deep-rest - YOGA SHAPE

DEEP REST WEEKEND RETREAT

Come home to stillness

17-19 October 2025
Durbuy, Ardennes, Belgium

If you are seeking a deep rest – physically, mentally, and emotionally – this Deep Rest Weekend Retreat in the Belgian Ardennes is for you. Here, you will step away from the stress, noise, and demands of daily life and immerse yourself in gentle and calming well-being practices of yoga, meditation, sound healing, and nature connection. You will return home feeling deeply rested and nourished.

Surrender into deep rest

This retreat is a deeply restorative experience blending gentle movement, mindfulness, meditation, and nature – so you can return home not just relaxed, but truly recharged.

Longing for a space to simply be - without pressure and screens?

This retreat offers a rare opportunity to unplug through restful well-being practices and nature connection, so you can return to your daily life feeling more calm and at ease.

Struggling with fatigue and mental clutter?

With restorative yoga, guided meditation, and sound healing, you’ll release tension, quiet your mind, and reset your nervous system so you can come back to your regular life with more clarity and balance.

Tired of running around and craving rest?

Everything in this retreat is designed to help you slow down, restore your energy, and nourish yourself – no need to accomplish or achieve anything.

Tired of body discomfort while sitting in meditation?

The How to Meditate Without Pain workshop will give you practical tools and posture adjustments, allowing you to meditate with ease and comfort – so that you can experience deeper focus and stillness when meditating without physical distraction.

Spending too much time indoors, disconnected from nature?

Through forest bath, grounding walks, and outdoor meditation, you’ll reconnect with nature and its calming rhythms – so that you can feel more grounded, present, and in tune with yourself.

Craving a sense of connection?

This retreat brings together like-minded people on a similar journey, creating a space of support, shared wisdom, and deep, meaningful conversations – so that you can build new connections and get inspiration.

Imagine a weekend away from the noise

Enjoy the crisp and fresh air carrying the sounds of nature. Feel the sense of deep peace and calm, knowing that you are giving yourself exactly what you need.

You wake up in the peaceful stillness of the Ardennes. You begin your day slowly – no rush, no demands.

A nourishing breakfast waits for you, wholesome and prepared with care. Sipping your warm tea, you feel a sense of ease and presence, knowing this weekend is just for you.

You walk silently through nature, feeling the earth beneath your feet, hearing the crunching leaves, and allowing yourself to slow down and simply be. You pause for a clarity meditation in nature, guided to listen inward and rest into the stillness within.

After a colourful lunch and some much-needed me-time, you gather for an educational workshop on meditation without pain – a powerful shift that will transform your practice.

Later in the day, you enter a Deep Rest workshop space that supports your much-needed rest – learn how to sit or lie down without discomfort, and doze off in a Yoga Nidra practice.

As the sun sets, you move through a gentle yoga session, allowing yourself to sink deeper into relaxation, release tension, and unwind.

The vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls wrap around you, melting away any stress, carrying you into a state of deep rest. Time slows, your body softens, and your mind becomes quiet as you finish the day with a closing meditation.

Before bed, you take a moment to journal your reflections, capturing the insights of the day. Your body feels light, your breath soft, and your heart open. You close your eyes with a sense of deep peace, knowing that you have given yourself exactly what you needed.

This journey is for you if...

You feel the need for deep rest – emotionally, mentally, or physically – and want to realign with your path in a supportive and nurturing space.
You are craving stillness and softness, a pause from the busyness of life to simply slow down and breathe.
You long for connection with yourself – to simply breathe, be present, and listen inward.
You are curious about self-exploration practices: movement, mindfulness, energy work, or intuitive tools like runes and oracle cards.
You want to experience a retreat that is more than just yoga – one that follows a structured and flowing process of inner connection.
You love nature and feel called to reconnect with it – through mindful forest walks, and grounding meditations.
You want to be surrounded by like-minded people – sharing meaningful conversations and moments of reflection.
You’re simply tired – from doing, from accomplishing, from giving – and want to be held in a space where you can just be, rest deeply, and feel like yourself again.

Accommodation: A Peaceful Haven in Nature

Nestled in the forest, our retreat venue is a cozy and tranquil residence designed for deep rest and relaxation. You will stay in comfortable apartments and rooms, available in single, twin/double, or triple settings.

Bathrooms are shared with one or two other guests. Bed linen and towels are provided, so you can travel light and focus entirely on your retreat experience.

The spacious Yoga Hall is fully equipped with yoga mats, meditation cushions, and other props.

Nourishment for Body and Soul

Every meal is an invitation to slow down, savour, and nourish yourself. Thoughtfully prepared at an authentic vegetarian and vegan local restaurant, our meals are crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients, bringing together comforting flavors and vibrant colours.

Mornings begin with a heartwarming breakfast: artisanal baked goods, creamy spreads, fresh fruits, and warm drinks. Midday, you’ll enjoy a rich meal inspired by oriental flavors, where fragrant spices, nourishing grains, and colourful vegetables come together in a Thali platter. Dinner is a light selection of warming soups, seasonal vegetables, and fresh salads.

Location: A Sanctuary in the Heart of Belgian Ardennes

Our retreat takes place at Bhaktivedanta College, a hidden gem in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Just a short distance away, you’ll find Durbuy, often referred to as ‘the smallest city in the world.’

Surrounded by lush forest, our venue is a secluded haven for deep reflection, renewal, and connection with nature. A scenic forest path is the perfect space for quiet walks, mindful contemplation, and grounding practices.

This is an ideal escape from the noise of daily city life – for you to reconnect with yourself and have a deep nourishing rest.

What makes this retreat different

This retreat is a sacred container of time and space – a chance to step away from daily routine and immerse yourself in rest and renewal.

Designed according to my signature SHAPE method, the retreat follows the cycle of 5 Nature Elements, with each of them being a unique lens for transformation:

Start (Fire) – Initiating your journey by releasing the past and setting the intention
Honesty (Earth) – Grounding in the present, understanding where you are
Aim (Metal) – Gaining clarity about your direction and next steps
Practice (Water) – Embracing fluidity, movement, and personal choice
Evolution (Wood) – Growing and blossoming into the next phase of your journey

Friday - 17 October - Fire element

Arrival and welcome

Settling into your space
Opening session and program introduction
Guided meditation (intention-setting)
Free time to unwind

Evening practices

Dinner
Deep Rest Workshop
Candlelight Yin Yoga
Yoga Nidra
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Journaling and rest

Saturday - 18 October - Metal and Water elements

Morning practices

Gentle Flow Yoga
Breakfast
Grounding Forest Bath
Guided meditation in nature (grounding)

Afternoon practices

Lunch
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Workshop How to Meditate Without Pain
Guided meditation (clarity)

Evening practices

Dinner
Restorative Yoga
Sound Journey with Tibetan singing bowls
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Journaling and rest

Sunday - 19 October - Water and Wood elements

Morning practices

Gentle Flow Yoga
Guided meditation (letting go)

Closing rituals

Breakfast
Runic reading
Guided meditation (growth)
Closure and farewell

Yoga: Move and Breathe

You’ll experience two yoga sessions daily – Gentle Flow yoga in the morning to awaken your body and calming Restorative, Yin and Nidra yoga in the evening to help you unwind and reflect. Each session is inspired by the energy of the 5 nature elements, guiding you through awakening, grounding, flow, transformation, and renewal.

Every class is thoughtfully adapted on the spot to meet your unique needs, movement experience, and energy levels, ensuring that the practice feels accessible and personal.

Meditation is an integral part of this retreat, giving you moments of stillness, reflection, and deep connection to yourself and nature. Each session anchors you in the present, helping you release what no longer serves you and create the space for new possibilities.

We will meditate during the morning yoga sessions to set your intention for the day, and during the evening yoga sessions to integrate your experiences of the day. We will also meditate in the forest to have a fully immersive experience and receive clarity from the wisdom of nature surrounding you.

Meditation: Stillness and Clarity

Forest Bath: A Meditative Walk to Reconnect with Nature

This is your opportunity to engage your senses and absorb the restorative energy of nature, away from the noise of daily city life.

As you walk in silence, you will tune into the sounds of rustling leaves, the scent of fresh earth, and the feeling of forest air on your skin. With each breath, you will invite a deep sense of calm and clarity.

Guided prompts along the way will help you anchor into the present moment, making this practice mindful and grounding.

Let go and surrender to the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls. This sound journey inward will guide you into a state of deep relaxation – to melt away tension, quiet the mind, and restore inner balance.

As the sound waves ripple through your body, you feel lighter, clearer, and more at ease. This will help you integrate the retreat experiences and tune into the calming energy of the retreat.

Sound journey with Tibetan singing bowls

Deep Rest workshop

You’ll explore how to truly relax in our ‘most favourite yoga position’ – Savasana – depending on your unique body conditions.

This is a moment to settle, to notice what your body and mind are carrying, and to gently release it.

A quiet invitation to soften, draw your attention inwards, and let yourself just be.

In this practical workshop, you will learn how to sit in a way that supports your body and prevents pain and discomfort. We will use customised alignment to make powerful adjustments that fit your unique anatomy.

With my first-hand experience in prolonged meditation practice – including intensive 10-day silent retreats and personal recovery after knee surgery – I will guide you through effective techniques so you can meditate with ease and presence.

Bonus: This workshop is part of my Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (YACEP) offerings, meaning you will receive a certificate of completion that can be counted towards your YACEP credits.

Workshop How to Meditate without Pain

Runic reading and Oracle cards

In moments of transition, we often seek deeper insight and guidance.

During this retreat, you will have an opportunity to turn to Runes – an ancient system of symbols where each of them carries a unique meaning and energetic imprint, and gives you profound perspectives on your choices.

You will also be guided through an Oracle Card experience, where intuitive messages will help you connect with your inner wisdom.

This weekend is about reclaiming time for yourself and restoring your energy.

Going through deep practices and shared experiences, true integration happens in the quiet moments – when you simply allow yourself to be. Each day of the retreat has a dedicated time for you to chill, read a book, journal, go for a walk, and admire the beautiful skies. It is your opportunity to listen inward and integrate everything you have learnt and experienced.

Me-time

Your host

Hi, I’m Irina Oshchepkova! I am a certified yoga teacher with 1500+ hours of teaching experience and 12+ years in the corporate world.

I see so many people craving rest, clarity, and space to breathe, yet struggling to find the time. Between endless to-do lists, career ambitions, and daily responsibilities, we often postpone what truly matters – our well-being, our dreams, our alignment with ourselves.

This is why I created this nurturing weekend retreat – a sacred 3-day pause where you can step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself, and realign with what truly matters.

With my signature SHAPE method, I guide people through a structured process inspired by nature meant to create lasting transformation.

You will leave this retreat feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply refreshed, carrying forward a sense of renewal and inner peace.

What is included

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights accommodation in a charming, tranquil residence
Bed linen and towels provided
Yoga mats and meditation cushions available

Food

5 wholesome vegetarian/vegan meals, crafted with fresh, natural ingredients

Yoga

2 Gentle Flow Yoga sessions (morning)
3 Calming Yin, Restorative, and Nidra Yoga (evening)

Meditation & mindfulness

4 guided meditation sessions, aligned with yoga practices
Grounding meditation in the forest
Guided Forest Bath

Sound & energy practices

Sound Journey with Tibetan singing bowls
Deep Rest Workshop, how to truly relax in Savasana

Workshops & transformation

Workshop How to Meditate Without Pain (Yoga Alliance YACEP-certified with a certificate of completion)

Guidance & intuition

Runic reading, an ancient system of symbols for clarity and insight
Oracle Card experience, offering intuitive guidance for your next chapter

What is not included

Transport to/from the venue (see FAQ ‘How to get to the venue’)

What my guests say…

Irina has given me some powerful tools for my daily life, for example how to connect with the present moment. Irina is a great yoga teacher, very knowledgeable and committed to help you reach a good work-life balance.

Constanza Troiano

It's important to be prepared for when stress hits. Understanding these tools can benefit not only me but also those around me. Understanding the theory has helped me to organise my knowledge and streamline my routine.

Sheng-Yi Ye

The number one benefit I got from coming to the retreat was the inspiration from nature. I feel so alive, fresh and powerful. You can't miss it! You don't have to worry about anything because of all the activities handled by the host.

Darja Sauta

Your investment and cancellation policy

The payment is non-refundable but can be fully transferred to another person, if you’d like to gift the experience. All the payments are made by credit card or by direct bank transfer. Please contact me at [email protected] for details on bank transfer, invoicing and possible payment plans.

Do you have any questions that you would like to discuss with me in detail? Book a free call with me!

Use the code TAKE5 at the check-out to receive a promotional 5% discount if you bring a friend

Early bird discount of 100 euro until 31 August

00Days
00Hours
00Minutes
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~~450€~~
350€

1 spot in a shared triple room
(2 spots left)

Book now

~~520€~~
420€

1 spot in a shared twin room

Book now

~~550€~~
450€

Private single room

Book now

~~700€~~
600€

Private double room
(1 bed for 2 people)

Book now

Can’t make the full weekend? Come for one day!

Join us just for Saturday, 18 October only for a rich glimpse into the magic, while the full retreat gently unfolds around you. Saturday-only option available for those who can’t attend the full weekend – offering a meaningful taste of the journey.

220€

join 18 October only

Book now

It’s time to step away from the noise of daily life and give the space to rest deeply. A weekend to exhale, slow down, and return to what feels steady and true.

This retreat is a quiet pause – a chance to restore your energy, calm your mind, and reconnect with yourself.

The invitation is simple: rest, fully. Will you take it?

faq

What is the level of yoga?

All levels are welcome, from zero to advanced! Each class is adapted to the needs of participants

What should I pack?

Make sure to bring comfortable clothes for yoga, outdoors and indoors. Comfortable shoes for walking are highly recommended. I will send you a detailed list when you book your experience.

How to get to the venue?

By car

It takes 1 hour 40 min by car from Brussels city centre. I highly recommend carpooling among the guests for environmental reasons – so if you plan to come by car and have space for fellow passengers, please let me know, and I will get you in touch.

The address of the retreat centre is: Bhaktivedanta College, Petite Somme 10, 6940 Durbuy.

By train

Take a train from Brussels to Marloie or to Barvaux (see SNCB https://www.belgiantrain.be/). It takes between 1 hour 45 min to 2 hours.

From/to Marloie, I will arrange a pick-up service at an additional cost of 13 euro per person. It will take around 20 min.

From/to Barvaux, I will arrange a pick-up service at an additional cost of 6 euro per person. It will take around 10 min.