Akureyri, NORTHERN ICELAND
with Donna Farhi
May 20 – May 27, 2017 – sold out.
& May 27 – June 3, 2017 – sold out.
-Donna Farhi
Why North Iceland?
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 (including 2015). 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 in the darker months), Northern Iceland is truly THE place to visit. One Yoga Global is in an exclusive partnership with the only yoga and wellness center in Northern Iceland. Enjoy your daily yoga practice in a newly-built, 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, Jacuzzi, showers, changing rooms, and all the amenities, and our friendly and knowledgeable guides live on site, giving this space a personal touch.Guests of our retreats have a choice of staying in local private apartments complete with geothermal Jacuzzis 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, meet a team of champion Huskies, and experience the magical “midnight sun”. Because of the high demand for this destination and limited accommodations, and because we book inland flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri for participants, these retreats are typically booked by participants organized 8-12 months in advance.
Vacation Details
This special week in Northern Iceland is open to all and offers the opportunity to learn about the culture, history and unique geography of Iceland while experiencing some of the most magical sights of this amazing country. Each day will be accompanied by a professional guide who will share details of each site along with local folklore and personal stories.
OUR ITINERARY:
Each morning, after breakfast, we will all have the option to participate in an all levels group yoga / movement class. Our hosts will pick us up at each domicile (all within a few blocks) and we’ll be transported across the fjord to our 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 jacuzzi available to our group. After class, 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. Our afternoon and evening adventures together will include:
- Hrisry Island-A lovely ferry ride to spend an afternoon picturesque exploration and hike of 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 walking tour of Akureyri, 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 autumn 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 training for the first lunar landing in the 60’s! Our day concludes with a visit to the thermal baths of the North. In this 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!
- The Midnight Sun – A special evening excursion to witness and this spectacular phenomenon only available this far north at this time of year.
- An afternoon of optional activities. On this afternoon, you’ll be given several options. You may decide to explore the little town on your own, have a massage or walk to the Fjord and go take a boat to see the humpback whales. With enough interest, a small group can be taken on a jeep tour to Detifoss – the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. Also, our hosts have a beautiful pack of huskies (the only ones in Northern Iceland) which includes one of the country’s champs) These beautiful pups LIVE for dogsledding in the winter. During the summer they get exercised with dog scootering! This experience is also an option!
- A last night and morning will be in Reykjavik. Our hotel will be centrally located, walking and cab distance to sights, shops and restaurants. Suggestions will be offered for this last night, and participants can easily break up into smaller groups as they like. Reykjavik is the larger, international city – a foodie’s heaven with nightlife and plenty of shopping.
Each evening after our excursions, we return to Akureyri for dinner, then relax in our apartments and the backyard Jacuzzis to enjoy the fresh air and excellent company.
When deposits are received, we will be in contact with each participant individually to book the inland flights.
Please feel free to email us directly at info@oneyogaglobal.com with questions.
Travel, Additional Information & FAQ’s
Please book your travel to arrive in Reykjavik (KEF) on the morning of the Saturday that your retreat starts. You may be able to find a convenient overnight flight, or you may choose to arrive in Reykjavik a day or two early and meet us for our short, picturesque flight to Akureyri in the afternoon. Early morning arrivals (between4:30am and 6:30am) fro the US can be booked direct from Keflavik to Akureyri. Later arrivals and those arriving a few days early will take the 2pm flight out of the regional airport.For your return flight on Saturday, if you have the option of a late afternoon flight, this will allow a nice morning in Reykjavik. If we have various departure times, we will group participants together for the return shuttles from our Reykjavik hotel to the airport. All are welcomed to add additional days in Reykjavik on the front or back end of this trip, you can easily arrange transport to the various airports.
Upon arrival in KEF international airport, a shuttle will transport the group to the regional airport for our short, picturesque flight to Akureyri in the afternoon. One Yoga Global books this regional flight for you as part of your retreat. Try to keep your eyes open, as this flight across the island is a gift–we will have a birds eye view of the glaciers and craggy landscapes of this volcanic country where the fire, quite literally, has met ice.
Upon arrival to Akureyri, we will be transferred to apartments or hotel rooms, settle in, then enjoy dinner together at a local cafe 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. Lunches and 4 group dinners are also included (one dinner in Akureyri and the last dinner in Reykjavik are not included). Our hosts do their best to accommodate various dietary restrictions (such as dairy free, gluten free, and vegetarian needs); please let us know these needs in advance if possible.
Each morning at a designated time, you’ll be picked up from your apartment or hotel and transported just a few minutes across the fjord to the beautiful yoga studio and wellness center. After class, we’ll head to lunch and then out on our daily adventures to experience the majesty of our surroundings.
Once you are registered, we’ll be in touch about your travel plans!
Please click to read more
As we get closer to the vacation, we’ll post a more detailed schedule, but here are some of the basics:
Reykjavik morning arrivals will meet for transfer to the regional airport as soon as we have everyone (as possible – between 8am and 9am). For this, we may group participants into 2 groups based on arrival times.
When you arrive, before picking up your bags, you will pass an area with food, coffee, etc. You might like to pick something up here as the regional airport has less to offer. After picking up your bags, exit customs and head straight forward towards the exit doors. We suggest gathering to the LEFT of those doors. A driver will be on the lookout for your group, and we’ll provide some group leader contact details in advance.
Upon arrival in Akureyri, you will be greeted by your hosts. You will be taken to your apartments and hotels where you’ll each receive a map and orientation to the town, where you are, and where meals will be (everything is very close, all within a few minutes walk). You’ll rest and then meet in the city center for our first group meal–and who knows, if it’s a good night, maybe we’ll go chasing the Northern Lights afterwards!
Each morning in Akureyri, a pick-up time will be designated (typically between 8:30 and 9:30am) and all will be transported to the beautiful and warm yoga space across the fjord. After class, you will be transported to lunch, after which we’ll head out for the day’s adventures with our hosts! If you decide to skip a morning class, you can simply meet for lunch and start your day there. You will have private guides and your hosts who run the yoga center are available to the group throughout the week. Optional massages at the yoga center are available for an additional fee.
On Friday, after yoga and lunch, you’ll head to the airport and back to Reykjavik. This evening can be spent walking the streets, enjoying the food, and checking out the night life. The following morning is also open for shopping and explorations. Did you know that Reykjavik has a penis museum? Well, now you do!
Don’t let tales of fermented shark fool you–Icelandic food is delicious! The fish comes from some of the cleanest oceans and the lamb and chicken are raised on the nutrient-dense organic earth by local farmers. Our carefully prepared buffet meals always come with 2 soups (one dairy free, and one with dairy), hot dishes, freshly baked breads and a selection of vegetables. There are several specialty restaurants in Akureyri (you’ll have one night free to explore), and Reykjavik is known to be a foodie haven!
If you have any burning questions, please email us at info@oneyogaglobal.com. There will be several group communications along the way as well.
WHAT TO PACK
Your wellness center is fully stocked with yoga supplies and your apartments and hotels will have a hairdryer, shampoo and body soap. In the apartments, the kitchens are stocked with coffee, teas and breakfast foods.
May and June are Spring / Summer and offer lots of sunlight. Still, we are in Iceland and a wind can make the temperatures feel colder, so we always recommend several layered options.
- Layered clothes – ex. jeans, light shits, mid-layer “jacket” or fleece
- Light thermals (top and bottom – especially if you have a tendency to be cold)
- Gloves / socks and waterproof boots / hiking shoes
- an outer shell that is wind- and rain-resistant
- Head covering / hat or two
- A buff, scarf or balaclava for the neck and face
- A bathing suit for the Jacuzzis and springs
- Yoga clothes
- Personal eye cover for yoga classes and one for sleeping if you are sensitive to late night sunlight!
- Adapters for electronics (Iceland uses the round 2-pin style common throughout Europe)
There are shops in Akureyri and along the way where you can purchase items you may have forgotten.
The yoga center is FULLY stocked with yoga supplies (except personal eye covers).
For horse riding you can wear jeans or pants and closed toes shoes. Helmets, gloves and outer layer rubber pants (as needed) are provided.
Teachers
Donna Farhi
Donna Farhi is a Yoga teacher who has been practicing for 39 years and teaching since 1982. She is one of the most sought after guest teachers in the world, leading intensives and teacher training programs internationally.
Her approach to Yoga is informed by the refinement of natural and universal movement principles that underlie safe and sustainable Yoga practice. This concentration on fundamental principles allows student of all levels of experience and from all traditions to build their own authentic Yoga practice. Click to read more about Donna.
Accommodations
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, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water Jacuzzi. 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. For all of us, our last night will be in a comfortable hotel in Reykjavik, allowing an experience of the city life and time to explore before heading back home the following day. This accommodation will also be single or double based on your reservation choice.
May 20-27, 2017
Apartments
Double Occupancy Room (shared bath)
Larger room in a 3-bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4 persons total in the apartment.
Cost: $3195 per person (US$)
SOLD OUT.
Single Occupancy Room (shared bath)
Private room in a 3-bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4 persons total in the apartment.
Cost: $3495 (US$)
One single room remaining.
* We can ensure this booking until April 5th – afterwards, please enquire about availability at info@oneyogaglobal.com**
Double Occupancy Room (private bath)
One of 2 rooms in a 2-bedroom / 2 -bathroom apartment complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer.
Cost: $3495 per person (US$)
SOLD OUT.
Hotel Room
Hotel KEA or Nordurland or equivalent in the city center. The hotels are beautifully located, just a couple blocks from the apartments .
SOLD OUT.
Double Occupancy: $3695 per person (US$)
Single Occupancy: $4395 (US$)
INCLUDED:
6 nights accommodation in Akureyri, 1 night in Reykjavik
Inland flight to and from Akureyri – Reykjavik
Breakfasts, Lunches and 4 dinners in Akureyri
Group Excursions
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight to Reykjavik
Optional Extras (massage, special excursions)
2 dinners in Akureyri and last night dinner on Reykjavik
May 27 – June 3, 2017
Apartments
Double Occupancy Room (shared bath)
SOLD OUT.
Single Occupancy Room (shared bath)
Private room in a 3-bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4 persons total in the apartment.
Cost: $3495 (US$)
SOLD OUT.
Hotel Room
Hotel KEA Akureyri or equivalent in the city center. The hotels are beautifully located, just a couple blocks from the apartments.
SOLD OUT.
Double Occupancy: $3695 per person (US$)
Single Occupancy: $4395 (US$)
INCLUDED:
6 nights accommodation in Akureyri, 1 night in Reykjavik
Inland flight to and from Akureyri – Reykjavik
Breakfasts, Lunches and 4 dinners in Akureyri
Group Excursions
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight to Reykjavik
Optional Extras (massage, special excursions)
2 dinners in Akureyri and last night dinner on Reykjavik
RESERVATIONS, PAYMENTS AND POLICIES:
A $595US deposit will hold your space and we can divide your payments into installments that will start the following month through March 1, 2017. You can also request a custom payment plan by contacting Laura at Laura@oneyogaglobal.com.
Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($595) before December 15, 2016. No refunds after December 15, 2016. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify One Yoga Global with 30+ days notice. In case of cancellation by One Yoga Global, you will receive a full refund of all funds received by One Yoga Global. In case of emergency where Donna cannot travel, Donna will assign a senior teacher in her place. (This is highly unlikely) Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy. We highly recommend travel insurance for your protection.
All participants will be required to complete an application and sign a liability waiver to participate on the trip.
We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Trawick International and Travel Guard are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.
