Itinerary
Day 1: “Menningarnótt”- Welcome to Iceland!
Menningarnótt is Iceland's annual Culture Festival, and a seriously cool welcome to this stunning country. Menningarnótt transforms the tiny city of Reykjavík (pronounced RAYK-yah-veek) for just one day a year into a vibrant cultural hub of free events including concerts, art and museum exhibits, local cuisine, and nightly fireworks.
Our retreat schedule is purposely unstructured for the day and evening, allowing guests to wander and immerse themselves in the festival events that speak to them! Simply check into your hotel in the city center, and head out to explore and soak up the festive welcome vibes of our home for the next week!
Day 2: Women's Rights and Northern Lights
Today we begin after a leisurely morning with a private Women's City and Walking Tour. Discover Reykjavík through the stories of the inspiring women who shaped Iceland’s history and culture on this 4-hour walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja, the colorful Old Town houses, and the bustling harbor, alongside hidden gems such as street art, cozy cafés, bookstores, and local music venues. Learn about trailblazers like Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first democratically elected female president, and hear how Iceland leads in gender equality today. The tour offers insights into pioneering politicians, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs, providing a deeper understanding of Reykjavík’s unique character and Iceland’s remarkable commitment to equality. We finish the tour by visiting local food vendors for a uniquely Icelandic lunch!
This afternoon we will visit a local cafe for our CE talks in a classic Reykjavík setting, followed by some free time. Then this evening, we have the opportunity to experience a serious bucket list item on our Northern Lights Cruise! Seeing the Northern Lights at sea is a fantastic experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavík and seeing the auroras on the North Atlantic with the city lights in the background is unforgettable! Our expert guides will help us search for the lights (and take photos for us!) while teaching us about the science, legends, and myths surrounding this amazing natural phenomenon. And don't worry- if the lights don't appear this evening, we will have plenty of other opportunities to see them this week!
Day 3: Harmony in Nature
We begin our day discussing Icelandic happiness, which is fundamentally rooted in a deep connection with nature. We have the extreme privilege of learning our CE material today from none other than Hrefna Guðmundsdóttir, an Icelandic psychologist and published author on Icelandic Happiness as well as the founding chair of the Icelandic Positive Psychology Association. Hrefna's enthusiasm for combining science and storytelling with Iceland's extraordinary nature to create transformative learning experiences will be sure to leave a lasting impression to impact us and our clients back at home!
This afternoon we hit the road for our day trip to lunch at Friðheimar, a one-of-a-kind dining experience right inside a unique greenhouse farm in the heart of Iceland where fresh tomatoes are grown year-round using sustainable geothermal energy. Friðheimar is a perfect example of Icelandic innovation, where nature, sustainability, and fresh flavors come together in harmony.
Lastly, we will unwind from our day at Laugarás Lagoon- a two-story wellness oasis designed for ultimate relaxation in nature, featuring a variety of a private waterfall, hot tubs, wood saunas, cold pools, swim up bars, and geothermal soaking areas including a forest pool, secluded grotto, and infinity pool- all set amid the region’s stunning natural scenery. It's the *ultimate* Icelandic way to end the day- and an excellent chance to practice incorporating Hrefna's teachings from this morning!
Day 4: The Ultimate Road Trip
Today, we hit the road on our Coastal Tour!! After visiting two of the regions most famously larger than life waterfalls- including one you can walk behind the wall of water- we stop for lunch at a tiny spot specializing in soup served in bread bowls cooked directly in the lava fields! Next we will visit the tiny coastal town of Vík í Mýrdal, the southernmost village in Iceland renowned for its striking black sand beach, Reynisfjara, and the nearby Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. After time to explore the charming shops, local cafes, or local church on the hill overlooking town, we head to our accommodation for the afternoon and evening situated in the middle of a secluded lava field. This unreal hotel has rooms with large windows and balconies for cozying up to nature- and perfect for Northern Light viewing if they should appear! Have dinner in the hotel tonight at your leisure, immerse yourself in local nature, or relax ahead our big adventure as it continues tomorrow!
Day 5: Ice, Ice Baby!
Today's mind bending itinerary is one the *coolest* (pun very much intended) around!! This day is intended to connect us to the healing power of water in it's various forms- one of Iceland's top specialities in my opinion!
We begin the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks as well as a powerful reminder of climate change. The lagoon is filled with icebergs ranging in color from deep blue to bright white that create a constantly changing and breathtaking landscape.
Next up is an amphibian boat tour sailing among the icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón, where we will get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice and view wildlife including seals and birds with our guide who explains the geology and facts of the lagoon.
Nearby, we visit one of my favorite spots in all of Iceland- Diamond Beach- where glacier fragments are carried back to shore by the waves scattering across the beach like countless sparkling gems giving the beach it's name. The beach’s deep black volcanic sand provides a striking contrast to the crystal-clear, blue, and white ice chunks, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape that changes constantly with the tide and weather. On sunny days, the ice glistens like real diamonds; in overcast light, it glows with a mysterious blue hue.
Then in a penultimate healing experience, we will get to don a flotation suit for a one-of-a-kind Icelandic curated meditation experience floating in Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon surrounded by icebergs! Feel the rhythm of the icy water, breathe in the pure glacier air, and let the peaceful surroundings work their magic.
Afterwards, we will warm up with cozy hot drinks and enjoy an unbelievable lunch at Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant which offers breathtaking unobstructed views of the glacier lagoon! The menu highlights local ingredients and traditional Icelandic cuisine.
Finally, we will take a scenic drive to our night's accommodations where we will have an early evening and allow us to integrate the day. At the hotel, we can soak in the hot tubs and saunas, have dinner, and have another Northern Lights viewing opportunity before tucking into bed!
Day 6: Equine Escape
This morning we will experience Iceland’s stunning lava fields and rolling green hills on a friendly Icelandic horse, guided by experienced instructors. The 1.5–2-hour ride is adapted to all skill levels, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike. After our ride, we will relax with a cozy hot beverage and chat with the staff to learn more about the iconic Icelandic horse and it's link to mental health.
This afternoon, we will head to a gorgeous restaurant set in nature for a truly unique Icelandic seasonal lunch. Then we will experience our closing ceremony surrounded by nature where we can integrate and reflect on our time together, before we head back to Reykjavík for free time this evening.
Day 7: Takk, Iceland!
This morning we will end our time by sharing our experiences over an Icelandic breakfast to honor our journey across this week, and then it’s time to say takk (thank you) and goodbye as we make our way home with Icelandic memories, friendships, and treasures in tow. Our retreat ends after breakfast, and you can spend the day at leisure in Reykjavík if you choose before making your way home!