OVERVIEW

RITUAL & RENEWAL

Join us for a perfect balance of renewal and adventure in the land of fire and ice- finding new daily ritual routine and indulging in relaxation, while exploring stunning landscapes, pure botanicals, and extreme elements nature.

Daily yoga class, as well as a meditation time of either a ritual workshop, tea-ceremony, or just breathing in nature, will be part of each day. Adventures through Iceland’s magical wonders, healing time in the thermal waters, and time to connect will be incorporated throughout the itinerary. Guests will leave with an understanding of tea as a plant, a lifestyle and a divine beverage, as well as cultivating a personal tea ritual: a hand-blended tea and a daily practice to turn the mundane into meditation and tap into the bliss of the present moment.

This retreat is led by Sarah Scarborough of Tea Huntress. Sarah has devoted the last twenty years of her life to discovering the culture and agriculture of tea, sourcing the finest varieties. As a registered yoga teacher, she offers vinyasa classes rooted in the Ashtanga tradition, as well as Yin yoga to compliment the power of tea ceremony to connect and change us.

HOTELS

We will split our retreat between two uniquely Icelandic boutique hotels - both in and outside of the city center of Reykjavik. That way we can experience the various landscapes and cultures of this amazing country.

We’ll start out our time in the heart of downtown Reykjavik at the brand new Centerhotel Miðgarður, a well-appointed hotel located in the heart of the city center, ideally located next to the main shopping district and famed sites of this compact city. There’s an on-site spa and restaurant, and comfortable, modern rooms.

Then after our time in the city, we’ll head to the countryside to one of Iceland’s most prized and talked-about design hotels: the Ion Adventure Hotel.

“Nestled in the magical lava landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, this unique design hotel is constructed very much with nature in mind. It features a slick restaurant and bar, an outdoor hot tub and spa, and comfortable, high-end rooms.” —Telegraph

Fire and ice. Hot and cold. An abandoned inn turned boutique hotel in Iceland. Ion Adventure Hotel is where modern design meets Iceland’s incomparable natural landscape. Situated in the south-western town of Selfoss - near a national crossroad, making the hotel accessible to various parts of the country - Ion is conveniently located to offer guests the best of Iceland. From the volcanic marvels of Mount Hengill to the urban sophistication of Reykjavik nearby, the unique landscape plays a pivotal role in the rich design of the hotel, which leans heavily on sustainable practices and the natural features of the island. In the guest rooms, one can expect a mellow mix of concrete chic and earthy ambiance, combined with the warm accents of locally salvaged driftwood and lava, all deftly handled by design studio Minarc. Beyond this, the farm-fresh cuisine at Silfra Restaurant & Bar, view-heavy Northern Lights Bar, and partially exposed Lava Spa all ensure that visitors have the ultimate Icelandic experience before even stepping foot outside.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner daily, as well as selected lunches. Seafood options are also offered on specific meals during this sea-focused location. We've carefully chosen delicious and fresh meals from renowned restaurants and chefs which will give guests an expansive experience of the cuisine. Our dinners will include a few multi-course tasting menus at each hotel’s restaurant, emphasizing honest, healthy, and delicious Icelandic food, as well as various meals out in town and on our day trips.

SURROUNDING AREA

Our day trips will allow us to experience the many unique landscapes and activities that this area has to offer. We will start the week out with the “Ritual Ceremony” at the newest lux thermal spa Sky Lagoon, and then get to spend some time in the capital city. We will take a tour through Iceland's famous Golden Circle, which will include the main stops on the route, such as the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls"), and the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir has been inactive for a long time, Strokkur, on the other hand, continues to erupt at every 5-10 minutes interval. We will also have time to explore our home for the week - the capital city of Reykjavik - to visit some sites, take a walking tour, have some free-time to shop, see more of the Icelandic design, or relax before our dinner in town! And a trip to Iceland wouldn't be complete without a day at the Blue Lagoon with its healing waters, silica masks, unparalleled views, and overall spa experience! We’ll visit an organic greenhouse which houses a unique and modern new cafe, catch some sites of the beautiful Icelandic horses, and have plenty of time for some moss-covered walks around the Adventure hotel with time to relax in their thermal pool.

YOGA

Daily meditation and yoga will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Apr 24-29, 2022)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $3,995 (shared room*, +$895 for single supplement)

• Deposit to hold space = $950

• Max # Guests = 12

* Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
** Final balance due 60 days before retreat start date.
Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Dinner

• Selected lunches

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily meditation and yoga classes

• Meditation / Ritual Workshops / Tea Ceremony classes

• Use of hotel amenities (pools, spas, etc.)

• Tour guide on various day trips

• Entrance to Ritual Ceremony at Sky Lagoon

• Welcome Reception

• Entrance fees to Blue Lagoon

• Coursed meal at the fine dining restaurant at Blue Lagoon

• Tour of Golden Circle

• Lunch, tour at organic greenhouse

• Visit with Icelandic horses

• Time in Reykjavik

• Botanical Cocktail Class

• Taxes

* airfare not included
** all meals are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
*activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

TRAVEL:

Airport = Keflavik Airport (KEF), Reykjavik's major international airport
One group transfer will be offered on departure day at 9am from hotel to Reykjavik city center (from there guests can take the shuttle to the airport at their own convenience). We will provide details for how guests can arrive on their own at their own convenience, either by private taxi or the coach transfer companies which leave regularly from the airport.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• Yoga mat

• Journaling and workshop supplies will be provided

• Bathing suit (thermal spas)

• Comfortable outdoor walking shoes

• Weather-proof layers

• Yoga clothes

• Plug adaptors / converters