.png)
opening to intuition retreat
connecting to your inner wisdom:
A journey of shamanic exploration
Thursday 19th - sunday 23rd june 2025
puglia, ITALY
About the retreat
​​​Join Sjoukje in Puglia, Italy for five days of bespoke relaxation and healing for the mind, body and soul, explored through guided meditations, Shamanic journeying, nature walks and ceremonies, set amongst the Italian countryside. This Nomadic retreat is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of La Vita Sukha, enjoying the community and connection that this retreat centre fosters.
With a curated itinerary designed to promote restoration, greater vitality and introspection, providing you with a tool-kit of practices and energetic experiences to lead you into the Summer season, and promoting a connection to your inner-wisdom, alongside enjoying an authentic Italian experience of food, language and ‘La Dolce Vita’ spirit.
Led by expert Shamanic Healer, Sjoukje Gummels, this retreat is an opportunity to find an inner harmony and promote deep healing with support from the natural surroundings, under Sjoukje’s transformative tutelage. Whether you are a solo-traveller, joining as a couple or with friends, this retreat is a perfect opportunity to practice shared experiences and expand your connections to yourself and a new community of like-minded individuals who will be journeying alongside you in Puglia 2025.
​
Explore La Vita Sukha Retreat Centre
Discover Our Retreat Information Packet
​
Prices per person from:
Single: £1111
Twin: £999
Dormitory: £888
Retreat highlights
-
Working intimately with Sjoukje’s wisdom to deepen your practice and experience
​
-
Blessing Ceremony
​
-
Summer Solstice celebration
​
-
Intimate group size to enhance connectivity and bespoke group and individual diagnostics
​
-
Pasta-making experience
​
-
Pre-retreat Shamanic Journeying recorded materials and group connection
​
-
Enjoy an authentic Italian experience and the natural beauty of Northern Puglia
included
-
4 nights comfortable accommodation
​
-
All meals provided, including a ‘Welcome Dinner’
​
-
Transfers from Naples, Italy - La Vita Sukha (Retreat Centre)
​
-
Curated itinerary including: Shamanic journeys, guided meditations, medicine walks and movement sessions
​
-
Special Ceremonies: Blessing, Fireside and Dismemberment Rituals
​
-
Summer Solstice celebration
​
-
Additional creative and cultural activities including nature walks, pasta making and exploring the local village
about the location
The "Opening to Intuition" retreat at La Vita Sukha is set in the tranquil and picturesque region of Puglia, offering a serene backdrop that supports the overall transformative experience of the retreat.
Participants will immerse themselves in the vibrant natural beauty of the area, with opportunities for adventure and exploration such as forest walks, mountain ridge hikes, and swimming in natural waterfalls and streams.
The retreat location also allows for a cultural immersion into the local Italian lifestyle, offering additional experiences like a village walk and a hands-on pasta-making workshop.
This setting not only supports deep relaxation and rejuvenation but also enriches the spiritual and emotional journey of the participants, making it an ideal environment for reconnecting with nature and oneself.
benefits of shamanic healing & journeying
-
Deepened Intuition & Self-awareness: Engage in activities designed to open and enhance inner wisdom, self-awareness and access more joy.
​
-
Emotional Healing: Release emotional blockages through guided meditations and Ceremonial work.​
​
-
Spiritual Insights & Practices: Learn the significance of creating sacred spaces, shifting vibrations, and connecting with Ancestral Blessings.
​
-
Creative & Physical Expression: Participate in physical exercises, through dismemberment dance, Omen walks and creative sessions to express and rejuvenate your physical and creative self.
​
-
Connection with Nature: Direct engagement with the retreat’s natural surroundings through walks, fresh-water swimming, and nature-based practises to gather insight and clarity.
​
-
Rejuvenating Practices: Engage in practices that relax and rejuvenate the body and mind, leading to increased energy levels and overall vitality.
​
-
Group Dynamics: This retreat facilitates communal activities and shared experiences, helping participants to forge deep connections and confidence to build a supportive community, enhancing the interpersonal skills and emotional intuition of each individual.
-
About your retreat leader
Sjoukje Gummels is a dynamic and creative individual whose career has spanned continents and disciplines. Beginning her journey in the glamorous world of fashion, Sjoukje travelled extensively, spearheading campaigns for illustrious brands like Harrods, Harper’s Bazar and Max Factor. Her work took her to global fashion capitals, where she not only left her mark on advertising but also enriched her perspective through diverse cultural experiences.
​
In 2000, Sjoukje transitioned to the UK, where she embarked on a transformative path in the realm of energy healing. As a Shamanic Practitioner, she delved into profound healing modalities including Reiki, Regression Therapy, and Shamanic Healing. Her quest for knowledge led her to train under globally recognised teachers such as Sandra Ingerman and Imelda Almqvist, completing intensive courses in Core Shamanism and Shamanic Practitioner Training. Her dedication to spiritual growth continued under Joan Parisi Wilcox, focusing on Andean Mysticism.
As natural born intuitive Sjoukje's commitment to sharing her knowledge has seen her facilitate and participate in workshops across Portugal, Jordan, Holland, and beyond. Her travels have also taken her to spiritual destinations like Cape town, Mexico, and India, enriching her practice and broadening her spiritual horizons.
In recent years, Sjoukje has turned her focus to bespoke guided meditation coaching and retreats. She also offers personalised meditation readings, serving public figures, celebrities and has been working for bespoke brand events. Her work aims to foster clarity and direction, guiding individuals towards a more centred and peaceful existence.
room options
more information
Dietary Needs: Should you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, kindly let Sjoukje know in advance so as to better accommodate you in the best way possible.
​
Travel Recommendations: It is recommended that you fly into Naples International Airport, or catch a train into Naples Centrale Station to connect with the group transfer from a centrally located pick-up location in Naples to La Vita Sukha. (N.B. Group transfers from Naples to La Vita Sukha are included in the retreat price*). Please contact Sjoukje directly for specific times of collection and drop-off to and from Naples to inform your travel bookings.
*if travelling on recommended flights.
​
Payment Structure: A 50% deposit is required to secure your space, with £150 of the deposit being non-refundable. The remaining and final payment is due on or before 1st May 2025. Should you wish to make an instalment plan, please contact Sjoukje.
​
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your holiday at any time providing that the cancellation is made by you and is communicated to Sjoukje in writing. Cancellation will take effect the day such notification is received. Cancellation between 30-60 days before 1st May 2025, we retain 75% of moneys paid. Cancellation after 1st May 2025, we retain 100% of monies paid. Please note that this does not include the non-refundable deposit.
​
Terms of Booking: Once your holiday has commended, no refund or part refund or unused portion of your holiday will be re paid in the event of cancellation by you. If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an Insurance Policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. We can issue supporting letters to help with a claim.
​
Travel Insurance: It is your responsibility to check that your visa/passport meets EU entry regulations. You need to have your own travel insurance, provide us with your emergency contact, check with your doctor that you are sufficiently fit and healthy to undertake group classes and any other physical activity that you may arrange/partake in during your holiday. If you experience any injury or discomfort during any activity organised for you, then you must stop practicing immediately and advise your retreat host accordingly.
Sjoukje is not personally liable for any injury that occurs to you during your stay at La Vita Sukha.
​
On booking this holiday, you enter into the agreement of terms and conditions of the holiday.
​