. Pamper yourself with Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Vedic massage services at the retreat centre. There is also an on-site café and yoga shop for you to enjoy.
Farm to table, environmentally conscious, and freshly prepared meals will be served 3 times daily. Each vegetarian meal (vegan options available) will be ayurvedic, full of prana (life) and organically grown on site or sourced locally.
To start your day, you will be given a choice of smoothies
Brunch and dinner will be 3-course elaborate meals
All meals will be served to easily digest in accordance with ayurvedic principles
There will be fresh fruits, healthy snacks, biscuits, herbal teas and instant coffee available throughout the day. If you have any requirements that are different from the above, we can accommodate your dietary needs with advanced notice. Please note that in accordance with Ayurvedic principles and for you to experience an authentic yogic tradition, this will be an alcohol-free retreat.
Attendance is limited to 12 people.
Retreat Schedule
Sunday, September 24th
5pm – arrival to retreat centre in Velenje
5:30pm – opening circle
6-7pm – yin yoga
7-8pm –dinner
8:30-9:15pm – autumn equinox yoga nidra
Monday, September 25th - Earth Element
6:45-7:30am – sunrise meditation
8-9:30am – grounding yoga
10-11am – brunch
11am-12pm – guided journaling
2:30-4pm – guided nature walk
5-6:15pm – restorative yoga
6:30-7:30pm – dinner
Tuesday, September 26th - Fire Element
6:45-7:30am – sunrise meditation
8-9:30am – fire-y yoga
10-11am – brunch
11am-12pm – guided journaling
2-5pm – sauna afternoon
5-6:15pm – restorative yoga
6:30-7:30pm – dinner
8-9:30pm – releasing fire ceremony
Wednesday, September 27th – Water Element
6:45-7:30am – sunrise meditation
8-9:30am – flow-ga
10-11am – brunch
11am-1pm – sound healing journey
Wednesday, September 27th – Water Element (cont...)
2-3pm – guided nature walk
3-5pm - nature pool afternoon
5-6:15pm – yin yoga
6:30-7:30pm – dinner
Thursday, September 28th – Air/Ether Element
6:45-7:30am – sunrise meditation
8-9:30am – harmonizing yoga
10-11am – brunch
11am-12pm – self-love circle
3:30-5pm – balancing cacao ceremony
5-6:15pm – restorative yoga
6:30-7:30pm – dinner
Friday, September 29th
6:45-7:30am – sunrise meditation
8-9:30am – full elemental yoga
10-11am – brunch
11am-12pm – guided journaling
2:30-4pm – guided nature walk
5-6:15pm – yin yoga
6:30-7:30pm – dinner
8-9:30pm – Full Moon drum and dance fire celebration
Saturday, September 30th
6-6:45am – sunrise yoga & meditation
6:45-7:30am – closing circle
7:45am-8:30am – brunch
8:45am - departure
*those on later flights can check out up to 12pm
Testimonials
"This retreat was beyond any of my expectations. The venue was perfect, immaculately clean with fantastic fresh home cooked food. Palka is a fabulous yoga teacher, she set the scene each day according to our needs. We did nature walks and swimming in a beautiful natural pool. I can't recommend this retreat enough. Calming and refreshing, plus I made some amazing new friends for life! " -Jacqueline Lewis
"Retreat into Nature has been the most enjoyable and nurturing retreat experience I've ever had. The combination of Palka's warmth and expertise together with the beautiful location of Veduna made it a memorable and special experience. The food, facilities and stunning surrounding beauty of the landscape were incredibly nourishing. The yoga and meditation sessions with Palka were restoring and healing. Also, the opportunity to experience Sound Healing and a cacao ceremony was fantastic. I will definitely be booking another retreat with Palka again!!"
-Layla Murga
"A wonderful week with wonderful people and all led by Palka who is a very special teacher. There was just the right balance between activity and down time, and between inside and outdoor sessions. I was impressed with how much work Palka had clearly put in to preparing for the retreat. The venue had a very special feeling of serenity and calm and the views all around were magical. I really enjoyed the cold outdoor swimming and the 2 treatments I was able to book in. The food was delicious - if only I could eat like that every day at home! My soul feels satisfied and soothed. From the beautiful natural surroundings, to the delicious food, warm and welcoming team to the forest walks, meditations and yoga, you will be happy you came." -Katie Cook
"The retreat was brilliantly organised by Palka. She brought her unique, personal touch which enhanced the overall experience. It was not just about yoga as it included self exploration in a supportive environment. It also allowed for new experiences like jumping into an ice cold nature pool that felt totally refreshing. The retreat itself had a beautiful, positive atmosphere and the food was amazing. Overall, the retreat delivered in allowing you to detach away from the world and truly have time to be present." -Jasmeet Lota
Further Details
All quoted costs are for one attendee
Single Occupancy
Book by April 15th or refer a friend - £1451
Regular pricing - £1601
Double Occupancy
Book by April 15th or refer a friend - £1099
Regular pricing - £1,251
Triple Occupancy for Groups
Book by April 15th or refer a friend - £999
Regular pricing - £1099
Six Person Dormitory for Groups
Book by April 15th or refer a friend - £899
Regular pricing - £999
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I book onto a double room even though I am traveling solo?
Yes. We will pair you with another yogi of the same gender who is also traveling solo, like you.
What flights do you recommend from the UK?
The recommended flights, with a roundtrip approximate cost of £280, are as follows:
-Leaving Sunday, 24th of September, U2 8841 at 11:45am from Gatwick (LGW) to Ljubljana (LJU)
-Returning Saturday, 30th of September, BA 691 at 11:10am from Ljubljana (LJU) to Heathrow (LHR)
When booking my flight, how much luggage should I anticipate?
We all have different needs but know that bed linen, towels, shampoo, soap and yoga mats/props will all be provided for your comfort so you are welcome to pack light and worry free.
When should I plan to arrive?
Please plan on arriving to Velenje between 2-5pm on the 24th of September and departing Velenje on the 30th of September anytime after 8:30am.
What if I am new to yoga?
If you are new to yoga and/or meditation, no worries. Classes are sequenced to be suitable for all-levels.
What is the method and timeline of payment?
Once you register, you will receive an invoice and details of how to make a bank transfer.
A deposit of £500 will secure your place onto the retreat. The balance is due by 15th of August.
If you are going for the early bird option, full payment will be required by 15th of April.
Is this retreat open to both men and women?
Yes, everyone is welcome to join us on this retreat!
What pandemic restrictions are in place to travel to Slovenia?
Currently, there are no restrictions to travel into Slovenia. You are NOT required to prove vaccination or take an antigen or PCR test prior to traveling.
What's Included:
-6 nights accommodation
-transfer to and from LJU airport and retreat centre
-2 daily vegetarian meals, snacks & beverages
-scheduled yoga & meditation sessions
-sound healing journey
-cacao ceremony
-guided nature walks
-use of retreat land & facilities including indoor yoga
studio, outdoor yoga decks, sauna and pool
What's Not Included:
-Flights
-Travel insurance
-Tourist tax (1.75 Euros per day)
-Aromatherapy, reflexology & massage services
-Purchases made at the on-site cafe and yoga shop