​This is the manifestation of a long search to find the perfect Norwegian retreat home away from home for us, after I fell in love with this country on a personal trip several years ago. I am so grateful to have ultimately connected with Lofoten Planet Boutique Hotel - where 16 of us will be hosted by the warm and welcoming owners Agata and Erwin in August 2027.

​

We will be staying in the picturesque village of Sørvågen on Moskenes Island, directly on the shore of Sørvågvatnet Lake. The comfortable, clean and thoughtful accommodations at Lofoten Planet will keep us rested in between amazing adventures. We will enjoy group dinners at local restaurants throughout the week, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local culture and people and thank them for their hospitality. I can assure you that it is rare and special on retreat to have both otherworldly nature and a walkable village to stroll literally at your doorstep. I am so excited for the opportunity to visit this unique location!

​

OVERVIEW & DAILY RHYTHM

​

I named this retreat “Wild True North” not only because of its adventurous location, but also to call in those who are drawn to savoring the journey of life and following their inner compass to their truest self - beneath and beyond all of the daily roles we play in our lives and the moments we stifle or turn away from ourselves. Which are core elements of yoga too, I might add!

​

Our arrival day will be for settling in and enjoying our first dinner together. On each of the five full days on the retreat, there will be two yoga practices at a separate facility a short walk from Lofoten Planet - you can generally expect a more active class in the morning and a chill / gentle session in the afternoon, though I always tailor retreat classes to the flow of the week. Meditation will be woven into our retreat each day as well, as we each spend time connecting to our own inner true north. We will depart in the morning on August 16th to to journey onward, with new lifelong memories to cherish.

​

There will be *three* included excursions during the week, all guided by our hosts and their team:

​

• Majestic Wonderland Hike ~ Answer the call of the wild and experience the transformative power of mindful hiking in the magical landscapes of Lofotodden National Park with powerful waterfalls and picturesque mountain lakes. (4 hours)
   

• Kayak Adventure ~ Paddle into the stunning Reinefjorden beneath towering mountains with an experienced guide. Learn to identify edible seaweed, snap photos of colourful rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins), graceful bridges and wildlife, and hear stories of once-inhabited fishing villages deep inside the fiord and local life, past and present. This experience is safe, scenic, and unforgettable. You can choose a single or double kayak to match your experience. (3 hours)
   

• A traditional Nordic sauna and cold dip experience (2 hours)

​

For those interested in adding on a more intense hike, please join me to hike to Reinebringen Peak. We will climb more than 2,000 stone steps on the remarkable Sherpa-built trail from Nepal to one of Norway’s most iconic vistas, where sweeping views take in the fjords, Reinevatnet lake, postcard-perfect fishing villages, and the road winding between them. and enjoy one of Norway’s most recognizable panoramas from the summit.

​

During your free time, you might book a healing massage, explore the village, or simply slow down, relax or chat with friends old and new in the Lofoten Planet lounge. If you'd like to explore further out, there is a public bus system with a stop just one minute’s walk from the hotel.

​

And of course, we will be very well fed! Your retreat package includes a daily nourishing breakfast buffet at a partner restaurant across the street from Lofoten Planet, packed lunches to enjoy at your convenience, and nightly group dinners - typically out at local restaurants with perhaps one night eating in at the hotel. Lofoten is known for its world-class seafood and other unique delicacies - but not to worry if you do not eat fish / meat. Vegetarian and other dietary restrictions will be accommodated!

​

I encourage you to spend some time perusing the retreat center's web site and FAQ page; they have done a great job communicating all the details of life at Finca Victoria! Check out these stellar Trip Advisor reviews too.

​

INCLUDED IN YOUR RETREAT:

​

- six nights accommodation at Lofoten Planet Boutique Hotel
- three meals per day (buffet breakfast, takeaway lunch, and dinner at a local restaurant or prepared in-house by local chefs)
- ten yoga classes (all with Checka aside from one potential guest teacher class)
- ferry pick up & drop off (please note, airport transfers are $100 one-way / $200 round-trip and is not included in retreat cost)
- national park hiking excursion
- fjord kayaking excursion
- Norwegian sauna and cold dip experience
- special welcome gift
- all taxes & fees

​

NOT INCLUDED:

​

- massage appointments
- additional outings & excursions
- staff gratuities
- alcoholic drinks
- airfare / ferry tickets
- hotel stays before or after retreat
- travel insurance

​

GETTING THERE

 

There are a few steps to get to this Wild True North - it will be worth it! :)

​

First you will fly to Bodø Airport (BOO) in northern Norway (you can fly here from several airports in Norway, including Oslo, and potentially a few other northern European cities that often have summer flights to BOO). From there you can choose to fly from Bodø to Leknes Airport (LKN) on Lofoten, or take the ferry over. The flight is 25 minutes and the ferry is 3.5 hours; the ferry lands just a couple miles from our retreat center, while the airport is an hour’s drive away.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

​

1. Our hosts will pick you up upon arrival, but please note that there will be only one designated pick-up time at the airport and one for the ferry.

2. Transportation from the ferry to the retreat center is included in your retreat cost, but airport transfer will be an additional cost of $100 one-way / $200 round-trip.

 

Detailed information will be sent to all registrants once it's time to book your travel.

​

Please keep in mind that this whole journey from the U.S. is not typically done in one day. This trip could be a great opportunity to have a stopover and explore another part of Norway or other places in northern Europe on your way to / from the retreat! One idea, for example, would be to fly from your home base to Oslo a day or two before the retreat, tour around Oslo, and then on the morning of August 10th, fly from Oslo to Bodø (a 90 minute flight) and catch your flight or ferry over to Lofoten. You could also spend the night of the 9th in Bodø - there are plenty of hotels near the ferry dock.

​

And don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed at first reading all of this. I study these logistics carefully so that I can support you in digesting it and making your plans!
​

*SPECIAL BOOKING NOTES:

 

*There is a $50 discount for current members of my Anyday Yogaway virtual yoga and meditation membership. Please note, you must have a total of two or more months of membership at time of your registration to qualify for the discount.

*If you are booking a double occupancy room with a specific partner or roommate, kindly let me know their name when you register. If you would like a double occupancy spot but do not have a roommate, I may be able to pair you up with someone - please inquire!

​

ACCOMMODATIONS

​

Our group of 16 will have exclusive use of the hotel, which includes ten unique rooms and comfortable common areas. Please note that four of the rooms have shared bathrooms (there are four full shared bathrooms for those six rooms) and some have private en suite bathrooms. Comfort, soundproofing and all the thoughtful touches for a peaceful stay have been prioritized in each room. You will see the details in the descriptions below, along with guidance to see more info and pics on the hotel's web site.

​

SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

 

Each single occupancy standard room has a double bed, and will share four full bathrooms with seven other guests. You can see more in the "Double Rooms" section on the accommodations page (contradictory names, I know, but for our retreat these rooms will be singles!) - 3895

​​

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS

​

Option 1 - Double with Shared Bathroom:

​

A standard room with two twin beds; the two occupants will share four full bathrooms with seven other guests. You can see more in the "Twin Room" section on the accommodations page. - 3295

​

Option 2 - Superior Double with Private Bathroom:

​

A superior room for two with either a double bed or two twin beds, private en suite bathroom, kitchenette and small eating table. See the "Superior Room" section on the accommodations page for more. - 3595

​

Option 3 - Suite Double within 4-Person Suite with Private Bathroom:

​

Suite life!The large second-floor suite has two double-occupancy bedrooms along with a private en suite bathroom (shared by both suite bedrooms), living room, dining room and kitchen. One of the bedrooms has two 90cm beds and other has two 180cm beds - first some first served! Check out the "Suite" section on the accommodations page for more info. - 3495​
 

DOES THE WILD TRUE NORTH CALL TO YOU? IF SO, THIS MAY BE THE TRIP FOR YOU!​​

​

To register: Email Checka at info@yogawayretreats.com to request your room type - please indicate if are registering with a particular roommate. A $695 non-refundable deposit will confirm your spot; your balance will be due in two equal payments on September 30, 2026 and January 31, 2027.  (Electronic invoices will be provided for all payments due).

​

Please take a few moments to read through the important terms and conditions below before registering.

​

>>TRIP INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, AND SO WORTH IT FOR PEACE OF MIND<< 

​

All retreat deposits and payments are non-refundable; trip insurance is highly recommended. I personally recommend and partner with Wanderwell due to their excellent customer service and commitment to environmental responsibility as a Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet business member, and Transformational Travel Council ALLY. Over the years, I have heard positive first-hand reviews from my clients who have processed claims through Wanderwell; while no one wants to be in that position, the company has been supportive and efficient when the situation arises.

​

​And as always, I am here to answer any questions or just chat about if this is the right retreat for you. I hope to see you in Puerto Rico!

​

Warmly, Checka