Every participant had the chance to be in silence, peace, surrounded by nature, and in pleasant proximity to water.
In the midst of the warm summer season, ladies from the teams of three publications—Elle Ukraine, Harper’s Bazaar Ukraine, and Cosmopolitan Ukraine—gathered for a one-day retreat. The initiative for the meeting came from Svetlana Pashkevych, a psychologist, sexologist, and body-oriented therapist with 20 years of continuous practical experience, author of unique higher education courses for women, founder of the School of Excellence of the Science of Love, and a mother of three.
The location was chosen so that each participant could experience quietude, tranquility, a natural setting, and proximity to water, while also addressing important issues, finding answers to obstacles hindering progress, and resolving challenges related to health, feminine energy, finances, achieving desires, or building relationships with a worthy partner.
The choice was clear: the luxurious bath complex Goodlife Park, located near Kyiv. It boasts not only a large area but also a prime setting within a vast pine forest, exuding an atmosphere of complete calm, comfort, and rejuvenation. The location’s complete privacy and the sense of security it offers were also significant advantages. These are crucial requirements for a women’s retreat aimed at transformative life changes.
Initially, Svetlana inquired about each participant’s concerns to tailor her lecture on interacting with one’s own body, understanding its power and boundless potential, thereby assisting each woman in resolving her specific issues.
During the lecture, Svetlana provided practical advice to enhance psychological well-being and mitigate the effects of daily stress on the body—such as taking a cold shower immediately upon waking. She also emphasized the importance of self-honesty to assert oneself to the world, manifest personal aspirations, and live and create joyfully, irrespective of challenging external circumstances.
Thanks to the sincere and trusting atmosphere, everyone felt comfortable opening up deeply and received answers to their questions.
After absorbing the theory, the participants enjoyed a delicious lunch, prepared and delivered warm outside the city by the restaurant-bar “Dumki na smak.”
Most of the gourmet dishes were conveniently served in tartlet form, and the ladies also savored fish and meat skewers.
Following the meal, all participants engaged in somatic practices. Svetlana generously shared ancient knowledge that women have utilized for millennia to enhance self-love, expand their capabilities, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges.
Afterward, it was time for the SPA experience.
The founders of the Goodlife Park complex take great pride in their sauna, featuring a large panoramic window with stunning water views, direct access to the water, an aesthetic fireplace, a genuine wood-fired sauna, and professional bath attendants.
This is more than just a bathhouse—it represents the highest level of spa relaxation, satisfying even the most discerning spa connoisseurs. Beyond the enchanting, fairytale-like ambiance created by the authentic samovar with herbal teas, the mature trees on the grounds, and the magnificent outdoor pool filled with fresh plants.
For instance, Svetlana brought wormwood grown in her own garden for the retreat—this herb is excellent for cleansing the body and mind of anything that no longer serves.
The retreat guests experienced: acclimatization to the steam room, warming with birch brooms, hot salt foot baths, broom massages, and contrast therapy—a plunge into an ice pool for body rebooting, followed by a tub and shower, and relaxation on a hay bed covered with natural pelts on the terrace.
After relaxation, the bath attendants invited the ladies to the hammam for washing with natural soap and birch brooms, followed by a salt scrub with natural honey and fresh lemon juice. The bath attendants shared that they have been in this profession for nearly 20 years and emphasize that lemons and their juice are essential for the skin.
Detailed information about the Goodlife Park bath complex can be found in the gallery.
This relaxing experience concluded with a dip in the herbal pool, followed by tea and lengthy conversations about everything under the sun. Most importantly, they discussed the new chapter of life that had begun for each retreat participant.
Testimonials from Participants of the One-Day Retreat with Svetlana Pashkevych at Goodlife Park Bath Complex
Anastasia Felik, Sales Manager
In this stressful period we are living through, maintaining stable mental health is incredibly challenging. That’s why it’s essential to pause sometimes: set aside all tasks, deadlines, and the constant stream of demands, and consciously dedicate time to oneself—to one’s body and mind.
Because if we don’t do this in time, the consequence is a drop in efficiency and a decline in overall well-being.
Therefore, attending Svetlana’s practice in such a special place—a bath complex with river access, where one can simply lie on the grass, exhale, and be present in the moment—was a highly valuable decision for me. The breathing exercises, pleasant discussions about the female body’s functions, analysis of female body patterns, and corresponding practices were exceptionally fitting.
The result? A clear mind, free from excessive thoughts, a relaxed body, and, most importantly, a feeling of inner resourcefulness and a positive outlook.
Anastasia Tkachenko, Producer of Special Projects at Elle.ua
For me, this event was about self-discovery—as a woman, an individual, and simply someone who enjoys life (the impressions from the exfoliation at the end were absolutely incredible!). Thanks to the master Svetlana, we created such a trusting environment that discussing anything, even very intimate matters, felt easy. Alongside deep conversations, there were also practices, the most significant being work with the pelvic floor muscles, which, as I’ve come to understand, is the foundation of women’s health and their support in life in all possible senses. At the same time, the overall experience is hard to put into words (intellectually), as it’s more about feelings.
Olga Nemtseva, Beauty Editor at Harper’s Bazaar
I engage in quite intense sports: heavy weightlifting in the gym and rock climbing. Therefore, practices like these in a female circle are a way for me to relax, ground myself, and feel sisterly support. I cherish and value such moments because they don’t happen very often in my life. When I have the opportunity, I try not to miss practices in a friendly women’s circle.
Olena Tokarenko, Financial Manager
This was my first practice ever. For me, it was something new, unusual, and very interesting. I felt a surge of energy and realized that one can manage their body and emotions. The biggest revelation for me was that by changing one’s thoughts and inner state, one can build a foundation for a better future. It’s truly impressive.
Olena Medvinska, Beauty Editor at ELLE.UA
What happened to each of us in just one day of interaction with the truly magical practitioner Svetlana, who has 20 years of experience, is hard to convey in text. I lovingly and joyfully observed how the expressions of each of my colleagues changed—by evening, stars were shining in the eyes of every one of them. These stars will undoubtedly lead them to a new path, open new avenues, and help them better understand the most important woman in this world—themselves.
