FAQ

Offlineness
&
Availability

  • Yes. This is a fully offline experience. We invite you to step away from devices for the duration of the week, creating space for presence, clarity, and nervous system restoration.

  • That’s okay. This retreat isn’t about willpower or strict rules. Phones are stored safely during the week, but you can access them if something genuinely important arises. If that happens, we simply ask that you let a facilitator know so the shared space remains intentional and respectful.

    Many participants find that after the first day, the need to check their phone naturally fades as the system settles into a slower rhythm.

  • A designated emergency contact system is in place so you can remain fully offline while still being reachable if absolutely necessary. Facilitators can support access to your phone in urgent situations.

  • Before arrival, we ask you to share an emergency contact and take care of any essential work or family arrangements. We also recommend setting an out-of-office message so you can fully arrive without feeling pulled back into daily responsibilities. Everything is designed so you can safely disconnect without concern.

  • sollua is for high-functioning individuals who feel overstimulated, mentally full, or disconnected from themselves despite having a “full” life. It’s for those seeking depth, simplicity, and presence—away from performance, comparison, and constant input.

    • tired of force & hustle culture

    • curious about slowing down

    • comfortable with simplicity

    • done performing productivity and optimising everything

    • willing to meet yourself without distraction—even when it’s a little uncomfortable

  • We accept only 6 people to create an intimate group for best quality experience. It allows us to be present with eveyone, create deep synergy with people around you and most importantly have space for yourself.

  • Yes. Most participants do. The environment is intentionally designed to feel safe, welcoming, and non-performative from the moment you arrive. It’s also a perfect chance to make new deep connections with likeminded people.

  • Yes! We also welcome couples who want to (re)connect with themselves & each other. It’s a perfect environment to have no everyday life distractions and fully be present as a couple.

  • We curate the group intentionally to ensure alignment with the spirit of the retreat and to protect the depth of the offline experience. This allows us to create a safe, grounded, and non-performative environment for everyone.

Who is sollua for?

Experience
&
Structure

  • A curated set of experiences designed to bring you back into presence, body, and clarity:

    • Hiking (comfortable walking ~6km required)

    • Optional ice swimming

    • Ceramics workshop (no experience needed)

    • Vision board creation session

    • Guided meditation (beginner-friendly)

    • Yoga & movement sessions (at villa and in nature)

    • Evening reflection / connection circles

    • Sunrise experiences in the mountains

    • Time in nature and ocean immersion

    • New moon fire pit evening

    All activities are invitations, never obligations. You always move at your own rhythm.

  • No. Everything is accessible, intuitive, and designed for both beginners and experienced participants.

  • No. The structure is intentionally spacious. You are encouraged to participate in what feels right for you and rest when needed. sollua is designed to support regulation, not performance.

  • sollua is designed as a full 7-day arc where each phase builds on the previous one. We strongly recommend attending the full experience for the complete transformation. In rare cases of emergencies, we support flexibility where possible.

Location
&
Accommodation

  • A private oceanfront villa designed specifically for stillness, rest, and nervous system recovery.

    Each guest has a private room with a private bathroom & an ocean view. The property includes a private pool, garden, fire pit, and direct access to the ocean—offering both solitude and shared space in nature.

    There’s a black sand beach, stunning viewpoints, beautiful hiking trails, and even a small fishing village just a 30-minute walk away.

  • Madeira has similar weather all year round with both air & water temperature around 20 degrees.

    Since the island is in the middle of the Atlantic ocean the weather can change quickly depending on where you are on the island: sunny and dry by the coast, cooler and misty in the mountains.

    Madeira is a volcanic island, so the mountains rise up directly from the coast to the highest peak Pico Ruivo being at 1,861 meters. So you can imagine that within a 30 minute drive you can go from 20+ degrees & swimming at the beach to chilly 10 degrees in the mountains.

    In December there can be some rain, but it’s still warm and the rain passes fast. And to be honest - it’s one of my favourite times because it’s when rainbow season starts :)

  • Yes! The ocean is still warm from the summer and the water temperature is around 20-21 degrees.

  • Weather on Madeira island is unpredictable, but we work with nature rather than against it. The schedule adapts based on conditions, always prioritizing safety and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the experience.

  • We provide three nourishing meals a day, lovingly prepared by our in-house chefs from Maracuja Experiences.

    Expect fresh, local, farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine to keep you energized throughout the week.

    We gladly adapt to any dietary needs or preferences.

Practical things to know

  • We recommend packing lightly and practically:

    • Warm layers for mountain sunrises (temperatures may drop to 0°C)

    • Waterproof hiking shoes with good grip

    • Waterproof jacket

    • Comfortable warm indoor clothing (socks/slippers recommended)

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Swimwear

    • Yoga/movement clothing

    • Sunscreen

    • Comfortable clothes - also feel free to embrace all the colors you might have

    You will also receive a welcome package with all the necessary information once you’ve confirmed to join.

  • We take care of all transport from the moment you arrive in Madeira, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey from start to finish.

Have other questions?

Or want to make sure that sollua is the right fit for you?

you’re welcome to send me a message, so you can feel clear and supported in your decision.