Yoga & Swimming
Norway
JULY 16-21 • 2027 • 5 NIGHTS
with laura bell
Fjord Dips. Midlnight Kayak. Wildlife Safari.
- Fjord-side hideaway on Langøya, above the Arctic Circle
- Coastal hikes, Arctic sea swims and wildlife boat safari
- Yoga over the water beneath the midnight sun, small group
PRICES FROM £2,595 pp
Real people. real stories.
Over 15 years of experience, trusted by thousands of guests.
I’ve now been on two Zest Life retreats. The first time, I had no idea what to expect and I left feeling like something in me had genuinely shifted. The second time, I went in with high expectations, and it still managed to exceed them.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it exceeded everything. The setting is incredible, and the way the retreat is held makes you feel completely at ease from the moment you arrive.
PRICES & ROOMS
Shared twin room - £2,595 pp
Private single room - £2,795 pp
Private premier single room- £2,995 pp
Rooms are in small apartments, with 2 rooms sharing 1 bathroom.
Secure your place with a £250 deposit.
Choose to pay the remaining balance in monthly instalments or in full.
Limited spaces.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1 wildlife boat safari (4 hours), searching for sea eagles and marine life
- 1 guided coastal hike to a remote beach, with an Arctic swim (3 hours)
- 1 guided wildlife and mountain hike, with panoramic views (4 hours)
- Unlimited fjord swims
- Unlimited sauna sessions
- 8 yoga sessions
- 3 meals a day, with tea, coffee and water
- 5 nights' accommodation (sole use of the property)
- Return transfers from Harstad/Narvik airport
- The friendly host service of the team throughout your stay
DATES
JULY 16–21, 2027
Midsummer above the Arctic Circle means 24-hour daylight, the midnight sun low over the fjord through the night, and long, bright days made for being outdoors.
Daytime temperature: around 10–18°C
Sea temperature: around 8–12°C
STAY
Our home for the week is a small, family-owned collection of beautifully designed Nordic apartments right at the water's edge with red timber buildings on a quiet stretch of coastline, ringed by mountains and sea, with the feel of a secluded Arctic hideaway.
The apartments are modern, warm and clean in style, with open-plan living spaces, large windows and full kitchens. We have sole use of the property, five apartments in total, for a maximum of 12 guests. Yoga takes place in the spacious living room, looking out over the fjord.
ACTIVITY
BOAT SAFARI
A wildlife boat safari through the surrounding islands and fjords, searching for sea eagles and marine life as we pass dramatic cliffs, quiet bays and tiny fishing communities reachable only from the water.
COASTAL HIKE & SWIM
A guided hike along the coastline to a remote white-sand beach, finishing with a swim in the Arctic sea. Packed lunch included, so there's time to settle into the landscape.
MOUNTAIN HIKE
A guided wildlife and mountain hike higher into the hills, rewarded with panoramic views across the islands, fjords and open sea. Packed lunch included.
MIDNIGHT SUN
One late evening spent out in nature beneath the endless summer sky, the glorious, golden light that lasts all night.
YOGA
Open to all levels, each day includes a morning vinyasa flow to gently awaken the body, and an evening restorative session to help you unwind.
The yoga on this retreat is led by Zest Life founder Laura Bell, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience.
Rooted in Ashtanga, her approach has evolved into a fluid vinyasa style, focused on building strength, creating space in the body, and helping you feel grounded and present.
Always guided and held, never pushed.
WELLNESS
SAUNA
Sauna is part of the daily rhythm here. After the hikes, the swims and the boat days, there's something deeply restorative about warming up beside the fjord before stepping back into the cool Arctic air.
Unlimited sessions throughout the week.
EAT
Three meals a day made by our chef with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
Expect a hearty breakfast, a relaxed lunch (often packed, as we'll be out exploring) and a delicious dinner.
The menu includes some local meat and fish, with a vegetarian option at every meal. We cater for most dietary needs with notice.
All of our retreats are alcohol-free. All meals are included on this retreat.
TYPICAL DAY
7:00 — Optional fjord dip
8:00 — Morning yoga
9:30 — Slow breakfast
11:00 — Boat safari / coastal hike & swims
13:00 — Lunch, often packed on the trail
14:00 — Free time, sauna, dip
18:00 — Evening yoga
19:30 — Dinner
GETTING THERE
FLY
Arrive into Harstad/Narvik (EVE). Fly to Oslo from the UK with SAS, BA or Norwegian, then the domestic SAS connection to Harstad. The whole journey can be done in a day, or add a night in Oslo either side.
TRANSFER
A group transfer from Harstad to the retreat is included when you travel on the recommended flights. It's a three hour drive, but a stunning one, through fjords, mountains and small coastal villages.
FAQ
Do I need yoga experience?
No. Sessions are open to all levels and you move at your own pace. Mornings are a stronger flow, evenings are slower and restorative. Beginners are genuinely welcome.
How fit do I need to be?
This is one of our more active retreats. You don't need experience in any of the activities, but a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure will help you enjoy the hikes — including a coastal walk to a beach and a longer mountain hike. You can always opt for a quieter day by the fjord.
Will I see the midnight sun?
Yes — in mid-July, above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set. We plan one late evening out in nature to make the most of it, weather permitting.
Is the cold water swimming compulsory?
Never. The fjord dips and Arctic sea swims are there whenever you fancy them, always optional and guided. Plenty of guests build up to it over the week, and plenty just enjoy the sauna.
Will we see the sea eagles and wildlife?
The wildlife boat safari heads out in search of sea eagles and marine life, but sightings are always on nature's terms — we never disturb the animals, so we can't promise exactly what you'll see.
How do I get there, and is the transfer really that long?
You fly to Harstad/Narvik (EVE) via Oslo, then there's a group transfer of around three hours to the retreat, included when you travel on the recommended flights. It's a long drive, but a beautiful one through fjords and mountains — part of the experience of reaching somewhere this remote.
What should I bring?
Even in summer the Arctic weather changes quickly, so warm layers, good waterproofs and proper walking shoes are essential. We'll send a full kit list once you book. Please bring your own yoga mat.
What are the rooms like?
We have sole use of a small collection of Nordic apartments right on the fjord, for a maximum of 12 guests. Rooms are modern and warm, with shared bathrooms within each apartment. Single and twin options are available.
Can I come on my own?
Yes, and many do. The group is small and solo-friendly, with guests typically aged 40–60, and it's an easy, down-to-earth atmosphere to step into.
What's the food like?
Three meals a day made by our chef from fresh, local ingredients — hearty breakfasts, often-packed lunches for days out, and a proper dinner. The menu includes local meat and fish, with a vegetarian option at every meal, and we cater for most dietary needs with notice. Alcohol-free.
What if the weather changes plans?
The Arctic is weather-led, so we build in flexibility and adjust the order of the week as needed. You'll always have a full, well-held programme.
Will I have free time?
Yes. There's free time most days to rest by the water, warm up in the sauna, take another dip, or add an optional kayak or paddleboard.
