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Overview

Eclipse & Ember: An Icelandic Journey to Ignite Your Light
Akureyri, Iceland
Aug 8 - 15, 2026
Shayla Cammarata image
Shayla Cammarata
$4,795
Deposit: $650

About your trip

Join us in the magical land of fire and ice, where the elements are as wild and untamed as our hearts. This is more than just a retreat – it's an invitation to explore the powerful dualities of life: light and shadow, fire and ice, joy and sorrow. Together, we’ll dive into the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes, balancing daily yoga with unforgettable adventures like exploring powerful, yet quite locations from a local's view, soaking in hot springs, and riding horses across some of the most awe-inspiring terrain you’ve ever seen.


Midweek, we’ll witness the breathtaking solar eclipse as it crosses the Icelandic sky, a rare and potent moment that invites us to embrace our own renewal and rebirth. This celestial event will mirror the transformations we all experience, as we shed old layers and ignite new possibilities for ourselves. Just like Iceland, where every magical moment is woven with layers of mystery, this journey will stir up contrasts within you. You’ll come face-to-face with your own inner elements and find the strength to embrace your light and your shadows.


Whether you’re seeking deep transformation or simply the freedom of a wild adventure, this retreat is your chance to reconnect, reignite, and remember the power that lies within. We can’t wait to share this epic experience with you – book now, and let’s light up Iceland together!

Meet your Hosts!

Shayla and Meghan first crossed paths in Costa Rica, despite both living just miles apart in Pittsburgh. During a week-long yoga teacher training, their friendship was sealed. Over the years, through yoga classes, travel adventures, and countless late-night conversations, they’ve become more than friends—fondly referring to each other as “yoga wives.” Together, they’ve discovered not only the personal growth that comes from a dedicated yoga practice, but also the deep sense of community and connection it creates.

Though Meghan may feel like a new face to the Ignite community, she’s been part of its roots from the very beginning. Long before the website launched or the studio doors opened, she was brainstorming and daydreaming alongside Shayla—always a steady support and trusted sounding board. Now, we couldn’t be more excited for her to step into the spotlight, meet this incredible community, and share the journey she’s quietly nurtured for so many years.

Hotel Akureyri Accommodations

We will all be staying at Hotel Akureyri which has a beautiful location in central Akureyri just a block from the fjord. It is locally owned and run (so not part of a corporate hotel group 🩵). The original hotel structure was built in 1924 and was converted to a hotel that still has the original hotel rooms. A second structure was the original movie theater in Akureyri, and offers a second addition to the hotel with quirky movie themed rooms. 


In 2024, the hotel began its current expansion to 2 additional new buildings with exceptional modern design and simplicity, where we will be staying! The single rooms will have a full size bed. Shared accommodation have a larger floor plan with a king size bed and are perfect for couples or 2 friends that don't mind sharing a king size bed. 

Iceland In August

During August you can expect between 17-18 hours of sunlight a day. Temperatures are mild (40's-60's) but Iceland weather can vary significantly all in one day. Once you register, will send you a list of all the must bring things! 🩵

Pricing, Payments & Cancellations

Traveling in nordic countries like Iceland will give even the most seasoned travelers sticker shock. By working with Iceland Yoga Retreats and their fabulous local contacts we are able to create these inclusive packages that include your lodging, most meals, excursions, transportation and yoga at price point that is considerably less expensive than the self-planned adventure.

To secure your spot!!! Pick your package and make your non-refundable $650 deposit. The remaining balance will be split between two remaining payments on February 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026. Final payment must be received by May 1, 2026. Payment plan can be customized if needed. Just reach out and we can see what works best for you!

All registration and payments must be made through this WeTravel page. If you pay via bank transfer, there is no transaction fee. If you pay by credit card, 2.9% is added for Visa/Mastercard and 3.9% is added for AMEX.

Please review our liability waiver for full cancellation details. 

Prior to February 8, 2026: full refund of any payments made minus non-refundable $650 deposit

Prior to May 8, 2026: refund of any payments made minus 50% the cost of total retreat package.

On or after May 8, 2026: no refund will be offered of any payments made. 

Flight Information!

We do not recommend booking flights until AFTER our first transportation meeting 9 months before the retreat in November.

There are AT LEAST TWO FLIGHTS to get to your final destination in Akureyri, Northern Iceland.

  1. From your home city to Keflavik International Airport (45 minutes outside of Reykjavik)

  2. A second flight from the domestic airport in Reykjavik (RKV) to Akureyri, which requires about a 45 minute taxi ride to the other airport.

    *You could opt to rent a car and drive, understanding it is a 6-7 hour drive, watching weather alert/warnings as weather in Iceland even in the summer can be unpredictable.

We will discuss at length transportation to Akureyri during our first meeting, so no worries! It really is not difficult.

What's included

7 Nights Accommodations

Hotel Akureyri in the center of town, newly renovated and locally owned!

The BEST local food

Starting with dinner the first night, breakfast, lunch and 4 dinners are included (3 open dinners in Akureyri)

Morning Yoga Sessions

Ignite Power Flow every morning at the Wellness Center followed by gentle meditation or breathwork sessions and journalling.

Wellness Center

In our post yoga bliss, we have full use of the wellness center to relax, shower, sauna and connect before we are whisked off to lunch and afternoon adventures.

Hrisey Island Excursion

Taking a ferry ride across a fjord to Hrisey Island, one of the power holding places in Iceland. We will hike and have dinner at a local spot

Horseback Riding Excursi

Go horseback riding with Icelandic horses. For those who would prefer, whale watching is offered.

Solar Esclipse Viewing!

TBD. Weather dependent we will plan for our best excursion for Wednesday August 12th.

Akurreyri Excursion

Local magical forest nature preserve and other local secrets on the last day provided by our local guide, Andreas.

Ground Transportation

Once you land in Akureyri your transportation worries are over. We pick you up and shuttle you all over northern Iceland!

What's not included

Airfare

Airfare to Akureyri which will likely require two separate flights. Please read above.

Trip Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance. Please reach out for recommendations if you have never used it before.

Alcohol

We all love a cocktail or two, but these will be on you!

Additional excursions

On our free afternoons, two optional excursion will be offered at an additional cost. Please see itinerary below.

Friday

Friday image

Take off!

You'll likely be taking a red eye flight from your home base Friday Aug 7th to Reykjavik arriving early in the morning.

Saturday

Saturday image

Welcome to Iceland!

After arriving in Reykjavik, you'll make your way (maybe after a stop by a rainbow street for a coffee) to the domestic airport where you will take your flight to Akureyri. AND NOW THE FUN BEGINS and your travel worries are over. Your transportation will await you to take you and the rest of the group to Hotel Akureyri. Our jet lagged selves will gather for a group dinner and an informal opening ceremony.

Sunday

Sunday image

Meet the Energy of the Land

Our first full day in Iceland will begin with our morning practice at the Wellness Center with plenty of time afterwards to relax, sauna, shower and get ready for our afternoon. After lunch, there's a beautiful drive to the port where a boat takes the group to Hrisey Island (population 60-120). This place is known for its power and energy in all of Iceland with a special spot for meditation. There is a beautiful walk / hike where everyone stays together the first part for a silent walk, then there's a place where people can take the longer path or the shorter path, all ending up back in town. We normally can offer a special dinner around 5:30pm on the Island. Fresh caught fish for those who eat fish!

Monday

Monday image

Explore by land or sea!

Today you get to choose horseback riding or whale watching for our afternoon adventure! Icelandic horses are one of the purest horse breeds in the world, with no crossbreeding for over a thousand years and descendants of horses brought to Iceland from Viking settlers. These friendly natured horses will take both a beginners group and intermediate group out for an afternoon ride.

If you choose to explore by sea, you will head out for a whale watching adventure! Make sure you bring a waterproof case to grab those photos!!!

Open Dinner in Akureyri (lots of opens within walking distance).

Today you will start to notice the pattern of the week:

Breakfast at the Hotel

8:30am pick up to the Wellness center

90 minute yoga, mediation and journalling

30- 45 mins to relax/get ready before heading to lunch

After lunch: our adventure

Tuesday

Tuesday image

Variety is the spice of life!

After our morning session and lunch the afternoon is open for your liking! We will have an optional outing to Forest Lagoon in Akureyri for an afternoon soak! Admission is about 50 USD and transportation will be provided.

Open dinner in Akureyri

Typical morning schedule:

Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am pickup to The Wellness Center

90 minute morning practice of yoga, journalling and mediation

30-45 minutes open to relax, sauna and get ready for our afternoon adventures.

Wednesday

Wednesday image

SOLAR ECLIPSE 2026

Akureyri is situated for a 98% eclipse. Which is incredible!!! We will be working closely with our hosts and weather conditions to determine our best location to watch the eclipse. Andreas already has some great ideas of local areas that we will be away from the crowds for great viewing! This day is very much TBD so we can experience this very special celestial event in such a powerful place.

Due to limitation on driving hours per day, trekking into totality (a 6 hour drive one way) cannot be done by our transportation guides. As we approach the retreat (at our 9 month transportation meeting and again at our 6 month meeting) we will discuss options for those that might want to trek into totality and what all that would entail. But we have some ideas.

Typical morning schedule:

Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am pickup to The Wellness Center

90 minute morning practice of yoga, journalling and mediation

30-45 minutes open to relax, sauna and get ready for our afternoon adventures.

Thursday

Thursday image

GEOSEA or BE FREE!

Once again after our morning together you have an open afternoon to fill as you like. We have organized an optional excursion to GEOSEA in Husavik for more geothermal aqua therapy (we soak some more). Transportation will be provided and cost is $150. We promise it is worth it! BUT... so is having a quite afternoon to explore Akureyri, get a tattoo (Shayla's thing, maybe not yours), rent a car for a drive or just take a nap.

Open dinner in Akureyri.

Typical morning schedule:

Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am pickup to The Wellness Center

90 minute morning practice of yoga, journalling and mediation

30-45 minutes open to relax, sauna and get ready for our afternoon adventures.

Friday

Friday image

Sealing in the Magic 💫

Today is Iceland's gift to you. Our guide, who has know become our friend, Andreas, will show us his favorite nature spots around Akureyri including a local magical forest and canyon nature preserve (complete with hidden elves). The surprises are for him to unfold.

Dinner will be at a special local location just for us!

Typical morning schedule:

Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am pickup to The Wellness Center

90 minute morning practice of yoga, journalling and mediation

30-45 minutes open to relax, sauna and get ready for our afternoon adventures.

Saturday

Saturday image

Not a Goodbye

As our week together closes, remember this isn’t a goodbye. It’s a hello — to the connections you’ve made with yourself, with others, and with this land. The duality we’ve explored — light and shadow, fire and ice — now lives within you as a reminder that rhythm, renewal, and return are always possible.

About your organizer

Here’s the thing: it’s great to go on vacation… You feel rested and renewed while away, but you return back to life with the same habits. The same thought process. The same life stressors and problems. The same way of dealing with things. But at a retreat you dig in. You uncover and return home with new thought patterns and tools to deal with those stressors and problems. You refresh your energy for the long term, to support you in your daily life. You connect with yourself and your community on a deeper level.

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