Midlife, Menopause & Meaningful Conversation — With Expert Guidance.

This special edition of our Iceland Women’s Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat follows the same beloved self-care itinerary while weaving in thoughtful discussions and workshops on menopause, midlife transitions, and women’s health, led by our special guest facilitator, Amy Novatt, M.D., Host and Creator of GynoCurious Podcast and menopause expert, brings clarity, warmth, and evidence-based insight to topics that are often misunderstood or ignored—helping women feel informed, empowered, and at ease in their own bodies.

Our first day is devoted to creating safety—in place, in community, and within our own bodies. Together, we establish shared expectations and clear agreements so every woman feels respected, heard, and supported. We also explore how the body can hold onto stress and unpleasant memories, especially during seasons of hormonal change, and begin practicing gentle techniques to release what no longer serves us. Safety becomes the foundation—so healing can begin.

Afternoon: We drive out of town to the beautiful fjord of Hvalfjörður for our first hot springs experience. Here, where the mountains hug the sea, you can practice your grounding skills and sensory awareness while soaking in the different temperature pools. This who are up for it, can take their first swim in the ocean. Inga will teach you breathing techniques to help you step into the cold North Atlantic for a dip or swim.

What do we mean by the premenopause/perimenopause and the menopause transition; what is actually happening to my eggs, my hormones and my body?

In midlife, loving ourselves is no longer optional—it is essential. This day is about turning that love inward first. Through intentional breath, we soften self-criticism, release old stories, and strengthen our emotional center. When we root into self-compassion, we create protection from within—not walls, but steady boundaries.

From that grounded place, love flows outward more freely. We give not from depletion, but from fullness. We bless ourselves first—so that everything we offer the world comes from strength, clarity, and an open heart.

At the hotel

On the shores of the Arctic Ocean, we gather where sea and sky stretch endlessly before us. Here, we practice heart-centered breathing—gently focusing on the heart chakra, the energetic center of love, compassion, and connection.

While the tide laps against the black sand, participants will practice heart connection and breathing techniques and that have positive effects on the mind, body, and spirit.

Menopause is a season of recalibration. As hormones shift and rhythms change, the body asks for rest, regulation, and a new kind of balance. Today, through floatation therapy, we step into weightlessness—giving the nervous system space to reset and the mind permission to soften. In stillness, we practice surrendering control and trusting that even in change, equilibrium is possible.

Sexual/intimacy health during the menopause transition.

Menopause can shake our confidence. As hormones shift and our bodies change, it’s easy to question our strength. But this season isn’t about shrinking—it’s about remembering that we are still powerful, capable, and brave.

Belief becomes a practice. And when doubt shows up, we surround ourselves with women who believe in us until we believe again. Today, we embody that courage—one breath, one step, one bold cold plunge at a time.

This morning we trace the coastal villages along Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in North Iceland, and arrive at the small fishing town of Hauganes. Here, geothermal hot tubs sit beside a sun-facing black sand beach—the perfect place to pause, breathe, and ground ourselves in the practices we’ve cultivated over the past few days. Together, we draw on breath, balance, and the safety of our circle as we prepare for our boldest invitation yet: an optional dip into the Arctic Ocean. Supported by warm water, steady encouragement, and the strength of community, we step forward—one breath at a time—proving to ourselves that we can do hard things.

Afternoon: After feeling relaxed and rejuvenated from the hot tubs and swimming in the sea, we head toward our hotel in Akureyri. Stop for dinner (not included) and shopping in Iceland's capital of the north.

Health and healthy decisions during the midlife.

his is the chapter where we know ourselves more deeply than ever before. As we move through menopause and into the wisdom years, our bodies recalibrate, our intuition sharpens, and our inner voice grows clearer. Today is about reclaiming that voice.

We drive into the Akureyri countryside for a two-hour sound bathing session in a cozy yurt with Sólveig. Resting on soft mattresses beneath warm blankets, each guest receives a gentle head massage with pure organic essential oils, inviting the nervous system to soften and the body to settle. Gongs, crystal singing bowls, and resonant instruments wash through the space, their vibrations supporting emotional release, hormonal balance, and deep restoration.

Guided Yoga Nidra, led by a certified instructor, carries us into a liminal state between waking and dreaming—a place where integration happens. Many women experience vivid imagery, profound relaxation, or a sense of connection beyond the physical. Each journey is uniquely her own, shaped by her dreams, her lived experience, and her spiritual connection to the greater cosmos.

In this season of life, we are not becoming less—we are becoming more. Through resonance and rest, we reclaim the power, clarity, and magic that have always lived within us.

After relaxation, we will go to Sólveig house for a homemade lunch in her kitchen. Participants can enjoy the sauna and hot tubs that overlooks the fjord.

Oh, so many symptoms….whats a person to do? What are my treatment options?

Menopause is not the loss of something—it is the sharpening of something. A deep remembering. A return to instinct.

Today is an invitation to turn inward and listen more closely—to the quiet signals of your changing body, the wisdom that comes from lived experience, and the inner knowing that often speaks before words. In this season of life, you have earned discernment. You know what nourishes you. You know what drains you. You know when something feels aligned—and when it does not.

Through heat and cold, story and stillness, we practice trust. Trusting your body’s cues. Trusting your health decisions. Trusting your intuition about people and the path ahead. Sensation over certainty. Intuition over explanation. Your own inner compass as the guide forward.

You have always known. This chapter simply asks you to believe it.

How to rejoice and relish the menopause transition

Tara Short, Founder and CEO of Green Edventures, will serve as your Tour Leader and stateside contact throughout this journey. With more than 17 years of experience designing and leading women’s adventures around the world, Tara brings warmth, organization, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful travel experiences. Iceland holds a special place in her heart, and she is honored to introduce you to the landscapes, waters, and people that make this country so compelling. From the moment you register to the day you return home, Tara is your “First Edventure Buddy,” ensuring you feel informed, supported, and connected every step of the way.

Ingibjörg Guðrún Guðjónsdóttir, affectionately known as Inga. Those who know her often say, “Inga knows everything!”—and they’re not far off. Inga is a true treasure trove of knowledge about her homeland, Iceland. Her passion for nature and travel is not simply a profession but a way of life, and she has thoughtfully hand-selected each activity and local expert you’ll encounter on this journey. In her own words, “My goal is to make every moment of travel with me an experience that will be kept as a great memory for years.”

If you questions, please feel free to reach out to Tara Short at tara@greenedventures.com or 1-888-622-4911.

She’s happy to connect and help you decide if this retreat is the right fit for you.

You can learn more about Green Edventures at www.greenedventures.com