Iceland Retreat

Join Robin Hemley at an exclusive 6-day retreat in the “flower village” of Iceland, Hveragerði, known for its greenhouses and hot springs. We’ll be staying at the spa, Hotel Ork, in superior rooms for six nights, and our days will be filled with workshops alternating in the mornings and afternoons, evening salons, talks by well-known Icelandic writers and filmmakers, optional excursions, and plenty of free time to write and explore this beautiful region of Southern Iceland. Hveragerði is located 45 km east of Rekjavik, and is close to many of Iceland’s breathtaking attractions, including Hveragerði’s very own Rykjafoss (located next to Hveragerði’s botanical gardens in the center of town), Thingvellir National Park, the mammoth Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal area. You can hike, ride Icelandic ponies, shop for Icelandic sweaters, or you can simply relax in the thermal baths at the hotel and write to your heart’s content. Note: the attractions listed above will be among our optional excursions.

Retreat Program Fee

Included in the fee: 

• 6 nights superior accommodation at the Hotel Ork (breakfast included and no extra charge for significant others sharing the same room, though there will be charges for any activities/meals they choose to attend). 

• 5 workshops

• 1 hour-long conference with Robin with written feedback on your work

• Evening salons and readings/film screenings

• An opening and closing dinner

• Two lunches

• Catered coffee breaks

• Authors at Large welcome gifts

• In addition, there will be optional excursions throughout the week (with an additional fee).

Payment can be made by check, wire, Zelle, Paypal, or Venmo. The account is Exclaves, International,  Account number: 196476400961. Routing number 073000545. For international wires, SWIFT code: USBKUS44IMT. Checks can be mailed to Exclaves, International, 701 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240. For Venmo or Zelle, please contact us at aalauthors@gmail.com and copy robinhemley@gmail.com.

A deposit of 50% of the program fee is due upon acceptance to the retreat. The remainder is due 60 days later. The full amount will be due upon acceptance if applying past February 1st, 2026. A full refund will be given if you cancel by March 1st. Afterwards, no refunds will be issued. See the full Terms & Conditions for more information.

NOTE: Transportation to and from Iceland is not included. Transportation to the venue is available at participant expense by well-appointed buses and participant car-pooling. Renting a car is always a worthwhile expense in Iceland. 

Tentative Schedule

Registration