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.

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.”

Coming January 2026, The Foundry (name subject to change) is an online community for writers of all levels to build community, sharpen skills, and just have fun! Return to the Wild Writing Retreat attendees will have free access to this exclusive community for a whole year.

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!