Speaker, & Writer
A Norwegian escape to Starlight & Storm
October 2-8, 2026
Arnøya, Norway
$2500
A week-long immersion in the world capital of wintering well, exploring the art and mindset of seasonal living and embracing winter, with Kari Leibowitz, Becky Lee, and Hannah Viano, for those craving an opportunity to experience the magic of Arctic Norway and remote island living, who need a chance to pause and slow down, and who want to delve into the science and power of mindset to embrace the dark days of winter and find opportunities in challenge year-round.
Research
Where we'll be
The island
Located above the Arctic Circle at 70 degrees North, the island of Arnøya is a striking place of steep mountainsides tumbling into deep fjords and facing out towards the stormy North Sea. Arnøya is roughly a 25km x 25km square with a couple tiny villages and 300 total residents.
There are two tiny grocery/post offices on the island and that is all. Sheep sleep in the road and reindeer roam the mountains and mudflats. The weather is dynamic with rainstorms blowing through often.
The place
Singla is a historic homestead that is in the process of being re-imagined as a base for arts, research, and adventure.
First developed in the 1850s, it consists of a handful of buildings from generations of fiskerbonde or the fisherman-farmer’s life, including an old boathouse, barn, cottage, and small working lighthouse, complete with all of the tools and treasures of years gone by.
The accommodations
The small farmhouse cottage has snug double occupancy rooms for 6 guests and a kitchen and living room for eating group meals and relaxing by the cozy woodstove. The house provides rustic accommodations, trading modern conveniences for the rich stories and charm of the spaces.
There is running water for cooking and washing. We encourage sea dips paired with sauna bathing as there are no shower or laundry facilities available. The bathroom contains an incinerating toilet.
Limited water, electricity, and kitchen facilities force guests to be conscious and conserve, slowing down the pace of life for a while. There is cell service but no wi-fi, so we will enjoy a more analog, unplugged existence together.
Our days
In a curated mix of guided reflections, group activities and discussion, and solo free time, we’ll explore what it means to live seasonally, the unique opportunities and gifts of winter, how to cultivate slowness and coziness amidst our busy lives, and how the science of mindset can help us connect with ourselves and the world around us.
Activities will include a mix of art and science workshops, sauna and sea swimming, walking and time in the nature of Norway, and time for reading, writing, and resting. We’ll learn to cultivate our capacity for awe facilitated by some of the most gorgeous scenery on earth, experiment with block printing and making art with natural materials, and craft a vision of our own idealized winter worlds. This retreat is meant to be both a restorative and inspiring pause from your everyday life and an opportunity to develop strategies you can bring home to make your winter cozier and more joyful wherever you live.
Alongside plenty of opportunities for solo time, we’ll share daily meals together, forgo showers for sauna sessions and dips in the sea, and support each other as we each discover our own personal approach to wintering well. Experienced researchers, artists, and facilitators, Kari, Becky, and Hannah have designed this retreat to be a space of connection and reflection to build our collective muscles in true seasonal living.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the winter months, want to experience rustic living with new friends in the Arctic, and are curious to dive deeper into the science of mindset, this retreat is for you.
The details
What's included:
- 7 days/6 nights double occupancy accommodation in a historic farmhouse (evening arrival to evening departure)
- All meals
- On-island transportation
- All activity materials & instruction
Not included:
- Flights to/from Norway
- Ferry to/from Singla
- Travel insurance
Cost: $2500, including a $500 deposit to book your spot
Final payment due September 1
Early bird pricing: $2250, if booked before June 30th
Notes:
Unfortunately, this retreat location is not a good fit for folks with limited mobility due to steep stairways to the sleeping quarters and lots of uneven terrain.
Meals are served family style and made in a small kitchen; while we try to accommodate guests’ needs, it is not possible to accommodate strict diets or severe allergies where cross-contamination is an issue. If you are unsure whether the meals will work for you, please contact us in advance of registration.
Please review travel logistics and additional notes for participants here before registering. If you are considering this retreat and require accommodations please contact us in advance to discuss details and see if this retreat is a good fit for you.
Cancellation Policy: Deposits are non-refundable, and the remaining balance is due by September 1. Because of the nature and location of this retreat, we have a strict cancellation policy. Please consider purchasing your own travel insurance if needed. For cancellations made after fees are paid in full, we may be able to offer you a partial refund (50%) if someone from our waitlist is able to take your place, if this is not possible the fees will not be refunded.
After you have paid your deposit and reserved your place we will contact you via email with a welcome packet including arrival and departure specifics, travel tips, packing suggestions and more.
Also consider our U.S. retreat here.
Feel free to contact us in advance of registration if you have any questions: becky@karileibowitz.com.