Private Retreat
Norway Retreat
Sea cabins and towers on a private island in the Arctic Circle
MANSHAUSEN ISLAND, STEIGEN
LOCATION
TIME OF YEAR
February to October
Steigen, Norway
RECOMMENDED LENGTH
GROUP SIZE
5 Nights
1-14 Guests
CLOSEST AIRPORT
PRICE RANGE
Bodø Airport (BOO)
From €500
p/person p/night
Escape to a private island in the Arctic Circle
Experience a curated Arctic sea and mountain adventure. Retreat to Manshausen - a private island situated in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Northern Norway, famed for its spectacular juxtaposition of steep mountains, vivid green seas, and award-winning futuristic architecture. Stay in your own secluded sea cabin, with floor to ceiling glass walls, revealing the most wondrous ocean vistas and glimpses of the Northern Lights. Thrive on daily yoga and feel energized on guided kayak and hiking trips. Enjoy seasonal, regional cuisine, prepared by Manshausen’s celebrated chef and connect with like-minded adventurers next to a crackling fire, or in the Nordic sauna.
This is the perfect location for a group private retreat of 4-8 guests, or a solo retreat.
Main attractions
Breathtaking fjord landscape
Nordic adventures
Northern lights and midnight sun
Award-winning architecture
Michelin star dining
Location
Situated in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Northern Norway, the island of Manshausen lies in the middle of the Grøtøy strait between the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten mountains and the Barents Sea. Manshausen and the surrounding archipelago are an outdoor adventurer's dream with endless winter and summer sports and dramatic unspoiled natural beauty. If you choose to travel here in Feb/ March and October, there are great opportunities for viewing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
There will likely be snow and ice on the surrounding mountains, and Steigen is well within the Arctic Circle so it is cold. Expect average temperatures: low -5°C / high 5°C (low 23°F / high 41°F). In the spring and summer months, temperatures can vary greatly. There will be plenty of daylight hours, with the midnight sun over all of June/July. Expect average temperatures: low 5°C / high 23°C (low 41°F / high 73°F).
Hotel
Set on 55 acres, there are 7 sea cabins that have dramatic floor-to- ceiling windows. In addition, there are 2 towers with glass ceilings as well as glass in the front of the structure. The main house accommodates the kitchen, dining area, and library. This striking collection of Architizer award winning cabins was commissioned by renowned Norwegian polar explorer Børge Ousland in partnership with architect Snorre Stinessen.
Constructed and assembled on site, the prefabricated cabins were designed to limit the impact on the pristine environment, highlight the beauty of the landscape, and provide maximum privacy and comfort. Each cabin has its own special view and time of day where it is most stunning. Each cabin/tower has a queen bed, lounge area, kitchen, bathroom and additional small room with a bunk bed. In addition, on the island there is a Nordic sauna and hot tub, a flock of sheep and a growing vegetable, herb and fruit garden.
Your InRetreat guide
Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence in a grounding and nourishing atmosphere.
Click to read Nina’s full bio.
THIS RETREAT CAN BE BOOKED WITH AN INRETREAT GUIDE, OR CAN BE SELF-GUIDED (AND WE’LL ENSURE EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTHLY!)
Booking and travel
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All private retreats with InRetreat are fully customisable. Whilst we can recommend what package would be best suited to this particular location, it is up to you to determine the final dates, group size, inclusions and itinerary.
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For this location we recommend 1-14 guests. The island is suitable for solo retreats, mid-size groups and large groups. There are 9 cabins in total, so you can privatise the island if you have a group of 9 or more.
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Yes, this is very suitable for a solo retreat. Each cabin/ tower is set apart with plenty of privacy and peaceful contemplation. Meals are served in a dining area, and you can choose to be social with other guests, or keep to yourself. The staff are very attentive to each guest’s needs.
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As this is a private retreat, all excursions are dependent on what your preferences and budget is. Some recommendations include a guided hike to Ressola cave, a guided kayaking excursion in the fjord, and a guided sea eagle safari. Contact us for further details.
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Breakfasts are automatically included in the accommodation booking. Lunches and dinners are bookable on the island restaurant, which has won international acclaim with a Michelin Key award. It is highly recommended you include lunches and dinners at the restaurant; the Nordic cuisine and the philosophy behind it is beautiful and so much a part of the total experience.
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No, international fights are not included.No, international fights are not included.
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Fly to Bodø Airport (BOO). Connections to this small regional airport are through Oslo Gardermoen International Airport (OSL). From here it is a 5 minute bus, or taxi, to Bodø Sentrumsterminalen båt. The daily express boat from Bodø (Sentrumsterminalen båt) to ‘Nordskot hurtigbåtkai’ (Steigen) takes 1.5 hours, and departs at 18:00 every day.
The ferry arrives at Nordskot at 19:20, and the friendly Manshausen staff will be there to meet you, and will take you directly across to the island via private boat.
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Click on the ‘Book retreat’ button on this page. We will then finalise all your private retreat specifications for you and provide a final costing.
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The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel more than 60 days before the retreat start date, you forfeit your deposit. The balance payment is due 60 days prior to the retreat start. If you cancel within 60 days prior to the retreat, all payments made are non-refundable. We can, however, change the dates of your retreat if you request this more than 60 days prior to the start date. Date change and admin fees may apply.
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Yes. It is mandatory that you take out travel insurance and this is your responsibility.
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