Illuminate Iceland 2024
How most retreats start:
Lynn: “Hey Brittany, did you want to host a retreat with me in Iceland?”
Brittany: “Heck yes I do!”
Illuminate Iceland was born. But we had no idea what we were putting into the universe until now.
Not only was this retreat the most packed with activities and excursions, it was also the luckiest week of weather we could have dreamed of. Our guide reminded us of this MANY times over, as our views were so spectacular that we could see Glaciers she hadn’t seen for months! Even in the summer they never get an entire week of sunshine. But we did!
Despite the sunshine, it was still VERY cold. So bundled up we went to experience the northern lights more than once, 3 lagoons, 3 beaches, 6 waterfalls, 2 geothermal fields, a geyser, a crater, the Game Of Thrones Mountain (the second GOT filming spot on our retreats), 2 lighthouses, hiked a glacier, stood between two tectonic plates (and some of us snorkeled between them too!), 1 church, 1 museum, 1 art installation (walls with colorful hair), a food tour with the best hot dogs you could dream of… and a Puffin in a pear tree. Except not really because nothing grows there and the Puffins left for the winter.
We were all very busy, but we'd argue the best times were on the bus. All the laughing and jokes (about sheep and a plastic severed foot), connecting on all levels with new friends and old, playing heads up and sharing pictures taken from the day, these are the moments we strive for. True friendship and community that will last us all a lifetime.
With our busy and hectic schedule, we were able to squeeze in yoga and meditation practices on MOST days. With a lovely Hot Yoga studio in Selfoss and a private space in our hotel in Reykjavik we managed to ground in between the fun and chaos of the day's activities. To reflect and journal, sweat and stretch.
On our days off we shopped, ate and some people even got tattoos to commemorate this extravagant experience. Including runes for love, creativity and protection, also the Icelandic Compass (Vegvisir) to help us find our way through rough weather.
May the Vegvisir guide you on this illuminated path you’ve forged friends! And maybe bring you back to Iceland one day.
