new-year-belgium - YOGA SHAPE

NEW YEAR 2026 RETREAT

Relaxing and meaningful celebration

31 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Durbuy, Ardennes, Belgium

If you are looking for a meaningful and nourishing end-of-year getaway, don’t miss this special New Year retreat in peaceful Belgian Ardennes, surrounded by nature.

Here, you will have the perfect space to reflect on and release 2025 with gratitude, and start 2026 with intention and joy, feeling inspired and grounded.

You will return home feeling relaxed, energised, and nourished.

Embrace the energy of the New Year

Imagine five peaceful days, where you’ll let go of 2025 with ease and welcome 2026 with clarity. This is a place where time slows, and beauty reveals itself in the quiet whispers of trees and the peaceful energy of the local temple.

How empowering would it be to have a ‘reboot’ and welcome New Year 2026 with excitement?

We will do daily practices for you to get more clarity and confidence about your goals for 2026, smoothly and effortlessly plan them out – so that you start the New Year ready to have a more fulfilling life on your terms.

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

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

Looking into making your yoga practice aligned with your unique body?

The thematic yoga workshops, certified by Yoga Alliance, will give you practical tools and posture adjustments, so that you can deepen your knowledge and sharpen your practice.

Spending too much time indoors, disconnected from nature?

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

Wouldn’t it be just great to not think about what to cook and what groceries to buy?

On this retreat, delicious vegetarian meals with an Ayurvedic twist will be prepared for you so that you can savour healthy treats and be sure that your dietary requirements are taken care of.

Craving a sense of connection with like-minded people?

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 your time 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. 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 retreat 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.

After a colourful lunch and some much-needed me-time, you gather for an educational yoga workshop on shoulders, hips, back – a powerful shift that will transform your practice.

You are guided through the 5 nature elements: letting go at the candlelight Yin Yoga, enjoying a grounding the nature walk nearby the cute little town Durbuy, relaxing and recharging at a day in spa, immersing in the healing Tibetan singing bowls sounds, making your sacred wish at the Wish Tree ceremony.

As the sun sets, you move through a gentle yoga session, allowing yourself to sink deeper into relaxation, release tension, and unwind. 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’re seeking a holiday experience that combines relaxation and personal growth adventure in a calming setting.
You wholeheartedly want to release 2025 with gratitude and welcome 2026 with excitement feeling recharged, inspired, and aligned with your goals and intentions.
You are craving stillness and softness, a pause from the busyness of life to simply slow down and breathe.
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 meaningful start of the New Year 2026.

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

Wednesday - 31 December - Fire element

Arrival and welcome

Settling into your space
Opening session and program introduction
Guided meditation (intention-setting)
Free time: integration and self-reflection

Evening practices

Dinner
Candlelight Yin Yoga
Celebration of the New Year with kirtan
Journaling and rest

Thursday - 1 January - Earth element

Morning practices

Energising / Gentle Flow Yoga
Breakfast
5-10 km walk in nature
Guided meditation in nature (grounding)

Afternoon practices

Lunch
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Yoga Workshop ‘Unburden Your Shoulders’

Evening practices

Dinner
Yoga Nidra
Journaling and rest

Friday - 2 January - Metal element

Morning practices

Energising / Gentle Flow Yoga
Breakfast
Guided meditation (clarity)
New Year Workshop: plan your 2026 effortlessly

Afternoon practices

Lunch
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Yoga Workshop ‘Support Your Spine’

Evening practices

Dinner
Sound Journey with Tibetan singing bowls
Journaling and rest

Saturday - 3 January - Water element

Morning practices

Energising / Gentle Flow Yoga
Breakfast
Guided meditation (letting go)
Visit of spa in Durbuy

Afternoon practices

Lunch
Free time: integration and self-reflection
Yoga Workshop ‘Free Your Hips’

Evening practices

Dinner
Restorative Yoga
Journaling and rest

Sunday - 4 January - Wood element

Morning practices

Energising / Gentle Flow Yoga
Breakfast
Guided meditation (growth)

Closing rituals

Wish Tree Ceremony
Runic reading
Closing circle and farewell

Yoga: Move and Breathe

You’ll experience two yoga sessions daily – Energising or 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 nature to have a fully immersive experience and receive clarity from the wisdom of nature surrounding you.

Meditation: Stillness and Clarity

Nature Walk and Wish Tree Ceremony

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

Our accommodation is right next to the forest, where you can go on a meditative walk inspired by the sacred scripture Bhagavad Gita. 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.

On the first day of 2026, we will do a longer nature walk of up to 10 km to ground ourselves as the new cycle of life unfolds. We will finish the retreat with a Wish Tree Ceremony, symbolising the growth on your journey.

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

Spa Visit in Durbuy

As part of the retreat, you’ll enjoy a visit to a beautiful wellness spa – a space designed to help your body let go and your mind fully unwind. This is your time to pause and reset. You’ll move between the warmth of the sauna with panoramic views, the steam of the hammam, and the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the peaceful landscape of Durbuy.

The experience includes a sequence of hydrotherapy and chromotherapy, cold plunges with the ice fountains to boost blood circulation, and a thermal bath to ease any remaining tension. You can follow your own rhythm – rest in the relaxation area, sip herbal tea in the quiet lounge, or sit in stillness in the meditation room.

These three thematic workshops focus on the most popular areas of concern: shoulders, back, and hips. If you sit a lot, feel stiff, or just want to move more freely, these sessions will give you practical tools that actually work for you.

We’ll look at how to release tension, improve mobility, and support your posture in a way that feels good and makes sense. We will use customised alignment to make powerful adjustments that fit your unique anatomy.

Bonus: All 3 workshops are 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.

Yoga Workshops for targeted areas: shoulders, back, hips

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.

On New Year’s Eve, you’ll be welcomed into the peaceful and uplifting atmosphere of Radhadesh, a nearby temple community known for its deep-rooted traditions and joyful spirit.

As the year comes to a close, we’ll gather for an evening of kirtan – a meditative, heart-opening form of chanting and music. You’ll be invited to reflect, release, and welcome the new year with clarity and calm.

On the second day of the year, we will gather to plan for your goals and wishes effortlessly at the dedicated New Year Workshop, inspired by the yogic tradition and personal development practices.

New Year Celebration at Radhadesh and New Year Workshop

Me-time

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.

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 ending the year tired and disconnected – craving rest and a moment to just be. But between deadlines, decisions, and daily responsibilities, we often postpone what truly matters: our well-being, our dreams, our sense of alignment with ourselves.

That’s why I created this 5-day New Year retreat – a meaningful reset to step away from the noise, reflect on the past year, and begin the next one with intention. It’s a space to slow down, reconnect, and start 2026 feeling truly yourself.

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 inner peace and renewal at the start of New Year 2026.

What is included

ACCOMMODATION

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

Food

3 daily wholesome vegetarian/vegan meals, crafted with fresh, natural ingredients
Dinner on the day of arrival
Breakfast on the day of departure

Yoga

4 morning yoga practices: Energising Vinyasa, Gentle Flow
3 evening yoga practices: Candlelight Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra

Meditation & mindfulness

5 guided meditation sessions, aligned with 5 nature elements
Grounding 5-10 km walk in nature
Self-guided forest baths
Wish Tree ceremony

Relaxation & contemplation

Sound Journey with Tibetan singing bowls
Visit of wellness spa centre
New Year Workshop: plan your 2026 effortlessly

Workshops & transformation

3 thematic yoga workshops: ‘Unburden Your Shoulders’, ‘Support Your Spine’, ‘Free Your Hips’ (Yoga Alliance YACEP-certified with a certificate of completion)
Celebration of the New Year with kirtan in Radhadesh

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…

It was a well needed break, rest and relaxation. Straight from the first evening, easy to follow movements, easy to implement techniques and fully submerging to my internal curiosity. Irina showed many variations of the poses from total beginners to advanced.

Valeria Karusinova

Irina is an amazing teacher! The schedule perfectly balances and combines different elements, and you can see how much care and work she puts into everything. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing her teaching!

Ana Alexandrescu

This retreat with Irina has exceeded any possible expectations, it has helped me settle my mind, encourage my body and understand my emotions; my journey will continue but I am leaving this place energised and illuminated.

Leyre Fuertes

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 30 November

00Days
00Hours
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~~890€~~
790€

1 spot in a shared triple room

Book now

~~1030€~~
930€

1 spot in a shared twin room

~~1090€~~
990€

~~1480€~~
1380€

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

Join us just for any day of the retreat for a rich glimpse into the magic, while the full retreat gently unfolds around you. This option available for those who can’t attend the full retreat – offering a meaningful taste of the journey.

270€

join 1 day only

Book now

At the start of a new year, there’s so much noise about resolutions and goals. But what if you began 2026 differently – not by speeding up, but by slowing down?

This retreat offers a quiet, intentional space to rest, reset, and realign. It’s a 5-day pause to let go of the past year, take a deep breath, and enter the new one with clarity and calm.

It is your space to be with yourself, move gently, reflect honestly, and feel ready for what comes next. Let’s go?

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.

What time does the retreat start and finish?

Our retreat begins on 31 December at 4 PM and ends on 4 January at 12 PM . These are your arrival/check-in and departure/check-out dates and times.

If you are coming for one day only, please arrive by 8 AM on a given day.