FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q: “Is the retreat in English?”

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A: The retreat is facilitated fully bilingually, in Finnish and English (whenever we have international guests). 

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Q: “What exactly does ‘restorative’ mean?”

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The primary goal of the retreat experience is recovery from psychosomatic and emotional stress (restoration). This is supported by ample time spent in nature and its wellbeing effects, stimulus fasting (digital and speech), shifting from “doing” to “being,” regular meal and sleep rhythms, restorative self-directed activities (such as nature walks, yin yoga, deep relaxation, etc.), as well as therapeutic exercises and individual treatments.

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Q: “Which practices are mandatory?”

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A: Mealtimes and the collective cultivation of silence are the only shared, “mandatory” practices for all participants. Otherwise, you have full freedom to shape the retreat exactly to your needs; all activities and exercises are self-directed and optional possibilities you may explore if/when it feels right — or simply rest and enjoy.

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Q: “How do I get to Utula Nature?”

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A: You can reach us by public transport by taking a bus or train to Imatra train station. From there, we have arranged complimentary shared transportation to Utula Nature on the retreat arrival and departure days (Mondays). The ride lasts 45 minutes each way and must be reserved when booking your retreat. Read more here.

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Q: “How is the digital fast carried out?”

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A:Digital fasting is an essential part of the retreat, as smart devices are a major source of overload and constantly interrupt presence with our own feelings and thoughts.

Participants switch off their phones and place them in the designated area in the main house before the introductory tour begins. Alternatively, you may switch your phone to airplane mode for the retreat, but we do not recommend this, as it is more challenging and does not create the same clear sense of freedom as letting go of your phone entirely.

After the shared week-long digital fast, you may consider whether you want to continue the fast even longer, and whether you want to begin practicing a new relationship with your phone during the retreat.

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Q: “What should I bring to the retreat?”

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A:Your daily rate includes towels and bed linens, yoga equipment, and a personal blanket. Also available for communal use are art supplies, hammocks, and the forest library offering inspiring reading.

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Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered weather-appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, bathrobe/sarong (if you have one), writing materials and a notebook, a water bottle, earplugs, a hat, sandals (convenient between buildings), and a backpack.

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Q: “What does cultivating silence mean?”

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A: Cultivating silence means that during the retreat, we primarily stay with ourselves in a speech fast.

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On Mondays we pause the speech fast between 11:00–18:00 because it is arrival and departure day. There is also a shared open space for conversation at the beach fire circle; by lighting a fire at the shoreline hearth, you invite others to join, connect, and share their experience.

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The Utula Nature host is also available daily 11:00–14:00 (except Sundays) if you have an urgent need to share something. You can also reach Maiju via the house phone through WhatsApp if necessary.

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Please note that silence does not mean the retreat environment is 100% silent; we are not in the wilderness, so sounds of people and life may be heard from the surroundings or the lake. Staff also speak in customer service and with each other.

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Q: “How can my family reach me in an emergency?”

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A: You may give your family / loved ones the Utula Nature phone number
+358 40 758 2335,
to which they can send a message they wish to be relayed to you, or request that you call them back while you are in the digital fast.

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Q: “What if the silence starts to feel uncomfortable?”

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A:It is very likely that at some point during the retreat you will encounter uncomfortable feelings — such as restlessness or boredom. Some of these may be “withdrawal symptoms,” for example from stopping phone use, and a sign that you are on the right track in coming to the retreat. Some may be old, avoided emotions that have been waiting for the chance to be met. Only by facing the uncomfortable emotions and sensations can you free yourself from them and hear their valuable message. It may help to know that you can always end the retreat early if it ever feels necessary.

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Q: “How can I purchase a gift card for a loved one?”

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A: You can purchase a gift card for the digital-fasting retreat (or part of it) or for a remote individual therapeutic process. In all cases, order the gift card for your desired amount/service via the contact form or by emailing info@utulanature.com.

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In your order, state the recipient’s name and which retreat (or what amount) you want the gift card for. You will receive a visually beautiful PDF gift card by email, personalized with the recipient’s name, along with an online invoice. The gift card is valid for the summer season 2026.

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