Be Createful | Art Retreat
August 27th - August 30th, 2026 • Bahnitz, Brandenburg
If you have been feeling mentally full, overstimulated, and tired of constantly being “on,” this retreat was created for you.
Over four days in nature, far from the noise and pressure of everyday life, you’ll be held in a safe space, where the gentle rhythm of intuitive, abstract painting, sound journeys, mindful movement, and restorative rest are coming together to help you slow down, soften, and reconnect with yourself. Ilinca, the founder of this experience and two other skilled facilitators, will guide and support you throughout the journey — holding space for creativity, emotions, and meaningful connection.
You will learn simple art techniques that you can integrate into your everyday life and you will discover the diverse benefits that mindful art and sound have on your nervous system.
This is a space for you to step out of doing and into being — to create without pressure, rest without guilt, and remember what it feels like to be present, with a quiet and rested mind, where ideas and thoughts exist in harmony.
4-Day Mindful, Abstract Art & Sound Summer Retreat for Women
This retreat is for you if…
you often find yourself moving from task to task or deadline to deadline, rarely pausing long enough to notice how you actually feel.
it has become difficult for you to truly switch off — your mind keeps running even when your body is tired.
you feel a quiet longing to slow down, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with yourself.
you miss having space to simply be — without expectations, roles, or the pressure to perform.
you feel curious about exploring healing creativity, sound, gentle movement, and meaningful connection with other women.
you sense that art, stillness, and time in nature could help you soften, release tension, and feel more like yourself again.
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Connect: with others, yourself, your creative essence
Within a small and intimate circle of women, space is created for genuine connection, deep listening, and meaningful exchange. Free from the roles and expectations of everyday life, you can finally be simply as you are.
Whether in shared silence, during creative exploration, or around the table over nourishing meals, moments of connection arise gently and naturally — grounding, nourishing, and real.
Through creativity, conversation, and presence, something often begins to soften: you reconnect with your own inner voice, with the women around you, and with what truly matters.
Here, creativity becomes a bridge — guiding you back to yourself.
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Create: intuitively, without constraints, from within
Creation here is not about skill, outcome, or getting it right. It’s about listening — to your body, your emotions, and the quiet impulses that want to move through you. Through intuitive painting, ceramics, watercolor, and guided creative rituals, you’re supported in exploring color, form, and expression — without pressure or rules. Soundbaths, silence, and nature hold the process, allowing creativity to flow naturally and authentically.
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Move: on the mat, in nature, in your own rhythm
Movement is approached as a gentle return to your body.
Rather than intensity or effort, the focus is on softness, presence, and reconnecting with your natural rhythm. Slow, grounding practices help you release tension, awaken the body gradually, and feel more at home within yourself.
Each morning begins with relaxed yoga sessions inspired by gentle Hatha and calming Yin, guiding you into the day with steadiness and ease.
Beyond the mat, we experience the forest’s wisdom. We walk barefoot on the grass, listen to the birds singing and attune to our surroundings — noticing subtle sensations, sounds, and the quiet rhythm of the natural world.
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Rest: your nervous system, body, and soul
Spacious pauses are intentionally woven throughout the retreat, allowing your body and mind to soften, settle, and restore. Time for rest may look different each day: sinking into silence, warming up in the sauna, floating in the river, receiving a massage, journaling, or simply doing nothing at all. Sound meditations and quiet evenings support deep relaxation, helping your nervous system slow down and recalibrate. You're encouraged to listen inward and follow what you need in the moment. Rest becomes a practice of trust — a way to come back to yourself, nourished, grounded, and at ease.
Why mindful art can be so powerful?
Many women arrive saying they are “not creative” — and leave surprised by how naturally creativity begins to flow when there is space and no pressure.
Creative expression has a unique way of influencing how we feel and how our mind processes experiences. When we engage in art-making, different areas of the brain begin communicating in new ways. The part of the mind that tends to overanalyse or stay stuck in self-criticism gradually becomes quieter, while the more intuitive and sensory parts of the brain become more active. This shift helps bring the mind back from constant mental activity into a calmer, more present state.
Art also offers a way to explore emotions that are sometimes difficult to describe with words. When inner thoughts or feelings take shape through color, form, or movement, they often become easier to understand and relate to.
Mindful art naturally brings you into a state of deep focus and presence — a moment where attention is fully absorbed and the sense of time begins to soften. These moments can be deeply calming and restorative.
Imagine waking up to the gentle touch of sunlight on your skin. A soft breeze moves through the room. You smile. No rush. No schedule. Just space.
During this retreat, you’ll move through a carefully held rhythm where creative expression and deep rest exist side by side. With gentle guidance and support, you’ll be invited to soften your nervous system, ground yourself in the present moment, and reconnect with the creative, intuitive part of yourself that everyday life often pushes aside.
Through meditative painting, soundbath journeys, gentle movement, and restorative rest, creativity begins to unfold naturally — without pressure, expectation, or the need to get anything right.
What makes be createful special is this delicate balance: depth without overwhelm, structure without pressure, creativity without striving.
All levels in yoga and art are welcome, and no artistic experience is needed.
This is simply a space to explore, express, and rediscover the quiet joy of creating.
Your gentle summer creative ritual to pause, create and rest
Daily schedule of your artistic journey
Beyond painting every day, you'll also have plenty of free time to relax, to practice by your own or to discover around the village and share your experiences with others by the lake. Please be aware that the schedule is subject to slight changes.
How you may feel after the retreat
After four days of slowing down, creating, and reconnecting with yourself, you may notice subtle but meaningful shifts.
You may leave feeling:
calmer in your body and more at ease in your mind
refreshed and mentally lighter
more connected to your creativity and intuition
less caught in the spiral of overthinking and more present in the moment
inspired by new ideas and creative perspectives
supported by meaningful connections with other women
nourished by time spent in nature and gentle rest
equipped with simple creative practices and tools you can integrate into your daily life to continue nurturing presence, expression, and connection with yourself
Food & Nourishment
Food is an essential part of the retreat experience. We gather three times a day to enjoy a lovingly prepared plant-based buffet, created with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Each meal is designed to nourish the body and inspire the senses — from vibrant colors and natural textures to grounding flavors that support creativity, presence, and well-being. The food becomes part of the creative journey itself, inviting you to slow down, taste consciously, and feel supported throughout the day. For the last night you’ll enjoy a blindfolded dinner.
All meals are vegan and can be adapted to different dietary needs. If you have any allergies or intolerances, please let us know in advance so we can take them into account.
Retreat location
Haven Havelland • Dorfstraße 33, 14715 Milower
HAVEN is a retreat guesthouse created for mindfulness, rest and meaningful connection. Nestled in the wild beauty of the West Havelland Nature Park, just 90 minutes from Berlin, it offers a serene and grounding setting — the perfect place to slow down, recharge and truly arrive.
At the heart of the house is a beautifully restored 1920s dance hall — a light-filled and inspiring space for yoga, meditation, sound journeys, and creative practices. The hall is fully equipped with yoga mats, bolsters, meditation cushions, blocks, blankets, and straps, so you can arrive without needing to bring your own equipment. The main living room encourages connection and coziness, with a sofa island, library, and log fire — a place to gather, reflect, or simply rest together.
A short five-minute walk through the village leads you to the Havel River, where you can swim in a designated area or simply sit by the water’s edge. The garden and surrounding landscape shift gently with the seasons — always alive, always changing.
Photos by Maike Grimm
Investment & Room options
The retreat is limited to 16 guests
Accommodation will be offered in a single bedroom (SOLD OUT), three shared double and three shared bedrooms. All seven rooms at Haven have their own en suite bathroom.
Price per person
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Early bird*: 765€
Regular price: 845€
*Early bird until April 15th, 2026
For the first 8 registrations (includes a massage session) -
Early bird*: 815€
Regular price: 895€
*Early bird until April 15th, 2026
For the first 8 registrations (includes a massage session) -
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To secure your spot, a €350 deposit is required.
The remaining balance can be paid in full or in instalments, no later than one month and a half prior to the retreat start. All prices are per person. -
Cancellations up to 4 months before the retreat start date: the €350 deposit will be fully refunded.
From 4 months before the retreat start date, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Your spot may be transferred to another person, but not to another retreat or date.
Bestie Discount
Book with a friend and save 50 € each
Valid both for early bird and regular price.
→ limited to 6 bestie discount tickets
What’s Included
Practices
Intuitive abstract art-making in nature and at the lake
5 guided art sessions outdoor and indoor
6 sound journeys for deep relaxation and inner balance
2 morning Yoga and gentle movement practices
1 scent exploration & creation workshop
Journaling, reflection time & women circle
Swimming, nature walks & sauna
Time for yourself, rest & meaningful connection
All art materials
Nourishment & Stay
3 nights and 4 days at HAVEN, surrounded by nature
8 freshly prepared, plant-based meals with local ingredients
Morning & afternoon snacks, water and refreshments
Yoga props (mats, blocks, blankets, bolsters)
Bedding & towels
Whatsapp group access with the other participants before the retreat
Goodie bag with carefully selected gifts
Rituals & Extras
Opening ceremony & closing ceremony
1 blindfolded dinner
Massage sessions (can be booked on-site or prior to the retreat, not included in the retreat price)
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from the retreat location
Travel insurance (if required)
It is recommended to take a taxi from the train station to the retreat center. Your retreat hosts will help with coordinating this with other participants.
Ready to book?
Here, creativity unfolds naturally. Awaken your inner artist, soften your nervous system, ground yourself into the present moment and reconnect with your creative essence.
Meet Your Hosts
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Creativity & Art Therapist, Sound Facilitator
Ilinca is the founder of PaintNow, certified creativity and art therapist, sound facilitator, and artist. Her work is rooted in the belief that creativity is a powerful pathway to self-connection, healing, and inner balance.
In her practice, she blends sound and art to create deeply immersive and transformative classes. Her mission is to help people reconnect with their creative essence and discover the profound benefits of mindful art. Ilinca is passionate about guiding others toward greater well-being and creating safe spaces where making mistakes is welcomed as a natural part of the creative process.
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Vegetarian-Vegan Chef, Writer, Coach
For over 10 years, cooking and topics related to delicious, healthy, and vegetarian-vegan nutrition have been among Feli’s greatest passions. She loves being creative in the kitchen, hosting others, and bringing people together through food. In addition to regularly working as a freelance chef at retreats with a focus on regional, seasonal, and colorful dishes, she has already published a cookbook and numerous eBooks and regularly shares inspiring, easy-to-follow recipes on Instagram. Currently, Feli is also training to become a vegan nutrition consultant.
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Physiotherapist, Yoga Instructor, Sound Healer
Josefin lives in Leipzig and is a physiotherapist, 300h certified yoga teacher (Hatha, Yin, Nidra), and sound healer. For more than a decade, she has been deeply engaged with the human musculoskeletal system as well as a wide range of topics related to health, body awareness, and well-being. She sees it as her mission to share her knowledge and support people in living a healthy, mindful, and peaceful life in their own bodies. Josefin particularly enjoys teaching slow and relaxing yoga styles such as Yin Yoga or gentle mobility flows to help you reconnect with your body awareness, improve your flexibility, and rediscover your inner peace.
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Olfactory Expert, Essential Oils Magician
Elena is an olfactory expert who helps you rediscover your most neglected sense – smell. Working with pure essential oils, she guides you through interactive scent experiences where you'll explore how scent influence your emotions, memories, and nervous system. Blending neuroscience, aromachology, and hands-on practice, you'll learn to use scent as a tool for stress regulation, mindful micro-moments and deeper self-connection. Elena will guide you to create your own personalized natural scent.
