The Spiral of Belonging
A Mythic and Embodiment Retreat for Women in Sri Lanka
Thursday, 23rd of April – Wednesday, 29th of April 2026
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:
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Vasilisa & the Doll — listening to intuition as the soul’s voice and meeting the wild mother.
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The Frog Prince — daring authentic acts that break old spells.
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The Handless Maiden — surrendering what no longer serves, to be reborn into wholeness.
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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.
Why Myths Matter
Myths and ancestral tales offer valuable insights for a woman’s inner world. They act as mirrors and maps, reflecting our experiences and helping us navigate life’s challenges.
These stories raise important questions about our behaviour, encouraging reflection and growth. The archetypal journeys found in myths are deeply connected to the journeys we go through in our own lives.
This Retreat is for You if You’re Longing to:
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Reconnect with your intuition and trust your inner voice.
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Unlearn patterns of pleasing, performing, or hiding.
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Act from a place of authenticity, even when it feels uncomfortable.
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Discover a sense of belonging that begins within.
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Experience myths not only as stories, but as embodied, soul practices.
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Share sacred space with a circle of women walking the same path.
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Connect with your body through yoga and movement.
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Rest, reconnect, and delight in the feminine within you — nourished by story, circle, and culture.
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Enjoy the vibrant energy of Sri Lanka and give yourself time to simply be.
A Day at the Retreat - Schedule
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Morning Yoga — Begin the day by awakening the body with gentle, grounding practices.
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Breakfast — nourishing and wholesome.
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Myth Session — a 3-hour circle of storytelling and symbolic exploration, with a tea break to rest and integrate.
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Lunch near the ocean at local restaurants
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Free Time — space to rest, swim in the pool, walk by the sea, or simply be.
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Afternoon Gathering — light tea or snacks, followed by a facilitator-led activity such as a beach walk, journaling session, or group circle.
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Sunset Yoga — move into stillness as the day closes.
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Dinner — Shared meals and conversation.
All practices and activities are optional, the retreat is held with flexibility and openness, so you can follow your own rhythm and choose what feels nourishing for you each day.
The Details
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.
Location: A beautiful retreat house by the lagoon in Sri Lanka
Dates: Thursday, 23rd of April – Wednesday, 29th of April 2026
Spaces are limited to maintain intimacy and depth of connection
Arrival: Book your flight to Colombo Airport (Sri Lanka)
Check in 12:00, check out 13:00 last day. We start the first day at 18:00–19.30 opening ceremony, followed by a welcome dinner and end at 12.30 pm our closing ceremony.
About Your Facilitators
Maria Souza
Comparative Mythologist and founder of Women & Mythology
Maria Souza 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.
Discover more of her work at:
womenandmythology.com/
instagram.com/womenandmythology
Anna-Mari Pentikäinen
Yoga & meditation teacher, movement facilitator
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 work at:
annamariyoga.com
instagram.com/annamariyoga
Answering the Call
Come if you feel the call of your intuition.
Come if you’re ready to live more authentically.
Come if you love and want to deepen in myth.
Come if you long to belong and remember.
This is your invitation to step into the spiral path - to intuition, authenticity, belonging - and to crown yourself sovereign.
What’s Included
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Myth and storytelling sessions.
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Daily yoga and movement practices to embody the wisdom of story.
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Guided journaling, creative ritual, and group circles.
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Spacious time for rest, reflection, and integration.
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Delicious, wholesome breakfast prepared with love.
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Beautiful welcome dinner and last day brunch.
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Ocean walks, nature time, and moments of soulful stillness.
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Botanical Alchemy workshop with local facilitator, Sarana.
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Retreat materials and gifts to support your continued journey.
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Flights and transport to Sri Lanka
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Taxi or private transfer from Colombo airport to the retreat villa
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Additional activities or excursions outside the retreat program (such as spa treatments, surf lessons, sightseeing tours, or shopping trips)
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Alcoholic beverages or specialty drinks not provided during meals
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Lunch is not provided; however, there are plenty of lovely local restaurants just a few minutes’ walk from the villa and the ocean. This time is an invitation to rest, explore, and enjoy a lovely walk by the sea.
Not Included
Investment
Retreat Dates: Thursday, 23rd of April – Wednesday, 29th of April 2026
EARLYBIRD (valid until 31.12.2025)
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1499€ / per person when sharing a room with someone
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1349€ / per person sharing a room with 2 other people
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1999€ / single room
NORMAL PRICE
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1599€ / per person when sharing a room with someone
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1449€ / per person sharing room with 2 other people
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2099€ / single room
Save your place by completing the €250 deposit below.
Once your deposit is received, we’ll contact you to share more details about the retreat, assist you with flight arrangements and the remaining payment, help you choose the best room for you, and answer any questions you may have.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, but it will be deducted from the final retreat amount.
