Eha Wellness Retreat Opens on Remote Estonian Island

A new wellness retreat has opened on the remote Estonian island of Hiiumaa, offering a unique approach to seasonal wellness.

The retreat, called Eha, is situated in an unspoiled corner of western Estonia and has been designed by its founders, Eva Maran and Sonny Aswani, who have drawn inspiration from the island's distinct rhythm. According to Maran, "Hiiumaa has its own rhythm," which has guided their approach to creating a holistic wellness experience.

Eha's philosophy centers on five seasons of wellness, rather than the traditional four. The unique fifth season is known as "viies aastaaeg" or "springrise, which occurs in late March when the ice thaws and the mists shift across the islands. This micro-season is seen as a time of transition and renewal.

Maran and Aswani's journey to creating Eha began on a wellness retreat in India, where they first met and started exploring the concept of holistic healing together. They spent years splitting their time between Singapore and Estonia, visiting some of the world's top wellness sanctuaries whenever they had a break from their busy careers.

Their experiences abroad led them to ask themselves how they could create a similar sense of serenity in their own backyard. Aswani's family conglomerate was contributing significantly to Estonia's GDP, but Maran and Aswani wanted to focus on something more meaningful. They drew inspiration from their shared reverence for the land, their ancestral roots, and their fascination with holistic healing, which ultimately led them to Hiiumaa.

The team behind the new retreat chose Hiiumaa for its raw, unspoiled beauty and unique cultural heritage. The island's windswept landscape is dotted with traditional timber farmhouses and medieval stone churches, making it a fascinating blend of natural and historical attractions.

Hiiumaa can be accessed via Finland, which offers a more seamless route for international travelers compared to the mainland ferry or prop-plane hop from Tallinn. A private charter flight from Helsinki provides breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea's emerald islets, offering a glimpse into the island's serene atmosphere.

The Finnish capital has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with the Hotel Kämp being one of its most notable restorations. This 19th-century grand dame boasts Belle Époque chandeliers and offers an elegant respite for travelers before they embark on their journey to Hiiumaa.

Despite its growing popularity as a summer getaway for Estonians and tech industry professionals, Hiiumaa maintains a distinct pace of life that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Helsinki. Families can be seen enjoying activities like sailboat excursions and seal-watching in the island's picturesque marina.

The challenges of building a luxury retreat on such a remote island ultimately led to a more harmonious relationship with its surroundings. Rather than disrupting the natural balance, the team sought to work with the land to create a unique and immersive experience for guests.

The retreat's creators were mindful not to disrupt the natural balance of the island. Instead, they sought to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings, opting for a more understated approach that would allow guests to truly immerse themselves in the environment.

To bring this vision to life, an all-star team of Estonian creatives was assembled, including architect Tiit Trummel, who designed the Main House. The interior architecture of the main hub and surrounding Forest Houses was handled by Studio Argus and Vaikla Studio, which employed a soothing palette of untreated timber, lime plaster, and muted earth tones that reflected the ever-changing light of the forest and sea.

The landscape design of the property is equally impressive, with Kristiina Hellström developing wild coastal meadows, organic kitchen gardens, and winding forest trails. Every aspect of the retreat has been carefully considered to create a sense of harmony between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

Guests at the retreat are treated to a range of bespoke amenities, including custom robes designed by Tallinn-based fashion designer Katrin Kuldma of Amanjeda. The property's interior is filled with locally sourced objects, from earthy ceramic tableware by Uluala to organic bath products crafted by Hiiumaa-based artisans Hiiuihuhooldus.

The retreat's setting is truly breathtaking, perched as it is on the edge of an ancient pine forest overlooking a mirror-like tidal stream. The surrounding landscape is dotted with blue-black barn swallows, the Estonian national bird, which can be seen chirping among the reeds.

The retreat's serene atmosphere is a result of its harmonious blend with nature. The surrounding landscape is dotted with blue-black barn swallows, the Estonian national bird, which can be seen chirping among the reeds.

The guest experience at Eha has been carefully crafted around three core principles: synchronizing one's circadian rhythms with the natural world, regulating the nervous system, and fostering meaningful connections to nature, oneself, and others. These pillars are reflected in every aspect of the retreat, from the calming sleep soundscape in each room, designed in collaboration with acoustic studio Olo, to the tranquil ambiance that pervades the entire property.

A stay at Eha is intentionally unstructured, allowing guests to unwind and recharge through simple yet profound experiences. One can take brisk walks along the Baltic coast, sip herbal tea in a cozy nook, or lie out under the stars on a blanket in the fields. The retreat's focus is on grounding oneself in the present moment.

The calendar at Eha follows the five distinct seasons of Estonia, ensuring that each stay is unique and tailored to its time of year. In autumn, guests can participate in Estonian peat-steam rituals, forage for wild mushrooms, and explore guided bog trails, all while immersing themselves in the harvest season's themes of grounding and abundance.

The retreat's approach to wellness is refreshingly straightforward, eschewing overcomplicated practices in favor of simplicity and authenticity. I think the wellness and longevity industries can sometimes overcomplicate things, says a representative, noting that Eha's focus on connecting with nature and oneself offers a welcome respite from the overwhelming science and innovation that often dominates these fields.

The wellness retreat on the Estonian island is a place where the changing seasons are not just a backdrop for relaxation, but an integral part of the experience. During the varakevad period, guests can enjoy activities like maple sap collection and somatic movement sessions in the morning.

The menu at Eha's kitchen, led by Green Michelin-starred chef Peeter Pihel, is designed to reflect the island's terroir and the changing seasons. Unlike traditional spa cuisine, the portions are generous and the food is deeply rooted in the local environment. We are not trying to make wellness food feel austere," says Maran, "we want it to feel generous, grounding, and deeply satisfying."

Meals at Eha's kitchen are often accompanied by daytime adaptogenic elixirs and functional mushroom tonics from Estonian producer Shroomwell. Guests can also participate in hands-on fermentation and culinary workshops, learning about the art of preparing food that is both nourishing and delicious.

The property itself is a haven for nature lovers, with an abundance of wild mushrooms waiting to be discovered. During my visit, I was invited to plant a chaga mushroom on the side of a birch tree, with the promise of returning to check on its progress on a future visit.

As the seasons change, so too does the atmosphere at Eha's retreat. From the golden light of fall to the moody winter mists, each time of year brings its own unique charm and tranquility to this special place.

Guests at this Estonian retreat can experience a unique wellness practice during the spring season - apitherapy. This involves resting among beehives in an enclosed relaxation bed, allowing guests to absorb the healing energy and scent of propolis.

The goal is to reconnect with one's natural rhythm, according to Maran.