sol [sun] lua [moon]
offline retreat in Madeira
Slow down.
Hear your thoughts again.
For those who are responsible for other people, critical outcomes, important decisions.
For those who can’t afford burnout and slowing down isn’t always realistic.
It’s time to log off and get back to real life, real connections, feeling that time doesn’t slip away.
In sollua you’ll have a week with zero responsibilities - every detail is designed for you to be able to slow down, connect to yourself and have clarity without force.
The only thing you have to do is to finally show up for yourself.
You’ve optimised enough, now all you have to do is to take the noise away and see what’s underneath it all.
deep down You know you have all the answers you’ve been looking for, you just need the space to hear them.
sollua mindset
✹ embrace offlineness - interact with what’s around you
✹ have presence in conversations
✹ take space, take time, listen to yourself
✹ prioritise comfort over perfection. how you feel in your body vs what you look like. no need to perform - this week is purely for you.
✹ give time for silence, feel comfortable to sit with it.
✹ take the chance be curious and feel without expectations.
✹ don’t focus on how you should be feeling, observe what’s present in your body & mind and what you actually experience.
✹ be present in the moment = let go of having to know the next step, just show up in the now.
✹ embrace the joy of missing out - joy from consciously choosing to opt out of activities or socialising to focus on your needs and well-being.
✹ use less force: tense less, breathe less, stretch less, think less. notice how your body feels.
✹ enjoy the vividness of being alive - bring out the colors, your personality, expressiveness. this is the time to stop hiding and enjoy the vibrancy of the paradise island.
✹ Live - play - be creative
Know the feeling of being tired from all the overstimulation and constant expectation of having to be available, nagging feeling of knowing that there’s someone or something that for sure needs your attention somewhere?
You dream of a vacation, but most of the time it stays just a dream, because even simply thinking about all the bookings you need to do feels too much.
And underneath it all you also know that just a vacation won’t really fix anything - yes, you’ll get away for a bit, but.
It’s escaping.
It’s avoidance covered in aperol spritz in new cities.
And once you’re back home you feel like you need another week to rest from the vacation.
But imagine this - a vacation where you not only come back rested, but even sharper, clearer, with a peace of mind that you can carry back into your busy life.
A week of no responsibilities, no phone, no screens, nobody messaging or calling you.
Not a single email.
Everything is taken care of for you to be able to take care of yourself.
delicious fresh food, beautiful untouched nature, private ocean access to take a dip whenever you feel like it, deep sleep with only ocean waves & bird song in the background. Sun to recharge you. gentle movement to awaken your connection to your body.
And little experiences to bring you back to presence.
That’s sollua.
If you feel the urge to leave the digital world behind and step into reality for a week take the leap and join sollua.
everything is designed to soothe your nervous system, slow down and nourish your body & mind.
✹ villa with direct ocean access
✹ offline reset principle
✹ fresh local Farm to table vegetarian meals
✹ hikes in the mountains
✹ Waterfall immersion
✹ Soft yoga and movement
✹ Posture alignment
✹ creative Ceramic workshop
✹ Sunrises & sunsets in the nature
✹ New moon fire pit
✹ vision of your highest version - collage workshop
✹ analog photo & video experience
✹ Every little detail is taken care of during this week - you just exhale and finally fully relax
2222 EUR
early bird until 07.07
✹ apply for your spot ✹
a day at sollua
The days start with a slow morning routine and Journaling at your own pace.
all days have a fresh farm to table style vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner by our amazing chefs from Maracuja experiences.
Our meals were one of the highlights of the last retreat, we’re eagerly waiting for our chefs to open their own restaurant, because what they do is just magic.
between meals each day is filled with either
✹ a creative session and gentle yoga
✹ or movement in nature
The week is kicked off by a new moon fire pit night as it’s new moon on the 9th of November. Perfect time to turn a new page in your life.
We also have special evening events, outings to see the sunrise & a. true sauna experience after waterfall immersion.
There’s also free time to enjoy the villa, pool and nearby beach & hiking trails.
your investment: €2,222*
*early bird until 07.07
That’s less than what many people spend over a few months on short trips, lifestyle purchases, or trying multiple approaches to feel more grounded without real structure.
Or roughly €6 per day over 12 months for a complete reset of your attention, nervous system, and way of being.
who’s it for?
Our group
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.
Our retreat is best suited for you if you are
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
Apply to join: to keep the experience grounded and genuine, we have a short application to make sure the retreat is a good mutual fit and that the offline format resonates with you.
throughout the week you experience
Real presence — your attention fully in the moment, not split across the noise that takes up space in your mind.
A calmer nervous system — have energy to think clearly and feel good in your body again.
Break through mental blocks - find your flow state, feel light again and move through life with intention.
At the end of the week you go back to your life with with
A grounded sense of calm you can return to
Clearer priorities and direction
Practical ways to stay connected to this state in daily life
reminders of your shift (your ceramic piece, vision board and photos)
A physical tool to support your offline journey in your everyday life (supported by brick)
everything you felt in your body and now also have the tools to always come back to.
what previous guests say
have to add videos
the human behind sollua
sollua is created & facilitated by…
…. Merje - hi, I’m the voice behind sollua! I am passionate about everything offline, but also crafting, photography and writing, so most of what you see and read has been created by my little hands & brain - sometimes flawed, but always real.
Born & raised in the fairytale land Estonia
Studied to be a teacher (english & health science)
Used to work in fintech - Wise (loved the rush of the startup-ness)
Took a sabbatical in 2023 (after a classic case of burnout and aimlessness)
got my spark back after travelling day by day
got my life meaning back after experiencing my first retreat myself
decided to quit everything, took my cat and moved to Madeira in 2024
2025 first edition of sollua - to connect people back to themselves & create a space that allows your mind to clear up
What makes me - me?
Yoga
Yoga experience of 17 years
Synergy* yoga teacher
Yoga at Madeira Friends nomad community
Todas as cores - Funchal Municipal event yoga
*Physiotherapy-based, evidence-led modern yoga, inspired by Qi Gong and designed to feel effortless, not exhausting. It integrates mobility & spinal movements to create a sustainable way to feel healthy and connected in your body instead of focusing on the perfection of the poses.
Nature
Love hiking - from bogs in Estonia to more than 20 trails in Madeira
Definitely a water baby - if there’s a lake/river/pool/sea/ocean/pond then you’ll find me there
Surfing - not perfect & happy to catch a wave, but even happier just to be in the water
Creativity
Adore ceramics - member of workshops in Arttia & Terracotta in Madeira
Passionate about analog photography - 120 rolls of film later I have more physical photos than my albums can fit
Host of creative sessions:
Painting: New moon manifestation & meditation through painting
Vision board: Year end vision board collage to embody a higher version of yourself
facilitators
Maracuja experiences
Melisa
Terracotta
Posture?
Photo/video
FAQ
Offlineness & Availability
Is the retreat fully offline?
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.
What if I need my phone?
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.
What happens in case of an emergency?
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.
A practical note about preparation and emergencies
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.
Who this is for
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat 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.
Why is there an application process?
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.
Experience & Structure
What is included in the retreat?
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
All activities are invitations, never obligations. You always move at your own rhythm.
Do I need prior experience in any of the practices?
No. Everything is accessible, intuitive, and designed for both beginners and experienced participants.
Do I have to participate in everything?
No. The structure is intentionally spacious. You are encouraged to participate in what feels right for you and rest when needed. The retreat is designed to support regulation, not performance.
What if I can’t attend all 7 days?
The retreat 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
Where will we stay?
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.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Most participants do. The environment is intentionally designed to feel safe, welcoming, and non-performative from the moment you arrive.
What if the weather changes?
weather in madeira island is unpredictable, but We work with nature rather than against it. The schedule adapts gently based on conditions, always prioritizing safety and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the experience.
Practical things to know
What should I bring?
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
Final clarity
If anything is still unclear, you are welcome to reach out directly at [your contact email].
Your clarity is our priority. No pressure, just answers.
Not sure yet?
Chat with me to find out if sollua is a fit for you ✹
If you’re unsure whether this is the right fit, you’re welcome to send us a message or book a short clarity call with us before applying.
This is simply to help you feel clear and supported in your decision. we’ll help you decide if this is the right fit.
✹ book a short clarity call ✹
Stay Connected
If sollua resonates but you’re not ready to apply yet, you can join the interest list.
This is a simple way to stay in the loop and receive updates without any commitment.
You’ll get:
Early access to future retreat dates
Priority access before public launch
First access to early-bird spots (before they’re released publicly)
Occasional behind-the-scenes updates about the retreat experience
Stay connected until the timing feels right for you.
No spam.
No pressure.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
If it’s meant for you, you’ll know when the timing is right.
And we’ll be here when it is.