Crashing waterfalls, giant milky-blue hot springs, glimmering bright Northern Lights, and the continent’s largest glacier. The stunning natural beauty of Iceland has a long history of possessing an almost gravitational-like pull on outdoors lovers all across the world, particularly those more willing to rough it a bit in less-than-glamorous accommodations.
However, this no longer has to be the case. The rugged beauty of the land can now be experienced whilst staying in digs worthy of London or Monte Carlo. Over the past year, a luxury boom has hit the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and it has hit splendidly. You can now spend the day soaking in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and then return to a 5-star property without ever having to step out of your robe. Or, choose to stay in a design hotel in downtown ReykjavÃk offers guests their own private saunas to relax in before dinner.
Natural beauty has forever looked great on Iceland. Now, so does luxury.
The Retreat
Five-star hotel The Retreat made a splash earlier this spring, offering direct access to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon straight from opulent guest rooms. The rooms offer round-the-clock access to the lagoon, so it’s up to you whether you want to soak under the midnight sun or the northern lights – or both. The Moss Restaurant located within the hotel finishes off the wellness experience with healthy, creative takes on some of Iceland’s signature recipes.
ION Hotels
Sister properties ION City Hotel and ION Adventure Hotel offer similarly luxurious experiences in incredibly different locales. The newest city location is located right in ReykjavÃk, the country’s biggest city and capital, putting you in walking distance of fantastic local restaurants and quirky shopping. All of the artwork throughout the hotel is inspired by the country’s natural wonders and staff members wear uniforms designed by local artists. The ION Adventure Hotel, located further inland in the classically rugged Nesjavellir, is a luxurious base camp from which to explore. Big windows for watching the Northern Lights unfold are a guest room staple.
Silica Hotel
Contemporary, minimalist rooms located on Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Resort offer direct access to the resorts facilities as well as access to a private, less-crowded lagoon only available to hotel guests. All rooms have private verandas and large windows with great views of the surrounding lava fields. Breakfast is served each morning in a room off the hotel lobby that overlooks the hotel’s lagoon and is a varied mix of warm dishes and cold meats, fruits, and fish- Icelandic specialities.
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