LIFE
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT RETREAT
LIFE invites you to embark on a transformative journey unlike any you have experienced before.
Our Invitation
This is more than an invitation; it is a passage into a profound exploration of self and the world around you. In the heart of a vibrant learning community, you will delve into the core of your values and beliefs, uncovering layers of meaning that have shaped your life. Together, we will engage with some of life’s most profound questions, drawing inspiration from an extraordinary array of philosophical, religious, and cultural texts, as well as the shared stories and experiences of each other.
Through this process, you will encounter diverse perspectives that challenge, expand, and enrich your own. As you reflect on what it truly means to live a life worthy of your humanity, you will emerge with new insights, deeper understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose. This journey of transformation culminates in a powerful reorientation—a recommitment to your life, equipped with clarity and conviction to lead with intention and authenticity.
This is your opportunity to rediscover yourself and the life you are meant to live. Are you ready to take the first step?
Our Approach
The LIFE journey draws inspiration from the „Life Worth Living“ approach, first developed at Yale University in 2014 (learn more here). Through a thoughtful process of exploration, active listening, and relational practices, participants engage in a transformative experience that deepens their understanding of themselves, others, and the value of encountering difference.
It is this encounter with difference that sets participants in motion as they articulate for themselves intentional answers to these questions. Through an engagement with human ideas both ancient and modern, representing various cultural, religious and philosophical traditions, participants are given the opportunity to uncover, test and re-align themselves with what gives meaning and worth to their lives and their work. The unique LIFE journey incorporates intellectual, emotional, physical and relational engagement with a strong connection to the natural world.
LIFE is a relational approach centered on meaningful dialogue and the exploration of diverse perspectives. It fosters a deeper understanding of profound questions through engaging discussions in safe learning environments, thoughtful text readings, and the use of participatory methods and rituals.
Our Experience
Experience the ultimate in luxury and renewal with this exclusive LIFE retreat package, thoughtfully curated to ensure every detail enhances your journey.
What’s Included in the full LIFE Journey:
- Seamless Arrival: Private transportation from Keflavik Airport (or Reykjavik if you arrive before Monday morning) directly to Skálakot Manor Hotel on Monday morning (flights from North America arrive early in the morning).
- Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy exclusive private room lodging in a beautiful and authentic Icelandic farmhouse surrounded by Icelandic horses and access to the spa.
- Culinary Excellence: Indulge in exquisite meals tailored to delight and nourish you throughout your stay and showcasing local products.
- First Day of Summer Celebration: Experience Icelandic tradition on the first day of summer.
- Morning Yoga/Sauna Sessions: Begin each day with calming yoga and a sauna, grounding your body and mind.
- Final Day Tour: Explore Iceland’s captivating beauty on a privately guided storytelling tour before your return to Reykjavik on Friday.
- Closing Night in Reykjavik: Conclude your journey with accommodation in downtown Reykjavik and a final culinary experience, celebrating the transformative moments shared throughout the retreat.
What’s not included:
- Flights to and from Iceland.
- Transportation back to the airport following the retreat.
- Massage (schedule and appointments TBD).
Our Location
Skálakot Manor Hotel: Farmhouse Luxury in the Heart of South Iceland
Nestled in the serene countryside of South Iceland, Skálakot Manor Hotel serves as a gateway to authentic Icelandic charm and tranquility. Surrounded by glaciers, volcanoes, and the vast North Atlantic Ocean, Skálakot offers a haven of comfort and hospitality.
With a history spanning seven generations, the family that runs Skálakot Manor Hotel has lovingly tended the farm and is deeply connected to the land and its heritage. This connection is reflected in every detail, from breeding iconic Icelandic horses to sharing stories of Icelandic traditions.
The hotel’s exquisitely designed rooms combine rustic charm with modern luxury, creating a peaceful space to unwind and recharge. The on-site restaurant transforms local ingredients into culinary masterpieces, ensuring guests are well-nourished.
Our Itinerary
Engage in a transformative experience designed to inspire, challenge, and reorient your understanding of the good life. Each day will be thoughtfully structured around profound questions, readings, reflections, and deep conversations, all in the breathtaking natural beauty of Iceland.
Each morning begins with a gentle yoga session before breakfast, inviting relaxation and mindfulness as you start the day. Daily, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a contemplative walk or an enriching cultural experience, carefully designed to deepen your connection to the themes of the retreat. On the final day, a longer, exclusive tour guided by a master storyteller will offer a captivating journey through Iceland’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, leaving you inspired and rejuvenated.
This curated experience is designed to leave you with a profound sense of renewal, clarity, and inspiration to live a life truly worthy of your humanity. Each day combines deep engagement with timeless questions and curated Icelandic experiences for a journey unlike any other
Set amidst a stunning backdrop, LIFE offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment of serenity and inspiration. The natural beauty of Iceland becomes an integral part of your journey, a companion to your transformation, offering clarity, grounding, and perspective as you delve into life’s big questions.
This is your time. This is your space. Join us in Iceland 21-26 April 2025 to begin a journey that is as extraordinary as the land itself.
Investment in Your Renewal: $7,500
Bring a Friend: Share the experience with a friend and receive 15% off, reducing the cost to $6,375 per person for shared accommodations.
Spaces are limited. Reserve your place today to join this once-in-a-lifetime journey in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Our Facilitators
Andrea RC Kasper is Senior Educational Consultant at NORTH. Andrea has been involved with LWL since 2019. Inspired by the work and envisioning its application well beyond higher education, she was eager to expand LWL within education, personal development and organizational leadership upon her move to Iceland and being hired at NORTH. By bringing together her experience and knowledge in leadership and the evolution of LIFE, she works to enhance leadership practice and personal development by strengthening relationships and accountability with renewed clarity. Andrea has lived in five countries (Israel, United States, Japan, Panama and Iceland).
María Kristín Gylfadottir is the founder and General Manager of NORTH Consulting. María was instrumental in bringing the LWL approach to Iceland and into Europe, by designing and developing a multi-national European project in which the LIFE journey was born. As a seasoned facilitator and leadership trainer, María ensures that participants stay focused and engaged, and are supported in facing the most challenging of questions and situations. María has lived in three countries, Iceland, United States and Belgium; she is passionate about learning new cultures and their histories. She brings this experience and curiosity to bear in all areas of her work and life.
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Payment Policy
To secure your spot for the retreat, we require an initial payment of 20% of the total retreat cost at the time of registration. This deposit ensures your reservation and is applied toward the full retreat cost. The remaining balance is due in a single payment as outlined below:
- At Registration:
- 20% of the retreat cost is due (non-refundable if cancellation occurs less than 30 days before the retreat).
- 20% payment upon registration ($1500)
- 20% payment upon registration for Bring a Friend ($1275)
- 50 Days Before the Retreat (March 2, 2025):
- The remaining 80% of the retreat cost is due.
- Payments made by this date are fully refundable, minus a $250 administrative fee, if canceled by March 2.
Cancellation Policy
Once the registration fee has been paid in accordance with our payment schedule you become subject to our cancellation policy which is as follows:
Cancellations made 50 days (March 2) or more before the retreat start date:
Full refund of any payments made, minus a $250 administrative fee.
Cancellations made 30-49 (March 3-March 22) days before the retreat start date:
50% refund of the retreat cost.
Alternatively, you may choose to apply your payment toward a future retreat within 12 months of the original retreat date.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the retreat start date:
No refund available.
However, you may transfer your spot to another participant with advance notice and our approval.
Exceptional Circumstances:
If the cancellation is due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters), we are happy to work with you on a case-by-case basis to find a solution, such as a partial refund or credit for a future retreat.
If the retreat is canceled by the organizer:
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the retreat, you will receive a full refund of any payments made. We cannot, however, be held responsible for non-refundable travel expenses or other costs incurred.
Additional Notes
- We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending.