Iceland Trail Running + Wellness Retreat (2025)

Hotel Accommodations

6 breakfasts

4 lunches

6 dinners in high-quality restaurants

Daily guided mindful runs

Private ground transportation during the retreat

Dedicated Retreat Leader

Glacier Lagoon boat tour

Mindful Running Clinics

Trail snacks

Sky Lagoon Wellness Package

Gift bag

Transportation to Keflavik International Airport on Day 7 (arriving at 4 pm)

Flights to Iceland

Alcoholic drinks

Other incidentals

Guide gratuity

Transportation from airport to Reykjavik on Day 1

Travel/cancellation insurance

Anything else not listed under “What’s Included”

Planning tour travel

We recommend flying to Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik on or before Day 1 of the retreat. The retreat program officially begins at 1:00 p.m on Day 1. On day 7 you have the option to be dropped at the Keflavik International Airport at around 2:45 p.m. 

Please note you must have a valid passport. Please check with the Icelandic travel authorities to see if there are any other documents you require to enter the country. Travel requirements are changing rapidly these days, and while we will do our best to keep all travelers up-to-date, it is ultimately your responsibility to meet the country's entry requirements. 

Flybus

We recommend the RE Flybus Service from the airport to our hotel in downtown Reykjavik. You can book it once you arrive at the airport (though you may have to wait in line) or in advance online here: https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/

When selecting your destination, choose "Centerhotel Midgardur" from the drop-down menu of destinations. 

The food

The food in Iceland is rich and delicious, yet simple and not highly seasoned. Icelandic people savor the natural flavors found in the vegetables, seafood and meats that are dietary staples.

You’ll enjoy fresh-caught seafood like chard, cod and haddock. Beef is rare, though lamb is another local favorite. Icelandic yogurt, butter and cheese is very rich, full of fat and flavor.

Most vegetables are grown in massive geothermal-heated greenhouses found throughout the country’s inhabited areas.

Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.

We cater to your special dietary needs. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.

Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.

Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Have you ever been out for a meal in a greenhouse? At Friðheimar, tomatoes are grown all year round, despite Iceland’s long, dark winters, under artificial lighting in greenhouses. Tomatoes are the theme of Friðheimar cuisine – and that’s not surprising, since three different varieties of tomato are cultivated in the greenhouses. Enjoy this unique dining experience in a charming environment among the plants.

ON THE TRAIL

1. One pair of trail running shoes (Required). Road running shoes or minimalist shoes are not acceptable.
2. Hydration pack with bladder for at least 1.5L of water (we recommend a vest pack rather than a waist pack) with pockets for carrying food and extra clothes and water (Required)
3. Short-sleeve running shirts
4. Warm long-sleeve shirts (such as wool or another lightly insulating but wicking material)
5. Running shorts
6. Running capris or light tights
7. Lightweight, breathable running rain jacket that is easily packable (Required).
8. Three to four pairs of running socks
9. Running cap or visor
10. Sunglasses

• Optional: collapsible, lightweight trekking poles

OFF THE TRAIL

• Day pack (~20 L)*
• Casual clothes (dining is informal)
• Shoes for casual wear
• Warm jacket for cool evenings
• Bathing suit
• Journal
• Small, lightweight camera (or phone)
• Plug adapter (if traveling outside North America) for electronic devices
• Ear plugs (for sleeping)
• Sleeping attire suitable for shared sleeping quarters if sharing a room
• Other personal items/apparel and toiletries (shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, etc).

*You’ll use this day pack for extra clothing, snacks and personal items (not for running). You’ll have access to it while traveling in the van, when large luggage is not accessible. For ease of transport between hotels, please limit your luggage to one carry-on (backpack as described above is recommended) and one wheeled suitcase.

💡Note: Trail running shoes and a hydration pack are required items.

Age limit

We only offer tours and related activities to women aged 21 years and over


Incidentals

Guests are responsible for their own incidental expenses at the hotels, personal purchases, some lunches, snacks (outside of the runs) and alcoholic drinks in the restaurants. Please have cash on hand to pay for drinks during dinner.

Guide gratuity

At the end of the retreat, your retreat leader will collect cash (U.S. dollars) from all retreat participants as a gratuity for local guides. You may provide the amount that feels right to you; we recommend offering $40 - $60 dollars cash, which will be shared between the guides. Your retreat leader will place the group's gratuity inside a thank-you card and present it to the guides on everyone's behalf.

"I began the journey with no expectations, and absolutely loved it! Meeting and engaging with strong, intelligent women; challenging myself to traverse the trails; enjoying the beauty of Iceland; and learning and practicing to be more mindful in running and in life. The progression and clinics were spot on, and we ended our time with a relaxing morning at the spa. Everything was organized so well, we just had to show up. The food was delicious and there was accommodation for various nutritional needs. I highly recommend this experience, and look forward to doing other retreats with this team."

- Jennifer H

"I just returned from the Iceland Trail Running Retreat full to the brim with joy and gratitude. The retreat taught me very specific techniques to not only improve my performance but also to enjoy and be present in my running (and every day life). The experience was extremely well-organized. I never worried about where to go, what to eat, or even what to wear. I met other like-minded beautiful women who I hope to remain life long friends. If you are on the fence about this retreat- book it! It was a life changing experience that I hope every woman in this world gets the opportunity to experience."

- Staci D

CANCELLATION BY YOU

Option 1: Transfer your payment to a different retreat date and/or destination taking place within the next 12 months. A $200 booking transfer fee is required to process this booking change. Deposits can only be transferred ONCE.

Option 2: Cancel your booking and receive a refund less the applicable cancellation fee ($500 for domestic retreats, and $800 for international retreats).

Option 3: If you had made a payment using our Refundable Booking option, your booking is eligible for refund if you are unable to attend the retreat due to one of the listed reasons (and can provide the specific documentation required).

CANCELLATION / RESCHEDULE BY THE HOST

The host reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any trip for any reason. We do our best not cancel a tour less than 30 days before departure except for Force Majeure, natural disasters, pandemic, travel bans, war, civil unrest or other unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside the Activ Retreats' control.

When a tour is canceled by Activ Retreats before the agreed date of departure for any reason, you have a number of options:

Option 1) Transfer your retreat payment (less any non-refundable costs already paid to suppliers) to the same retreat in the future, or to a different retreat. Tell us which retreat you choose and we will apply all remaining funds to your new booking. The $200 book transfer fee does not apply.

Option 2) Put your payment (less any non-refundable costs already paid to our suppliers) on file as credit with no expiration date.

Option 3) Request a refund you less any credit card processing fees, cancellation fees, and nonrefundable deposits we paid to local suppliers on your behalf. We work with our suppliers within each destination to minimize the amount of non-refundable costs and recover as much of your money as possible.

Note: If you purchased travel insurance, you can file a claim with your travel insurance provider for reimbursement of the non-refundable portion of your retreat payment. We can provide you with a receipt and notice of cancellation for this insurance claim.

To cancel your retreat, please call 970-930-1295. Please do not request a chargeback from your credit card company. We will work with you process your refund in a timely manner.

The host is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternate tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Where, after departure, a significant element of the trip contracted for cannot be provided, Activ Retreats will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the trip. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or the Client reasonably rejects any suitable alternatives, Activ Retreats will provide the Client a refund of unused tour portions. Where a significant alteration or cancellation occurs which is not due to Force Majeure or other circumstances beyond the Activ Retreats' control, Activ Retreats will in some circumstances offer compensation. Significant alterations do not include the substitution of a transportation method, modification of itineraries, change in hotel accommodation or meal offering.

RETREAT BOOKING TERMS + CONDITIONS

These are the Terms and Conditions that apply to all current bookings, regardless of the date of payment. The following terms and conditions replace the temporary Flexible Booking Terms that were put in place in spring 2020. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

By making a booking with us, you accept these Terms and Conditions. A booking is accepted and becomes definite once you make a payment and we send you a confirmation email. Even after this initial confirmation, there may be changes to your booking. The host reserves the right to increase or decrease trip prices. The host reserves the right to change or update these terms and conditions at any time and without advance notice.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

You may secure your spot in a retreat with a deposit until the “Balance Due Date” as listed in the table below. If you make a new booking after the Balance Due Date, full payment is required to secure your spot (if any are still available). Full payment of the retreat package price is due by the Balance Due Date indicated for each trip.

After booking your retreat with a payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email. Confirmation of your participation does not necessarily mean that your trip is confirmed to depart as scheduled. Retreats are typically confirmed to proceed as scheduled by the Balance Due Date specific to that retreat. If your balance payment is not received by the Balance Due Date, your deposit is forfeited and your booking is cancelled.

PRICING

All retreat prices are quoted and payable in USD. The host is not responsible for any fees incurred due to currency exchange or fees charged by your credit card/bank for processing funds in another currency.

PRIVATE ROOM CHARGES FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

Private-room accommodations are subject to a private-room package price, which guarantees a private room without a roommate (where available). See individual trip pages on our website for pricing details. In order to keep our private-room package prices as low as possible, on occasion private rooms may be smaller than shared occupancy rooms. Private-room accommodations may not available on all trips. Additionally, we cannot always guarantee private accommodations, even after reservations and confirmations have been made.

SHARED ROOM CHARGES FOR TRAVELERS WISHING TO BE PAIRED WITH A ROOMMATE

For guests who wish to book into a shared accommodate package, we are happy to pair you with a roommate. We will do our best to find a roommate; however, if we cannot arrange a match, The host may charge 50% of the private-room surcharge. Please consult specific trip pages on our website for details. This amount will be charged approximately 30 prior to departure for domestic trips and 60 days prior to departure for international trips.

AIRFARE

Activ Retreats trips do not include national or international airfare. You are responsible for your airfare and are responsible for any non-refundable expenses you incur in the event we cancel a retreat (generally not less than 90 days before it begins). We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance for all your travel expenses.

TRAVEL + HEALTH INSURANCE

The host requires international retreat participants, and highly recommends domestic retreat participants to obtain travel medical insurance with a minimum medical coverage of $100,000. This insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses including, but not limited to, helicopter evacuation, air ambulance and repatriation. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience that may occur during travel.

We have partnered with Travel Guard to offer you travel insurance options from a trusted provider.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS + SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

You must notify us in writing during the process of booking (on your registration form) of any medical conditions, pregnancy, disability or any other mental and or physical condition which may affect fitness to travel and/or any medical condition. This includes any symptoms of Covid-19 or our suspected exposure to the virus that causes Covid-19. Failure to notify us of such a medical condition may result in your being refused travel, in which case the client is bound by the cancellation terms as laid out here.

Some retreats may be unsuitable for you due to age, mobility, disability, pregnancy or physical or mental conditions. It is your responsibility to clear major medical issues with your doctor and with our representative prior to booking. We may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks or clients with certain conditions. We are not required to provide any special facilities unless it has agreed to do so in writing. We do our best to meet clients’ special requests including dietary restrictions, but such requests do not form part of the booking contract and therefore the host is not liable for not providing these requests. Medical facilities vary from country to country and we makes no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the standard of such treatment.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND COSTS

Evacuations costs are to be covered by the person being evacuated. You may file a claim with your travel insurance company to try to recoup any additional costs related to injury or illness treatment or travel.

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel to retreat destinations outside the U.S. (passport must be valid 6 months past the return date), all visas, permits and certificates including vaccination certificates (if required), insurance policies, etc. are required for the whole of the journey. The Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the retreat and is solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by Activ Retreats regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the Client and Activ Retreats is not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided by third parties such as the appropriate governmental authorities.

If other documentation is required by the country, state or county (such as proof of vaccination, health declaration, affidavit, Covid-19 test results, etc), we do our best to relay that information to you during the trip planning period. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to have all the required documents completed prior to departure.

SUPPLIERS + INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

Hotels, shuttle services, guiding or other elements of our retreats are provided by local suppliers who may themselves engage the services of local operators and/or sub-contractors. We at all times endeavor to appoint reputable and competent local suppliers, though we cannot guarantee a certain standard of service quality or performance as these contractors are outside our direct control.

RETREAT ITINERARY CHANGES

The host and its partners reserves the right to alter retreat programs and itineraries due to weather, road conditions, local circumstances or events, which may include mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, political disputes, natural disasters and other unforeseeable factors. This includes changes or cancellation of planned runs and any other aspect of the retreat itinerary to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. We accept no responsibility for losses, expenses due to delays, changes of flights or other services because of strikes, accidents, sickness, damage, negligence, weather, war, natural disasters, changes in schedules or other similar causes. The host and its partners do not assume responsibility for accidents or deaths that can be traced to the participants’ negligence, acts of third parties or exterior circumstances.

In the event a client elects to not participate in any part of the retreat itinerary (such as a guided run, group meal or other activity), the client is not entitled to any refund.

SAFETY + TRIP ENJOYMENT

We take your safety and well-being very seriously, which is why we partner with accredited tour operators, licensed guiding companies and other trained professionals for our all of domestic and international retreats. However, you are ultimately responsible for your safety, which is why we ask all retreat participants to sign a liability waiver before departure. To avoid possibly dangerous situations, it is extremely important that you obey any rules and regulations imposed by the Activ Retreats Retreat Leaders and/or Local Guides and instructions given by them.

Activ Retreats reserves the right to prohibit any Client from continuing on a trip or participating in any runs or activities, with no right of refund if, in our opinion, that Client’s actions pose a threat to their own safety or that of others, or seriously jeopardizes the enjoyment of the other participants. The decision of the Activ Retreats Retreat Leader or representative will at all times be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. All Clients must, at all times, strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and Activ Retreats will not accept responsibility or liability for any Client who contravenes any laws or other regulations of any country visited.

HEALTH + FITNESS

Most of our retreats should not be overly strenuous for people who are healthy and reasonably fit. You are expected to carry your own luggage and supplies on the trail (water, snacks, additional clothes). If you are affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect your or other people’s enjoyment of the trip, you must advise us of this at the time of booking. If your health or fitness changes between the time of booking and the trip departure date, you must notify us of these changes before the trip starts.

PHOTOGRAPHY

In the course of participation in a retreat, photos or video may be taken by participants, your retreat leader or guides. These images may be used in any Activ Retreats materials, website, Facebook, etc., unless you specifically request that we not use any material in which your image is depicted. Otherwise, you agree to allow us to perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.

CLAIMS + COMPLAINTS

If you have a complaint, please first inform the Retreat Leader or guide at the earliest opportunity to allow the grievance to be rectified. If satisfaction is not reached, contact us while on retreat in order to give us the opportunity to rectify the matter. Failure to indicate dissatisfaction during the retreat will result in your ability to claim compensation from us being extinguished or at least reduced. If satisfaction is still not reached through these means on retreat then any further complaint must be put in writing us within 15 days of the end of the trip.