Iceland 2024: Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat

Reykjavik, Iceland

GE
191 reviews
Mar 15 - 23, 2024
Group size: 8 - 12
Iceland 2024: Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat
Reykjavik, Iceland

191 reviews

Mar 15 - 23, 2024
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

Join us in Iceland over the spring equinox on our Iceland Women’s Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat for a magical journey across North Iceland’s winter wonderland. Let Earth’s energy, applied grounding techniques, celestial forces, and connection with others in nature rejuvenate, and restore your inner harmony and balance.  

Our daily rituals will be centered around Icelandic bathing culture as we hop from one small coastal village to the next to experience unique geothermal nature spas. A new theme each day will align with the sagas, sightseeing, light activity in nature, and mindfulness techniques taught to us by local wellness professionals. 


Clear your mind and unwind in deep relaxation via floatation therapy, and sound bathing. Both of these methods can help you achieve theta state, or dream state, where your deepest learning and imaginative process exist. 


Believe in magic! Meet a fortune teller who will use runes to tell you about your future and we will see how cosmic forces unfold during the trip together. Stand under a night sky (or maybe soak in a hot tub) and watch the northern lights dance overhead. and feel connected to something greater than yourself. 


For those who are up for it, learn how Icelanders uses both hot and cold bathing for wellness. Your guide will teach you how deep breathing and mindfulness can get over your fear of cold water. -- Maybe you will even swim in the arctic sea?


Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and amid a backdrop of mountains, glacier-swept valleys, powerful cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches is the perfect place to let nature inspire your sense of wonder and creativity during our Women's Iceland Hot Springs and Mindfulness Retreat. 


In Iceland,  it is easy to disconnect with the world, and to connect with yourself in the present, the only moment that really matters. 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  

Trip Highlights:

· Experience uniquely different nature spas & heated pools in north Iceland.

· Meet inspiring and loving healers and practitioners who will use their gifts to help you restore balance in your life.

· Travel along the long fjords of the arctic coast and see the small towns and farms that are found within the polar circle. 

· Enjoy a 3-hour snowshoe walk in a winter wonderland. Or not. We have restful options too!

· See the “Waterfall of the Gods," another waterfall named after a giantess troll.

· Feel weightless and deep relaxation during a guided flotation experience.

· Heal your inner goddess and align your chakras during a sound bathing workshop. 

· Have your fortune told in the Old Icelandic way at the Museum of Prophecies 

· Stay in a variety of comfortable hotels, cottages, and guesthouses throughout the retreat.

· Long days for outdoor experiences, and cozy nights for gazing at the sky for possible northern lights.

· Take advantage of steam and infra-red saunas, as well as hot tubs throughout the tour.

GROUP SIZE

Minimum 8 / Maximum 12  

To facilitate the most intimate and authentic experience of our adventure together, the group size is limited to no more than 12 participants. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Environment: Rural, countryside. Wintery weather.

Physical Activity Level: Easy

Lodging: Comfort

Skill Level: Beginner


This adventure is suitable for any healthy person that can walk at least 1-2 hours unassisted. With that said, the more active you are before this trip, the more you will enjoy the overall experience.


For those who have mobility issues, the snowshoeing activity will be the only challenging activity. Contact us to discuss. There are many ways to adapt this program for those need it. Email contact@greenedventures.com 


A note about hot springs & pool culture:

In Iceland everyone must shower naked before bathing. This is to keep the pools and springs clean for others as chemicals are not used. All commercial hot springs have gender specific bathrooms. Some have private showers. The others a like a women's gym locker room.  Most people get used to this very quickly. 


TRAVEL & MAP POINTS

Participants will book their own flights to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Arrive Day 1 any time that is convenient and economical for you. Take Flybus to Reykjavik hotel.  Day 9, airport transfer is included. Airport drop off is at 1:30pm. Schedule flights to depart after 4:45PM.


Detailed travel parameters will be provided. 


Click here to view map points.

DOCUMENTATION

All participants must have a passport valid for travel 6 months beyond the date of departure. 

PACKAGE PRICE

Package Price  $4565

Early Bird Deposit by Jan 15th $200 ($500 after)



 Prices are subject to change at any time and can only be locked in after deposits are made.

  

Service Fees & Payment Methods

Green Edventures does not charge a service fee. We use a third party merchant service called WeTravel and they use the credit card processor Stripe. 


Credit Card

WeTravel will add a service fee to the total amount of your trip if you pay with a credit card. Credit Cards fees: 2.9% (Amex: 3.9%). This is a bank fee not Green Edventures. 


ACH / Checking Account 

If you set up your payment method to be withdrawn from your checking account there are no fees. 


You can change your payment method at any time in your WeTravel Account. 

GREEN EDVENTURES' POLICIES

TRAVEL INSURANCE

All participants are encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance.  A comprehensive travel insurance policy will protect you and your trip.  

Travel insurance can be found at https://greenedventures.com/travel-insurance/

FAQs

Click here for FAQ

Who Should Sign Up

This retreat is open to women ages 21 and older, any background or skill level:

  • Who want to see Iceland's nature in winter, and learn about its history and culture. 
  • Who loves to be outside in nature.
  • Who like small doses of physical activity such as easy walks, and snowshoeing. 
  • That does not mind a little hocus pocus. We will discuss metaphysical concepts such as the Law of Attraction, meet with a fortune teller, discuss paganism, and other topics that will require an open mind. 
  • Who love the company and camaraderie of a group of women and who are willing to foster a safe place for others to share their feelings.
  • That is in need of rest and restorative balance.
  • Who reads the itinerary and resonates with the activities each day. This was made for you!

What’s included

  • Driver Guide
    Local guide Days 2-8
  • Trip Leader
    Day 1-9
  • 1 Dinners
    Night 1
  • 1 Lunch
  • Sightseeing
    Private transportation
  • Guided Walks
    Various
  • Domestic Flight
  • Return Airport Transfer
    Group airport transfer from hotel to KEF International Airport
  • Domestic Airport Transfr
    Rey to hotel
  • 8 Night Lodging
    Mix of 3 & 4-star hotels and guesthouses with private bath
  • Activities & Entry Fees
    As listed on the itinerary

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Iceland's Keflavik (KEF) International Airport
  • Airport transfer
    From Keflavik (KEF) to Reykjavik day 1
  • Passport
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
    International medical insurance required and can be part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
  • Gratuities
    $200 USD per person
  • Most meals
  • Personal spending money
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional excursions
    Not listed in the itinerary
  • Special Travel

Available Packages

PACKAGE PRICE $4565

Double occupancy. 

$4,565
Deposit:$200

Itinerary

Meet The Guide
Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir

**Bio of Ingibjörg Guðrún Guðjónsdóttir, Your Expert Icelandic Guide**


Meet your expert guide, Ingibjörg Guðrún Guðjónsdóttir, affectionately known as Inga. Those who know her often say, "Inga knows everything!" and they're not far off. Inga is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge about her homeland, Iceland. Her passion for nature and travel is not just a profession but a way of life, and she has meticulously hand-selected each activity and local expert you'll encounter on this journey. In her own words, "My goal is to make every moment of travel with me, an experience that will be kept as a great memory for years."


Originally from the West Fjords, Inga brings over 35 years of experience as a hiking and skiing guide in Iceland and Greenland. Her skills extend far beyond guiding; she is a gifted storyteller fluent in three languages, a fantastic cook, and a true renaissance woman capable of tackling any challenge. Her educational background is as diverse as her skills, holding a degree in ethnology and tourism, a master's in project management, and she is also a published author and costume designer.


Inga's life is a tapestry of varied projects and adventures. Currently, she is renovating a farmhouse in northwest Iceland, a testament to her dynamic and hands-on approach to life. Alongside her husband Einar, son, daughter, and their sheepdog, Inga enjoys sharing outdoor adventures, not just in the rugged landscapes of Iceland but across the globe.


As your guide, Inga will not only lead you through the stunning vistas of Iceland but also immerse you in its rich cultural tapestry. Her extensive knowledge, combined with her warm and engaging personality, makes her the perfect companion for your Icelandic adventure. Prepare to be enchanted by stories, delighted by culinary treats, and inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Iceland under Inga's expert guidance.



Your Organizer


GE
Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
191 reviews
Fun, active, and educational nature-based group eco-adventures for people to connect with wild places and animals in extraordinary environments. Specializing in women's adventure travel groups, and teacher-led student groups. Inquire about custom and co-ed trips.

Reviews

Overall, this trip is great. Tracey is outstanding. Americo and Guido are incredible. We couldn't have had three better people. Smart, caring, attendant, engaged, and funny. Killa Travel: Super treatment. Change needed for departures: Travelers should not be dropped at CUS more than two hours before domestic flights. You cannot check in until two hours before, and toilets are the only amenities offered. Sitting physically outside of the airport for hours (chair outside) with no access to food or WIFI (safety) was tricky. Killa would know the two-hour limit; whereas, travelers would not. Yes, we could have taken a taxi somewhere, but we would have had no idea of a destination, so we couldn't really leave. Consequently, other than a couple of mini protein bars, I had nothing to eat after breakfast until 15.30 - and that was a only a protein drink only because the Cusco airport only has candy, coffee, and snacks. The first proper meal Melanie and I had was 12 hours after breakfast at at the Lima - far too long for anyone to go without access to non-trail/junk food. Recommendation: Killa could/should return us to their offices from the Ollantaytambo ride, say "shop/eat lunch/whatever till X time, return to the office, and we will put you in a taxi to the airport." ***The point is not to "strand" folks at the airport before they can go through security at the two-hr mark.*** Food: We wasted a lot of the sack lunches/breakfasts packed for us either because it was just too much food for us or we were (varyingly) too ill to eat. I hated throwing out food. I do not know what the recommendation should be; I just hate throwing out food. Shaman day: On the one hand, I loved this day. On the other hand, I would have preferred it to be about two hours shorter (the shaman part, not the lunch part). We had a lot of down time where we didn't know what he was doing and were simply sitting around chatting (albeit we were in a gorgeous spot to be sitting around). That mountain lunch was one of my fav experiences. Cusco: I would like to have had more time in Cusco beyond the evenings when we were exhausted. If nothing else, a city tour by Guido before we headed to wherever. I would love to have gone to the Machu Picchu museum and the chocolate museum. , but we didn't learn much about the city itself except in bits and bobs. Granted, had I not been so sick upon arrival, perhaps I could have done some of that on my own. But, the itinerary could/should mention that to do on your own, so we could plan. On the Zoom call, Tracey and Tara really discouraged us from doing anything on the days we first arrived, though, so it is a bit tricky. I just know I would like to have seen/known about a bit more of Cusco. (Then again, maybe we did see everything worth seeing? I don't know.) Salt mine: LOVED this stop. Loved the two history/heritage days. Machu Picchu: 1. Don't give us an option for when to get the bus to the entrance (do it at 7/7.30/8am, painful as it is). 2. Book the latest train possible back to Ollantaytambo. Because we had to wait so long for the bus and because of our train time, we were at a slow sprint thru the ruins. Since I had to opt out of the Inca Trail hike and since we lost so much time because of the bus line, I feel I missed out on the whole point of my trip because I spent fewer than 2 hours at MP. I still loved it, but I am disappointed that I did not get to just stand and be quiet and let it all sink in for a nice chunk of time. Granted, the trail part is my own problem from being sick, but an earlier bus might have meant fewer people/less time in line and more time inside the park. Rainbow mountain day: Tracey and I talked about this, and no easy answer exists. That 8+ hours in the van is *tough* and makes a hard day harder. Maybe an upgraded (fancier/cushiony-er) van for that day (if such a thing exists in Cusco)? Aguas Calientes: The butterfly garden was super. You don't need much time there (an hour?). The baths, not so much. I would skip. It was really, really crowded when we visited and not the relaxing hot spring experience your N American customers might be used to. You cannot take a hotel towel, and the spa does not provide them. You rent them for 5 soles at several stalls right at the entrance to the baths. It wasn't a bad time, but before you go with another group, I would check it out yourself. You 100% need someone to sit with people's belongings while others are in the baths. The lockers were full, and it would not be worth assuming you'd have any available should you return. The baths had a bar on the second floor. It looked entertaining, but we did not go up to it. As we left, a load of school kids came in. That right there would turn me off. I wish we had got to do the waterfall hike, but it rained. Tracey took such good care of me - of all of us. She is fantastic. Other trips I have been on I can guarantee that I would not have been helped so much with feeling rotten. I cannot thank her enough. I will say to Tara what I said to Nyra about Guido and Americo: Pay Tracey whatever she asks for!
By Kristi N for Peru 2024: Women's Machu Picchu Inca Trail + Optional Lares Trek on Oct 10, 2024
Wonderful trip! As always Green Edventures has gone above and beyond to provide a once in a lifetime trip. Great guides, great leader, great experiences. I travelled solo but definitely not alone on this adventure and they made it very easy to do so.
By Melanie T for Peru 2024: Women's Machu Picchu Inca Trail + Optional Lares Trek on Oct 06, 2024
Five stars are not enough to rate this trip. The planning was perfect, the details spot-on. The local guide was knowledgeable and warm. She invited us into her home and life, even making us a traditional local meal in her kitchen. The addition of a local designer who is also a poet/philosopher added another dimension of local connection. This is a first-rate trip for anyone interested in learning about Iceland and the country’s history and current connection to textiles. This is not an adventure trip, but the trip is a fantastic adventure.
By Mary Ellen K for Iceland 2024: Magic Yarn Knitting & Northern Lights on Sep 19, 2024
Quality trip full of learning, adventure and creativity. The lodging, food and our guides were top notch. This trip is highly unique in that local flavor was the focus: tour guide and designer traveling with our group of amazing ladies, artisans and crafters from an Icelandic area most tourists don't roam and community sheep roundup. Priceless!
By Jana S for Iceland 2024: Magic Yarn Knitting & Northern Lights on Sep 18, 2024
CR
It was a sensational trip with 15 strong, capable and soul-searching women! Phenomenal outdoor experience in pristine wilderness that challenges your senses and creates an ethereal experience and bond with nature and great people. Highly recommend!
By Cyndi R for Idaho 2024: Main Salmon River Women’s River Rafting Trip on Sep 09, 2024
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References

I went on an amazing trip with Tara to Baja, Mexico in 2020. This was a dream trip for me being a wildlife lover. It was incredible to be able to swim with whale sharks and sea lions and get up close with gray whales. Camping on the beach was amazing. We had a great group of women and everyone vibed well and all of the tour guides including Tara, Alex and Chabello were so fun, friendly and helpful every step of the way. The food was great at the campsite and at the restaurants we got to try. When our trip plans initially got derailed waiting on a negative Covid test and we had to get a different flight, Tara did everything in her power to accommodate us and make sure we got to enjoy every part of the trip, including setting us up with another whale shark swimming tour after we had missed the initial one with the group, and she spent time waiting for us to finish before leaving for the airport. I definitely recommend Green Edventures, especially the Baja Mexico trip!
By Katie M on 14 Feb, 2022
I just returned from the Wisconsin Women's Tour and couldn't have asked for a better trip! For me, the amount and type of activity were perfect. Who know there was so much to discover practically in my own backyard?
By Cynthia Casey W on 22 Oct, 2020