Sensation, Edge And Release
With Freya McFarlane and Ztella
An Immersive FLINTA Retreat by Aetas Deae
2-7 December, 2026 | Lake Como, Northern Italy | An Intimate Circle of up to 8 Participants
THE INVITATION
Most of us spend our lives trapped in our heads, disconnected from our physical selves. Society asks much of us, in ways which are not always conducive to our physical and spiritual well-being. For women, this is vital, perhaps even for the world at large. A centred women has reclaimed her power. This retreat is designed to help you recentre, get back into your body, and unlock your creative energy and personal power.
We use two main tools to do this:
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- Tantra as a Mindset: We do not treat Tantra as a series of physical exercises, but as a perspective on life. Freya’s teaching focuses on the spiritual and mental side of who we are, helping you connect deeply to your own body and presence.
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- Rope as a Mirror: This is not a technical rope-tying course. We use rope because it is a highly effective tool for communication, for experiencing clear physical sensation, and for helping you safely discover your own limits and edges.
A FLINTA-Only Space: This retreat is strictly for FLINTA participants (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, Agender). It is a straightforward, supportive space where you can let your guard down with other people who share your values.
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- No Experience or Gear Needed: You do not need to know anything about rope work, and you do not need to bring any equipment. Before you arrive, we will send you a welcome package with links to simple videos covering a few basic knots so you feel prepared.
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- No Partner Necessary: You do not need to sign up with a partner. You will be safely paired with other participants to practice communication and connection during the exercises.
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- Strictly Limited to 8 People: We keep the group small so that everyone gets the focus and support they need.
THE JOURNEY
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- Day 0: Arrival & Settling In – Afternoon/early evening arrival. Shared dinner and informal introductions.
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- Day 1: Containment & Connection – Boundaries and consent frameworks, and using rope to map sensation.
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- Day 2: Exposure & the Mind – Exploring vulnerability and opening from a Tantric perspective using mild restraint.
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- Day 3: Intensity & Release – Pressure mapping and controlled sensation. Learning to apply and receive intensity safely.
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- Day 4: Agency & Integration – Unifying internal and relational awareness with participant-led applied play. Evening/night departure for those who need to get away. Informal dinner and wind-down for those who stay.
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- Day 5: Departure – For those who chose to stay over and spend a final night.
Every morning begins with custom-tailored Yoga and a nourishing breakfast.
THE FACILITATORS
An international Tantra teacher, Temple Priestess, and intimacy coach. Coming from a background in traditional childbirth education, Freya weaves Celtic sacred sexuality rites with Eastern classical Tantra. Her space holding allows participants to drop into deep states of transformation. Find more on Freya here.
Based in Berlin, Ztella teaches Shibari internationally with an emphasis on adaptability and safety. She focuses on using rope to facilitate moving, intimate connections that help participants connect back to their bodies and emotional truths. Find more on Ztella here.
Additional Support
Alongside our lead facilitators, the immersion is supported by a dedicated team of experienced practitioners to deliver a fully integrated experience. There will be daily morning yoga sessions to ground the body led by an accomplished yogini; specialized breathwork and guided movement sessions led by a Tantric practitioner and professional dancer; and a focused reflexogy session led by a clinical reflexologist exploring pressure points and deep body awareness through intentional touch.
Body nourishment and space holding is provided by Valentina who has had a cooking school for 25 years and is a trained medical herbalist, somatic therapist, reiki practitioner, nutritionist and house mother of Aetas Deae.
PRICING and INCLUSIONS
The cost of the retreat is €1,850 per person which includes accommodation, meals, snacks, transfers from Como train station or within dedicated group windows from Milan Malpena (MXP) airport. All materials are included.
THE SETTING, NOURISHMENT & ACCOMMODATION
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- The Location: We are gathered directly on the spectacular shores of Lake Como, in Northern Italy.
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- The Space: Accommodation is in comfortable, shared facilities with a clean, minimalist “convent-chic” aesthetic—the perfect low-stimulation environment for integration.
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- The Table: Dining together is a sacred pillar of the Aetas Deae experience. All meals are included, and specific food sensitivities can be fully accommodated.
ALIGNMENT & AFFORDABILITY
Because of the deep nature of this work, all participants will be vetted through a personal conversation.
Our Commitment to Accessibility: We believe this work should be accessible. The final two spots are set aside for a needs-based discussion for those who are eager to attend but for whom the financial aspects are a challenge.
ABOUT AETAS DEAE
Aetas Deae (“Age of the Goddess”) is a sex-positive, non-discriminatory women’s collective founded on matriarchal lines. We are a non-profit community focused on amplifying women’s voices and fostering deep sisterhood.
To apply or initiate a needs-based conversation, please contact us at info@aetasdeae.org.