Whenever I came back from my adventures I was looking for a place to reconnect with myself again. But also? I was missing genuine friendships.

So finally, I wanted to create exactly that place.

An experience that makes us connect with each other,

with nature and most importantly with ourselves.

Pauli

WHERE

The Maldives.



We’ll stay on Thulusdhoo, a tiny local island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This is the little paradise I picked for us to call home for a week. Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, endless beaches, some of the best waves and incredible wildlife:

From turtles & rays to nurse sharks & so much more.


It’s not a polished resort island.

It’s real, laid-back island life

which is exactly why I chose it.



WHERE

The Maldives.


We’ll stay on Thulusdhoo, a tiny local island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This is the little paradise I picked for us to call home for a week.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, endless beaches,

some of the best waves and incredible wildlife:

from turtles & rays to nurse sharks & so much more.


It’s not a polished resort island.

It’s real, laid-back island life

which is exactly why I chose it.



WHERE

The Maldives.


We’ll stay on Thulusdhoo, a tiny local island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This is the little paradise I picked for us to call home for a week.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, endless beaches,

some of the best waves and incredible wildlife:

from turtles & rays to nurse sharks & so much more.


It’s not a polished resort island.

It’s real, laid-back island life

which is exactly why I chose it.


WHERE

The Maldives.


We’ll stay on Thulusdhoo, a tiny local island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This is the little paradise I picked for us to call home for a week.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, endless beaches,

some of the best waves and incredible wildlife:

from turtles & rays to nurse sharks & so much more.


It’s not a polished resort island.

It’s real, laid-back island life

which is exactly why I chose it.

A WOMeN ONLY RETREAT

A safe space in paradise

8 days on a dream island.

A journey back to yourself. Filled with all the things I adore:

Daily Yoga, guided journaling, surfing next to turtles, incredible boat trips to remote islands, encounters with incredible wildlife, snorkeling with friendly Sharks, bonfires at the beach, real sisterhood and so much more.


In a place with no judgement, no expectations and no pressure to be anything other than yourself


Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

Yoga & MInd


Daily yoga sessions with my favorite yoga teacher Elena, who I’m flying in all the way from Germany.


We’ll practice on the rooftop at sunrise, reconnecting with our bodies and creating space to slow down, breathe and let go.


Elena is also qualified in guided journaling and will gently guide us through sessions designed to help you reflect, release and reconnect with yourself.





Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

A SAFE SPACE


In a world full of judgement, comparison & performance, I wanted to create a place where you can simply come as you are.


This is a women-only retreat built around encouragement, openness and genuine connection.


A space where we celebrate each other, support each other and create real sisterhood without having to be anything other than yourself.


I’ll be there throughout the retreat, whether you need a hug, someone to talk to, or simply a little company.


Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

Surfing



Surfing is a huge part of my life & we'll get to share it


You’ll have three days of professional surf lessons, divided into Beginner and Intermediate groups so everyone can learn at their own pace.


One session will also be filmed, giving you the chance to watch yourself afterwards, understand your technique and learn from the footage.


Whether you’ve never stood on a board before or already feel comfortable in the water, our local surf guides will support you every step of the way.


It’s not about catching the perfect wave.

It’s about trying, learning, falling, laughing & feeling the ocean carry you.


Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

Adventure


I wanted this retreat to be both: a place to slow down and a place to feel excited, curious and completely mesmerized.


Alongside plenty of little surprises, we’ll explore the incredible nature surrounding us through ethical wildlife and boat experiences, including:



  • 1 Snorkel trip to meet nurse sharks and rays
  • 1 Snorkeltrip to Coral Garden to see colorful coral reef, swim with turtles and if we're lucky even dolphins
  • 1 full day out on the boat to the dreamy Vavuu atoll, seeing Nurse Sharks, Rays, thousands of colorful fishes, turtles and so much more with lunch on an island
  • 1 sunset dolphin cruise to watch for dolphins as the sky turns pink


PS: We're working with a local company who focuses on ethical tours. None of the animals will be chased or fed. The ethical part in any trip that I offer will always be priority


Yoga & mind

Sisterhood

Surf

Adventure

local

the real maldives


For me, truly experiencing a place means avoiding the classic isolated tourism.

That’s why we’re staying on a local island instead of a luxury resort.


We want to experience everyday island life, connect with the local community, learn from the people who call the Maldives home and immerse ourselves in the culture.






When?



Retreat 1

Nov 24 to Dec 1, 2026

Retreat 2

Dec 4 to Dec 11, 2026


1.990€

 

 

What our week looks like

 

 

 

everything is an invitation.

nothing is a must

no judgment, no expectations & no pressure to be anything other than yourself. 

Here's everything that's included.




  • A safe space in a world full of judgement and expectations. 

No judgement, no expectations & no pressure to be anything other than yourself.



  • Daily professional Yoga sessions guided by Elena. We’ll create a space for you to truly arrive within yourself, slow down and come back to the present moment.


  • Guided journaling sessions - You’ll receive your own personal journal.

Elena will guide us through reflective exercises to help you release blockages, gain clarity and connect with yourself on a deeper level.


  • 3 surf lessons with a professional coach, split by level from your very first pop-up to catching real waves. All equipment, Surf theory & video analysis are included, so you can actually see your own progress. 


  • Ethical boat trips to explore the incredible wildlife and nature
  • 1 Snorkel trip to meet nurse sharks and rays
  • 1 Snorkeltrip to Coral Garden to see colorful coral reef, swim with turtles and if we're lucky even dolphins
  • 1 full day out on the boat to the dreamy Vavuu atoll, seeing Nurse Sharks, Rays, thousands of colorful fishes, turtles and so much more with lunch on an island
  • 1 sunset dolphin cruise to watch for dolphins as the sky turns pink


PS: We're working with a local company who focuses on ethical tours.

None of the animals will be chased, touched or fed.


  • Beach bonfires and BBQs      


  • Beach movie night and shared evenings filled with games, deep talks and the kind of laughter that turns strangers into friends


  • Creative Workshops   we’ll create something special together (Surprise!)


  • Surprises    I won't spoiler everything here hehe


  • A photographer joining us to capture all the special moments for you to take home


  • Deep talks, inspiration & a space to ask me (Pauli) anything


  • A welcome drink and a little goodie bag waiting for you when you arrive


  • No need to worry about anything    

Once you arrive in Malé, everything below is covered:



  • Airport transfers, including speedboat transfers
  • 7 nights at Akiri Hotel in a beautiful shared twin room with your own private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast & dinner
  • Lunch on full-day activities & after surfing





AND SO MUCH MORE!

Some days will be full of adventure, others slow and quiet.

And everything is optional: you don't have to join anything.

 

NOT INCLUDED


  • Your flights to and from Malé
  • Travel insurance (this one is required, more on that further down)
  • Lunch and personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks)
  • Optional extras like scuba diving or an additional surf session


Because we're staying on a local island and not a resort, lunch is yours to explore, and Thulusdhoo makes that easy and fun: cute little cafés, fresh smoothie bowls, pizza, curries, there's something for every craving


 


the dates


Retreat 1

Nov 24 to Dec 1, 2026

Retreat 2

Dec 4 to Dec 11, 2026


It will be absolutely magical.

I can't wait to meet you.


1.990€

 

our Accomondation


For 7 nights we'll stay at Akiri, a cozy little surf retreat right on Thulusdhoo. It's small, warm and exactly the kind of place where a group turns into a little family within days.


You'll sleep in a twin room with your own private bathroom.

If you're coming with a friend, just let us know and we'll put you two together. And if you're travelling solo (like most of the group will): We'll match you with a lovely roomie so you'll have someone by your side right from the start. We're keeping this group small and intimate, only 12 spots, so it always stays personal and everyone truly feels seen.


Meet the team

MEET PAULI

You probably know me by now. I'm Pauli, 27 years old. It's been my dream for a long time to create a safe space for women in which I can share the things that I feel passionate about. So this it. I don't know if I will ever do more of these Retreats in the future. But I'm so happy to welcome you to this unique experience. A week full of connection and magic.

MEET ELENA

My dear friend Elena, who I met long before the social media journey started for me. She is  the person who got me into doing a Yoga Teacher Training myself. She's done 450h Yoga Teacher Training, and taught Yoga all over the world. On top of this she's guiding weekly journaling classes.

So we'll all experience some of her magic.

MEET TONI

I traveled with Toni all over the world. She's also a 200h Yoga Teacher and Dive Master. She'll be with us along the journey and capture it all on photo and videos, that you can later use for your memories. She'll also handle the communication beforehand. So if you have any questions, you'll reach her.

Do you have any Questions?

.

Who is this retreat for?

I'm creating this retreat to bring women together in a safe, gentle space, somewhere we can slow down, be in the water and truly connect. It's for anyone craving a little rest, some movement and time away from the everyday, whether you're travelling solo or with a friend. If you're longing for exactly that kind of week, it's for you.

I'm coming on my own.. will I fit in?

Absolutely, this retreat is made with solo travellers in mind. The group stays small, just 12 women, and before we even arrive we'll set up a WhatsApp group so everyone can get to know each other in advance. If you'd like a roommate, we'll happily match you with someone. My whole intention is for everyone to feel welcome from the very first moment, so you won't feel on your own here for a second.

Do I need any surf or yoga experience?

Not at all, you can be a total beginner, you only have to feel comfortable in the water and be decent at swimming.
We split the surf lessons by level and there are instructors with you the whole time, so you'll always be on waves that feel right for you. Yoga is the same: come exactly as you are. It's never about being good at something, just about enjoying it.

How do I get to the island?

You'll fly into Malé (Velana International Airport). Once your flights are booked, send us your arrival details at least a week before we start and we'll have a speedboat ready to bring you over to Thulusdhoo, around 30 to 40 minutes across the water. On the last day, the same boat takes you back to Malé in time for your flight.

What about food and dietary needs?

Breakfast and dinner are included every day. Lunch you'll grab yourself, and since we're on a local island there's plenty to choose from: little cafés, smoothie bowls, fresh curries. If you're vegetarian, vegan or have any allergies, just let us know beforehand and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

Do I need a visa?

All nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives, as long as your passport is valid for at least six months and you have your return ticket and booking confirmation. You'll also complete a quick online "Traveller Declaration" shortly before you fly. Please double-check the details for your own passport on the official portal beforehand.

https://foreign.gov.mv/index.php/en/consular/for-foreigners-visiting-maldives/maldives-visa

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required for this retreat. Since we'll be in the water surfing and snorkeling, you'll need cover for medical treatment abroad and emergency medical transport, including water sports. We'll send you a few options to choose from once you've booked, and we'll need proof of your insurance no later than 30 days before we start.

What if I have to cancel?

I completely understand that life happens. A 50% deposit is due when you book, with the rest 45 days before we start. If you do need to cancel: more than 45 days before, you'll get 50% of your deposit back; between 44 and 30 days before, 25% of the total; 29 days or less before, 10% of the total. You'll receive the full terms to read before you pay anything, and this is exactly why we always recommend insurance that includes cancellation cover.

How many people will be in 1 group?

the groups will be kept small:
12 women + Pauli and her team

I applied. So what now?

I’ll personally go through every application to create groups that feel like the right match. I want everyone who joins to feel comfortable, welcomed and like they’ve found their people. The groups will be intentionally kept small.

Since the spots are limited, we’re taking some time to create groups that feel like a good match in terms of personalities, energy, and what everyone is looking for from the retreat.

If there’s a spot available, we’ll reach out to you with all the details on how to secure your place.

If the retreat is already full, we’ll let you know and, where possible, offer you a spot on our waiting list. 🫶

So please be patient with us ❤️
we’re reading every application properly and will get back to everyone!

Is the application automatically a booking?

No, it's not!
Submitting the application does not automatically book or secure your spot. 🫶
I’ll personally go through every application to create groups that feel like the right match. I want everyone who joins to feel comfortable, welcomed and like they’ve found their people. The groups will be intentionally kept small.

If you’re selected and there’s a spot available, we’ll contact you with all the booking and payment details.
You won’t need to pay anything until you’ve been selected and received all the information, including the Terms & Conditions and liability waiver. 🫶

once we received your payment, that's when your spot is fully secured

Do I have to join everything?

No. Everything is optional. You're always free to take some time for yourself and you can join whatever feels right for you.

There's zero judgement. Everything is an invitation, nothing is a must.

Which type of waves will be there?

Late November and early December are a great time for more mellow surf. The waves are generally smaller and more manageable, making it a good time to enjoy longer sessions in the water.
We’ll mainly surf reef breaks and choose the spots according to the conditions and everyone’s level. Beginners and intermediate surfers will be split into separate groups, so everyone gets to surf at their own pace.

What weather to expect

Warm, tropical and mostly sunny but occasionally rain. 🌴
Expect temperatures around 28–30°C, warm ocean water and the occasional tropical shower. Late November and early December mark the beginning of the dry season, so it's perfect for long days in the water and barefoot evenings

Do you have more questions?


contact US here:

retreats@lifeandpauli.com