Welcome to “Hearts on Fire in Akureyri,” an extraordinary Nia and Yoga adventure retreat in the mesmerizing north of Iceland. This retreat will ignite your spirit, rejuvenate your body, and connect you deeply with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire.

Iceland, especially in the fall, offers a unique and breathtaking experience for travelers. As the summer transitions into autumn, the vibrant landscapes transform into a tapestry of warm hues, creating a stunning backdrop for your retreat. The fall season provides a perfect balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to witness the stunning phenomenon of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Immerse yourself in the realm of water as you venture into the enchanting fjords of Akureyri. Here, you may encounter majestic humpback whales, known to call this area their home. Marvel at their awe-inspiring presence, observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, and forging a profound connection with the ocean’s magic.

Explore the rugged beauty of Iceland’s volcanic terrain as you wander through the mystical lava fields. Feel the energy pulsating through the ancient rocks beneath your feet, reminding you of the raw power of nature. Allow the air element to invigorate your being as you breathe in the crisp Icelandic air, filling your lungs with vitality and clarity.

To further ignite your senses, indulge in the soothing embrace of volcanically heated mineral hot springs. Immerse yourself in the warmth and therapeutic properties of these natural wonders, releasing tension, and rejuvenating your body. As the fire element caresses your skin, let go of stress and embrace a state of pure bliss.

To truly embrace the Icelandic spirit, you will have the opportunity to ride the iconic Icelandic horses, renowned for their gentle nature and unique gaits. Traverse the countryside on these beautiful creatures, experiencing a deep connection with both nature and the horse, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Hearts on Fire in Akureyri” is a retreat that combines the transformative power of Nia and Yoga with the awe-inspiring elements of Iceland. Allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty of Akureyri, the harmony of the elements, and the nurturing guidance of Marybeth and Niki. Prepare to ignite your heart, rejuvenate your soul, and embark on a truly transformative adventure.

Iceland is one of the planet’s true gems. With a total population of under 375,000, 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.

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 considered one of the power places of the North.

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 lodging (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:

• Hrisey 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.
• Icelandic Horse riding!  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 spring 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. (*for those unsure about horse riding, whale watching can be arranged instead!)
• 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.
• A local adventure and gentle hike around 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!
• Two afternoons of optional activities.  On these afternoons, your teachers may offer extra classes, 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, we can take a 1/2 day excursion to Husavik and the amazing GoeSea baths.

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. 

Marybeth is a First Degree Nia Black Belt with over twenty years of experience teaching Nia, an accessible and joyful movement practice that combines elements of dance, mindfulness, and martial arts. She has deepened her practice by attending many Nia trainings, and is certified to teach Moving to Heal, Nia Five Stages, FloorPlay, FreeDance, and MOVE It. In addition to her teaching practice, she has led over twenty retreats in the United States, Costa Rica, and across Europe. 

Over the past two decades, Nia has taught Marybeth to live with more joy, connection, and belonging, and it is her passion to share these lessons with others. Since returning to her hometown of Richmond, VA, in 2008, Marybeth has magnetized a thriving community of Nia students and teachers who uplift and support each other’s growth. In 2019, she co-founded a home for this community: SoulShine Studios, a Nia and yoga studio in Richmond. Marybeth loves dancing in community and creating the space for people of all ages to feel playful, loose, and free.

Niki Is a passionate facilitator of growth and joy. She began teaching yoga in 2001 after she fell in love with yoga philosophy that opened her heart and alignment principles that strengthened her body. Being a former jazz dancer she was drawn to the freedom and artistic expression of the Nia practice and began teaching Nia in 2010. In all of her classes, Niki is committed to creating a space that is inclusive and supportive for every body. She offers modifications and progressions while encouraging participants to focus on how they feel rather than how they look. She experiences the depth of yoga and the playfulness of Nia as the perfect marriage of practices to nourish body, mind and spirit.

In addition to teaching weekly public classes at SoulShine Studios, Niki has been teaching yoga and Nia retreats locally and internationally since 2012. She lives in Midlothian, VA with her husband, two teenage kids and her cat Cheddar.

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.

Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before June 1, 2024. No refunds after June 1, 2024.  In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify One Yoga Global 21+ days in advance. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.

If you place a deposit, the balance due will be set to charge in equal installments starting the month after deposit through June/July 2024, unless other arrangements are made.

We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like Travel Guard and Trawick offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), 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.

We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. AIG Travel Guard and Trawick International are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.

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.