The Spiral of Belonging retreat
A Mythic and Embodiment Retreat for Women in Sri Lanka
The Spiral of Belonging retreat is an invitation for women who long to reconnect with the ancestral force of intuition, to reclaim authenticity, and to remember the kind of belonging that begins within.
It is for women who believe in the power of story, who delight in the language of symbols, and who are drawn to the images of the feminine.
In the swirl of daily life, it is easy to forget ourselves, to please instead of speak, to perform instead of rest, to seek love and approval outside the sanctuary of our own skin.
But myth reveals another path.
It reminds us that intuition is not frivolous, that authenticity is devotion, and that belonging awakens the moment we cease abandoning ourselves.
Here, in the embrace of story, movement, and the water, we will enter a sacred remembering.
The Retreat
Rooted in myth and story, and guided by embodied yoga, meditation and somatic movement, this 7-day retreat is an embodied invitation to return to the deepest parts of yourself.
Held by the water in Sri Lanka, with experienced facilitators, you will journey along the spiral path of Intuition → Authenticity → Belonging, illuminated by timeless tales:
- Vasilisa & the Doll — listening to intuition as the soul’s voice and meeting the wild mother.
- The Frog Prince — daring authentic acts that break old spells.
- The Handless Maiden — surrendering what no longer serves, to be reborn into wholeness.
- And other ancestral myths that call us back to ourselves.
Through storytelling, yoga practices, gentle movement, journaling, creative ritual, and shared meals, you will be held in a nurturing space to listen deeply, move with honesty, and rediscover your belonging.
This is not an escape, but an awakening: a sacred return to your body, your truth, your sovereignty.
This Retreat is for You if You’re Longing to:
- Reconnect with your intuition and trust your inner voice.
- Unlearn patterns of pleasing, performing, or hiding.
- Act from a place of authenticity, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- Discover a sense of belonging that begins within.
- Experience myths not only as stories, but as embodied, soul practices.
- Share sacred space with a circle of women walking the same path.
- Connect with your body through yoga and movement.
- Rest, reconnect, and delight in the feminine within you — nourished by story, circle, and culture.
- Enjoy the vibrant energy of Sri Lanka and give yourself time to simply be.
The venue
Villa Vehalla is a serene retreat house nestled by the lagoon, surrounded by lush views and the soothing sounds of nature. It’s the perfect place to rest, reconnect, and simply be. The villa is reserved exclusively for our small retreat group and features a private chef who will prepare delicious, authentic Sri Lankan meals each day.
The spacious backyard offers a vibrant garden and a large pool where you can cool off after morning movement sessions or take a quiet swim in the lagoon just beyond.
Evening yoga and meditation will be held on the rooftop terrace under the stars, embraced by the grounding and tranquil sounds of the jungle.
Testimonials
”Never have I experienced such peace of mind, freedom, love, compassion & acceptance towards myself than on Anna-Mari's retreat in Sri Lanka."
"This wasn't just a yoga retreat but an unique holistic wellness experience containing movement, meditation, soundscape & scents."
"The practices were beautiful and powerful combinations of movement, meditation, storytelling, writing & music."
Practical information
- Date: 23 – 29 April 2026
- Place: Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
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Price: EARLYBIRD valid until 31.12.2025:
- 1499€ / per person when sharing a room with someone (Regular price: 1599€/pp)
- 1349€ / per person sharing room with 2 other people (Regular price: 1449€/pp)
- 1999€ / single room (Regular price: 2099€/pp)
- Previous experience: No need for previous experience in yoga or meditation. Suitable for beginners.
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Price includes:
- 2 daily embodied yoga & meditation classes
- daily workshop on myths with Maria
- botanical alchemy workshop
- somatic movement
- reflective writing
- opening & closing ceremony
- yoga mats, bolsters ect yoga equipment
- rituals
- sharing circles
- aroma yoga
- accomodation in a beautiful retreat villa
- breakfast & dinner every day (except first welcome dinner, last day brunch)
- access to the backyard's pool
- relax in the backyard's laguun
- tea & drinking water
About Anna-Mari Pentikäinen & Maria Souza
Anna-Mari is a passionate embodiment teacher whose background is in sociology & gender studies. She has been facilitating transformative retreats in Sri Lanka for almost 10 years. Anna-Mari was born in Finland but lives now in Sri Lanka with her little boy. Her retreats are experiential immersions to embodiment evoking curiosity, creativity and self-expression. She's an intuitive & gentle teacher who weaves together somatic practices, embodied yoga, meditation, storytelling & reflective writing in a unique way. All of her practices are supported by curated playlists/music.
Discover more of her retreats in Sri Lanka here!
Maria is a Comparative Mythologist, Poet, Historian, and Educator with postgraduate training in Comparative Mythology, a Master’s in Ecology and Spirituality, and an Advanced Training Certificate in Applied Mythology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her work began in 2008 and has deepened through years of academic study and lived experience, including time spent working in the Brazilian Amazon and consulting for the UNPFII.
Maria is the author of the poetry collection Wild Daughters and the creator of the Women and Mythology podcast, part of the Joseph Campbell Foundation’s MythMaker℠ Podcast Network. She offers courses, workshops, retreats, and mentorship programs that help women reconnect with ancestral stories, symbolic language, and the mythic threads woven through their lives.
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