gather kindling
11th - 16th August 2025, Lakeside Villa, Ryd, SwedenThis retreat is a dream come true—a chance to share the magic of Scandinavian summer, surrounded by wild forests, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant blueberry forests. It’s a space where mamas can reconnect with nature alongside their little ones, while also replenishing themselves. Gather Kindling was born from the desire to create a sanctuary where mothers are nurtured as tenderly as they nurture their children—a place to rest, restore, and find balance within nature and a supportive community.
Here, mothers are held by the wild—breathe in fresh air, dip in the lake, unwind in the sauna, and replenish in the peaceful yoga shala. While mothers rewild, their little ones will explore the forest, forage, and play in a joyful, safe environment, surrounded by the love and care of the community. Gather Kindling is a place to rest, rewild, and reconnect. A place to nurture, to be nurtured, and to tend to the flames of both our little ones and ourselves.
the location
Our first retreat will be held at a beautiful lakeside villa, nestled near the peaceful village of Ryd in Sweden, offering the perfect retreat for mothers and their little ones. Surrounded by dense forests rich with wild blueberries, crystal-clear waters, and the tranquil hum of nature, this space invites you to reconnect with the earth, your little one, and yourself.
Designed with both mamas and children in mind, this space offers both restful moments and joyful adventures. Your little ones will delight in the large trampoline, the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, and kayaking across the lake to explore the secluded islands. With the vast natural surroundings, there is endless space for them to play, discover, and connect with nature.
Inside, the villa is a sanctuary of simplicity and serenity, with expansive windows that bring the beauty of the surrounding forest and lake right to your doorstep. The wood cabin yoga shala offers a peaceful setting for gentle movement and yoga, while the 14-person sauna provides a deeply restorative experience for all. Whether you’re practicing yoga, enjoying the warmth of the sauna, or simply relaxing by the lake, the villa provides a perfect balance of nurturing space for both mamas and little ones.
Located just under 3 hours from Copenhagen, the villa is easily accessible by car. Växjö Småland Airport is only a 45-minute drive away, and Ronneby Airport is just an hour’s drive.
This lakeside villa, surrounded by wild blueberry forests, is a place where both mothers and children can rewild together—immersing themselves in nature, sharing moments of connection, and creating lasting memories. It is a place to nourish the body, mind, and spirit, in a community held by love and the beauty of the natural world.
for you & your little ones
Gather Kindling offers you the gift of time – time to connect, to rest, and to share in the simple magic of community and nature.
Our resident chef will nourish us with plant-forward, low-gluten, and processed sugar-free meals, using foraged, wild ingredients, complemented by healing beverages and snacks. These meals will celebrate the abundance of the land, bringing everyone together to share nourishing food in community. If you or your child have specific dietary needs, we can also serve organic meats and dairy upon request. Please provide us with your and your child’s dietary requirements in advance to ensure we can accommodate everyone’s needs.
Wild Family Meals & Celebrations
Nature Immersion & Adventure
In the afternoons, we’ll explore the natural world together—whether it’s foraging wild plants and berries, kayaking to nearby islands, or learning to make herbal remedies. Seasonal cooking workshops will also provide hands-on ways to connect with the land.
Sacred Time for Mamas
As the children rest, mamas will have the opportunity to indulge in quiet temple-like rituals—unwinding in the sauna, embracing soothing ceremonies, and reconnecting with their sensuality and inner peace. This is a time for deep relaxation, reflection, and replenishment.
Morning Grounding & Reconnection
Start the day by reconnecting with your body and spirit through yoga, breathwork, somatic practices, and sharing circles. This is a space to release, feel, and ground yourself. Meanwhile, children will enjoy a Waldorf-inspired nature programme with crafts, play, and exploration.
Exploration & Play
There will be plenty of time to simply be in nature. Enjoy the freedom to rest and reflect at your own pace, whether it's swimming in the lake, cycling through the forest, or soaking in the surrounding beauty. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to choose how you wish to spend your time in this peaceful, natural haven.
Creatively Connected Childcare
Our 8 - 11am children’s programme allows mamas to deeply engage in the sessions while the children are cared for in a thoughtfully designed programme by our nurturing "aunties" where they’ll be doing activities like singing circles, art and music, inspired by Steiner’s approach to creative expression.
the sample schedule
7am – Wild morning banquet & healing elixirs
Begin the day with a nourishing breakfast spread, featuring wild, seasonal ingredients, paired with rejuvenating morning elixirs to nourish the both of you.
8am – Somatic movement for little ones
A playful, gentle movement session for the little ones, letting their bodies flow and awaken with nature-inspired games and activities.
8:30am – Children’s nature-inspired exploration
Our little ones will embark on a nature-filled adventure—music, crafts, gardening, sensory play—connecting with the world around them in an immersive, joyful way.
9am – Energizing yoga & breathwork for mamas
Reignite your body and spirit with an energizing yoga practice, paired with breathwork to ground, restore, and rejuvenate.
10am – Mamas’ sharing circle
A quiet space for mothers to gather in community, reflect, and share experiences in a heartfelt and supportive circle.
11am – Reunite for cuddles & play
Time to reconnect with your little ones, share in a moment of affection, and enjoy some relaxed family time.
12pm – Forest-to-table feast
Savor a vibrant, seasonal lunch made with foraged ingredients, shared together in the beauty of nature, where every bite connects us to the earth.
1pm – Free time to explore & rest
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace—swim in the lake, kayak to hidden islands, cycle through the forest, or simply rest and reflect in the peaceful surroundings.
3pm – Wild foraging & nature-inspired cooking
Join us for a foraging adventure through the forest, followed by a hands-on cooking experience where we’ll create delicious dishes using the ingredients we’ve gathered.
5:30pm – Wood-fire pizza party & family bonding
Gather around the outdoor pizza oven for a joyful pizza-making session, followed by a delicious meal shared with family and community.
6:30pm – Fireside stories & bedtime lullabies
As evening falls, we come together by the fire for stories, songs, and lullabies, gently guiding the children to sleep in the embrace of the group.
8:30pm – Candlelit sauna & sacred ritual for mamas
Once the little ones are in bed, mamas can unwind in the candlelit sauna, followed by a soothing breathwork ritual to restore, release, and reconnect.
Note: This is a sample schedule—each day will flow naturally, allowing space for spontaneity, connection, and the freedom to be fully present in the moment.
Pricing and Rooms
Each mama and her child are invited to join us at this intimate gathering for £2750. This price includes your private double room with a shared bathroom, where you’ll find comfort and peace during your stay. We’ve kept this retreat small and personal, with only 7 rooms available to mamas joining, ensuring a close-knit and supportive community. A limited number of cots are also available upon request.
The price covers all of your nourishing meals, daily activities, and dedicated childcare, offering your little one a safe, joyful space to explore while you rejuvenate. Please note, this does not include travel or insurance.
We can’t wait to share this beautiful experience with you and your child.
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Each of our seven rooms is designed to offer a serene and restful retreat, with either forest or lake views that bring nature right to your doorstep. Whether you wake up to the sight of towering trees or the sparkling water of the lake, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the Swedish landscape.
Rooms come with the option of adding a crib or extra mattress for your little one, ensuring that you both have everything you need for comfort and closeness during your stay.
What mamas are saying
“After my first retreat at Meadowsweet I knew that I wanted to go back. When I realized that Anya was hosting the last retreat in Tuscany, I felt called to be there for it. I can't explain why, I just knew I needed to be there. I brought my 17 year old this time, as I wanted her to also feel the energy at Meadowsweet. It was the most spiritual experience I've ever had. With every song we sang, every walk we took in the forest, I felt closer and closer to nature and a deep healing began. I connected with people in a way that was so raw and real, which isn't something that I do very often. As we stripped away our inhibitions and sang at the top of our lungs and danced to the beat of the drums, I felt my heart soften in a way that it hasn't in many years. I feel like I will be connected to the friends that I met there for a lifetime. There is no way to truly explain what being in that environment does for your soul, all I can really say is that everyone deserves this kind of healing experience.”
— Fianna, 2024
“My heart is full I can't believe that we left this magical piece of land two weeks ago today. I thank you and your family for your open hearts and arms, your hospitality, your knowledge and that I was able to experience this retreat with my daughter. The Folk & Fungi Retreat and all of the people have taken my connection to fungi and especially myself to the next level. My HEART is full and open.”
— claudia, 2024
“We attended their first ever Seed to Plate permaculture, foraging, wild medicine retreat, and to say it was life changing would be an understatement. Being able to bring our 2 year old Lyla alongside it made it even more powerful, and really helped us put our dreams into reality and allowed us to visualise what we want our life to look, feel, and smell like. Being welcomed into their incredible haven in the middle of the forest in the mountains of Tuscany was such a gift.
We left feeling empowered, inspired, motivated and fuelled to go out there and create this reality for ourselves, for our daughter and future babies. Nothing seems more pressing to me than creating a reality where we can nurture, grow and become more self sufficient. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I can truly say it was the best thing we did this year.”
— TANIA, 2023Frequently asked questions & booking terms.
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During the retreat, we offer a dedicated childcare program for your little one, led by our loving and experienced "aunties." From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM each day, your child will be cared for while you enjoy yoga, movement, somatic practices, breathwork, and sharing circles. The children's program is Waldorf-inspired, focusing on nature play, crafts, music, gardening, and sensory exploration. This allows you to rest, recharge, and connect deeply with yourself while knowing that your child is in safe, nurturing hands, exploring and learning in a beautiful, supportive environment.
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If you have not organised a payment plan, we require you to pay the full amount upfront to secure your spot.
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Payment plans can be taken in 3 parts, with the final instalment due on June 1st.
As our retreats are small and intimate, every spot on the retreat is incredibly important to us so please book with intention to make it.
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The easiest way to get to the retreat is by flying into Copenhagen Airport, which is just under a 3-hour drive from our lakeside villa near Ryd, Sweden. We’ll create a WhatsApp group for all the mamas to connect ahead of time and share travel plans. We are able to help organise shared taxis from the airport.
For those who prefer to drive, car sharing is a great option, and we’ll help coordinate rides with others who are traveling from Copenhagen. This way, you can travel with fellow mamas and make the journey a part of the shared experience. We’ll make sure you have all the details you need to make your arrival as stress-free as possible.
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More than 4 weeks before the retreat: You may transfer your participation to another retreat within the same calendar year at no additional cost, subject to availability. In the case of cancellation, a charge of £500 will be forfeited. Any payments made beyond this amount will be refunded.
Within 4 weeks of the retreat date: Changes to your booking are no longer possible. Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the retreat date are non-refundable under any circumstances.
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While no one plans to cancel their retreat, unexpected events can happen. We strongly encourage all guests to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for cancellations, including those related to COVID or other illnesses.
Please note that participation in all classes, hikes, and workshops is at your own risk. It is essential to assess your own physical and mental fitness and use your judgment to decide which movements, exercises, and excursions are suitable for you. Meadowsweet Retreat will not be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur during the retreat.
Additionally, if you are traveling from outside the country where the retreat takes place, you are required to have international health insurance that covers medical care and emergency transport home if needed. This ensures that you are fully protected and can adventure with peace of mind.
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This retreat is a safe and nurturing space where both mamas and little ones can fully connect and grow. We prioritize the well-being and privacy of everyone, especially the children. As such, we kindly ask that photographs not be taken of any child—whether your own or others—without prior permission from their parent or guardian. It's important that we respect each family’s privacy, and no images should be posted online without the explicit consent of the child's parent.
We also ask that phones be kept off or on silent during group sessions, yoga, meditation, and other activities. This allows everyone to be fully present in the moment, supporting a peaceful and connected environment for all. Please refrain from using phones in shared spaces like the dining area and living rooms to help maintain a respectful, communal atmosphere. If you need to make a call, please do so discreetly, away from the group, to ensure a quiet and intimate experience for all.
To protect the sanctity of our retreat space, we also ask that no professional photography or video recording equipment be used. Our dedicated photographer will capture moments throughout the retreat, ensuring that beautiful memories are preserved and shared with those who wish to receive them.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and mindful experience for both mamas and children.
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The villa is equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer and iron should you like to use it.
Please bring your own bathroom essentials.
There will be some extra therapeutic offerings available at an additional price.
If there is a particular experience or site you would like to visit whilst with us let us know and we will try to incorporate it into the schedule.
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We put a lot of love into making every retreat a beautiful success, but sometimes the unexpected can happen. To avoid complications, we recommend waiting until 4 weeks before the retreat to book flights unless you have travel insurance that covers cancellations.
If we ever need to cancel, you’ll be notified promptly and receive a 100% refund of your retreat payment. Please note that Meadowsweet cannot cover additional expenses, such as flights, hotels, or other preparations.
In the rare case of cancellation within 4 weeks of the retreat, we’ll offer alternative dates and a special discount as a gesture of care. Thank you for understanding as we work to create a truly magical experience for everyone!
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We recommend bringing comfortable clothing suitable for yoga, movement, and outdoor activities. Don't forget swimwear for enjoying the lake, as well as warm layers for cooler mornings or evenings by the fire. For your little one, please pack any personal items they may need, such as favorite toys, snacks, or a blanket for comfort. If you'd like your child to have a nap or sleep in a crib, we can provide one for you—just let us know in advance. You may also wish to bring a baby monitor to ensure peace of mind while you enjoy your time in the yoga shala or other spaces. We also suggest bringing your preferred toiletries, as we do not provide them. Additionally, feel free to bring any items that will help your child feel more at home, such as a familiar pillow, blanket, sound machine or cuddly.