Eha Retreat Brings Five-Season Wellness to Estonia’s Hiiumaa Island
A new luxury sanctuary focuses on circadian rhythms and deep nature connection.
1A New Nordic Sanctuary
Eha, a luxury wellness retreat, opened in October on the remote Estonian island of Hiiumaa. Founders Eva Maran and Sonny Aswani developed the project to emphasize a five-season philosophy, including the unique springrise micro-season. The retreat aims to provide a space where guests can disconnect from modern pressures and find serenity.
2Ancestral Roots and Design
The retreat reflects the founders' diverse backgrounds, combining Maran’s Estonian heritage with Aswani’s family history of traditional Sindhi healing. Architect Tiit Trummel designed the main house, while local studios crafted interiors using untreated timber and lime plaster. Every element, from custom robes to ceramic tableware, is sourced from Estonian artisans.
3The Five Seasons Philosophy
Eha operates on a calendar defined by five distinct Nordic seasons, each offering tailored activities. Winter focuses on deep rest and snowshoeing, while springrise involves maple sap collection. Fall programs center on harvest rituals and mushroom foraging, ensuring that no two guest experiences are identical throughout the changing Baltic year.
4Circadian Rhythm and Sleep
Wellness director Amber Gauci-Ward curates experiences based on circadian rhythm alignment and nervous system regulation. Suites feature specialized lighting to support natural sleep cycles, and meals are served early to aid digestion. The property utilizes spatial soundscapes to enhance rest, moving away from complex wellness trends toward fundamental human needs.
5Culinary Terroir and Nutrition
Green Michelin-starred chef Peeter Pihel leads the kitchen, focusing on organic, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the island's terroir. The menu rejects restrictive spa dieting in favor of generous, grounding meals. Guests also engage in hands-on workshops, including fermentation and chaga mushroom cultivation, deepening their connection to the island's natural bounty.
6Accessing the Remote Island
While Hiiumaa is a quiet UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, international travelers typically reach it via Helsinki. Visitors often stay at the historic Hotel Kämp before taking a 45-minute private charter flight to the island. This journey transitions guests from the bustling Finnish capital to the windswept, tranquil landscapes of the Baltic coast.
7Healing Through Local Traditions
Therapies at Eha incorporate 2,000-year-old therapeutic sea mud from Käina Bay and bioactive bog peat. Unique offerings include apitherapy, where guests relax near beehives to absorb vibrations and the scent of propolis. These treatments are designed to ground visitors, helping them return to their own natural rhythms amidst the forest.
8Redefining Modern Wellness
Eha represents a shift toward simplicity, prioritizing fresh air, clean water, and meaningful connection over complex industry trends. By integrating into the island's wild environment rather than imposing a structure, the retreat offers a sustainable model for luxury hospitality. It encourages guests to slow down and embrace the island's quiet authenticity.
Original article: Vogue — Eha Retreat Brings Five-Season Wellness to Estonia’s Hiiumaa Island