Wellbeing retreat in Iceland

A breathwork-based ice plunge can have the following benefits:

Wim Hof breathwork
This celebrated method focuses on intense inhalations and relaxed exhalations, with extended holdings of breath. This works to increase your oxygen levels and improve your cold-water tolerance, triggering a positive stress response.

Recovery
Decreasing blood flow, a cold-water plunge can reduce swelling and accelerate muscular recovery after a workout.

Improved circulation
Blood vessels constrict from the shock of the cold water, dilating upon exit to improve vascular health.

Enhanced immune system
Regular ice plunges help stimulate white blood cell production, boosting your immune function.

Elevated mental clarity
Cold exposure triggers an endorphin release, improving mood and enhancing focus.

Alternating between the heat of the sauna and the cold of the glacial lake has a number of impacts:

Circulation
The sauna’s heat opening up blood vessels after the cold constricts them works to enhance your cardiovascular system.

Improved mood
There’s not only the joy of conquering these extremes and the associated pain tolerance, but the treatment promotes the release of endorphins.

Muscular recovery
The combination of the heat relaxing your muscles and the cold reducing their inflammation helps you recover from any physical exertion quicker.

Additional benefits
From improving your skin to aiding your immune system’s resilience, the change in temperatures from hot-cold treatments can have a wide range of benefits.

Depending on your appetite, we can use this as a backdrop for a simple full-day retreat or a full-service survival expedition, guided by bushcraft experts. Both have several benefits:

Gain clarity
Solitude gives you the space for mental clarity, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most or even look to boost your creativity, away from any distractions.

Stress reduction
Intentional isolation can put you into a safe state of calm, removing you from any day-to-day stress.

Reconnecting with self
This is your chance to disconnect and spend time with yourself, focusing on the things that matter to you.

Renewing energy
Spending time with others can be draining – this is an opportunity to rebalance and renew your energy.

There are multiple wellness benefits associated with getting out on the water.

Improved cardiovascular health
Paddling is a fantastic aerobic exercise, strengthening the heart and circulation – alongside your upper body and core.

Boosted mood
Being out at sea or in nature can have a calming effect, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation – especially when mixed with the exercise-related endorphins.

Low-impact exercise
Given that kayaking doesn’t place excessive strain on your body, it’s an accessible exercise and is great for joint flexibility.

Whether with a heli flight or scenic hike, arrive at a remote ice cave, whose otherworldly features and sounds augment your guides’ gongs, drums and singing as you embark on a mediative experience.

Stress reduction
Sounds produced by singing bowls are thought to slow brain waves, shifting you to a more relaxed, even meditative state.

Enhanced mental focus
This relaxed state can help declutter your mind, with participants often reporting that they are better able to concentrate after their session.

Emotional wellbeing
The soothing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls can promote a calm, tranquil environment.

Whether paddling by SUP or donning a wetsuit to get in alongside these gentle giants, this experience is sure to inspire strong emotions.

Environmental connection
Being in the company of these massive, intelligent mammals can inspire a sense of humility and gratitude, deepening your connection with the natural world and even reinforcing your sense of self.

Mindfulness
Being next to the whale and pushing your heart rate up almost forces you to be present in the moment.

Physical benefits
Alongside shifts in perspective, paddling or swimming gets your body moving and releases endorphins.

First and possibly foremost, yoga is an exercise, but there are also several mental benefits.

Mindfulness
As you become acutely aware of your body, practicing yoga can help you focus on the present.

Destressing
Practicing yoga can promote feelings of calmness and centring.

Performance
Alongside improving flexibility, strength and balance are key components of a session, improving your cardiovascular health and working out a wide range of muscle groups.

White-water rafting is a perfect blend of nature, adrenaline and exertion.

Self-esteem boost
Conquering rapids as a group is not only a bonding experience, but can help you feel more accomplished and confident in yourself.

Enjoying the rush
In small, controlled doses, adrenaline is a healthy hormone that promotes focus and excitement as more blood goes to your brain and muscles.

Cardio exercise
Strengthen your core as your practice your endurance and explosive output, with the resulting endorphins enhancing your mental wellbeing.

Fresh air
Remote by its very nature, this is the chance to enjoy the nature, with the fresh air encouraging deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

A lot of the aim of this activity is to bring your resting heart rate down.

Relief of stress
Similar to yogic practice, the awareness and control of your body – including your heart rate – can help relaxation.

Strengthen your lungs
Diaphragmatic or “belly breathing” is a more efficient way of oxygenating your body, with regular practice increasing your lung volume and elasticity, as well as your core. Your body will also learn to use oxygen more efficiently.

Fitness level & flexibility
The more flexible and fit your body is, the better it can move through water, thus reducing your oxygen requirements so you can freedive longer.

Maintain better focus
Similar to meditation, freediving requires a sharp focus on your movement and oxygen levels. And, heading underwater, you’ll be removed from sound and other distractions, allowing you to be really be present in the moment.

Alongside the iconic Blue Lagoon, we know the best secret spots, whether they’re cliff-top perches or accessible only by helicopter.

Promote relaxation
Take time out of your adventure to unwind, bringing the pace down with some superlative views. That’s alongside the heat loosening up any tight muscles.

Improve circulation
Dilating blood vessels brings blood away from your core to your extremities and skin, reducing blood pressure and raising the heart rate. This can, over time, improve your cardiovascular health.

Commune with nature
Entirely naturally heated by volcanic systems, these hot springs let you literally immerse yourself in nature. The ones we’ll pick for you come with incredible backdrops, whether waterfall valleys or overlooking the sea from a clifftop perch.

The physical and mental benefits of coasteering are numerous.

Improved self-esteem
By overcoming this daunting challenge, achieve a sense of accomplishment, helping you to gain confidence in your decision making.

Group achievement
You’ll likely be tackling this challenge with your private group, connecting together over a shared goal.

Improved co-ordination
In perhaps a more yogic approach, the balance required for coasteering works your core and upper body as you navigate difficult routes.

This technique uses rapid, controlled breathing to promote an almost altered state of consciousness. Your guide will then narrate a journey that connects you with your wild surroundings and yourself.

Stress reduction
Not only does the rhythmic breathing trigger the body’s relaxation response, but your guide will bring you on an emotionally calming journey, narrating you through Iceland’s natural beauty.

Expanded consciousness
Participants often report experiencing important insights as past of this experience, which might take the form of emotional healing or sometimes even spiritual understanding.

Self-discovery
A lot of this experience is focused on yourself, where a process of reflection can lead to interesting learning points that can be implemented in your day-to-day life.