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About this trip
So, you wanna go to Iceland? Let's do it! This installment of The Retreat, with Catherine Gignac and co-host Nicole Barley, is for those who love yoga, adventure and nature! The goal? Immerse ourselves in Icelandic landscapes, cuisine, and geothermal baths while also unplugging, moving our bodies, and connecting with likeminded travelers.
Nicole and I have traveled all over — from Iceland (three times!) to Morocco, Costa Rica to Greece, Colombia to Bolivia — and what we've learned is that Iceland is the place where we feel the most connected to nature and our adventurous spirits, and we can't wait to share this magical, healing place with you.
You will have a once-in-a-lifetime Icelandic experience each day with traditional breakfast, a morning vinyasa and meditation overlooking mountains and a fjord, afternoons spent hiking, soaking, horseback riding and exploring, and end each day enjoying some of the best cuisine Iceland has to offer. See full itinerary below.
This trip is perfect for yogis, foodies, and hot-springs fanatics alike! We'll mix the physical practice of yoga with all the right vacation vibes for the perfect balance of adventure vacation and yoga retreat. All yoga and group activities are optional, so you can curate the retreat that works for you (but let's face it, this itinerary is full of things you won't want to miss!)
Accommodations in Akureyri, Iceland
Your home base in Akureyri will be in minimalistic, modern apartment houses in Akureyri's neighborhoods. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with a private one, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic jacuzzi.
For a more private experience, there are also a limited number of hotel rooms available at Hotel KEA (or equivalent) located in the center of town.
When you reserve, we will be in contact with you directly to confirm your housing placement.
Iceland in June
June is one of the most magical times to visit Iceland and an incredible place to celebrate the summer solstice because of the "midnight sun." You will experience very long, bright days, perfect for adventure and golden-hour soaks in the jacuzzi after dinner. It's also one of the warmest months of the year in Iceland. The average daily temperature hovers around 50-59°F. Rain and chilly arctic breezes are always likely, and make it feel colder, so be sure to pack for all types of weather, especially wind and water resistant. We'll send a packing list prior to the trip.
Flight Information
IMPORTANT: READ THIS CAREFULLY. Everyone will need to book 2 plane tickets to get to Akureyri. First, you will depart your home city on Friday, June 14, 2024 to arrive in Iceland on Saturday, June 15 early morning at Keflavik International (KEF). From here, you will take a quick shuttle to the domestic airport (RKV) and take an easy 45 minute flight from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Akureyri (AEY). Detailed instructions will be provided upon sign-up in early 2024. Do not book travel until we have our travel planning Zoom call to go over this in extreme detail.
Your return will be the following Saturday morning, June 22, 2024 from Akureyri (AEY) to Reykjavik domestic (RKV), then a transfer to the International airport (KEF) and back home.
Some of you will choose to add extra days on your own before or after the retreat dates. Feel free to reach out to Catherine for suggestions if you plan to do this!
Prices + Payment
The price of your retreat depends on the type of room you book. To guarantee your reservation, pay your $750 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on this group trip.
Upon signing up, you'll be setup with two additional payment installments, dividing the remaining balance of your cost into halves. The first will take place on January 30 and the final payment to bring your total balance paid up to 100% of the total cost is due by April 30, 2024. Additional payment plans can also be made if necessary. Just reach out to Catherine to discuss.
All registration and payments must be made through this safe and secure WeTravel page. If you pay via bank account 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.
Affordability
Because your lodging, all meals (except 2 dinners), most daily excursions and adventures, transportation and yoga are all covered in the price, this trip is packaged together to be uniquely affordable for an entire week in Iceland compared to the typical Icelandic self-guided experience.
Depending on your room type, the average cost of this trip is ~$500-$600 per day. This is considerably cheaper than a self-guided trip where lodging, meals, rental car, and daily excursions are purchased separately and on your own. We're able to offer these incredible rates due to our relationship with the wellness center and because we can consolidate costs as a group.
The entrance to Tuesday's Forest Lagoon soak is not included and costs ~$50 USD. The transportation and entrance fee to Thursday's GEOSEA soak is not included and costs ~$175.
We will give you suggestions on other incredible sights and soaking spots like the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon that you can arrange to visit on your own on the front- or backend of the trip.
Refunds + Cancellations
In the event you need to cancel your reservation, a refund of your payments minus your initial non-refundable deposit of $750 will be given if you cancel prior to December 31, 2023.
If you cancel between January 1, 2024 and March 30, 2024, you are responsible for 70% of the full price of the trip.
From March 30, 2024 to the retreat start date, you are responsible for 100% of the trip price and are not eligible for a refund. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify catherine.gignac@gmail.com 45 or more days in advance. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
We STRONGLY suggest you get travel insurance that covers "cancelling for any reason." With that type of policy, the insurance provider would reimburse you for the cost of a cancelled trip. Catherine Gignac Yoga LLC (DBA "The Retreat") will not provide refunds except for as noted above.
Travel Insurance
We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like TRAWICK INTERNATIONAL or WORLD NOMAD offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including an add on “cancel for any reason” option), coverages for expenses incurred due to to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical. Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.
Liability + Physical Ability
The Retreat is open to people at various levels of fitness, with the understanding that some group activities require some hiking. All activities are optional, including the morning yoga classes. The yoga classes are designed for all levels and will be modified for beginning students. Retreat location requires a moderate amount of walking on various terrain. The location is not handicap accessible. All attendees are required to sign a liability waiver.
What’s included
- Airport TransferOur local host will pick us up from Akureyri airport and transfer you to your accommodations. They will drop you back off at the airport to depart.
- 7 Nights AccommodationsOur home base in Akureyri will be in some of the most modern duplex apartments in the city.
- 7 BreakfastsAll traditional Icelandic breakfasts are self-serve and provided at your accommodations each morning.
- 7 LunchesAll lunches are had together as a group in Akureyri's incredible restaurant Strikid (or equivalent).
- 5 Special Dinners5 of the 7 nights dinner will be provided at some of Iceland's best restaurants. Two free nights allow you to do dinner on your own.
- 4 Afternoon ExcursionsSee itinerary below for all the incredible Iceland adventures included in this price!
- Move + SweatEach morning, Catherine or Nicole will teach 75 minutes of power yoga overlooking mountains and fjord in the beautiful HEATED wellness center.
- Reflect + ConnectAfter each sweat session, we'll send a few minutes meditating and doing some reflective journaling (no forced sharing tho!). You'll also have time to use the sauna, hot tub, other wellness amenities.
- Daily TransportationTransportation to classes and excursions in a 28-seater luxury bus.
What’s not included
- Airfare to AkureyriPlease read the important travel information above. This requires two flights — one to Reykjavik and one to Akureyri.
- Trip InsuranceWe want you to travel with insurance to protect you in case of any emergency, injury or natural disaster.
- AlcoholWe love wine too! But it's up to you if and when you want to imbibe on this retreat and will be at your own expense.
- Optional ActivitiesEntrance to the Geosea and Forest Lagoon are extra, optional activities.
Available Packages
For a more private experience, you can book this superior double occupancy hotel room with private bath in the city center (Hotel KEA or equivalent) to share with one other. Price is per person. To book as a couple or friends, book this twice — once for each attendee. You must have a planned roommate in order to book this option. No roommate finding or matching available by The Retreat for the hotel.
For a more private experience, you can book this single occupancy hotel room with private bath in the city center (Hotel KEA or equivalent). Price is per person.
A one-bedroom in two twin bed configuration that'll be shared with on other female travel who is already signed up OR book this room twice for two friends to share (price is per person).
You'll share this room with one other setup as two twin beds. You will share the apartment with others who will have their own rooms Price is per person. To book as a couple or friends, book this twice — once for each attendee.
See photos below of the modern apartments we'll call home, boasting minimalist Scandinavian design, to get a feel for traditional Iceland living. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water Jacuzzi.
A room to yourself, but you'll share the apartment and bathroom with your housemates. See photos below of the modern apartments we'll call home, boasting minimalist Scandinavian design, to get a feel for traditional Iceland living. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water Jacuzzi.
Perfect for couples, friends or family traveling together, you'll share this room but you'll have a private bath only shared by those occupying the room. You will share the apartment with two others who will have their own room with private bath. Price is per person. To book as a couple or friends, book this twice — once for each attendee.
See photos below of the modern apartments we'll call home, boasting minimalist Scandinavian design, to get a feel for traditional Iceland living. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water Jacuzzi. When you reserve, we will be in contact with you directly to confirm your housing placement.
This small room with a twin bed is perfect for cozy nights and time to yourself. You'll share the apartment bathroom with your housemates. See photos below of the modern apartments we'll call home, boasting minimalist Scandinavian design, to get a feel for traditional Iceland living. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water Jacuzzi. When you reserve, we will be in contact with you directly to confirm your housing placement.
Itinerary
You will likely leave home on Friday morning 6/14, taking a "red eye" flight from the U.S. to Reykjavik International airport, typically landing early in the morning on Saturday 6/15.