Mar 29th - Apr 3rd Iceland
Mar 29th - Apr 3rd
"This is the holiday we want to go on, and we want to bring you too!"
We are Michelle and Disa, two friends living in rural Ireland. We both married men named Moroney and are both mothers’ of boys. Our similarities don’t stop there; another thing we have in common is that we turned our passions into our careers: yoga and horse-riding respectively. Our journeys have taken us around the world leading yoga retreats and teaching horse-riding in many different countries across 5 continents.
While sipping tea together one day in West Clare we began planning our perfect trip. Bringing Michelle’s experience with running retreats with Disa’s knowledge of running horse-riding holidays in Iceland, her home country, we designed a trip-of-a-lifetime that WE would love to go on. Here it is.
Where is the event?
We will base ourselves in the Hveragerði region. Only 45km from Reykjavik this is a beautiful area known for its geothermal springs and located close to the Golden Circle.
Besides the hot springs, Hveragerði has much to offer. The Varmá river flows through the area and there are many excellent walking routes. A highlight of course is the swimming pool, hot baths, whirlpools and a fitness centre.
In 2008 a new hot spring emerged after the earthquake and geysers and geothermal activity make this not only an exciting region to visit and explore but the green community that has developed harnessing this energy source has meant the many greenhouses are producing wonderful produce which we will be sampling in our meals on our adventure.
WHY HERE?
WHY ICELAND?
It’s not for everyone.
It’s not for those who go where everyone else goes.
It’s not for the conservative and expected traveller.
It’s for those who travel the world to experience something different, to come back with stories to tell and secrets to share.
The stories of Iceland don’t stop as winter comes.
Every season, and in every region, Iceland offers secrets to the adventurous and enlightened traveller.
So welcome! To all those who travel with the spirit of adventure, exploration and creativity. It may not be the first place you think of travelling to this season, but it’ll be the first place you will tell your friends about.
Come and be inspired by Iceland.
What can I look forward to?
Your adventure will combine exploration and culture, action and rest, adventure and personal development time. There will be yoga, Wim Hof Method breathing and Ice Swims (optional!). There will be an incredible horse-riding adventure (no experience necessary), and a stunning hike across the otherworldly Icelandic landscape. We will take an amazing tour around the Golden Circle seeing and experiencing some of the most fascinating landscape in the world and there will be lots of geothermal hot springs. There is of course the dreamy possibility of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.
The stunning setting of Iceland, the land of Ice and Fire is the perfect backdrop for our Wild Woman’s Adventure. The wild outside AND the wild within us. Join us as we carve out some time to delve into the things we love, moving and breathing, stepping out of our comfort zone while into the comfort of this lovingly designed experience. Will you come on an adventure with us?
Tell me about the
accommodation?
The 3 Star Hotel Ork will be our base for the duration of our adventure. The hotel has a geo-thermal heated swimming pool, hot tubs and saunas and is on the fringe of a small town with a few shops and restaurants and some wonderful geothermal springs. The hotel is warm, clean and well-managed with a popular restaurant and a space for us to practice yoga in. Each morning we will sit together to enjoy breakfast after an energising yoga session to begin the day. Lunch and dinner are not included in your package and should you wish to dine in the hotel's restaurant they have many options for every taste. To read more about the hotel please visit their website: www.hotelork.is
Who is my teacher?
Michelle & Disa
“We are so excited to spend this amazing week with you in Iceland and to share all the things that we love together. ”
Michelle is passionate about travel, nature, hiking, exploring and having new and exciting experiences. She is a senior yoga teacher, teaching full time for over 17 years and is a teacher trainer at her retreat www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com. She created Yogatraveller in 2004 and loves bringing yogis on a journey both to new and exciting places and deep within the self. In 2018 she became a fully qualified Wim Hof Method Instructor and spends an inordinate amount of time in cold water – she can’t wait to get to Iceland!
Dísa is a qualified and very experienced riding instructor who travels the world to teach Icelandic horse lovers around the globe. She also is passionate about nature and travelling, and loves to share her knowledge about the extrordinary landscape and geology of her beloved home country, Iceland.
Both Michelle and Dísa are competent, fun loving, happy women, who love meeting new friends and will do everything they can to make sure everyone has a great time in the magnificant Land of Fire and Ice.
What will my day look like?
Visiting Iceland is to experience all that wild Mother Nature has to offer. We have a wonderful schedule which we will follow with an open mind. As many of our activities are weather dependent, we will allow things to unfold as they need to. We will also allow room for magic to take us in directions we may not yet know, and as with any good adventure, not everything will go to plan. Nor will all the great things that will unfold be what was planned on the schedule.
As such, class times may change and plans may evolve. We will practice yoga in the mornings so we can be free and flexible during the day. For us to access our own wildness in this wild environment, we will step out of our comfort zone and into our trusting selves that know that the spirit of adventure lies deeply and firmly within all of us.
In addition to this we will create space for what it is YOU want from this trip. You might participate in everything or you may dip in and out. We will hold space for each other to find what it is YOU want, what you need and what you desire to come alive in this unique place.
Schedule
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 1
Sunday 29th March: Arrival. We meet at Keflavík Airport for a group transfer at 4pm. We will arrive at the hotel before 5pm and check into our rooms. There will be a relaxing yoga class to release the journey from our bodies and we will begin the retreat with an opening circle.
- Day 2
Monday 30th March: Exploring. We will start the day with a one hour energising yoga class and sit to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. We will keep this day relaxed with options to go for a walk, explore the area and take a trip to the geothermal springs in the town.
- Day 3
Tuesday 31st March: Horse Riding. We will start the day with a one hour energising yoga class and sit to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. After this we will be collected and brought to the Riding Stables for a half day on horseback in the stunning Icelandic scenery. There will be options for every level of rider, whether beginner or novice and the amazing team at the stables, along with Disa will bring us on an unforgettable experience. We will meet in the evening for a 60 minute slow, restorative yoga class to finish off the day.
- Day 4
Wednesday 1st April: Hiking. We will start the day with a one hour energising yoga class and sit to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. Weather provided we will head off on our long hike. We will stop off at at shop to arrange our own packed lunch and our transport will bring us to the start of the hike. We will be hiking for apx 4 to 5 hours across some of the most spectacular scenery and we will walk right back to our hotel. We will meet before dinner for a 60 minute slow, restorative yoga class to release our happily tired muscles.
- Day 5
Thursday 2nd April: Golden Circle Day. We will start the day with a one hour energising yoga class and sit to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. We will then head off on our tour of the Golden Circle with Petra Mazetti, longtime friend of Disa and seasoned Iceland guide. She and her amazing off-road vehicle will collect us from the hotel as we set off on a private tour of the world famous Golden Circle. We will be gone all day and will take in as much as we can! Expect some surprises, swimming, hiking, a visit to the Secret Lagoon and much more!! We will be gone all day and when we get back to the hotel there will be an option to go out and celebrate for our last night together. No evening yoga tonight!
- Day 6
Friday 3rd April: Closing. We will start the day with a one hour energising yoga class a closing circle before sitting to enjoy our last hearty breakfast together. We will then check out of the hotel and make our way back to Keflavik Airport, for 12pm, in the group transfer unless you have made other arrangements.
faq
- What do I need to bring?
A sense of adventure, an open mind and a lust for new experiences
- Ok great, but really, what do I need to bring?
A yoga mat (very important), warm clothes (it is still winter in Iceland and it might be very very cold). Hiking shoes suitable for winter. Loose fitting clothes for yoga. A small backpack for day trips. A reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and sunglasses with a good UV filter. And once again, a sense of adventure, an open mind and a lust for new experiences (:
- What are the booking terms?
30% deposit to hold the place and full payment 6 weeks prior to departure. Please see our T&C's for more details on cancellation etc
- Is this trip only for Women?
Yes, this trip is for (wild) women and those identifying as a woman only.
Tell me about the practical stuff?
Twin Share – €1050 (per person)
Single Room – €1265 (per person)
What’s included in the price?
5 nights accommodation at the Hotel Ork
Breakfast every day
All yoga classes
Wim Hof Method breathing and Ice Swims (optional)
Horse riding adventure including transport
Adventure Hike, including transport
Full Day Tour of the Golden Circle with a stop at the Secret Lagoon*
Local walks, exploration and trips to thermal springs
Fun & Adventure (:
*entry to the Secret Lagoon not included (apx €20)
What’s not included in the price?
Transfers to and from the airport. We have organised a group transfer at ISK 5000 per person to be paid a the time of transfer in local currency (apx €30 each way). Times to be confirmed.
Lunch and Dinner. Breakfast is included everyday and everyone is free to arrange their own lunch and dinner. As Iceland is one of the more expensive countries, this means you can find options to suit every budget. You might splash out on a 3 course meal with wine at the restaurant or opt for a main course with water. There are some local restaurants and there are some great local shops where you can make your own sandwiches and snacks for lunch. Budget your lunch from €20 and your dinner from €30 at the lower end, and if you want something fancier then plan for more than this! Check out the hotel’s restaurant on their website which will give you an indication of the menu and the price. On days where we have excursions, we will stop at the shops to arrange our own packed lunches. Bring a reusable water bottle as the water is fresh, clean and the best you’ll have ever tasted!
Flights. Please arrange your own flights and land into Keflavík Airport.
Travel Insurance. Please insure you have the appropriate travel insurance for this trip as stated in the T&C’s.
Entry into the Secret Lagoon. We are planning to make a stop at the beautiful Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s hidden secrets and a less touristy but more beautiful thermal spa than the Blue Lagoon. You can visit their website here Entry is apx €20
This event is fully booked.