May 18-22, 2026

Selfoss, Iceland

Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wild beauty at our exclusive luxe writing retreat where nature meets craft, where like-minded writers gather to reconnect with the land, storytelling, and their creative spirit.

Enrolment Opens November 8, 2025

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10AM PST / 1PM EST / 6PM GMT

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Enrolment Opens November 8, 2025 〰️ 10AM PST / 1PM EST / 6PM GMT 〰️

Location

Located in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat is blend of authentic Icelandic style, inspired by traditional Icelandic viking farms, and relaxed eco-luxury.

Positioned on the banks of the Ölfusá River, Selfoss serves as a gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle including Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area at Hveragerði, and Þingvellir National Park.

This rugged landscape is very much alive, threaded with story—you might even see the huldufólk, like Marina did when she visited Torfhús in 2024.

What makes Return to the Wild different?

Return to the Wild goes beyond a typical writing retreat. It offers a full immersion in the land and local wisdom, creating an inclusive, mindful, and inspiring space for writers to elevate their craft and reconnect to their creative spirit through a nature-centered perspective, guided by published authors and industry experts.

What’s Included?

  • Icelandic Luxury in the heart of the Golden Circle

    A Unique Blend Of Authentic Icelandic Style and Relaxed Eco-luxury. Stay in a unique house with a turf roof (torfbæir is Icelandic for Turf House), with a geothermal pool outside. Inspired by Viking farms, driven by sustainable practices.

    At Torfhús Retreat, tranquillity and mesmerizing scenery come together in a place far away from everyday routine. Surrounded by natural beauty and iconic sights.

  • The finest, freshest local ingredients. Experience traditional Icelandic meals in the authentically designed Viking longhouse.

    Cuisine at Torfhús Retreat is inspired by Icelandic tradition and the finest, freshest local ingredients. The menu changes every night, It’s informal, creative, dramatic and accomplished. Our chef uses the freshest of Icelandic ingredients mostly sourced from within a 10-mile radius.

    Berries and soft fruits, vegetables, herbs and salads are grown year-round in classic greenhouses, heated by Iceland ‘s abundant geothermal energy. Salmon and char are caught on nearby rivers and seafood comes from coastal fishermen. Mountain grazed lamb and beef is fresh and local and is complemented by wines from our carefully selected cellar.

    Breakfast and dinner are included in the retreat price. Lunches are at your own discretion. Each Torfhús has a full kitchen and opportunity to stock up on groceries will be available on our way to Torfhús on the first day.

  • Prepare for true story and craft elevation! Every day we will return to the wild and our craft with nature-based and craft-focused writing exercises. You can apply these sessions to your current WIP or work on something totally new. Every session will come with an opportunity to share our ideas and work as a group.

  • This is an immersive retreat! Marina chose Torfhús because it has so much to offer on its own. This is a chance for you to put your head down and generate those worlds, or go for a stroll amongst the volcanic landscape and dream up your next bestseller.

  • Each attendee will be paired with dedicated faculty and one private scheduled 60 or 90-minute meeting to help you elevate your story.

  • A goodie bag to greet you upon arrival and inspire the magic of our retreat week to come!

  • As a compliment to our craft sessions, faculty will provide daily talks on all things storytelling. Usually, these talks will take place in the evening, before or after dinner.

  • Torfhús, our home base, is located in the heart of the Golden Circle. There are so many sights for us to see! Marina is arranging a few key sights for us to visit on our first day as we venture from Reykjavík to our accommodations. More information to come!

  • Relax in private basalt stone hot pools, heated by nearby geothermal sources.

  • Interact with the gentle Icelandic horses, learn about their history, and enjoy guided rides through the countryside.

    One of the many unique features of Torfhús Retreat is our beloved Icelandic horses. These magnificent creatures are a vital part of Icelandic culture and have been an important part of daily life on the island for centuries. Our guests have the opportunity to interact with these gentle animals, learn about their history, and even take a guided horseback ride through the beautiful surrounding countryside.

  • Horseback Riding: Icelandic horses are our passion and were pivotal in bringing together the families who created Torfhús Retreat. As a result the horses have a special place in our hearts. For those who would like to experience the thrill of riding a pure Icelandic horse and the five gaits of which they are uniquely capable, riding expeditions from expert guides are easily organized.

    Hvítá River Rafting / Kayaking: Don’t worry, the kayaking will be quiet as we sail quietly through the exquisite natural beauty of canyons, gorges and fascinating geological formations

    Depending on budget restrictions, one or both of these will be at the attendees’ own expense. More to come!

Faculty

  • FACULTY TO COME

    AUTHOR

    Faculty will be revealed 2 weeks before enrolment goes live November 8, 2025.

    If you are a published author and would like to participate as faculty, please contact Marina for more information.

  • FACULTY TO COME

    AUTHOR

    Faculty will be revealed 2 weeks before enrolment goes live November 8, 2025.

    If you are a published author and would like to participate as faculty, please contact Marina for more information.

  • Marina Green

    Literary Agent, Editor, Founder

    By day, Marina is literary agent, previously a Big 5 acquiring editor. Avid supporter of the Oxford Comma and the em dash, Marina is also a freelance editor by night, founder of Marina Edits and Return to the Wild.

    In her free time, you can find Marina with her nose in a book or clicking away at her laptop, chasing new stories and wrangling them into wild submission. When she isn’t immersing herself in story, you can find her with a cup of tea in hand, trying a new yoga asana—never at the same time—or practicing Armenian, the language of her ancestors.

Rooms

Each 60 sqm Torfhús accommodates up to 4 guests in two bedrooms, each configurable with king or twin beds. The residence includes a luxurious shared bathroom with large bottle vanity products, a spacious living room, and a private veranda, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Outside, enjoy your own private geothermally heated basalt stone hot pool, sunken into the earth for a tranquil soak under the open sky. Interiors combine reclaimed oak, rustic painted walls, and handcrafted furniture to create a cozy, chalet-style atmosphere. Modern comforts include a Nespresso coffee machine, herbal teas, and a daily restocked minibar.

Shared Twin Room: $3,650 USD (per person)

Shared room with one other person. Each Torfhús has two bedrooms. Roommates have one twin bed each. Please remember, the beds are close together. Approx. €3,150 EUR per person.

If you are vehemently opposed to sharing, for whatever reason, Torfhús’ prices are very steep. To book a private Torfhús, a payment of $5,550 USD (€4,720 EUR) is required. Please contact Marina if you would like to choose this option. Your geothermal spring will be shared among other resort visitors and not private to your space.

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. WILL BE LOCKED IN 2 WEEKS BEFORE ENROLMENT ON NOVEMBER 8, 2025.

Storytelling is rooted in the land

Ready to Enroll?

Hurry! There are only 20 spots!

Here are the payment details:

Enrolment opens November 8, 2025

A nonrefundable enrolment deposit of $750 USD goes toward your overall retreat cost on November 1st.

Full Balance Option can be paid at any point after enrolment
Please note: We are encouraging participants who are able to pay in full in advance so we can secure dates, accommodations, & trip experiences!

Instalments Option:

  • First Payment Due February 7, 2026

  • 2nd Payment Due April 4, 2026

Your enrolment will register you for the retreat, which includes accommodations, all activities including critique circles, & all meals. Transportation to Nectar and back is not included. Marina will provide a detailed how-to guide after sign-up. See the FAQ section below for a brief overview.

Cancellation policy: The enrolment deposit & all other payments for this retreat are nonrefundable.

We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event of cancellations or rescheduling.

More Information

    • Accommodation

    • Breakfast and Dinner

    • Transfer to Torfhús Retreat from Reykjavík (you can opt out of this if you choose to drive to the retreat. With ample free time, some attendees might choose to have a little more freedom to roam).

    • Full Itinerary

    • Flights

    • Travel insurance

    • Lunch and food & drink outside of the accommodation.

    • Alcohol

  • Yes! if you would like to room with your friend, please coordinate before enrollment so that you both choose the same type of room. After enrollment, you will be provided opportunity to disclose your chosen roommate! We will do everything in our power to accommodate roommate requests to the best of our abilities. 

    If you do not have a specific roommate in mind or if you do not get your requested pairing, don’t worry! You’re coming to a place with like minded people who you could very well make life-long connections with. You will also have tons of time during the day to spend time with all of your friends—new and old.

  • We will provide a detailed packing list January. If you like to prepare extra, extra early, according to arcticadventures.is, “The average temperature in Iceland in May ranges from 2°C (35.6°F) to 10°C (50°F).” Bring lots of layers!

    Among other things, Marina will be bringing her waterproof hiking boots, and waterproof jackets and pants.

  • Our daily schedule includes daily walks in nature. These are completely dependant on weather and will mostly be short. Other activities are being planned that will be nature-based and therefore will require movement.

  • You must be at least 19 years old to participate.

  • Life happens. Don’t we know it. We highly recommend you purchase good travel insurance to protect against rare incidents like this!