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What Is a Diet Retreat?

A Diet Retreat is a time to reconnect with yourself in a natural setting, combining simple and mindful food, periods of silence, rest, connection with nature, and guided practices that encourage introspection and self-awareness.

What Is the Purpose of a Diet Retreat?

A Diet Retreat is designed to create space to slow down, reconnect with yourself and listen inwardly. Each participant experiences the retreat in their own way, according to their personal story, needs and journey.

Is It a Fast?

No. HAKENA Diet Retreats are not fasting retreats. Simple, light and natural food is provided throughout the stay to support a deeper sense of presence and connection with yourself.

What Do You Eat During the Retreat?

The diet consists mainly of vegetables — without fat, salt, sugar or coffee — along with simple preparations and carefully selected natural foods. Full details are provided before the retreat begins.

Do I Need to Have a Spiritual Background to Participate?

No. The retreats are open to anyone wishing to experience rest, introspection and reconnection with themselves, regardless of previous experience.

Is It a Religious Retreat?

No. HAKENA retreats are not affiliated with any religion or religious movement. They draw inspiration from ancestral traditions while remaining open to everyone, whatever their beliefs or personal journey.

What Do You Actually Do During the Retreat?

Depending on the retreat, the programme may include periods of silence, ceremonies, teachings, group sharing, practices connecting with nature, mindful walks, traditional songs, as well as time for rest and integration.

Will I Be Alone During the Retreat?

Some activities may be experienced individually to encourage introspection. However, the retreat as a whole takes place within a guided and supportive environment.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. No previous experience is required. The practices are explained and guided so that everyone can experience the retreat at their own pace.

How Do I Know If This Retreat Is Right for Me?

If you feel the need to slow down, take a step back, reconnect with nature or move through a period of personal questioning, this experience can provide a supportive space for listening and reflection.

What Benefits Can I Expect?

Every experience is unique, so no particular outcome can be guaranteed. Participants often describe a greater sense of calm, clarity, grounding, connection with nature, or a deeper understanding of certain aspects of their lives.

Do the Ceremonies Use Psychoactive Plants?

No. HAKENA does not use psychoactive or hallucinogenic plants, or any substance intended to artificially alter consciousness.

What Plants May Be Used During the Ceremonies?

Some ceremonies may include plants traditionally used in herbalism or naturopathy, such as natural cacao, thyme, St John’s wort, yarrow or rose. Each plant is presented clearly before use.

Are the Ceremonies Intended to Be Therapeutic?

No. The ceremonies offered by HAKENA are part of a personal and spiritual development approach. They do not replace medical advice, a diagnosis or treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

What Should I Bring?

A detailed list of recommended items is provided to participants before the retreat, allowing everyone to prepare for their stay with peace of mind.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Certain medical or psychological conditions, or certain medications, may require a prior discussion with the retreat team. If in doubt, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional.

How Many Participants Are There?

The number of participants is intentionally limited to 8 people in order to preserve the quality of the guidance, the setting and each person’s experience.

Can I Come Alone?

Yes. Many people attend the retreats on their own. The shared activities naturally create an atmosphere of welcome, respect and kindness.

How Do I Book My Place?

Bookings are made directly through HAKENA. Once your request has been received, you will be provided with all the practical information you need to prepare for your retreat in the best possible conditions.

Do I Have to Share My Personal Story With the Group?

No. Each participant is free to share whatever they wish, while respecting their own pace, privacy and personal boundaries. No one is expected to reveal more than feels right for them.

Can I Participate If I Don't Have a Spiritual Practice?

Yes. The retreats are open to anyone wishing to experience a deeper connection with themselves and with nature, regardless of their beliefs, background or previous experience.

How Are Each Person’s Personal Beliefs Respected?

The retreats take place in a spirit of openness, respect and freedom. Each participant remains free to hold their own beliefs, opinions and personal perspective.

Do the Retreats Seek to Promote a Particular Worldview?

The guidance offered is intended to encourage personal exploration and inner listening. It is not intended to convince participants of, or direct them towards, any particular belief system, philosophy or way of thinking.

How Does the Guidance Work During the Retreat?

The approach is based on presence, listening, respect for each person’s pace and the creation of an environment that supports personal experience. Participants remain free to make their own choices and decide how they wish to engage with the different activities offered.

Can I Experience the Retreat in My Own Way?

Yes. Everyone is invited to experience the retreat according to their own pace, personal story and needs. There is no single right way to experience it, but many possible personal paths.

How Do I Know If This Retreat Is Right for Me?

Every person is different. If you feel called to slow down, take a step back, reconnect with nature or give yourself time for inner listening, this experience may provide a supportive setting for that process.

Do I Need to Have Attended Retreats or Ceremonies Before?

No. The retreats welcome both people who are discovering this world for the first time and those who already have experience in personal development or spirituality.

How Much Autonomy Do Participants Have?

Autonomy and personal responsibility are central to the approach. Each participant remains free to make their own choices, reflect in their own way and make their own decisions before, during and after the retreat.

How Can I Integrate the Experience After the Retreat?

Time for sharing and closure helps support the transition back into everyday life. Each participant is encouraged to take the time they need to integrate the teachings, feelings and reflections arising from their experience.

Can I Ask Questions Before Registering?

Yes. A conversation can be arranged beforehand to answer your questions and make sure the retreat is a good fit for your expectations and personal situation.

Why Are Phones Put Away During the Retreat?

HAKENA retreats invite you to experience presence, slowing down and reconnection with yourself, others and nature.

In everyday life, phones, notifications, social media and constant external stimulation take up a significant part of our attention. Temporarily putting your phone aside creates a space of calm that can support inner listening, meaningful interactions and a deeper immersion in the experience.

Participants often experience this digital break as a genuine breath of fresh air and an opportunity to rediscover a simpler, more conscious relationship with time.

Arrangements are made for particular situations or emergencies. Participants receive all the necessary information before their arrival.

The aim is not to disconnect from the world, but to give yourself, for the duration of the retreat, a dedicated space for presence and availability to yourself.

How Can My Loved Ones Reach Me in an Emergency?

Throughout the retreat, the guidance team remains reachable. A contact number is provided before the stay so that relatives or loved ones can contact the organisation if necessary or in the event of an emergency.

This allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the experience, knowing that a way to reach them is available should an important situation arise.