Take a break from the noise and come join us in the beautiful Vosges mountains for a long weekend of deep rest, nature, and connection – just for women.
You'll enjoy:
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Guided hikes & exercises to reconnect with nature
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Storytelling, music & singing around the fire
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Creative workshops - paint, draw, express
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Plenty of time to relax - outdoor hot tub, sauna & stunning views
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Gentle breathwork, yoga & meditation to start your mornings
We offer two nourishing meals a day – a luxurious brunch and a homemade dinner – plus tasty afternoon snacks.
This retreat is for you if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or simply need to recharge.
No previous experience needed – just come as you are.
*This is a drug-free and alcohol-free getaway.
Your investment:
- Regular: 1200 EUR
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Early bird: 999 EUR (until July 31, 2025)
We want to keep it intimate, spots are limited, maximum 10 participants!
Curious? E-mail expandwithella@gmail.com for questions.
We’d love to have you with us!
Our Why:
We’re creating this getaway because we believe women need real connection — to themselves, to each other, and to nature. Life is full, often fast, and it’s easy to lose touch with what matters. This is a space to slow down. To rest. To breathe out. To feel human again and to be woman.
We’re gathering in the French mountains to remember what it means to belong — not through performance, but through presence. No pressure to be more, do more, fix anything. Just space to be. Together. To laugh, to move, to be quiet, to create. We do this because it matters. Because being with others in an honest way is not a luxury — it’s essential.
Your Facilitators
Ella
Ella brings a unique mix of structure and soul — with a background as an attorney, business developer, wilderness guide, and trained in eco-psychology. She has years of experience guiding immersive retreats for women, with a presence that feels both playful and deep.
Ella creates spaces where people feel safe to show up just as they are.
Lena
Lena is in-between science and spirituality. As an environmental policy researcher she seeks solutions for regenerative natural resource management. She’s also an expert in nervous system regulation, breathwork therapist, certified yoga teacher and a curious adventurer at heart. Grounded, soft, and easy to be around, Lena brings warmth, clarity and calm to every space she holds.
Together, we offer a balance of depth and lightness, holding space for both stillness and laughter, honesty and ease.
The venue:
Our retreat takes place in a lovingly furnished house in the heart of the Vosges - in Gérardmer, a region full of wild beauty, clear lakes, waterfalls and deep green forests. Surrounded by rolling hills, old trees and fresh mountain air, this place offers the perfect setting to calm down and recharge your batteries.
The house itself is a retreat full of warmth and coziness: with private and shared rooms, a large, open kitchen for cooking and enjoying together, an inviting living room with fireplace, as well as spacious relaxation areas inside and outside that invite you to linger and exchange ideas. The sauna and jacuzzi provide deep relaxation - ideal for letting body and soul sink gently after a day in the great outdoors.
Booking & Payment:
To express your interest, send an email to exeriencewithella@gmail.com. We will get back to you with additional information. Once you paid the deposit, your spot is safely secured.
Scroll down for more information about our bookings & cancellation policy.
How to get there:
Arrival by plane:
The closest international airports are:
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Strasbourg Airport (SXB) – 110 km (~2 hours)
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EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (MLH/BSL) – 120 km (~2 hours)
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Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ) – 130 km (~2.5 hours)
You can also consider:
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Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – For long-haul flights (~5.5 hours to Gérardmer by public transport or 4.5 hours by car)
From the airport, follow either the public transport or car instructions indicated below.
Arrival by public transport:
Gérardmer does not have a train station. To reach Gérardmer by train, you can travel to one of the nearby stations:
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Remiremont: Approximately 30 minutes by car or accessible via bus connection.
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Saint-Dié-des-Vosges: Approximately 40 minutes by car or accessible via bus connection.
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Épinal: Approximately 45 minutes by car or accessible via bus connection .
From there, you can take a bus to arrive in Gérardmer. All public transport connections are available on www.sncf-connect.com.
We are here to assist you with your exact travel itinerary. Alternatively, we can provide you with the contact information to book a taxi from the next train station to our retreat venue, or we are happy to book the taxi for you.
Arrival by car:
Whether you drive with your own car, rent a car at the airport or start from another location - for arrival by car, please contact us and we give you the detailed address of our venue and the exact information on how to get there.
Tell me more about Vosges mountains in France!
Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, birdsong, and panoramic views of forests, rolling hills, and peaceful lakes. The Vosges is a hidden gem in eastern France – a region known for its natural beauty, quiet charm, and soft wilderness.
Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of comfort and raw nature. It’s a place to breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect – with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. Our retreat home is nestled in a calm, green valley – complete with a hot tub, sauna, fireplace, and cozy indoor spaces for creative flow and deep rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this getaway for?
This space is for women of all backgrounds who long to slow down, reconnect, and be part of a warm, honest community. No prior experience with retreats, yoga, or nature is needed — just curiosity and openness.
At what age are most participants?
We have a wide range of ages, all from 20 years old up to 60 years old.
An average might usually be around 30-50 y/o.
What will we actually be doing?
Each day will offer a gentle breathwork, yoga or meditation in the mornings. Then there will be time for stillness, creative exploration, solo time in nature, and a brunch. During daytime we will give you options of going hiking, hopefully visiting a beautiful waterfall, exercise to deepen your connection to nature, creative work-shops inside etc. The plan is to gather around the fire for music, creativity or just rest your eyes in the warmth of the flames during one or several evenings. Nothing is mandatory — this is a space to rest, feel, and be. The hot tub and sauna will be available all hours.
Where is the retreat taking place?
In the French mountains of Vosges surrounded by nature, silence, and beauty. It’s a calm and simple setting that invites presence.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Arrival day is Thursday, 23rd of October, 2025. You can arrive any time after 3pm. We officially star the retreat with a welcoming ceremony at 6pm, followed by a joint dinner.
Check-out is Sunday, 26nd of October, 2025, at 12 o'clock noon.
Do I need to be “outdoorsy” or fit?
Not at all. We’ll spend time outside, but at a soft, slow pace. You just need to bring some clothes that can sustain rain as well as keep you warm- but nothing fancy is needed for this. And if you feel like staying inside all weekend for spa-time, relaxing or being creative - that is also an option.
How do I get there?
You book your own travel to the nearest train station or airport (Basil). Add more here how to get from basil to the house. We’ll help to connect participants for ride-sharing where possible. If you have a car or ar looking for a ride-share, please e-mail Expandwithella@gmail.com and we will coordinate for you.
What’s included in the price?
Accommodation, food, facilitation, and all activities.
Travel to and from the location is not included.
What if I don’t know anyone else?
Perfect. Most people come on their own — and leave with deep connections.
We create a kind, inclusive atmosphere from the start.
What’s the food like?
Nutritious, simple, mostly vegetarian or vegan meals made with care. Let us know if you have allergies or dietary needs — we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Can I come if I’m going through something difficult right now?
Yes — this is a gentle and supportive space, where all parts of you are welcome.
What is your booking and cancellation policy?
1) Booking & Payment
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A non-refundable deposit of 300 EUR is required to secure your spot.
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The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the retreat starts.
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If you book your spot when there is less than 30 days until the retreat starts, full payment is required to secure your spot.
2) Minimum Number of Participants & Cancellation
This retreat requires a minimum of 5 participants to take place.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if the minimum number is not met. In such a case:
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You will receive a full refund of any fees paid to us, such as the deposit.
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We do not cover or reimburse travel, accommodation, or other third-party costs. We recommend that you wait for our written confirmation before booking non-refundable travel arrangements.
3) Participant Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations more than 30 days before the retreat: deposit is non-refundable, but the rest of the payment will be refunded.
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Cancellations within 30 days of the retreat: no refunds are given.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Not really, but we’ll send a list closer to the date as a reminder what can be good to bring. Mostly: comfortable clothes, something warm, something to write in, and an open heart.
Terms & Conditions
Participant Agreement
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for attending the Women’s Getaway held in Vosges, France, facilitated by Ella Lundqvist and Lena Riemann?.
By registering and/or submitting payment, you agree to the following:
Booking & Payment
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A non-refundable deposit of 300 EUR is required to secure your spot.
-
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the retreat starts.
-
If you book your spot when there is less than 30 days until the retreat starts, full payment is required to secure your spot.
Minimum Number of Participants & Cancellation
This retreat requires a minimum of 5 participants to take place.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if the minimum number is not met. In such a case:
-
You will receive a full refund of any fees paid to us, such as the deposit.
-
We do not cover or reimburse travel, accommodation, or other third-party costs. We recommend that you wait for our written confirmation before booking non-refundable travel arrangements.
Participant Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations more than 30 days before the retreat: deposit is non-refundable, but the rest of the payment will be refunded.
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Cancellations within 30 days of the retreat: no refunds are given.
Travel
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel to and from the place in Vosges.
We strongly recommend booking flexible or refundable travel options, and securing appropriate travel insurance.
What’s Included
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Accommodation for 3 nights
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All activities, workshops, and guided experiences
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Two meals per day + snacks
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Access to all facilities (hot tub, sauna, etc.
What’s Not Included
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Travel to and from the location in Vosges.
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Accident Insurance (highly recommended)
Health & Responsibility
By attending, you confirm that:
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You are physically and emotionally able to participate in the activities.
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You take full responsibility for your own health and well-being during the weekend.
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You will inform the facilitators of any relevant medical or psychological conditions beforehand.
We are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, or losses that may occur during or after the retreat.
Force Majeure
We are not liable for any changes or cancellations caused by events beyond our control, such as, but not limited to, natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, or government restrictions. In such cases, we will offer rescheduling options or partial refunds, where possible.
Jurisdiction & Governing Law
This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Sweden.
In the event of a dispute, we aim to resolve it informally. If necessary, legal action shall be brought in a Swedish court.
Other
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This is a women-only retreat, inclusive of all women and femme-identifying people.
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We reserve the right to make small adjustments to the schedule if needed.
Contact & Confirmation
Please wait for our final confirmation email before booking travel.
For any questions, contact us at: Expandwithella@gmail.com
