ICELAND
Katonah® Yoga Retreat
with Brian Peoples
October 25 – November 1, 2025
Journey to the enchanting and spectacular twilight of Iceland during mid-autumn when the magnificent Northern lights light up the dark night sky and join us for this exclusive Katonah Yoga® retreat. Immerse yourself in the mystical beauty of this captivating country while indulging in rejuvenating yoga practices and exploring the rich culture and history of Iceland.
Just a few degrees from the arctic circle, this island of fire and ice is the perfect backdrop to recharge, reset and recalibrate with the energies of the primal earth and geothermal waters. Iceland in late October is autum turning to the winter whites, a beautiful backdrop to experience the other worldly features of the North. Soak in the geothermic hot springs, say hello to the humpbacks in the fjord, experience the lava landscapes in Myvatn and perhaps get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Each day, you’ll awaken to the option of joining an invigorating all-levels yoga class, held at a stunning yoga and wellness center overlooking majestic mountains and serene waters. Led by experienced instructors, these classes will nurture your mind, body, and soul. For those seeking relaxation, the center also offers a tranquil relaxation room, a dry sauna, and a jacuzzi with breathtaking views.
After your rejuvenating morning practice, we’ll embark on a series of captivating adventures guided by local experts. Experience the magic of Hrisey Island, known for its unique energy and connection to ancient forces. Embark on a mesmerizing horse riding journey, where you’ll learn about the Icelandic Horse and its special gait, the “tolt.” Marvel at the geothermic wonders of Myvatn, from rolling fields and barren lunar landscapes to the natural thermal baths that are said to contribute to the health and longevity of the locals.
![Godafoss October 2018](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Godafoss-October-2018.jpg)
![Iceland horses](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Iceland-horses.jpg)
![](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Iceland-2016.15.jpg)
![](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Iceland-nature-baths-1.jpg)
Iceland is one of the planet’s true gems. With a total population of under 385,000, 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 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 homes complete with geothermal hot tubs 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.
![](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Iceland-horses2.jpg)
![Akureyri church](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Akureyri-church.jpg)
![](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Iceland-sheep.jpg)
![Northern Lights](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Northern-Lights.jpg)
On these afternoons, your teachers may offer extra classes, you may decide to explore the little town on your own walk to the Fjord or go take a boat to see the humpback whales. We also try to offer opportunities to visits to one or both of the spectacular gothermal baths – the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri and theGeoSea in Husavik.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 magical canyons, 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, or you may decide to explore the little town on your own walk to the Fjord or go take a boat to see the humpback whales. We also try to offer opportunities to visits to one or both of the spectacular gothermal baths – the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri and the GeoSea in Husavik.
Each evening after our excursions, we return to Akureyri for dinner, then relax in our apartments and the backyard hot tubs to enjoy the fresh air and excellent company.
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY.
Most of you will depart your home city on Friday to arrive Saturday early morning in Reykjavik (KEF = Keflavik International) then take a smaller 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 Reykjavik 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). From here, you will either drive, or book an easy 45 minute flight from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Akureyri. This is a different and smaller airport than Keflavik International.
For more detailed advice, links and details on booking travel, we have created a Google document that any of you can access. CLICK HERE for that document.
CONTINUE READING
If you add 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 45 minutes away from the smaller inland airport (RKV), so you will need a minimum of 3.5 hours between the flights to ensure you make it through customs, luggage and take the transfer to the domestic airport.
For this: ARRIVALS 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 between 5 and 6pm. If you are flying home on Saturday, do not book a flight that leaves KEF before 2pm.
The short inland flights can be booked at: www.airiceland.is and most of you will book:
To Akureyri: 12:15pm – 1:35pm From Akureyri: 9:45am – 10:30am
Upon arrival to Akureyri, we will be transferred to apartments or hotel rooms (available between 2 and 4pm), 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 5 group dinners are also included (2 dinners in Akureyri are open for the group to explore). 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!
- warm clothes and several layers for variable days!
- jeans / pants
- waterproof boots / hiking shoes / good socks and cloves
- an outer shell that is warm, and wind- and rain-resistant
- warm headgear (just in case!)
- a buff or balaclava for the neck and face for wind protection
- a bathing suit for the Jacuzzis and springs
- yoga clothes
- adapters for electronics (Iceland uses the round 2-pin style common throughout Europe)
Teacher
![Brian Peoples](https://www.oneyogaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bruan-Peoples.png)
Brian Peoples
Brian is compelled to share yoga practice as a means to living life more fully, simply, sensibly and embodied. Encouraging students to become curious, deliberate and playful in their choice making; his lessons illustrate how to recognize form for its function and understand natures implicit pattern as found in the body. Through sound adjustments in joint space, breath work and metaphor; each practitioner can develop their awareness to better refine, relate, re-pair, attune and achieve more harmony in how they conduct themselves and the energy around them.
He has been a guest teacher at the United Nations, and annually headlines workshops, retreats, festivals and training programs, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in New York City.
Accommodations
Your home base in Akureyri will be in some of the most modern apartment houses in the city, or in a centrally located hotel. The houses provide comfort and privacy, and they are just a short walk from the city center. Each house has several rooms, some with a shared bath and some with private bath, and each has a kitchen, living space, and backyard geothermic water hot tub. We will do our best to 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.
Houses
Double Occupancy Room (shared bath)
Larger private room in a 3-bedroom house complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4-5 persons total in the apartment.
Cost: $4195 per person
Single Occupancy Room (shared bath)
Private room in a 3-bedroom house complete with kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer. Family bathroom shared with 4-5 persons total in the apartment.
Cost: $4695 per person
Double Occupancy room (Private Bath)
Private room in 2-room house with private bath, kitchen, living room, backyard jacuzzi and access to washer/dryer.
MASTER BEDROOM: RESERVED
2nd BEDROOM: AVAILABLE
Cost: $4395 per person
Hotel Room
Private hotel room with private bath in the town center. Hotel KEA or equivalent.
Double Occupancy Cost: $4795 per person
Single Occupancy Cost: $5295 per person
SOLD OUT
When you click to reserve, you’ll set up an account and then have the choice to pay in full or place a $695 deposit. If you place a deposit, your balance can be split into monthly payments through July, 2024. We will send confirmation when you enroll.
INCLUDED:
7 nights accommodation in Akureyri,
Transfers to and from the Akureyri airport and daily to classes and excursions
Breakfasts, Lunches and 4 group dinners in Akureyri
Daily classes with your teacher
Group Excursions
NOT INCLUDED:
International Flight to Reykjavik (KEF) and domestic flight to Akureyri
Optional Extras (massage, special excursions)
3 dinners in Akureyri
Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before July 1, 2025. No refunds after July 1, 2025. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to family member 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 July 2025, 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. Trawick International and Travel Guard are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.