AURORA SPIRIT RETREAT
An intimate retreat experience with Curawaka & friends, harnessing the beauty of the Arctic Spring
with music, magic & deep connection with the Northern Lights
AITO RESORT, ARCTIC FINLAND
Group 1:
24 - 30 March 2027
Group 2:
31 March - 6 April 2027
Register Now
7 DAYS IN THE ARCTIC
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
Far from the noise of everyday life lies Aito Resort, a peaceful haven surrounded by forests, lakes and open skies.
Here in the Arctic, amidst the beauty of the Finnish wilderness, we situate our most refined and profound offering - the Aurora Spirit Retreat. A portal of deep connection, Aurora Spirit is a container that leaves no-one unchanged. This is a rare opportunity to work with the mystique of the Northern Lights - the Aurora Borealis - in the native spiritual and folkloric traditional context. Anna Bariyani, with support of other native Nordic mystics, will lead the group through rites, rituals and ancestral voice techniques that invoke a dialogue with the spirits of the land, including the iconic Northern Lights.
To witness the Northern Lights in this context is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Music is the beating heart of the Aurora Spirit Retreat. Throughout the retreat Curawaka and the guest teachers will guide a series of interactive sessions exploring creativity, music, expression and presence. Drawing on their instruments, musicality and spontaneity, they will create a playful and supportive space where participants are invited to explore their own unique voice and creative flow. Everyone can participate regardless of previous experience or level of musicality, as these sessions are not at all about musical correctness, performance or perfection, but rather about making more space for our authentic self and exploring how that wants to be expressed. Curawaka approach this creativity as a form of sacred play. When we allow ourselves to be playful, we sweeten the presence of own self-expression and turn vulnerability into innocence without losing sincerity. Leaning into sacred play and allowing oneself to explore expression deepens our trust in ourselves, opening new channels of being and filling our life with the medicine and joy of authentic creation.
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retreat workshops
Weaving Voice & Spirit with Anna Bariyani
Discover the magic of your voice in transformative vocal workshops led by Anna Bariyani, lead singer of Curawaka. Through her innovative practice of weaving with voice and spirit, Anna will introduce a transformative journey of sound and authentic expression by weaving voice, prayer and conscious creation into the sacred tapestry of life. You will move through a series of dynamic vocal exercises that help explore different aspects of your voice, from range and tone to timbre and emotion.You will become acquainted with the technique of "weaving" as not only a means of connecting with the spiritual realm, but also as a tool for conscious creation.
Medicine Music Workshops
How does sound become medicine? How can we grow into being weavers of sound and share music and live our lives in a way that carries healing? Throughout the week, the members of Curawaka and guest musicians will share their own story, instruments, techniques and musical specialties. As a group we will explore voices and sounds through playfulness, innocence and joy. Sitting around the fire under the magical Arctic sky, we will be experimenting with secret Arctic chants meant to call in the Northern Lights.
You’ll learn to infuse your vocal expressions with intention, inflection and resonance that elevate your connection to the divine, allowing you to co-create with the Universe. These practices encourage authentic self-expression. Discover the liberation that comes from vocalizing your true thoughts, feelings and intentions, allowing your voice to become a conduit for your spirit.
The art of channeling is a study of what it really means to be or have a channel, why we have it, what to use it for, and how to cultivate its growth and blossoming. Your channel is your own direct line to Divine Source, and a reservoir of inspiration which, when functioning well, can funnel any waves of energy and emotion moving through your being and translate it into art and expression of any form. This is ultimately a study of how to be yourself - the connected, spirited, activated you. The one you were always meant to be.
Beyond personal growth, Anna will guide you in using the power of voice to manifest positive change for the world. Practice to use your voice for what really matters to you. Discover how your individual intentions can contribute to a collective shift toward a more harmonious and compassionate existence.
The workshops often include guided breathing exercises, lessons on rhythm and melody, theoretical discourse and discussions, always making sure participants get an understanding of the cultural context and the importance of connection to places and traditions. Through different exercises, we practice authenticity, spontaneity and the importance of play.We will end most days with evening jam sessions and/or a singing circles, sharing the joy and connection so vital to medicine music. These workshops for anyone, from beginners to masters of music, there is no experience needed. If you play an instrument, feel free to bring it along for the ride
A SANCTUARY IN THE NORTH
The Aurora Spirit Retreat will be held at Aito Resort, a luxurious sanctuary nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland - situated in front of a beautiful lake, surrounded by pristine Arctic nature, ancient forests, and vast open skies.
Aito offers the perfect setting for our journey together - a place where modern comfort, Nordic elegance and the raw beauty of the North exist in seamless harmony. Here, we are held in an atmosphere of peace, warmth, and quiet refinement. The stillness of the Arctic landscape invites an immediate exhale - a softening into presence. Surrounded by fresh, crisp air, endless natural beauty and the gentle rhythm of the land, we are offered the rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect and return to ourselves. Aito Resort will serve as our sacred home for the week, a nurturing container for deep inner work, meaningful connection and profound restoration. The natural surroundings are an essential part of this experience. Silent forest walks, open skies and the luminous energy of Arctic spring create a powerful backdrop for reflection, grounding and renewal.
One of the great gifts of Aito is its exceptional spa experience. With access to the resort’s top class wellness facilities, you will have the opportunity to fully relax and replenish your nervous system between sessions. Whether soaking in warm waters, enjoying the sauna, receiving restorative treatments, or simply allowing yourself to rest deeply, every aspect of the resort supports healing and rejuvenation on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. The resort offers excellent dining experiences in its Wildwoods Restaurant. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared with care, combining high-quality ingredients with Nordic culinary excellence to support wellbeing and vitality throughout our stay.
Accommodation at Aito is designed to offer both comfort and tranquillity. The rooms are warm, elegant, and restful - creating a beautiful space to unwind and restore after each day’s experiences. There are three different types of accommodation to choose from, available as a shared or private accommodation, enabling you to book the space perfectly suited for your needs and budget.
GUEST TEACHERS
LINDY-FAY HELLA
(Guest Teacher - Week 1)
We are deeply honored to welcome Lindy-Fay Hella from the iconic band Wardruna as our guest teacher for Week 1.
Lindy-Fay is a Norwegian singer, composer and facilitator known for her raw and evocative voice and powerful presence. Rooted in the mystical traditions of the North, Lindy-Fay draws inspiration from nature, myths, dreams, folklore, runes, Norse wisdom, ancestral spiritual practices and the invisible world, bringing a deeply intuitive and powerful energy to her work. In her workshops, Lindy-Fay will share a combination of voice techniques alongside ways to let imaginations and thoughts totally loose. ”Nothing is forbidden as long as no one gets harmed."
LONE BEATE EBELTOFT
(Guest Teacher - Weeks 1 & 2)
We will be supported by Lone Beate Ebeltoft, who is a Sami woman from Norway and the founder of Naturfolk. The Samis are traditionally reindeer herders and their presence in the Arctic goes back for hundreds of generations. Lone will be sharing stories and knowledge from the Sami tradition and representing the Arctic Indigenous Peoples. She will give us a hands on introductions to using the voice to contact the animal spirits. Lone is also a carrier of the Sami shamanic drum "runebomme" and will be sharing some of its secrets and lore, making a direct connection with songs of the land.
PEIA
(Guest Teacher - Week 1)
We are so excited to welcome back globally renowned singer Peia to the Aurora Spirit Retreat! Having joined as a guest teacher in 2024, she added much richness to the experience of all in attendance, sharing music and her well of knowledge throughout. An operatically trained vocalist, Peia draws deeply from Celtic and Old World European folk traditions. Her work moves between the ancient and the original, carrying old songs forward while creating new music rooted in place, memory and the natural world. Her unique voices invokes multi-generational memory and ignites profound emotion. Her return to the Aurora Spirit Retreat will offer an incredible chance to learn from a master in their field.
MORE GUEST TEACHERS
TO BE ADDED SOON
PRICE OF AURORA SPIRIT RETREAT
depends on the accommodation of your choice*
*subject to availability
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Standard Deluxe Room
Beautifully finished, well equipped wood-panelled rooms within the main lodge and feature their own en-suite bathroom and forest or lakeside views. Available as a shared twin or private double bed.
Cost per person including full retreat:
€3000 Shared Twin or Double Bed
€3750 Private
Aurora igloo
Sleep beneath the stars, fully immersed in the Arctic surroundings in your very own igloo. Available for either couples or as a private double room. Note that whilst the igloos have their own kettle, compost toilets and power points, guests staying here will use the spa bathroom facilities to shower which is around 20m away.
Cost per person including full retreat:
€3200 Shared Couple (Double Bed)
€3950 Private
Aurora Treehouse
Luxurious cottages 3 metres above ground, featuring a king size double or twin beds with modern finishes and a front row seat to the Northern Lights. Treehouses feature their own en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.
Cost per person including full retreat:
€3400 Shared Twin or Double Bed
€4350 Private
AURORA SPIRIT RETREAT INCLUDES:
- 7 Day Retreat Program at Aito Spa Resort
- Transformational workshops
- High-end accommodation and dining
- Exclusive Northern Lights viewings
- Private Curawaka concert
- Sound journey with Curawaka & guest musicians
- Morning yoga
- All Access Wellness Pass at Aito Spa with lakeside sauna, frozen lake plunge, jacuzzi, steam room, heated vitality pools, volcanic sand baths and Himalayan salt beds.
- Reindeer encounters
- Snowmobile adventure
- Rovaniemi Airport shuttle
- Warm suit and boots for Arctic climate
Cost from € 3000,- per person*
*final price depends on choice of accommodation
** price does not include flights and travel insurance
DO YOU FEEL THE CALL OF THE NORTH?
Yes! I want to make a reservation.
Pay the booking fee to secure your spot.
Yes! I am interested but I have questions...
Write to us at retreat@curawaka.com or through the form below.
We are happy to answer any of your questions :)
CONTACT US:
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:
Check-in is at 3PM on Day 1 of the retreat.
(March 24th for Week 1 & March 31st for Week 2)
Check-out is at 11AM on Day 7 of the retreat.
(March 30th for Week 1 & April 6th for Week 2)
Transport from Rovaniemi Airport will be provided to suit these times.
BOOKING CONDITIONS:
- Please note that your place in the retreat is only secured upon payment of deposit.
- In order to secure your place in retreat, we ask for a non-refundable deposit of 500 Euros to be paid upon booking.
- The remaining balance must be to be paid in full by December 1st 2026. If this payment is not completed in time, you will lose your place in the retreat.
- Preferred payment of remaining fee is by bank transfer. Credit/debit cards or Wise transfer is also available.
- We remain the right to cancel your participation if it conflicts with legal or ethical matters.
- We are not able to offer refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, family matters, illness or unexpected weather conditions. Please make sure you have a valid travel insurance to protect you from unfortunate circumstances.
- The price is listed in Euros, all transfers must be made in Euros. Please check the currency conversion and your banking fees before sending to ensure the full amount is received our side.
- In case the retreat is cancelled from our side, all participants will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations must be sent in writing to retreat@curawaka.com.
- Accommodation is available as shared between 2 people per room, or private as requested. All shared rooms have a private bathroom and can offer either double or twin beds. If you opt for a shared room and wish to share with a friend or partner, please indicate this and the name of your intended roommate so we can arrange your accommodation together.
- Professional chefs will handle all meals. Please notify us in advance in case you have allergies or dietary restrictions at least 1 month prior to the start of the retreat.
- You must notify us with full details of any medical conditions you have that could potentially impact your time at the retreat.
- Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon. Even though we are in the best possible conditions to see it, there is always the small chance that it will not appear. We cannot offer any refunds even in the case of not seeing the Aurora Borealis.
REFUND POLICY:
We offer this retreat in order to support and growth of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness of all attendees and it requires endless hours of organization and planning. We ensure we have enough funds to do this with the following policy:
- All booking fees (500 euros per person) are non-refundable.
- Payments of remaining fee is fully refundable before December 1st 2026. After this date, there are no refunds whatsoever.
- If you cannot attend the retreat, you are welcome to pass on your retreat ticket to a friend or family member, resell your ticket or consider gifting it to someone. If this is the case, please contact us by e-mail at retreat@curawaka.com to finalise a replacement.
- In the case that you wish to resell your ticket, we can also try to help you to resell the ticket if the retreat is already sold out.
- In order to avoid any concerns regarding committing to attend the retreat, we recommend that you get a travel insurance that has a policy to compensate any loss due to cancellation, travel complications, health or personal issues.