30th Anniversary Edition
Celebrate 30 years of Method Putkisto summer retreats in the peaceful Nordic surroundings of Finland.
Finland | 19–24 July 2026
This five-day international retreat invites you to restore your body, reconnect with yourself, and experience the calm power of the Finnish summer. The retreat takes place at the historic Vanajanlinna — a beautiful lakeside manor hotel surrounded by forests and nature, about one hour north of Helsinki.
For five inspiring days you will step away from everyday life and focus on your wellbeing, posture, movement and inner balance.
✔ Strengthen your body and improve posture
✔ Increase mobility and free your breathing
✔ Enhance the natural radiance of your face
✔ Restore energy and bring clarity to your mind
The retreat is personally guided by Marja Putkisto, founder of Method Putkisto.
Price: 990 € (approx. £850)
Early bird price: Book by 31st May 2026 and secure your place at the early bird price of €890 (approximately £760).
Marja's Club price: 840 € (approx. £720)
(Please note: accommodation and meals are not included.)
Accommodation is booked separately. Booking instructions and the participant reservation code will be sent after registration.
What you will experience
The retreat includes carefully structured daily training sessions such as:
Method Putkisto Body Up
Deep muscle activation and posture work
3D Natural Face Clinic
Natural facial training for brighter expression
Method Putkisto Pilates
Core strength and body control
Nordic Walking & Walking Technique
Movement and breathing in nature
Life-changing. I arrived feeling tired and disconnected — I left standing taller, feeling stronger, and smiling from the inside out.
Anna
This is not just a retreat — it’s a rebirth. Every year I come back because the changes I feel are real and lasting.
Joanne
My back pain melted away, my face looked brighter, and I reconnected with myself in a way I hadn’t felt for years.
Helen
How does the course progress?
A strong and flexible and relaxed body is the real gift for life!
All exercises, both indoors and outdoors are carefully chosen, blended and designed to create the best results. Throughout the week we will also enjoy great music for our warm up moments.
“For me, Marja and Francis’ stylish and unique selection of music is just top-notch. It’s so enjoyable, it supports training, concentration, feeling and energising.”
The week begins
You will be welcomed with drinks and all of us and then settle into your room.
We will explore the relaxing landscape on a small tour followed by a lovely dinner together.
Each day begins with a morning Nordic walk with Francis. These fresh and brisk morning walks will energise you. The enthusiasts will carry on with a swim in the lake.
After the breakfast there will be a session by assistants to warm up.
Marja opens the day with 'top to toe' exercises sessions one element at a time. Afternoons face exercise sessions you will not only beautify the face by clearing your mind. Late afternoon light sessions are deeply relaxing and energising.
We will move into deeper breathing, gentle rotation movements to correct and mobilise the back.
Energy begins to flow through the spine and a sense of relaxation deepens. Core is now active.
The face will be lifted and the skin will be firmer!
Evening programme
We have Alison’s famous Quiz evening and enjoying the summer evening.
We also treat ourselves to Francis’ Disco evening with all dancing styles appreciated.
A detailed timetable will be given after booking
Marja explains in this video why this course is the highlight of the summer and what is the most essential thing for wellbeing.
Why is this the highlight of the summer?
"I trust a person’s abilities more than often my own. I have the basis for this and that is the part of my work that inspires me. As confidence moves into our body and mind, it brightens our personality."
Daily retreat rhythm
Morning
Nordic walking and morning exercises
Breakfast at Vanajanlinna
Midday
Masterclass with Marja Putkisto
Deep stretching and body awareness training
Afternoon
Face training session
Body Up training
Evening
Dinner at the manor
Relaxed evening program
Marja Putkisto
Marja Putkisto is the creator of the Method Putkisto. For decades she has helped thousands of people improve posture, body awareness and overall wellbeing through her unique approach to movement. During the retreat, Marja will personally guide the training sessions and share her knowledge and experience gained over more than three decades of developing the method.
Assistant teachers
The retreat is supported by experienced Method Putkisto teachers and trainees, who bring their expertise.
Their role is to assist you throughout the retreat and provide personal guidance during exercises. Having multiple instructors present allows you to receive individual guidance throughout the week — a true luxury during an intensive retreat.
Francis Mitchell
Francis is a specialist in walking technique with many years of experience. He also has extensive, long-standing experience working closely with the Method Putkisto. He has a natural ability to inspire people and get everyone moving with ease. Francis brings a sparkle in his eye to every session, and his warm sense of humour often catches participants by surprise.
Meet your teachers
A special anniversary year
The summer of 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Method Putkisto summer retreats.
For three decades participants have travelled to Finland to experience this unique method and the transformative power of mindful movement.
This anniversary retreat will be a particularly special gathering, celebrating the tradition, the community, and the joy of moving well.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is suitable for:
• anyone interested in improving posture and movement
• those seeking a restorative wellness retreat
• beginners and experienced practitioners of Method Putkisto
• people who wish to combine wellbeing with a unique trip to Finland
No previous experience is required.
