(All photos by © Sara Lindström Photography)
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The air is crisp and clear. The light softens, turning golden in that unmistakable way that only the North knows. Birch leaves shimmer like coins in the breeze, sunlit and trembling, while the first touches of red and ochre begin to paint the forest floor.

You can feel the shift, not just in the landscape, but in your body. Nature is preparing to exhale, and you, too, are invited to slow down. To listen. To ground.

Some mornings are touched with frost, other days hold onto the warmth of late summer. It’s the season of the in-between - where you walk through mist in the morning and watch pink skies dance with the mountains at dusk.

It’s a time for layering wool, picking the last blueberries, and if you listen closely, hearing the rustle of reindeer in the forest. Fires feel more sacred, conversations more honest. And somehow, even silence feels like company.

There’s something ancient in the air. A kind of remembering. And if you’re lucky, you may witness the northern lights perform their mesmerizing dance across the night sky, reflected like liquid poetry in still autumn lakes.

No crowds, no noise. Just you, the stars, and the wonder of the Earth’s magic.

This week-long retreat is for the woman who craves space to breathe.

She’s ready to step away from the noise - of her phone, her roles, her routines - and reconnect with what’s real.

She’s drawn to wild nature, personal growth, meaningful connection, and the kind of beauty that can’t be filtered.

Whether she’s a creative, a coach, a healer, or simply in a season of reimagining her life, she’s ready to see the world - and herself - through a new lens.

She doesn’t want a luxury spa escape.

She wants soul, starlight, and a camera in her hands.

But perhaps most of all, she wants the space and silence to hear her own heart's whispers.

Split in between a forest and a mountain location, the whole week you'll be staying in cosy, modern comfort - in therapeutical natural surroundings.

Tucked beside a mirror-still lake and framed by whispering pine forests, Sörbyn Lodge is a hidden gem in Swedish Lapland where rustic charm meets simple luxury.

With its cozy modern rooms, sauna by the water’s edge, and slow, nourishing meals crafted from local ingredients, it’s a place that invites you to exhale fully, and remember what stillness feels like.

Cradled by ancient mountains and the clear northern sky, Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge feels like stepping into a sacred Nordic storybook.

Timeless wooden cabins, crackling fireplaces, and panoramic views create the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection, deep connection, and wild, starlit wonder.

Here, the land holds you, and something inside you softens.

The meals at both lodges are a quiet ceremony in themselves; deeply nourishing, locally sourced, and thoughtfully prepared with care and intention.

You’ll savor dishes inspired by the land: wild-caught fish, handpicked berries, root vegetables pulled from the earth, and slow-cooked stews that warm you from the inside out.

Everything is seasonal, sustainable, and infused with Nordic simplicity - comforting without being heavy, rustic yet refined.

Mornings begin with steaming coffee, fresh-baked bread, and wholesome breakfasts that ground you for the day. Dinners are shared around the table, lit by candlelight and conversation - unhurried, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re plant-based, gluten-free, or omnivore, the food is not only accommodating, it’s a part of the medicine.

(Most allergies or special food preferences can be catered for - just let us know when requesting to join ♥).

Howdy, I'm Sara Lindström!

In my role as a travel & adventure photographer, I've had the priviledge to roam all over the globe to chase light and beauty with my camera through my work, but it has struck me that few places compare to my home in Swedish Lapland.

It took a global pandemic for me to slow down enough to fully see and then rapidly fall in love with the untamed beauty and serenity still available in this remote corner of Europe, and today I'm passionate about sharing it with others. Not only for it's visual splendour, but for the highly positive impact these unexploited landscapes tend to have on our own bodies and minds.

I am all too familiar with the conscious commitment it often takes to prioritize your own well-being and find the balance in life. That struggle of turning off the mental noise constantly demanding us to be more, perform better and get more sh*t done.

Nature is the place where I go to recharge, find my inspiration and reconnect with the whispers of my heart.

My intention with gathering a small group of women here is to share some of the many treasures I've found, to teach you how to use nature and photography as a kind of mindfulness tool, and to give you a glimpse of a different way of life, a little wilder and simpler.

Hi, I'M Melanie Wilson!

I am a retreat leader, coach, Reiki master, artist and guide. After 20 years as a creative in advertising, I took a bold leap to rebuild my life following divorce, career burnout, and the realization that I was ready to stop living by default and start creating a life aligned with my purpose.

That pivot set me on a path of reinvention; leading international retreats, hosting community wellness events, and guiding women through profound expansion. I am doing what I love, living a life that fills my cup. And it's my mission to empower others to do the same.

I believe with all my being in the transformational power of travel.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do at a crossroads is leave. It's not a getaway, it's a gateway to stepping into a higher, better version of yourself.

In a distant land, among women who get it, who get you, something opens.

You forge connection to the people and places around you, and the pieces of yourself you had forgotten. By the glow of a fire or a walk along the trail, you find a new spark. And you go home with more than a souvenir…a full heart, a circle of soul sisters, and the knowing of being found.

I can't wait to see what unfolds in this wild, mystical place. Because I believe you are the creator of your life. And in the right place, with the right people, under the right sky, the magic is real.

Until 3 months before start date - 50% of the fee will be refunded in the unfortunate event that you have to cancel your booking. After this point no refunds will be given due to the difficulty to fill your spot on such short notice (unless you find your own replacement).

Make sure you have an insurance covering you in case you would get sick or otherwise unable to attent.

If we are forced to cancel the retreat for any reason (like too few participants signed up), your entire participation fee will be refunded to you.

Activity Level

We rank this itinerary as Activity Level 4- Active

Activity Level 1 - Easy: Expect only short walks, and short flights of stairs.

Activity Level 2 - Relaxed: Expect short walks, slight inclines, and sustained activity for only a few hours.

Activity Level 3 - Moderate: Expect slightly longer walks, and activities that correlate to a semi-active lifestyle. Participants should be comfortable with half days of touring, and walking up and down steeper inclines.

Activity Level 4 - Active: Expect longer walks, steeper inclines, and 4 - 6 hours of sustained activities, with appropriate rests. To take advantage of all the offerings, folks should lead an active life style.

Activity Level 5 - Challenging: Expect vigorous walks, hikes, kayaking, etc. Participants should be experienced in outdoor activities, and know how to prepare for, and endeavor upon full day adventures in the wild!

If you have any questions or concerns about this itinerary's Activity Level, please contact saralindstromphotography@gmail.com for more details prior to registering. 

Meeting point: Luleå Central Station. 

The night train from Stockholm is a great, sustainable way to get here.

Although we encourage starting your adventure by travelling here by rail, a speedier option is to catch a flight to Kallax (Luleå Airport). There are several connections every single day.

Don't hesitate to reach out for any questions! We are more than happy to give you our guidance.

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(All photos by © Sara Lindström Photography)