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September 4-6 | Starting at €785
The Book Club Escape: Lohja, Finland
What to ExpectA hosted reading and yoga weekend escape in a beautiful lake-side villa in the Finnish forest an hour from Helsinki.
Join us for a women-only weekend filled with long conversations about books, quiet reading time, yoga, south bath, delicious food, sauna, and hot tubs with fellow book lovers. What you can expect:
❋ Relaxing reading timeReading (a lot or a little - your choice) in the various cozy shared spaces in the villa
❋ Sauna and hot tubSteamy saunas followed by time in the warm hot tub or dips in the lake.
❋ Book club chatsFacilitated dicsussions about books that are optional to attend.
❋ Delicious food All meals catered for and to be shared in the many dining spaces throughout the villa.
❋ Yoga and sound bath Gentle movement and deep relaxation suitable for all abilities.
❋ Like-minded peopleMeeting other like-minded book lovers and enjoying time together in nature.
Meet the hosts
The retreat is hosted by Hannah and Chiara, who together bring the spirit of The Book Club into a slower, more spacious setting. They met during one of Chiara’s south bath events and have connected over their love of Finland, meeting new people, books and yoga.
We’ll be there throughout the weekend - hosting conversations, holding the flow, and making sure everything runs smoothly - while also giving you plenty of space to experience the retreat in your own way.
About Hannah
Hannah is an Australian living in Finland and shares content about her experience on her social channels @hannahisinhelsinki and her favourite hobby is reading. She hosts book clubs around Helsinki where both Finns and Foreigners come together to chat about books and meet new people.
About Chiara
The yoga will be guided by Chiara. A certified yoga teacher and sound bath facilitator who has been holding space in Finland and abroad since she moved from Frankfurt to Helsinki in 2020. The five elements of Chinese Medicine, classical tantric philosophy, somatic movement, and inclusive anatomy were big parts of her training. Yoga is her homecoming and her practice focuses on finding a balance between structure and freedom. Chiara’s classes are welcoming, with a sprinkle of magic, and give space for your unique way of moving.
Villa Stenberg is a lakeside retreat located just a 45-minute drive from Helsinki, and is located in an idyllic location on the shore of Lake Lohjanjärvi. The beautiful interiors and impressive exterior spaces were designed by the owner of the place, interior designer Hanna Chaker, whose style can be seen in every detail. Villa Stenberg has become one of the most prestigious venues in Southern Finland and it has been named the best Airbnb wedding venue in Europe (Trip 101).
About Villa Stenberg
Day 1 - Friday 4 September
On day one we will be arriving, settling into at the villa and get to know each other. All activities are optional.
Afternoon: Check-in, settle into your room, tour the villa & spend the afternoon relaxing
Evening: Welcome drink, introductions, dinner, sauna, hot tub and yin yoga.
Day 2 - Saturday 5 September
This will be our full day of reading and relaxation, where you can participate in as much or as little as you like.
Morning: Breakfast, reading, yoga and massages*
Afternoon: Book Club Chat (The Summer Book by Tove Jansson), lunch, reading time, sauna & swims & hot chocolates in the forest
Evening: Dinner, movie night (The Summer Book adaption), and wrapping up the day with a relaxing sound bath.
Day 3- Sunday 6 September
A slow Sunday morning filled with books and brunch before we say goodbye and wrap up our relaxing weekend.
Morning: Yoga, reading, Book Club Brunch discussing Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Afternoon: Farewells to each other and the villa, until next time.
Book your spot
Accommodation is spread across three beautifully designed buildings, all with shared bathrooms, living rooms, dining spaces, kitchens and saunas. If you have any needs we should accommodate, please leave your comments and requests in the registration form. Early Bird prices are available until 30 March. Photos are only indicative; rooms will be assigned once we know how many people will attend and what their individual needs are.
Single Bed, Shared Room
Early Bird Price of €785 until 30 March (full price will be (€845).
You will have your own single bed in a shared room with up to 3 other guests. You will share common spaces including shared bathrooms.
Double Bed, Shared Room
Early Bird Price of €845 until 30 March (full price will be €925).
You will enjoy a larger bed in a larger shared room with up to two other guests. The room is large with some privacy.
Double Bed, Own Room
Early Bird Price of €925 until 30 March (full price will be €1005)
You will have your own double bed in your own private room. You will share common spaces including shared bathrooms.
Who The Book Club Escape is for
This weekend getaway will be perfect for you if:
You love books and conversation
You enjoy meeting like-minded women without awkward small talk
You want structure without a packed schedule
If you live in Finland and want to connect with other women who live here
If you live further afield and want to experience Finland nature, silence and sauna
You want to switch off from responsibilities for a weekend without having to cook, clean or make any plans.
This retreat may not be for you if:
You want a very rigid timetable
You’re looking for deep spiritual or therapeutic work
You prefer fully solo, silent experiences.
Practical details
Language: English
Group: Women-only
Coming alone? Many guests will be — that’s completely normal here. If you are coming with a friend and want to be in the same room, please let me know.
Getting there: Villa Stenberg is located in Lohja, 1 hour from Helsinki by car. You can get a taxi from Lohja, drive or a transfer is available for an extra cost. Car pooling might also be possible depending on other guests travel arrangements.
Helsinki has an international airport connected to most major cities in Europe, the UK and many Asian cities also.
What to bring: Meals will be catered but we encourage you to bring your own drinks and snacks. Alcohol is permitted but in the spirit of being book nerds, we will not be planning any late night raves (this time at least). Also…. BOOKS, obviously.
What to wear: Relaxing, comfortable clothes. September can be unpredictable so please look at the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Yoga clothes, swim wear, and clothes suitable for the outdoors are recommended.
Where the retreat will happen
Villa Stenberg
Suoniementaival 164, Lohja, Uusimaa, Finland 08350