26 - 29 June 2025

Sound of you 2025:

4 day songwriting retreat
in the swedish forest

A pause in nature for you who wants to write your music, fill your cup with inspiration and surround yourself with your like minded people.

If you’re a passionate songwriter longing to step away from the pace of everyday life and dive into three days of creativity, inspiration, and genuine connection – then this retreat is for YOU.
Welcome to a place where nature meets music. In the stillness of forest and lake, far from noise and distractions, you’ll find space to tune inwards, write freely, and reconnect with your creative joy. 
Over the course of four days, we gather – a small group of songwriters – in a peaceful, nature-filled setting that invites deep focus and meaningful moments. You’ll be inspired, supported, and guided, while giving your inner voice the time and space it needs to grow. 
BOok Now!
36Days
13Hours
35Minutes
24Seconds

Imagine this:

You're sitting with a warm cup of coffee in your hands, gazing out over a still lake. The sun filters through the treetops and gently strokes your skin.
 Everything around you breathes calm and creativity.  

You've just wrapped up a morning circle with fellow music lovers who – just like you – long to create freely, without pressure, in an inspiring and supportive space.  
Over the next few days, you’ll have time to reconnect with yourself, write the music that’s been waiting to come out, exchange ideas with other songwriters, and ease back into your creative flow.  

We write together, share songs, laugh, eat well, and experience that magical sense of being part of something bigger – a community where everyone is seen, and your music truly matters.  
This is your invitation to a retreat that not only gives you time to write – but also reminds you why you started in the first place.

Maybe you'll finally finish that half-written song collecting dust, or take that stuck melody somewhere brand new.

Why a songwritingretreat?

This isn’t just another retreat – it’s a creative experience that will stay with you long after you return home. 

It’s not about performing, delivering, or proving anything. It’s about stepping out of the noise of everyday life and into your creative flow. 

For a few precious days, you’ll have space to focus fully on your songwriting – without pressure, without stress – in an environment that breathes calm, inspiration, and possibility.  

This retreat is designed for you who want to reconnect with your joy of creating, strengthen your creative confidence, and surround yourself with others who understand what it’s like to carry songs inside.

You don’t need to already be anything special – it’s enough that you feel ready to give your music more space.

What makes this retreat different?

This isn’t a course. It’s not your typical workshop. This is a deep, creative retreat where you – and your music – are at the heart of it all.
Each day gives you space to write, explore new ideas, and reconnect with your songwriting. 

Expect inspiring conversations, creative exercises, sharing circles, and quiet moments where you can dive into your own process – at your own pace. 

This is not about comparison or performance. It’s about meeting others in what we all share: the desire to express ourselves through music.  

And yes – there’s plenty of room for rest, laughter and small adventures. 
Think forest bathing, evening swims, fireside talks, spontaneous jams, stillness in nature, creative surprises, and deep conversations that stir something within you.  

Because when you finally exhale, slow down, and just be – that’s when the songs arrive. That’s where the magic happen

Why you should come:

Because deep down, you know your music deserves more space in your life – but maybe you haven’t given it that chance yet, or you simply haven’t had the time.  

This retreat is your invitation to press pause on everyday life and invest in what truly matters: your creativity, your passion, and your inner voice. 

You should join because you’re longing for more than just “time to write.” You’re longing to reconnect with your creative spark – that feeling when ideas flow freely and you feel fully alive in your expression.

In a warm, welcoming space where there’s no pressure to perform or prove anything – where you get to show up exactly as you are.

Here, you’ll experience the powerful feeling of being understood. You’ll meet other songwriters who also navigate doubt, desire, and lack of inspiration. People who speak your language – music. 

And you don’t have to be “finished” or have it all figured out to belong here. All you need is the desire to give your music more room.
You’ll return home with fresh energy, new songs – and a deeper belief that what you carry matters. That your voice deserves to be heard.

This is what you can expect:

  •  A recharged creative spark. Several days of uninterrupted time to write, reflect, and explore your music – both in community and on your own terms.
  • Meaningful conversations & deep sharing Safe, honest sharing circles and inspiring discussions that offer reflection, clarity, and new insight into yourself and your creative process. 
  • Meet and connection with others who are just as passionate, curious, and open-hearted as you. Many leave with creative friends for life. 
  • Rest for body and soul. Nature, stillness, nourishing food, and presence help you land in yourself – and create from a place of calm and authenticity.  
  • Confidence  and inspiration to bring home. You’ll leave with new songs, new perspectives – and maybe even a new direction. 

Your surroundings at Shambala Gatherings

The retreat takes place at a small, peaceful retreat centre tucked away in the forests of Bergslagen – surrounded by pine trees, a still mirror-like lake, and a silence that clears the mind. There’s a floating sauna, a lake for swimming, breathtaking views, and the chance to paddle out into nature – or simply enjoy the quiet. This is a space for those who want to create from the heart. Just creativity, connection, nourishing food, forest air – and that beautiful feeling of being fully, vibrantly alive.

Accomadation

Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There are shared rooms (with one single bed and a bunk bed), twin rooms, single occupancy rooms (with two single beds), and a few cozy glamping tents for one person – all with electricity and heating. Bathrooms and toilets are shared and located in the main building, about 20 meters from the tents. We live simply but comfortably – in a setting that invites calm, rest, and creative flow. Everything has been thoughtfully chosen to help you focus on what truly matters: your music, your creativity, and your experience.

The food

The food at the retreat is nourishing, generous, and made with love and care. It’s vegetarian with vegan options, inspired by Ayurvedic principles, mostly organic and gluten-free. We often enjoy our meals outside on the sunny terrace overlooking the lake – a time for both your taste buds and your senses to delight. The kitchen is an essential part of the retreat experience. Ingredients are carefully selected and thoughtfully combined to support your energy and well-being throughout the retreat. This is food that looks as good as it tastes – and makes you feel good from the inside out. All meals, snacks, and hot drinks are included. There will be a self-serve drink station with coffee and a variety of herbal teas available throughout the day. Please note that this is a fully alcohol-free retreat. If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, just let us know when booking – we’re happy to accommodate you.

Your hosts

Martina Hallin

In English Creativity is an existential thing. We are born creative, but then life teaches us not to be in all so many ways. We are often taught that there is a right and a wrong way to express ourselves, which really doesn’t support us in doing it. Therefore, doing so creatively can be a vulnerable journey. I’m here to support you in whatever comes up and guide your personal process along the way. /Martina 

Sara Littecke Bond

Everyone has unique story, a unique voice, and the world needs it. I have been to many songwriting retreats and I remember each one vividly. At this retreat I will help you find inspiration, what awakens your joy and ways to overcome obstacles which might apear so that you can create with flow. To write together with others and being part of a creative community is an unbeatable experience. /Sara

Itinery
Can be subject to changes if needed

Thursday
15:00 Arrival

17:00 Introduction

19:00 Dinner
Welcome talk-circle*
* The talk-circle is the space to connect with what is moving within you. Someone (maybe you?) will be guided into a deeper inquiry. You’ll be guided to realise existential and philosophical themes uniting us all, transcending religion, belief systems and cultural conditioning.  
 
Friday  
08:00  Mindful morning, body and soul  
We rise early to make the most of the day, move our bodies and wake up our souls.  

09:00 Breakfast in silence  

Inspirational workshop, co-writing time  
You will be assigned a co-writer partner to work with for the rest of the day, and an assignment to work on.  

13:30 Lunch

Co-writing time  

19:00 Dinner  

Song-circle*  
* The song-circle is the space to share what we’ve been working on during the day. The circle will offer conscious listening and feedback on your work, to inspire and support you.
Talk-circle  

Saturday  
08:00 Mindful morning, body and soul  
We rise early to make the most of the day, move our bodies and wake up our souls.  

09:00  Breakfast in silence

Inspirational workshop, co-writing time  
You will be assigned a co-writer partner to work with for the rest of the day, and an assignment to work on.  

13:30  Lunch

Co-writing  

19:00 Dinner  
 
Song-circle  
Talk-circle    

Sunday  
08:00 Mindful morning, body and soul  

09:00 Breakfast in silence  

Inspirational workshop, co-writing time
You’ll be able carry on with any song that needs more work before wrapping up your work for now.  

13:30  Lunch

Closing circle

15:00 Departure
 
The sauna will be lit every day, you’re welcome to use it when it fits in with your creative process. The same goes for swimming or walks.

What's included?

  • Accommodation in a beautiful retreat centre 
  • All meals, snacks and hot drinks
  • Daily songwriting  
  • A bonfire
  • Pick up and drop off from Skinnskatteberg train station
  • Daily saunas
  • Optional wild swimming in the lake
  • Strolls in nature near by

Transport to and from the retreat, including flights to Stockholm and trains.

Travel insurance (please make sure you have your own travel insurance as soon as you book).

Massages and treatments are available at an extra cost depending on availability.

Pricing

Students have special discout of 50%.

Soul Pad Glamping (shared 2 person)

Singelrum (om ledigt), per person: 8 500 kr (sek)

Twin room for two

Per person: 7 496 kr (sek)

Single room (if available)

Contains 2 single beds OR 1 single and 1 bunk
Per person: 8833 kr (sek)

Triple/Quad room

 Per person: 7 103 kr (sek)

Camp (own tent)

 Per person: 6142 kr (sek)

FAQ's

On-site rooms are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you’d prefer to share a room with a friend who’s also attending the retreat, just let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Coming by air: The nearest airport is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden.
You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.

Coming by train / bus: There is a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg, only 5 minutes ride from the centre. The venue offers free pick up services from this station in summer. For train and bus times, visit www.sj.se.

Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.

Absolutly. Write to Martina and she will sort that out for you.
 martina@existentiellarummet.se

Yes you do, Bedding and towles are also available to rent on site if you wish not to bring your own.

Please bring your swimming gear if you'd like to swim, and a towel. We also recommend warm layers and slip on shoes/sandals to wear between the various cabins.
Good shoes for walking if you wish to take a walk in the woods near by.

Also bring unfinished songs and material you want to get input onor to work on at the retreat. Its a great way to get fresh idéas or start a co-write with.
Pen and paper is also handy.

The size of the group for this retreat is a maximum of 22 guests. 

All meals are vegetarian. We can cater to most dietary needs if they have been indicated in the booking form at least 2 weeks prior to the retreat start date. All meals + fruits, snacks, tea and coffee are included in the retreat price. 

The best way is to write them in you booking aplication. You can also email me, Martina och Shamabala Gatherings.
sara.inspomusic.se
martina@existentiellarummet.se

Refer to our terms and conditions for the cancellation policy at Shambala Gatherings.
Your booking is binding, but not personal. If you give your spot to somone else we will need all their details and allergies just like with your booking.

In all shared areas are screen free zones att Shambala. But of course you are allowed to record your song, ideas on your phone or any other divises at your room or tent. But need to be respectfull to the peace and calm towards any other guests and staff when we eat for example.

In a sauna you should be naked. But we wount stop you if you feel uncomfortable. It's up to you.

Yes, if you play an instrument bring it if you can. Just keep in mind you will have to carry it. So maybe don´t bring the whole orchestra with you.

Arrival is at the earliest 15 pm the first day, and depart 15 pm on the final day. 

Yes. Make sure you have that when you book. You might also have some insurance if you pay with credit card.

Bring unfinished songs or song your stuck in the process with. The is the best place to shed new light and inspiration to them.

 Refer to our general FAQs if you have any more questions or drop us an email at sara@inspomusic.se, or martina@existentiellarummet.se and we will get back to you! 

BOOK NOW!

We look forward to seeing you there!

© 2025 Inspo Music