ICELAND
BODYPAINTING CIRCLE
RETREAT
10 colourful days journey through Iceland
DATE: August 27th - 5 th of September 2025
( 10 DAYS)
Created by: Vilija Vitkute and her team
Participants : 5 max (small group for best experience)
Creative level : interested, beginners & professionals ( in photography, bodypaitning and arts)
Physical level : Moderate,
COST: 4900€ + administrative fee
(payment plans available)
ABOUT
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is characterized by its stunning landscapes featuring volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava. This enchanting island offers a surreal experience, perfect for creating unforgettable adventures.
Vilija Vitkute has spent the past 11 years exploring Iceland, where she has led creative and adventurous teams on various projects, including photography and film productions, as well as outdoor excursions since 2013.
This time, she aims to curate a unique and vibrant 10-day tour around Iceland, showcasing the country's most remarkable locations. The itinerary will include experiences such as body painting, professional photography and film sessions, movement classes, outdoor hiking, cold swims, interactions with locals, visits to hot springs, and artistic endeavours .
Whats included:
Be prepared
- 9 nights of accommodation (we arrange the best accommodations for your comfort and experience).
- Pick-up on the 27th in Reykjavik/Keflavik & Drop-off on the 5th of September in Reykjavik/Keflavik.
- Continental breakfast provided on all days.
- Basic breakfast/lunch/dinner groceries (vegan & vegetarian).
- Pack with you a of lunch (pack your salads or wraps) to bring along, and warm drinks (tea or coffee) - we will have food supplies. We will also sometimes eat at cafes/restaurants depending on the location.
- 5 dinners (dinners prepared by our assistant chefs); for the other 4 dinners, we will cook together or separately.
- New rental off-road van/car for 10 days with full insurance, gas, road fees, and parking included.
- A team of 3-4 (professional artist, photographer, movement teacher, drivers, assistants, chef, and guides).
- Body painting classes outdoors.
- 1 private body painting session in the Icelandic landscape.
- Movement classes.
- Professional photography of the journey and artistic adventure - body painting (filming on the side).
- Meeting locals - farmers and storytellers.
- Online free general meeting (40 min).
- Online meeting with the entire team before the travel (60 min).
- Group of a maximum of 5 participants.
- travel, packing, what to prepare tips.
Whats not included:
- TRAVEL ( flight, bus, boat, train)
- insurance - travel & health
Participants must have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage
- Spa- hot-springs ( 1 time- optional)
- extra activities beside retreat program
- restaurants & cafes ( we will be eating few days at restaurants and cafes)
- 5% administration fee 245€
- extra bodypainting & hiking materials
- extra private bodypainting ( value from 1600€)
The weather is usually calm and dry (average precipitation is 67mm) and the average temperature is 7,4°C (45,3°F) but it can go as high as 10-15°C (50-59°F).
Of course the weather can be unpredictable like every other month in Iceland, so be prepared for rain and cold weather, especially in the afternoon/night. There is daylight during the day but it gets dark in the afternoon.
The best thing about end of August, begining of September is probably the autumn colours of the vegetation and the Northern Lights start to appear again. September is also not as busy as the summer months so less crowded places.
We recommend to bring warm clothes and be prepared for everything, the weather is very unpredictable and it can rain, be sunny and windy. Layers are the key again in September as you want to be able to strip of clothes when it is warm and put them back on when it gets colder.
We recommend to look into a second hands for outdoor clothing in your area or in Iceland.
RECOMMENDED TO PACK
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Hiking boots - If you are planning on only staying in Reykjavík/Akuery then sneakers might be enough but if you will be travelling around the country and staying outside you need good hiking shoes that will keep you warm.
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Base layer - warm layers under the clothes might be the best thing you bring to Iceland. We recommend wearing long wool or thermal underwear, you can buy it in outdoor clothing stores in Iceland.
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Fleece or wool - The Icelandic wool sweater or fleece is a must. The Icelandic wool sweater can be bought all over the country in local stores.
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Parka or water and windproof jacket - Usually you don’t need parka in September ut if you have space in your suitcase why not bring it. A water and windproof jacket over the wool/fleece sweater is essential.
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Water and windproof pants - It is windy in Iceland and it rains so bring the pants.
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Hats, gloves and warm socks - Bring at least two sets of everything a lighter pair and a thick one as well.
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Swimsuit - You are going to want to relax in our warm swimming pools or hot springs after a long day outside
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sunglasses
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Pyjamas
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Water-bottle/ smaller thermos for tea/coffe
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Torchlight
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LunchBox, fork, spoon & cup
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1 smaller -medium size suitcase (max 20kg 50.5 x 77 x 29 cm /29inches and smaller backpack(7kg) or 1 larger 75l backpack. ( we have limited space for 8-9 people baggage, food, photography, film and hiking equipment in Van).
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Camera (if you have one)
OUR TEAM
Vilija Vitkute - Iceland Retreat leader, guide, body painter, photographer, and filmmaker.
Malgorzata is the second leader, a movement teacher, model, and your mental and physical coach throughout the journey.
Additionally, there will be 1-2 assistants, including drivers, chefs, our support team, who will provide best energy and assistance.
Schedule
Preliminary 10 days travel plan around Iceland .
The plan might change a bit according to the weather and our participants-team energy.
Arrival Day
August 26
Sun rises 05.53
Sun Sets 09.03
We recommend arriving a day early and staying in Reykjavik or near Keflavik airport/town to allow time for your arrival.
Day 1
August 27
11:45 AM - Meeting in Reykjavik at the pick-up point to collect your suitcases and backpacks.
12:15 PM - Lunch and meeting with retreat participants and the team at a restaurant in Reykjavik.
2:30 PM - Departing Reykjavik for a road trip through the Golden Circle, with some stops along the way.
6:00 PM - Arrival at Geyser Cabins accommodation.
7:00 PM - Dinner and meeting.
9:00 PM - Pack your backpack for tomorrow's adventure!
Day 2
August 28
7:00 AM - Breakfast
7:45 AM - Pack lunch box & drinks
8:15 AM - Leaving for Kerlingarfjoll
10:40 AM - Hike at Kerlingarfjoll and body painting experience
5:00 PM - Leave Kerlingarfjoll
6:50 PM - Back to Geysir Accommodation
8:00 PM - Dinner & reflection
Day 3
August 29
8:00 AM - Morning practice with Malgorzata (25 min)
8:30 AM - Breakfast
9:20 AM - Pack and get ready for the next adventure + lunch box
10:45 AM - Check out from Geysir Cabin - road trip towards Haifoss Waterfall (with a couple of stops)
12:45 PM - Arrival at Haifoss, hike, movement class with Malgorzata (30 min), and body painting adventure
6:15 PM - Leaving for new accommodation in Sandlækur
7:30 PM - Dinner/Reflection of the day
9:00 PM - Hot Tub (optional)
Day 4
August 30
8:30-10.00 AM - Long breakfast
10.15 AM - Pack lunch box and backpack
10.45 AM - Leaving towards Katla - glaciers and waterfalls road-trip
2 PM - Short hike and body painting experience at the glacier
5 PM - Leaving the glacier with stops by waterfalls
8:00 PM - Dinner & reflection
9:00 PM - Hot Tub (optional)
Day 5
August 31
8:00 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - Pack the road trip + lunch box/ or eat at restaurant/cafe
10.30 AM - Check out from Villa - long and breathtaking road trip towards Höfn ( we stop by vik, black sand beaches, waterfalls, Jokulsarlong Glacier and more). Lunch at a restaurant/Cafe.
7:30 PM - Arrival at Hofn, Aurora Cottages.
8:30 PM - Dinner & reflection
Day 6
September 1
Sun rises 06.10 am
Sun Sets 20.42pm
08:00 - 10:00 AM: breakfast
10:15 AM: Relaxed time for you
12:00 PM: Lunch/ pack snacks with you
1:00 PM: Departure to Stockness Beach, with a to a café (20-minute drive)
Body-painting & Movement experience.
7:30 PM: Dinner and reflection
Day 7
September 2
8:00 AM: Breakfast
8:40 AM: Prepare for the road trip, including packing a lunch box or dining at a restaurant/café
10:30 AM: Check-out from the cottages; embark on a 480 km road trip to Akureyri, featuring sightseeing stops at Dettifoss, Gjastykki, Goðafoss, and Jökulsárgljúfur.
6:00 PM: Arrival in Akureyri
7:30 PM: Dinner at home
Day 8
September 3
08:30 - 09:40 AM - Slow morning breakfast
10:00 AM - Free time for personal activities
01:00 PM - Departure for a road trip to Myvatn (Bodypainting experience)
05:30 - 07:30 PM - Myvatn Nature Baths
08:45 PM - Dinner and reflection session
Day 9
September 4
Sun rises 06.19am
Sun Sets 20.31 pm
8:30 AM - Begin the day & delightful breakfast.
11:00 AM - Check-out from our comfortable accommodation.
11:20 AM - Visit a charming farm and meet a welcoming Icelandic family.
3:20 PM - Depart for the breathtaking West Fjords/Borgir, embarking on a 280 km journey of adventure.
7:00 PM - Arrive at our picturesque beach house.
8:00 PM - Join us for dinner at the house.
Day 10
September 5
8:15 AM - Start the day with a swim in the ocean.
8:30 AM - Savour a hearty breakfast and prepare your lunch box/snacks for the journey.
10:00 AM - Engage in thoughtful reflections on our inspiring retreat.
12:00 PM - Hit the road for an exciting 400 km journey to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik, with numerous captivating stops along the way.
8:00 PM - Arrive in Reykjavik/Keflavik, where we will drop you off at your hotel before your return flight.
WE DID IT! WE EXPLORED ICELAND!
WITH WARM REGARDS AND A HEARTFELT FAREWELL!
Accomondation
We will stay at five different accommodations around Iceland. We found the best options regarding comfort, safety, great location - best for our outdoor adventures, comfortable space for each participant ( in shared with 2-3 persons or single rooms), great kitchen, meeting, and resting areas.
Payment
Full payment 4900€ + administrative fee 245€ = 5145€
01 payment
Deposit - 1900€
as soon as you apply
2 payment
1700€
80 days in advance
03 payment
Payment 1545€
55 days in advance
Please review our cancellation policy, covid and additional information about materials, model and film/photography agrements, before completing the booking.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you as a participant must cancel your trip the following cancellation policy apply: Cancellation within one week after booking is fully refundable except the admin fee of 5%.
Cancellation from Maj 15 th 2025 untill June11 th a cancellation fee of 50% of the total retreat package price will apply.* )
Cancellation From June 12 th till retreat start, a cancellation fee of 95% of the total retreat package price will apply.*) There are no refunds for late arrivals or early departures. If we as the organiser have to cancel the retreat due to unforeseen events ,you will receive a full refund of the amount already paid, except admin fee of 5 %. If you as a participant must cancel your participation in the retreat due to unforeseen events, including but not limited to weather, personal emergencies, illness, accidents ,flights cancellations or delays, we cannot accept liability.*) We recommend that you purchase travel protection insurance. *) If you must cancel and we find a replacement for you (if there is a waiting list) in a timely manner or you bring a replacement, you will receive a full refund except the admin fee.
NOTE:
administration fee from total amount is plus 3,5-5% depending on chosen retreat offer. The bodypaint materials costs extra.The extra stay day cost extra, we can help to prolong your stay if you would like.
-TRAVEL INSURANCE
Participants must have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage.
COVID:If the Iceland government decides to impose COVID
regulations that make the retreat impossible (e.g. lockdown, limited number of people, closed beaches), you will receive a 89% refund of the price paid.In the event that you are unable to arrive due to a COVID illness, regulations of your country, or non-compliance with Iceland entry requirements, we cannot accept liability and our standard cancellation policy will apply.
ADDITIONAL:CREATIVE MATERIALS
For the ones who made booking of option 1 and 2 we will provide most of materials: bodypaitning colors main pallet that you can bring with you home afterwords, colors for camouflage class & brushes - will be used during the retreat, as well hulahoops are inkluded to borrow during the classes. the ones who book option 3 you would need to bring your own body painting colours and brushes or we can as well help you to order them for you. The cost of materials are from 120 - 280€ depending on your wishes. In urgent cases we will have extra colors , brushes and needed materials at the retreat place that you can buy.
CONTRACTS for photographing and Liability
We will need to sign a contract between you, us and the models that everyone agrees to be photographed, and that pictures can be used on social media, web etc with mention of photographer, model, artist etc.A liability form will also be needed to be signed at the start of the retreat. Stating that you participate in all activities at your own risk.