Winter Hermitage
Holly Niemela & Edouard Payen
About the retreat
Winter Hermitage at Tinhela610
Hosted by Holly Niemela & Édouard Payen, founders of Tinhela610
15 January to 15 March 2025
(Choose your dates; discounts for stays longer than 3 nights)
Escape into the stillness of winter at Tinhela610’s Winter Hermitage, a peaceful experience inspired by Thoreau’s Walden. Nestled in the untouched beauty of Northern Portugal, this intimate retreat invites you to simplify, slow down, and reconnect with nature.
Each day begins and ends with a guided meditation and breathwork session, grounding you in stillness. The frosted landscape and crisp air create the perfect setting for deep reflection, while the serene stillness of winter helps you focus on life's essentials.
Activities Designed to Restore:
Gardening & Walking: Even in winter, the land offers opportunities for tending to cold-hardy crops and preparing the earth for spring. Daily walks through the rocky slopes and open hills foster a deeper connection to nature.
Finnish Wood-Burning Sauna & Cold Plunges: On Monday and Thursday nights, relax in our traditional sauna, followed by an invigorating cold plunge in the river . Cold therapy has been shown to boost both physical and mental health.
Simple, Nourishing Meals
Meals at Tinhela610 reflect the retreat’s minimalist philosophy. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and simple yet delicious lunches and dinners made from locally sourced ingredients. Gather each evening for a communal dinner, sharing food and reflections with fellow participants.
A Quiet Haven for Self-Reflection
Each guest will stay in their own cabin to encourage moments of solitude and personal awareness, even for couples. This helps develop a deeper connection to oneself and the natural world.
Whether you're looking for a break from the demands of modern life or seeking to rediscover the joy of simplicity, the Winter Hermitage is the perfect space to “live deliberately” and embrace the beauty of winter’s quiet splendor.
Contact tinhela610@gmail.com for details on pricing and availability. 3 night minimum stay.