Yoga Adventure Retreat
September 14 – 21, 2024
with Stephanie Cullen
Join Stephanie in exploring the raw and breath taking beauty that is Iceland. Experience waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, glaciers and wild coastlines with black sand beaches.
This is a yoga retreat like no other. Iceland is a magical place with vast and diverse landscapes that beckon you to roam and explore. Get ready to be fully immersed in the outdoors, weaving natural movement into our daily activities. Hike through the gorgeous landscape, soak in natural hot springs, practice yoga in the wild beauty, and find calm with daily meditation. Ground and connect with nature in a whole new way in this extraordinary corner of the world.
About Iceland:
Iceland is one of the earth’s true gems. With a total population of only 330,000, Iceland has struck a perfect balance between a warm, welcoming culture and the raw, untamed beauty of its vast mountainous landscapes. While most tourist groups and cruise lines visit the southern capital city Reykjavik (where the majority of population is), we’ll be heading to 66°North Iceland to the town of Akureyri – one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. The cultural capital of Iceland, Akureyri has been voted the number one destination in all of Europe by Lonely Planet on more than one occasion. With a population of only 18,000, a mild climate on the longest fjord in the country, and close proximity to the Arctic Circle (meaning amazing Northern Lights!), Northern Iceland is truly THE place to visit.
Enjoy your daily yoga practice in a newly-built wellness center, one-of-a-kind studio with majestic views of the fjord and soaring mountains that will warm your body and soul. This wellness center is complete with massage rooms, dry sauna, hot tub, showers, changing rooms, and all the amenities, and our friendly and knowledgeable guides live on site, giving this space a personal touch.
Guests have a choice of staying in local private apartments complete with geothermal hot tub or at a local hotel in the city center. These comfortable and modern accommodations serve as a launching point for exploring some of most powerful places in Iceland and diving into the island’s rich traditions. You’ll have the opportunity to ride Icelandic horses, see the humpback whales that live in the fjord, visit a nearby island and hike its mountaintops, soak in geothermal baths, and experience the stunning Aurora Borealis.
Retreat Highlights
- Experience life in a small Icelandic town, Akureyri.
- 7 nights accommodation in Akureyri,
- Daily meditation and yoga practices.
- Travel via ferry to Hrisey Island to tour and hike on land that is 61 miles from the Arctic Circle.
- Discover the natural beauty of Iceland on horseback. (For those not comfortable on horses have the option to go whale watching).
- Experience the geothermal baths of Myvatn and GeoSea.
- Waterfall excursions including Godafoss.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) tour.
- Enjoy locally sourced & prepared food (all meals except 2 dinners are included).
- Incredible views of the magical fjords and raw landscape.
Each morning, after breakfast, you will all have the option to participate in an all levels group yoga practice. You will be pick up at each apartment or hotel (all within a few blocks) and will be transported across the fjord to the beautiful yoga and wellness center that overlooks the mountains and water. Classes will be welcoming to all, and if you prefer, the center has a relaxation room, beautiful views, a dry sauna and hot tub available to the group. After practice, we’ll be transported to lunch, and after this, we’ll head out for our day’s activities! If you decide any morning to sleep in and skip a class, you can simply meet us at lunch which is just a couple blocks walk from your home. Each evening after our excursions, we return to Akureyri for dinner, then relax in our apartments or hotel and the backyard hot tub to enjoy the fresh air and excellent company. Our afternoon and evening adventures together will include:
Excursions:
Hrisey Island – A lovely ferry ride to spend an afternoon exploring and hike on Hrisey Island. Situated at 66 degrees North, just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, Hrisey is considered one of the “Power” places in Iceland. This can’t be easily explained, so we’ll offer some moments of pause to sit and feel this special planetary vortex energy.
A tour of the Akureyri area, learning about the history, architecture and folklore. We’ll drive along the fjord and make several stops including visits to some special places and hidden waterfalls, You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, or onto the most spectacular movie set designed by mother nature herself!
Icelandic Horseriding – the Icelandic Horse is truly unique to Iceland and even boasts a unique gait called the “tolt”. Beginner riders will be in one group and enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful experience of the fields of Iceland. More experienced riders will have the opportunity to trot, canter and tolt through the countryside! We’ll learn about these beautiful animals and be treated to hot beverages and Icelandic treats afterwards.
A full day adventure to Myvatn – an amazing geothermic region that will take you from the fjord, through the mountains, to the lava fields. You’ll experience the rolling fields of Icelandic sheep contrasted with the barren lunar landscapes that the astronauts used to train for the first lunar landing in the 60’s! Our day concludes with a visit to the thermal baths of the North. In the front is a modern cafe, showers and lockers … when you exit the back, you enter large natural pools of geothermic waters bubbling from mother earth herself. With a high concentration of natural minerals, Icelanders often credit these waters with their health and longevity that is much higher than the norm. We’ll watch the sun set, and the galaxies of stars arise. A sight to behold!
ACCOMMODATIONS AND BOOKING
Your home base in Akureyri will be in some of the most modern apartments in the city, or in a centrally located hotel. The apartments provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each apartment has several rooms with a shared bath and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic hot tub. We will place female travelers together and couples together. When you reserve, we will be in contact with you directly to confirm your housing placement. A limited number of private hotel rooms are also available for those who desire this option.
Apartments
Double Occupancy Room ( shared bath) SOLD OUT
Large private room with kitchen, living room, back yard hot tub and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4-6 people total in the apartment. Breakfasts are self-serve (food provided).
Cost: $3895USD per person
Single Occupancy Room (shared bath) SOLD OUT
Private room with kitchen, living room, backyard hot tub and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4-6 people total in the apartment. Breakfasts are self-serve (food provided)
Cost: $4195USD per person
Double Occupancy room (Private Bath) SOLD OUT
Private room in 2-room apartment with private bath, kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Breakfasts are self-serve (food provided)
Cost: $4095USD per person
Hotel
Double Occupancy Room –Hotel KEA or equivalent – Breakfast included. In the town center.
Cost: $4495USD per person
Single Occupancy Room – Hotel KEA or equivalent – Breakfast included. In the town center.
Cost: $5095USD per person
Special Early Bird Pricing…Book before April 1, 2023
After April 1, 2023…extra $200USD
A non-refundable deposit of $895USD is required for your booking to be confirmed.
Payment Options:
- Pay in full.
- Payments – First payment due ( 1/2 of retreat cost less deposit) due Oct.1, 2023 and final payment ( remaining balance) due March 1, 2024.
Booking and Final Payment Deadline March 1, 2024.
To Book, please contact Stephanie at yoga.blissfulenergy@gmail.com or 403.507.5241
Below is a sample itinerary of our week together:
Saturday September 14
- 9:00am -6:00pm Arrival in Akureyri/ transfer to apartment or hotel
- apartments will be available at 2pm…luggage can be stored for early arrivals. 6:00pm – Dinner in town center – walking distance from apartments and hotel. After dinner: ALL DAYS -rest, stargazing, hot tub, possible northern lights
Sunday September 15
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 8:45am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:00am – Opening circle, meditation & yoga practice
- 11:45 am – Lunch
- 12:45pm – Hrisey Island excursion
- 6:00pm – Dinner
Monday September 16
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 9:00am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:15am – Meditation & yoga practice
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00pm – Horseback riding or whale watching (for those unsure on horses)
- 6:00pm – Dinner
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 9:00am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:15am – Meditation & yoga practice
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00pm – Sacred circle & Vision Quest
- 2:30pm – Free time – perhaps a soak in the Forest Lagoon (optional)
- 6:00pm – Dinner – on your own (lots of options in Akureyri)
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 9:00am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:15am -Meditation & yoga practice
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 – 9:00pm – Myvatn geothermal excursion (includes Godafoss, soak in natural baths and dinner in Myvatn.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 9:00am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:15am – Meditation & Yoga Practice
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00pm – Husavik & GeoSea excursion (optional, if there is enough interest)
- 6:00pm – Dinner – on your own (lots of options in Akureyri)
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- 9:00am – Pick up for yoga
- 9:15am – Meditation/Yoga Practice & Closing Circle
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00pm – Local region excursion with waterfalls and other surprises!
- 6:00pm – Dinner
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
- Breakfast in apartments-self-serve-food supplied or hotel breakfast included
- Starting at 8:00am – Pick up for transfers to airport (For later flights instructions will be given
About the Teacher
Stephanie Cullen, ERYT-500, YACEP
Through Stephanie’s many years of practice; the one thing she has learned is that every moment, every day and every posture is new again…each breath creates a new experience. It is never complete, it is always evolving. Through her teachings she hopes to touch the hearts of her students and connect them to a sense of inner peace through breath, movement, gratitude and love. A place where they can grow and be their true authentic self. In her classes you will experience a fun-loving kaleidoscope of yoga with artful alignment and creative flows.
Stephanie is inspired by many strands of yoga such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa Flow, Forrest, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Mantra and Meditation. She is a certified Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and has received her 500hour professional training through Gaiatri Yoga. She is also a certified Forrest Yoga Teacher; under the guidance of Ana Forrest, Yin Yoga Teacher and owner of Blissful Energy Yoga in Alberta, Canada. For over the past 17 years Stephanie has led classes, workshops and retreats within Canada and internationally.
Stephanie pursues yoga and outdoor adventure to strengthen her mind, body and spirit connections. She’s always excited to share these experiences with you!!!
You can follow her on Instagram @yogistephanie or through Facebook: StephanieCullen or BlissfulEnergyYoga
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 7 nights accommodation in Akureyri, apartment or hotel
- Daily meditation and yoga practices.
- Ferry ride and tour/hike to Hrisey Island
- Icelandic horseback riding excursion. (For those not comfortable on horses have the option to go whale watching).
- Geothermal baths of Myvatn and GeoSea
- Walking tour of Akureyri.
- Waterfall excursions including Godafoss.
- Dinner over looking Dimmuborgir.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) tour.
- All breakfasts, lunches and 5 Dinners.
- Use of wellness center / yoga space / props
- Group transfer to/from Akureyri Airport.
- Inland transfers to apartments, yoga sessions and excursions.
- Incredible views of the magical fjords and raw landscape.
What is not included:
- International Flight to Reykjavik (KEF) and domestic flight to Akureyri
- Optional extras (massage, special excursions)
- 2 dinners in Akureyri
Know before you go:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Most of you will depart your home city on Friday to arrive Saturday early morning in Reykjavik (KEF = Keflavik International) then take a short flight from the Reykjavik smaller domestic airport to Akureyri. Your return will be the following Saturday morning from Akureyri – Reykjavik domestic, then a transfer to the International airport (Keflavik) and back home.
*Some of you will choose to add extra days on your own in Iceland before or after the retreat dates which offers more options. This is ALSO the time of year that driving from Reykjavik to Akureyri is also possible and may be a great choice if you want to join a few others and make the 5-7 hour drive.*
If you are not renting a car, you’ll need to book 2 tickets to get to Akureyri. The first flight will be from your hometown to Reykjavik (Keflavik International). The second flight will be from Reykjavik Domestic Airport. This is an easy 45 minute flight from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Akureyri. Please note: This is a different and smaller airport than Keflavik International.
If your adding extra days on the front or back end in Reykjavik, the city center is only 10-15 minutes to the domestic airport for the shorter inland flight.
For those of you arriving and departing on Saturday and flying all the way to Akureyri and then home on the last Saturday (no extra time in Reykjavik) – The international airport (KEF) is a 45 minute drive away from the smaller domestic airport (RKV), so you will need a minimum of 3.5 -4 hours between the flights to ensure you make it through customs, luggage and take the transfer to the domestic airport.
ARRIVAL: the first Saturday – Look at the overnight flights that depart on Friday night and arrive Saturday morning. DEPARTURES on the last Saturday – Most flights (ex. Iceland Air is recommended) leave at 9:20am. If you are flying home on Saturday, do not book a flight that leaves KEF before 2pm…later is better!
The short inland flights can be booked at: www.airiceland.is and most of you will book:
To Akureyri: 12:05pm – 12:50pm or 3:30pm – 4:15pm
From Akureyri: 9:20am – 10:05am
Please check current flight times!
Upon arrival to Akureyri, you will be transferred to apartments or hotel rooms (available between 2 and 4pm), settle in, then enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant in the town center. The apartments will be stocked with breakfast foods so each participant can manage their own breakfast routine before we head to daily morning yoga classes.
Itinerary information
The itinerary mentioned above may change upon the discretion of Stephanie. Please note that weather does play a part in some of the excursions. Yogi flexibility is always appreciated!
General information
Participants of all levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join this retreat. Practices will be a mix of Hatha Flow, Yin and Restorative Yoga.
Seasonal information
Iceland, along the coastline has a temperate climate. September will bring an average high of 11°C and an average low of 5°C. During this time of the year, the amount of sunlight will start to decrease, bringing some rain and wind. September is still considered high season but the number of visitors to Iceland slowly starts to decline. This ensures that you will get to enjoy all of the scenery from the perspective of a true Icelander. September is one of the best times to start to see the magical Northern Lights!
What to bring
With temperatures starting to drop at this time of year, it is best to pack layers. Too hot? Shed a layer. Too cold? Add a layer. Layers will be your best friend in September. This means investing in some good thermal underwear and lots of wool. Wool is amazing for the colder months because it will keep you very warm, but it is also breathable. Waterproof and wind protective outer layers will be very important to keep you dry. Pant covers will come in handy. Weather proofing your boots is necessary , as well as having a few pairs of good wool socks.
The wellness center will be fully stocked with yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps. Feel free to bring your own yoga mat and accessories with you, but they are not necessary on this adventure.
What to Pack:
- warm clothes and several layers
- light thermals (top and bottom)
- jeans / pants
- warm gloves / socks and waterproof boots / hiking shoes ( Running shoes will work for the retreat, but if you plan to do other hiking in Iceland a good pair of hiking boots/shoes is a good idea! )
- an outer shell that is warm, and wind- and rain-resistant
- warm headgear
- a bathing suit for the hot tub and springs
- yoga clothes
- compression socks (great for long flights)
- adapters for electronics (Iceland uses the round 2-pin style common throughout Europe)
- day pack
- water bottle
Special dietary needs can be accommodated. Please inform Stephanie in advance.
Passport / Visa
Canadian citizens will need a valid passport to visit Iceland, but no visa is required unless you are staying over 90 days. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Iceland reserves the right to refuse entry if passports expire before the 6 month mark. Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance prior to the retreat.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $895 USD of the total amount is required for your booking to be confirmed. There are two payment options.
- Pay in full at time of booking.
- Make two payments – First payment ( 1/2 of retreat cost less deposit) due October 1, 2023. Second and final payment of remaining balance is due March 1, 2024. If the balance is not paid on or before the due date, Stephanie Cullen/Blissful Energy Yoga reserves the right to treat your booking as canceled.
Cancellation
All monies beyond the non-refundable deposit received from the participant will be refunded if the cancellation is made before March 1, 2024. No credit or refund is available if the client cancels after March 1, 2024 or if the client does not show up, or leaves early for any reason. Retreats are non-transferable! You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced Stephanie Cullen/Blissful Energy Yoga is not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.
Accepted payment methods:
US Money Draft, US Cheque, Bank wire, PayPal(4% service fee)
Please make Draft/Cheque payable to Cullen Contracting Ltd.
Mail to:
Blissful Energy Yoga/ Stephanie Cullen
RR#2, Box 28, Site 1
Olds, Alberta
T4h 1P3 Canada
(recommended: send via expresspost with a tracking number)
*Please contact Stephanie with preferred method of payment.*
Travel insurance information
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with all recommended minimum coverage. It should also cover cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. Stephanie Cullen/ Blissful Energy Yoga shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects.
Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a vessel, train, bus, or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by affiliated tour operators or elsewhere, are not reimbursable. Losses due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. We cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by us such as hotels, home stays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.