Weekend Yoga & Meditation Escape in the Swedish Countryside

Sandsgården is a working farm in Dalarna, about 3.5 hours by train from Stockholm Arlanda. The property has traditional Swedish wooden cottages that have been renovated inside with private bathrooms, plus a dedicated yoga shala in a large wooden building with big windows facing the surrounding hills and forest. There's a wood sauna by the creek where you can wind down after evening practice.

The yoga here leans toward Ashtanga but is taught for all levels. Sofia's morning classes are dynamic and strength-building, while the afternoon Yin sessions let you slow down and release tension. The philosophy talks give context to the physical practice without being overly academic — expect discussion rather than lecture. Breathwork (pranayama) is a daily feature, typically paired with meditation first thing in the morning.

Meals are vegetarian and cooked from scratch by chef Tobias, using local and organic ingredients where possible. The retreat is explicit about avoiding processed food and refined sugar. Dietary needs can be accommodated if you let them know in advance. Brunch is the main meal, served mid-morning after the Saturday and Sunday classes.

The group size stays between 15 and 25 people, which is large enough to feel communal but small enough that Sofia can give individual attention. Hands-on adjustments are a core part of her teaching style, so expect physical guidance during asana practice. The retreat is suitable for beginners through advanced practitioners — the Ashtanga-inspired classes adapt to different levels.

Free time on Saturday afternoon is yours to use as you like. The farm is surrounded by hiking trails, and there are lakes nearby for swimming if the weather cooperates. Mora, the nearest town, has the Zorn Museum if you want a cultural detour before or after the retreat.

The retreat runs just two nights, so it's designed to be concentrated rather than leisurely. You check in at 3pm Friday, start practicing at 5pm, and check out by noon Sunday. If you're looking for a long immersive experience, this isn't it — but if you want a genuine reset over a weekend without taking much time off, it's well-structured for that.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in shared or private cottage - 3 daily meals (brunch, snacks, dinner) - Water, tea and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink on arrival - Daily Ashtanga-inspired yoga classes - Daily meditation sessions - Daily pranayama (breathwork) practice - Yin yoga and relaxation sessions - Yoga philosophy talk and workshop - Sauna access - Free parking - Free WiFi - Luggage storage - 10-minute private yoga mentoring session

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Additional spa treatments or massage - Activities outside the retreat programme