An Interview with the owner of Olo Center Retreat Venue in Finland
An Interview with the owner of Olo Center Retreat Venue in Finland
Venue Retreat Premium Network Partner Olo Center sat down with Venue Retreat to tell us more about their history, goals and challenges.
Olo Center Venue Interview
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve spent my entire life immersed in music, working as a composer, sound designer, and recording artist. About 24 years ago, I began earning a living through music. However, after five years of touring and performing in hundreds of concerts, I felt the need for a significant change. This shift led me to explore health, well-being, and personal development, ultimately merging these passions with my music career and taking a more intentional approach to entrepreneurship.
Throughout my life, I’ve lived in several cities, including Finland, Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, and now San Francisco, with short stints in Portugal and Switzerland. I’m particularly fascinated by how built environments affect people, something I feel we often underestimate.
My partner Catarina, who grew up on Madeira Island, shares a similar connection to nature. With over 20 years of experience in mental health and psychiatry as a social worker and somatic educator, her mission has always been to help people discover their authentic selves through body-centered approaches.
How did you become a venue owner?
We had been holding retreats across Finland, Switzerland, and Portugal at other people’s centers for a while. After each retreat, we’d reflect on how we would have approached things differently. During one retreat in Finland, we found the property that is now Olo Center. The location immediately caught our eye—it’s close to an airport, nestled between two nature parks, and steeped in history. Originally a school for 70 years, and later home to two families, the property has a warm, lived-in atmosphere that you can feel as soon as you walk in.
With the increasing effects of climate change, we felt that a retreat center located further north would offer something special. The location experiences all four seasons, giving retreat leaders the opportunity to create diverse experiences year-round.
What makes your venue and service unique?
We noticed that many retreat centers are either heavily rooted in Eastern traditions or are large hotels that lack a personal touch. We wanted to carve out a middle ground—a retreat center with intention, but without the weight of a specific spiritual or philosophical framework.
At Olo Center, privacy is paramount. When hosts book the center, they have exclusive use of the entire venue. Our Nordic-Mediterranean cuisine mirrors this philosophy, featuring local and wild ingredients without adhering to rigid dietary rules. The venue’s design blends minimalist Nordic aesthetics with Mediterranean warmth, all while maintaining strong ecological values.
Our location in the world’s largest lake district offers retreat leaders unparalleled access to nature-based activities. Surrounded by pristine lakes and islands, guests can enjoy pure air and water in a safe yet remote-feeling setting. Despite its tranquility, the center remains fully accessible with modern amenities, including 4G coverage for retreat hosts who need to manage their programs.
How do you want your guests to change when they leave?
Our hope is that guests leave Olo Center having met themselves in a new way. The natural environment of Finland, with its minimal distractions, is the perfect space for deep self-reflection. When people feel safe and secure, their nervous systems regulate, allowing them to listen to themselves more clearly.
To support this transformation, we’ve developed the Olo app, an online community, and courses designed to help guests integrate their retreat experiences into daily life. While a week of immersion can lead to profound insights, the challenge often lies in maintaining these changes once they return home.
What have been your biggest challenges?
One of our biggest challenges has been introducing retreat hosts to Finland as a retreat destination. We took a long-term bet on the Lakeland region because of its unparalleled beauty and safety, combined with direct access to nature. While lesser-known now, we’re beginning to see more interest, particularly as Europe faces hotter summers. Younger generations especially are seeking out unique, adventure-driven experiences and learning opportunities rather than traditional vacations.
What advice would you give to future venue owners?
My top piece of advice would be to connect with other retreat owners who have been in the industry for several years. Honest conversations about their challenges and the various stages of building a retreat center can be invaluable. It’s a labor-intensive and long-term commitment, and learning from others’ experiences can save a lot of time and effort.
It’s also crucial to understand how to support retreat hosts effectively, developing a deep knowledge of their unique needs and challenges.
Current Offerings
Olo Center operates as a private venue exclusively for retreat hosts and their groups. We’re excited to offer special rates for hosts who book with us, including a bundled package that provides retreat participants access to the Olo app alongside their stay. Everything is designed to ensure a seamless experience, from booking to completion.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, corporate facilitator, or wellness professional, we provide the perfect setting for your retreats. Our space can accommodate various group sizes and retreat styles, and we’re always open to discussing how we can support your specific program needs.
Additionally, we offer our own flagship retreats, which blend self-development, wellness practices, and nature-based activities. These retreats take full advantage of our pristine surroundings and are carefully designed to support participants on their personal growth journeys.
Need a retreat venue? Get in touch with our team below.