Hatha Yoga & Geothermal Hot Springs Retreat in Iceland

September 2-10, 2023

Visit one of the most geologically interesting, crime-free, and photogenic countries in the world. Tour some of its most interesting attractions. Hike on flat or gently rolling landscape through beautiful valleys and lunar-like lava fields. Learn about Iceland’s history, geology, culture, and nature.  Do all of this plus relax and rejuvenate with Hatha Yoga (twice daily, all-levels) with Fran and in the natural geothermal baths (or as they say “hot pots”) of Iceland. You’ll have a chance to experience the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a traditional Icelandic spa on Lake Laugarvatn, a natural hot spring at the end of a short hike through a beautiful valley, and spend part of a day at a thermal spa in Reykjavik. In addition, our quiet resort has several outdoor hot tubs filled with pure hot spring water for you to enjoy any time you wish during your stay. As a bonus, September through April are the best months for viewing Iceland’s spectacular Northern Lights!

Daily Tours

• Day 1, September 2 Airport pick up at 11am. Lunch stop in Grindavik. Driving Tour of Reykjanes Peninsula includes: Sightseeing at Seltun, walking the foot-bridge between the Eurasian and American continental plate, seeing beaches, lighthouses, and headlands.
• Day 2, September 3 Hike to Bruarfoss Waterfall.
• Day 3, September 4 Hike through the green valleys of Fludir. Lunch at an Ethiopian Restaurant / Coffee Ceremony, and then relax in natural outdoor hot springs in a nearby secret lagoon!
• Day 4, September 5 Glacier tour with a barbecue at the top of the glacier.
• Day 5, September 6 A day at a traditional Icelandic geothermal spa on Lake Laugarvatn. You can enjoy the outdoor hot pools, a heated swimming pool, indoor natural steam rooms (steam is straight from the earth) and alternate these experiences with a very cold dip (for those brave enough!) in Lake Laugarvatn, the largest lake in Iceland.
• Day 6, September 7  Hike the rim of Kerid Volcano and hike down to Kerid volcanic crater lake. Tour the greenhouses of Fridheimar and enjoy a delicious tomato soup lunch at the greenhouse cafe. See the Icelandic horses. Visit Strokkur Geyser. Next stop Gullfoss (one hour to walk around). There is a great gift shop at Gullfoss, where we will make a stop.
• Day 7, September 8 Leave Minniborgir and drive to Reykjavik. Check into Hotel Holt. Walking tour of Reykjavik. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Reykjavik (shop, sit in coffee shops, pubs, and sushi bars, visit HARPA Concert Hall (you may wish to buy tickets in advance to attend a performance at HARPA), see the outdoor Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden or visit the National Museum of Iceland).  Lunch and Dinner on your own this day.
• Day 8, September 9 Experience the Seven-Step Ritual and “Sky Pass” soak at the Sky Lagoon Thermal Spa. Includes a scrub spa treatment. Lunch at the spa on your own this day. Art tour of the hotel’s art collection. This family owned hotel has a valuable art collection from Icelandic artists. The hotel owner will give us a private tour of her family collection!  Farewell dinner.
• Day 9, September 10  Retreat officially ends after leisurely breakfast. You will not want to miss out on Hotel Holt breakfasts. They are fabulous! Everyone will receive airport shuttle vouchers for today’s trip to the airport. Many international flights leave in the late afternoon or evening, giving you time to soak at the Blue Lagoon. Best is to visit the Blue Lagoon en route to the airport. Blue Lagoon is not included in retreat fee. You must pre-book your Blue Lagoon visit online by going to their website.  Location is very close to the airport.  You may book your flight for anytime on this day.

View this slideshow from September 2022 Yoga and Hot Springs in Iceland!

Cost / Registration Information

Cost $3800 per person  Single registrants will have their own cabin at Minniborgir. In a few cases, a single person may get a two-room cabin, and would still have a room to oneself.  There are larger cabins for couples at Minniborgir and rooms for couples at Hotel Holt. Fee includes single accommodations at Hotel Holt. The retreat is limited to 12 participants.

Cost includes:

• 11am group airport pick-up on September 2, 2023. Please book a flight arriving no later than the morning of September 2, 2023, before 10am. We cannot do late pick-ups nor provide additional transportation to the resort because it is far from the airport, near the Ring Road.
• Cost also includes Vouchers provided for your transportation from Hotel Holt to the airport on departure day. If you are going to the Blue Lagoon on departure day, I will provide a voucher for your transportation from Hotel Holt to the Blue Lagoon. However, if you plan on booking the Blue Lagoon, you are responsible for booking your transportation from the Blue Lagoon to the airport. Transportation from the Blue Lagoon to the airport can be booked on the Blue Lagoon website).
• Cost includes yoga twice daily, guide fees and guide tips, tips for restaurants, all transportation and hotel fees within the retreat dates, breakfasts, lunches, dinners (except for two lunches  and one dinner on your own while in Reykjavik), and includes entrance fees for group activities.

Cost does NOT include: alcoholic beverages, room service, non-group activities, personal expenses, lunch and dinner on September 8  (so you can enjoy time exploring Reykjavik on your own), does not include lunch at the spa after your soak on September 9 (there is a restaurant and a cafe within the spa),  entrance/usage of the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon visit is optional and can easily be done en route to the airport on departure day). Retreat fee does not include transportation from the Blue Lagoon to the airport. Does not include expenses incurred before or after the official retreat dates. International airfare is not included. Cost does not include tips for our driver.

HOW TO PAY Registration now open!  A non refundable deposit of $600 will reserve your spot. Deposit is due on February 15, 2023 and is non-refundable unless we can find someone to take your place. Balance is due by May 20, 2023. Your balance is non refundable after May 20, 2023 unless we can find someone to take your place. Payments may be made via Venmo @FranGalloYoga, PayPal, Zelle Quick Pay (from your bank to mine), by personal check, or by International Money Wire (best option if you live outside of the USA). Please contact Fran for payment option details. When paying, please indicate that you are signing up for the Iceland 2023 Retreat.