What women ask before they decide

In Pipa, on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Northeast of Brazil. The retreat runs from December 1 to 7, 2026. Arrival is on November 30, 2026 and departure on December 8, 2026, eight nights in total.

Ten at most. It is a chosen limit, not a question of space: in a group this size, the women guiding it know each name, each reason and each moment. The retreat runs with a minimum of five confirmed participants.

Gisella and Oriana, the two founders of Vai con (C)alma, from beginning to end. It is not a team that takes turns. A few specific practices are led with local professionals from Pipa, always alongside them.

Languages spoken: Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English (with translation support). The main language of the week is set closer to the date, based on the group that forms and the specific facilitators involved.

Vai con (C)alma is the brand, which creates retreats and experiences in natural paradises. AMANA is its first retreat, for women, in Pipa, in December 2026. Other retreats will follow, in other places and other formats.

No. It is a living experience. You practise in the morning and go out at night, you eat in the street, you get to know the village, you dance. The immersion happens with Pipa, not away from it.

We do not promise that, and we are wary of anyone who does. What the week gives you is real: rest that changes something, your body back, true connections with other women and the confidence of someone who took a brave step. What you do with it afterwards is yours.

Neither one. Every practice is open to all levels, and the surf lessons start on the sand, with women who have never stood on a board. What is asked of you is openness and the willingness to take the leap.

Yes, and many do. The retreat was designed for women who arrive alone: a small group, two guides who made that same crossing, and a whole week for the group to form. No one spends these days on her own.

No. In practice most participants are between 35 and 45, but the retreat is open to any adult woman.

AMANA is a women's retreat, and that is part of what it is. Vai con (C)alma, as a brand, is not only for women: the retreats to come will have other formats and other groups.

You do not need to be an athlete. The practices are adapted and none of them is compulsory: you can join everything or step back and rest. If you have a health condition worth knowing about, it matters that you tell us beforehand, so we can organise it together with you.

Then you do not do it. No practice is compulsory, and that goes especially for the ice bath and the cacao ceremony. Sitting one out does not take you out of the group.

At Pipa Park, an inn a few minutes on foot from the centre of the village, which means you can go out for dinner or a coconut water without depending on a car or on anyone. Eight nights, in apartments of two double rooms.

Each apartment has two double rooms, and each room is shared between two participants. If you would rather stay on your own, a single room can be requested, subject to availability, and the supplement is confirmed with you during the booking conversation.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on retreat days, with two agreed exceptions: lunch on excursion day and the free evening. Water with meals and juices at breakfast are included too.

Not at all. The food is fresh, local and tropical, with a vegetarian option always available, and adaptations for vegan, gluten free and lactose free on request. If you have an intolerance or an allergy, tell us when you book and we organise it.

Yes, at the inn. This is not a retreat of forced disconnection: whether you look at your phone is your decision.

Eight nights of accommodation, six yoga sessions, three surf lessons with a certified instructor, a biodanza workshop, a samba lesson, an art therapy workshop, a sound healing session, an ice bath, a cacao ceremony, a jeep excursion, the group activities on the programme, the meals noted above and the support of the guides throughout the week.

International flights, the airport transfer, travel & medical insurance, meals outside the programme, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses and the optional extras.

Quad rental, massage and spa, paragliding, a sanctuary visit, private dance classes, a boat excursion, and personalised therapies and consultations. They are arranged on the spot, by whoever wants them.

The programme is indicative. Surf sessions shift with the tides, and shifting with the tides is part of the experience. There is structure in the week, but no pressure: you can join everything or step back and rest.

It is the beginning of the Brazilian summer: warm, with sunny days and warm water. It can rain, usually in short bursts that pass quickly. Bring light clothes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and something for the evening breeze.

Light clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat or cap, insect repellent, something warmer for the evening, comfortable shoes for walking and clothes you feel good moving in. Equipment for the practices is provided.

1.300 € per person for bookings confirmed by September 30, 2026. From October 1, 2026, the price is 1.500 € per person. The full conditions are in our terms.

It starts with a conversation. Message us on WhatsApp and Gisella or Oriana will answer personally, take your questions and walk you through it. If you would rather write, leave your details in the form on the retreat page and we will get back to you.

A booking is confirmed with a deposit of 350 €, which counts toward the total. The balance is due 60 days before arrival. Payment is handled through our partner travel agencies, who take care of the financial side and the logistics. The details are in our terms.

It depends on when. More than 60 days before the start, everything paid is refunded in full. Between 30 and 60 days, the deposit is not refunded and an administrative fee applies, with the rest returned. Between 14 and 30 days, the refund is partial. Under 14 days, or in case of no show, there is no refund. The full conditions, with the amounts, are in our terms. You can also transfer your place to someone else, letting us know with reasonable notice.

AMANA runs with a minimum of five confirmed participants. If that minimum is not reached, we may postpone or cancel, and in that case we refund everything already paid or offer you a place on a future edition, whichever you prefer.

It is not compulsory, but we recommend it strongly, ideally with cover for trip cancellation and for accidents. It is the cheapest protection on a long trip. Our partner agencies can arrange it for you.

Bookings stay open until November 25, 2026.