Glaciers and Northern Lights: A Winter Discovery of Iceland

Overview

Step back to yesteryear at this sophisticated property on the corner of Austurvöllur Square. Harking back to the days of the ’30s, Hotel Borg is adorned with art deco design; black and white photos line the walls and elegant fittings grace the interiors.

Fused with a Scandinavian influence, the rooms and suites feature modern style with top-notch amenities and custom-made furniture. What’s more, some enjoy lovely Austurvöllur Square views, while interconnected and superior guestrooms offer further space and luxury.

Dining-wise, the hotel boasts a Jamie’s Italian restaurant which is set in the Golden Hall, known for its unique oval ceiling mural. Here guests can enjoy everything from antipasti and nibbles, to classic sourdough pizzas and hearty pasta dishes.

Overview

The Alda Hotel is located on the main shopping street, Laugavegur, in the center of Iceland’s vibrant capital city.

65 spacious, calm and stylishly Nordic rooms are available in a range of sizes, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of exploring Iceland’s magnificent countryside or returning from the city centre, which is just one step away. Every room features access to high speed internet, HD TV and a walk-in shower in the bathroom. Fourth floor rooms allow access to a great balcony where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the colourful city and beyond to the fullest.

A gym is located on the ground floor, with access to an outdoor terrace, and offers top-of-the-line exercise equipment including a treadmill, stationary bikes, free weights and a dry sauna. In-room massages can also be arranged.

The hotel’s hip Barber Bar offers offers wine, champagne, fresh draught beer, spirits and cocktails, while a host of restaurants and the city’s vibrant nightlife are just all close by.

Overview

This downtown residence, housed in a former high-end department store serves as the ideal spot from which to soak up the cultural landmarks of the city, such as the Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavik Art Museum. Initially constructed in the 20th century, the hotel’s refurbished interior is a polished blend of plush, mid-century furnishings, varied textiles and touches of colour, with neutral tones.

Discerningly decorated rooms are spacious in size and feature black and white framed paintings, depicting the hotel’s former department store days. Flooded with natural light and further illuminated by sleek, golden light features, the rooms are accompanied by glossy, cream-hued bathrooms.

GOTT Reykjavík, the on-site restaurant, is run by renowned local chefs and offers light fusion dishes in a casual setting. A healthy breakfast spread is served here every morning and you can muse over a coffee in the stylish lounge by the fire throughout the day.

Set within the softly-lit spa area, the enticing hot pool, backed by an original stone wall is a particular highlight, surrounded by seating and a sauna. A compact basement gym is also available for the more active guests.

Overview

The remoteness of this snug hideaway is a most attractive feature to those looking to flee from the flurry of city life. Set in close proximity to Iceland’s Golden Circle, within driving distance of the Great Gullfoss waterfall and the Great Geysir, Torfhús Retreat encompasses 25 inky-black cabins, lined with turf.

Interiors are accentuated by alpine wooden ceilings, panels and furniture, merged with leather seating, soft rugs and warm lighting. A cosy lounge area allows guests to unwind in the comfort of their cabin, or if they’re wanting to relax while taking in the rugged scenery, they can make use of the basalt hot tub outside.

A homely communal area calls for board games in between sips of mulled wine, and the on-site restaurant offers an ever-changing menu, inspired by local produce and the catch of the day. A classic Icelandic breakfast is served every morning, and hearty soups and fresh bread are available during the day, ensuring ample sustenance for adventuring in the wilderness.

If guests can pull themselves away from the salubrious waters of the tub, various day excursions are available, such as horse riding, helicopter sightseeing, fishing, mountain hikes and glacier tours.

Overview

Found in the perfect spot of Southern Iceland for outdoor lovers, the log-cabin Ranga Hotel is a cocoon of warmth, ideal for relaxing after Northern Lights viewing and glacier touring.

This cosy hideaway boasts uninterrupted panoramas from all parts of the property. Guestrooms look out to the East Ranga River or Mount Helka which are best enjoyed with a soak in your private jacuzzi – drink in hand. If you fancy something a little quirkier, opt for one of the lavish suites. Themed on the seven continents, they are filled with weird and wonderful touches such as Aztec wall-hangings, a didgeridoo, bearskin and bison head.

Facing the salmon-filled river, the reputable restaurant features a farmer’s market concept. Local produce and freshly-caught seafood is prepared here to create delicious Nordic dishes with a Mediterranean twist.

Venturing outside to the barely polluted rural skies, the luxury amenities continue. Three outdoor hot tubs heated with geothermal water provide an unforgettable place to watch the aurora borealis dance across the sky, while the astronomical observatory with its roll-off roof and telescopes offers superb stargazing.

Overview

This brand new lodge is located between the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss – two of the main attractions along Iceland’s southern coast.

The hotel has been built as an extension to the Skálkot family farm where your hosts live, giving you a real sense of staying with locals. The decor is inspired by the Art Deco period and there are 14 simple but elegant bedrooms.

The Manor Hotel Restaurant offers delicious food using local products and seasonal specialities such as Arctic char, salmon, langoustine or shellfish, homegrown vegetables and homemade bread. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch, coffee and cake in the afternoon and dinner in the evening.

After a day exploring Iceland’s incredible landscape, relax in the hot tub under a starry sky. Alternatively, curl up with a blanket and a glass of wine in the portico and look out towards the Westman Islands.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including horse rides with the beautiful Icelandic horses that also call this farm home.