Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Gary Snyder

Overview

Caroline and Rick invite you to a 3-day retreat in nature at the Welna Estate from Friday 3rd of October till Sunday 5th of October, where we can embrace the power of connection - to ourselves, each other, and nature.

You will find a unique space where your connection to the land serves as a source of inspiration for vision and wisdom, complemented by skill-building tools and practices, such as adaptive leadership, indigenous wisdom and rituals, contemplative and breathing practices, and a profound solo experience in nature.

This environment enables you to tap into your inner knowing, fostering deep reflection and meaningful conversations with peers on questions that resonate deeply with you.

The Welna Estate is a secluded, centuries-old estate nestled in one of the most pristine forests of the Veluwe, the Netherlands' largest and wildest nature reserve. With over 600 hectares of rolling woodland, ancient trees, and quiet paths, it offers a rare sense of stillness and depth. What makes Welna truly special is its untouched atmosphere: no cars, no noise, just the pure presence of nature. It’s a place where time slows down, where you can feel the wisdom of the land, and where the forest gently invites you back to yourself.

About the Welna Estate

Your facilitators

Rick is an independent strategy consultant, an accredited coach, FGASA nature guide and facilitates leadership journeys in the wild. He has a passion for nature, human psychology, adventure and spirituality. His adventures include cycling from Cape Town to Nairobi, summitting Mount Kilimanjaro and driving overland from Nairobi to London. Outside of his work as a strategy consultant, Rick supports others in their spiritual growth through coaching, nature retreats and wilderness trails. Rick, a Dutch national, is based in Haarlem in the Netherlands.

Caroline is an executive coach and a facilitator of transformation with a passion for helping people live in connection with all – themselves, each other and nature. With 25+ years' experience, she designs leadership programs, leads nature retreats, and coaches teams and individuals to enhance their ability to connect and thrive in turbulent and complex times. She also teaches meditation and uses the ECOintention methodology to improve energy. Caroline, a French national, resides in the Netherlands with her family.

Rick de Gaay Fortman

Caroline Hamrit

If you want to explore yourself in different ways, think about a wilderness retreat with the lovely, inspirational and experienced facilitators Caroline and Rick! Being offline for 48 hours into the wild, with participants you don't know and an unknown agenda gave me tools, insights and memories which I will never forget.

Albertine

★★★★★

Treat yourself to self-actualisation in nature. Be enlightened on this amazing retreat led by Caroline and Rick who are passionately experienced to guide you to your next echelon in life.

★★★★★

Richard

In our busy lives we've lost our connection to nature and spirituality. This retreat helps you find that connection again and how to bring it back to your daily life, so you feel whole again and in sync with your own nature. Find rest and peace within yourself.

★★★★★

Cory

What previous participants have said

What you can expect

We will establish our camp at the Welna Estate, a stunning privately owned ancient Dutch forest in the middle of the Netherlands.

Mirroring the trees shedding their leaves, autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. It is a profound metaphor for releasing old habits or worries, and making space for new growth and opportunities.

Together, we will slow down, connect inwards and explore our intentions and figurative 'leaves’ we wish to shed this autumn — taking time to reflect in solitude, and receive the subtle teachings the forest can offer.

There will be space for sharing, reflection, creativity, and joyful play — held in a warm and intimate small group.

Who is it for?

This retreat is for anyone looking to step away from their busy lives and:

• Slow down and find inner peace

• Reconnect to themselves and get more clarity

• (Re-)discover the power of nature

• Build deep connections with a small group of peers and get peer-support

• Learn tools and practices to reduce stress and anxiety

• Cultivate mindfulness and presence

• Foster creativity and joy

• Heal and transform

What you'll get

• Space just for you

• A moment to pause and breathe

• The profound experience of a ‘solo time’ in nature

• A close-knit group to share, reflect, and find clarity together

• Tools and practices you can incorporate in your daily life after the retreat

Practical details

Investment

€695 (excl. VAT). Book before September 15th and receive an early bird discount of €200, for a total price of €495 (excl. VAT). Price includes camping fees and all guided activities, but does not include transportation or camping gear.

Group Size

Max 10 people

Landgoed Welna, Epe, Netherlands

Dates and timing

Location

A packing list will be provided once your reservation has been finalized, but we will be camping in the wild so you will need your own camping gear.

Packing

The retreat will start at 10:00am on Friday 3rd of October and end at 3:30pm on Sunday 5th of October.

How do I get there?

The retreat takes place on the Welna Estate, in the heart of the Veluwe. If you’re driving, there’s easy access by car. We will share detailed route instructions after sign-up. For public transport, you can take a train or bus to Epe, and then walk or take a taxi to Welna. Once you’ve registered, we’ll help coordinate ride-shares for those who’d like to travel together.

I have no camping experience. Can I still participate?

Yes, you can participate. No camping experience is needed, just bring, rent, or borrow your camping gear, and if you need a hand setting up your tent, we’ll be happy to help.

What should I bring?

We’ll be spending most of our time outdoors, regardless of the weather, so come prepared! Camping gear, waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers) and sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. You’ll also want a notebook and pen for reflections, and a refillable water bottle. We'll provide all meals, drinks and snacks. A full packing list will be shared after you sign up.

What level of physical fitness is required?

No special level of fitness is required, but a basic ability to walk short distances (1–2 km) and sit comfortably outdoors will be helpful. Some paths may be uneven. Feel free to bring a lightweight stool or cushion if sitting on the ground isn’t ideal for you.

How big will the group be?

To keep the experience intimate and connected, spaces are limited to a maximum of 10 participants. We’ll go ahead with a minimum of 5 people.

Do I need to bring my own food?

All meals, snacks, and drinks will be provided throughout the retreat. No need to cook or bring anything, and we’ll happily accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions.

Do I need to worry about wildlife?

There’s no need to worry about wildlife. While wild animals have occasionally been seen on the estate, they generally avoid humans. We’ll ensure you're well-prepared in the unlikely event of an encounter, as this too is part of the powerful experience of being immersed in nature.

FAQ

Reserve your spot

Join us for a transformative nature retreat in the Netherlands from October 3rd till October 5th, 2025.

Contact Us

Reach out for inquiries about our Living in Connection nature retreat.