A 3 Day Nordic Inspired Retreat
Set just 90 minutes from Melbourne…
Set just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Embers of the Valley is a Nordic inspired retreat that brings together heat, cold, breath, movement, nourishing food and deep connection in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
This isn't time away. It's a return to your body, your breath and your edge.
Our first retreat sold out. This is the next chapter, limited to 28 guests.
From $1,650 per person, all inclusive.
“The perfect reset. I left feeling stronger, calmer and more connected than I have in years.”
-Sarah
What This Retreat Is About
A Nordic inspired retreat to slow down, rest and reconnect. Across three days, you'll experience heat and cold, breathwork, movement, nourishing food and time in nature, all designed to help you feel clearer, stronger and more grounded.
The Experience
At the heart of the retreat is the contrast between heat and cold.
Guided sauna sessions paired with cold river plunges awaken your system, sharpen your mind, and bring you fully into the present. Each round is designed to challenge you—then ground you.
You don't feel it physically, you feel it mentally, emotionally, deeply.
Breath and stillness are the quiet anchors of the weekend.
With Mof Method breathwork gently stretches your comfort zone, leaving you with a feeling of energised calm, whether it's your first time or you've practised before. Balancing it is stillness: meditation by the river and a slow tea ceremony.
Space to slow down, soften and simply be present. This is where things shift.
You'll set out on a guided bushwalk through towering forest on one of the valley's nearby trails, moving through landscapes that remind you how small (and how capable) you are. There's no rush here. Just steady effort, fresh air, and views that make every step worth it.
Meals are both fuel and part of the overall experience.
Expect vibrant, seasonal dishes, beautifully set tables and a signature chef-cooked feast served picnic style by the river under the stars. Think rugs on the riverbank, shared plates, local wine and conversations that linger long after the last bite.
We can't wait to gather around the table with you.
Strangers become familiar quickly here.
Phones are handed in on arrival and it’s the thing past guests talk about most. Without the constant pull of a screen, conversations go deeper and something powerful happens when people come together without distraction.
Whether you arrive solo or with a friend, you’ll leave feeling part of something.
YOUR GUIDES
-
AMY — YOUR HOST
Founder of Soul Sauna Group and ambassador for the Australian Sauna Association. Heat, cold, nature and movement have brought Amy back to herself again and again, and Embers of the Valley grew from that.
-
HANNAH — HEAD SAUNAGUS TRAINER
With us from the beginning and trained in the Copenhagen method, Hannah turns heat, scent and music into a journey that takes you a little deeper.
-
OANA — SAUNAGUS FACILITATOR
Also Copenhagen-trained, Oana loves it extra hot and holds space so beautifully that even first-timers feel at ease.
-
MATT RADFORD — BREATHWORK
A certified advanced instructor trained under Wim Hof, Matt has guided more than 1,300 people aged 9 to 95.
-
JESSICA, THE FERMENTED MOTHER — PERSONAL CHEF
A fermentation teacher and creative cook, Jessica brings seasonal, nourishing food made with real care.
-
ZANGMO — MEDITATION
A Buddhist nun living in the Yarra Valley, Zangmo brings 24 years of practice and a gentle, welcoming style.
-
MICHAEL, BADGER CREEK TEA
Drawing on the Chinese tea ceremony, Michael closes the weekend pouring ancient Pu'erh slowly and in stillness.
-
JULES — STYLIST
Eleven years as a photographer shape the way Jules styles every space, from the long table by the river to the quiet corners between.
-
LANCE — MUSIC
A musician and storyteller, Lance brings songs and stories to life on acoustic guitar by the fire at Saturday's feast.
Your 3-Day Flow
Day 1 – Arrive & Awaken
Arrive, settle in, and take your first breath of fresh mountain air.
Hand in your phone at the door. For the next three days, there’s nothing to check and nowhere else to be. The weekend begins with a fireside welcome and a grazing platter from Jess, The Fermented Mother, who’ll be nourishing you all weekend.
Then ease in with Wim Hof Breathwork led by Matt Radford. As night falls, step into the heat: sauna, stars, and river dips to ground you in the experience ahead.
Day 2 – Challenge & Expand
Start your morning slowly with a meditation by the river, led by local buddist nun Zangmo, then step into the day’s adventure.
A guided bushwalk through the forest pushes your body and clears your mind. After time to rest, you’ll return to the heat for a deeper saunagus ritual designed to challenge your limits.
As night falls, gather by the river under the stars for a signature feast from Jess, your personal chef for the weekend. Beautifully set tables, seasonal dishes presented with care and the story behind each course, shared over local wine and live acoustic music. A feast for the eyes as much as the table.
When the plates are cleared, settle in for an outdoor screening of a film chosen to echo the weekend, thought-provoking, moving and made to linger.
Day 3 – Integrate & Reflect
Rise early for one final sauna and river session as the sun comes up over the valley. The quiestest and most golden moment of the weekend.
Then gather for a closing tea ceremony with Michael from Badger Creek Tea, a moment to reflect, connect and take something meaningful home with you.
You’ll leave lighter than you arrived.
In more ways than one.
Everything Included
Two nights at Oscar's on the Yarra, with robes, towels, your own sauna hat and seat towel, and a welcome gift waiting in your room.
Seasonal meals from your personal chef, Jessica, from Friday's fireside grazing platter to Saturday's long shared table by the river.
Barista coffee and herbal tea all weekend.
Saunagus journeys timed to the valley's light, from starlit evenings to sunrise, each one thoughtfully considered, with handcrafted treatments, river plunges and conversation cards by psychotherapist Esther Perel to share in the heat.
Wim Hof Method breathwork, river meditation with Zangmo and a guided bushwalk.
Saturday's feast by the river with live acoustic music and a little local wine.
An outdoor film night under the stars.
A closing tea ceremony with Michael from Badger Creek Tea.
Experienced, first aid trained facilitators beside you all weekend.
A phone-free weekend, fully hosted, with nothing extra to pay.
From Our First Retreat
"I feel clearer, lighter and more alive. An unforgettable weekend."
— Emma R.
"I feel clearer, lighter and more alive. An unforgettable weekend."
— Emma R.
Who This Is For?
This retreat is for anyone who wants to slow down, build resilience, feel more alive and reconnect with themselves.
No sauna, cold plunge or meditation experience needed. Everything is guided, at your own pace.
Where You'll Stay
Nestled beside the Yarra River, Oscar's on the Yarra offers the perfect balance of comfort and immersion in nature.
Wake to the sound of water. Wind down by the fire.
A space designed to help you slow down.
Queen Room — $1,750 per person
A queen bed and ensuite for couples $3,500 for two.
A $500 deposit per person secures your place.
Prefer to spread it out? Pay fortnightly or monthly after your deposit. Contact us to set up your plan.
Twin Share — $1,650 per person
Two single beds and an ensuite. perfect for coming with a friend.
A $500 deposit per person secures your place.
Prefer to spread it out? Pay fortnightly or monthly after your deposit. Contact us to set up your plan.
Private Room — $2450
Your own room and ensuite, for one guest. A $500 deposit secures your place.
Prefer to spread it out? Pay fortnightly or monthly after your deposit. Contact us to set up your plan.
Ready to Step In?
Spots are limited to keep the experience intimate.
If something in you is saying yes, trust that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the retreat package?
- Two nights of accommodation
- All meals and snacks prepared by our two talented chefs
- Daily activities and excursions
- Group transportation during the retreat
- Supportive community
- Experienced facilitators
Note: Flights, travel insurance, and airport transfers are not included.
What kind of food is served?
We create a seasonal menu using local, responsibly sourced ingredients, crafted by our two talented chefs. We may include sustainably sourced fish or meat, but we can cater to vegetarian and vegan diets with advance notice.
On Saturday night, we will enjoy a Nordic fire feast, adding a unique culinary experience to the retreat.
What should I bring to a Nordic retreat?
We recommend:
- A small backpack
- A couple of pairs of swimwear (extra pairs are ideal)
- Extra towels (especially for sauna and river dipping)
- A beanie
- Warm jackets for outdoor fireside dining
- Warm layers (we'll have blankets and fires going, but extra warm clothes are recommended)
- A waterproof coat
- Hiking boots or sensible outdoor footwear
- Extra warm robes and slippers (dry robes are handy for sauna and cold immersion, but a warm bathrobe will also do)
- Wetsuit booties (optimal for sauna and river dipping)
Can I use my phone and connect to Wi-Fi?
We encourage all guests to disconnect from technology during the retreat to fully immerse in the experience.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Payments will be refunded if cancellation occurs more than 30 days before check-in.
- Cancellations less than 30 days and more than 7 days prior will forfeit 50% of the total booking.
- Cancellations 7 days or less will forfeit 100% of the total booking.
Note: All deposits are non-refundable after 30 days of payment.
What time does the retreat start and finish?
Check-in is from 2pm on Friday and the retreat concludes at 12pm on Sunday.
Where is the retreat?
Oscar's on the Yarra – A Riverside Country Guest House, an easy 90-minute scenic drive from Melbourne.
3185 Warburton Highway, Warburton, VIC 3799
Do I need to bring a friend or partner?
Nope! Many participants come solo and quickly feel like part of the group. You'll bond with others fast and by the end of the weekend, you might not want to leave!
Do I need to be fit to join?
Absolutely not! While everything is well organised and supported, this retreat involves cold temperatures, physical activity, and time spent outdoors. A willingness to step slightly outside your comfort zone will enhance your experience.