Staying in Southern Iceland, you'll get to see the forces of nature on full display. Towering glaciers loom over vast expanses of volcanic deserts, while crystal-clear rivers wind their way through lush green valleys. It is like stepping into a world of myth and legend, and choosing the right place to stay will allow you to really make the most of it. Here are a couple of our favourite Luxury Hotels & Cabins in Southern Iceland...
Hotel Ranga
Hotel Rangá is a comfortable hotel built in a log-cabin style set on the banks of the Eystri-Rangá river. Only about 90 minutes from Reykjavik, the hotel's picturesque surroundings feature views of the towering volcano Hekla to the north, a range of mountains and glaciers to the east, and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands to the south. There are 51 cosy rooms, ranging from simple standard rooms to the suites, designed to represent the seven continents, so prepare yourself for zebra skin wall hangings or Japanese calligraphy depending on which suite you're in. The hotel's restaurant serves fine food combining Mediterranean flavours with a modern Scandinavian touch. A variety of leisure activities are available nearby, including world-class fishing for salmon, trout and char; riding or trekking through beautiful landscapes; snowmobile excursions; white water rafting and super-jeep tours to see Southern Iceland off the (already barely) beaten track. Finally, one of Iceland's best 18-hole golf courses is a matter of minutes away from the hotel, although keeping the ball straight in the Icelandic weather conditions is a good challenge for your game.
Why We Love It
On request Hotel Ranga can wake up guests if the Northern Lights appear in the middle of the night.
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel
Located on the edge of Thingvellir National Park at the foot of Mount Hengill, the eco-conscious ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is where luxury meets exploration. Dubbed Iceland's first adventure hotel, the property is designed with simple wooden interiors, wildlife images and floor-to-ceiling glass windows to show off the surrounding landscapes of snow covered mountains, lakes and lava fields to the max. All 46 bedrooms are designed for comfort and kitted out with fair-trade linen and organic products in the en suite bathrooms. Each bedroom has views over the steaming thermal power plant and lava fields. The Silfra restaurant creates seasonal and contemporary dishes with Nordic flavours in a modern dining room. The views and food blend wonderfully and are further complemented by a cocktail (or two) in the Ion Northern Light Bar. This is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Thingvellir and, in the winter, the Northern Lights. More importantly, they have a wide variety of Icelandic beers to sample. There are activities galore at ION, including rafting, hiking and glacier tours to name a few. For a little more relaxation, there is a Lava Spa which offers a variety of beauty treatments and massages, or guests can visit nearby hot springs for a soak.
Why We Love It
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is near the lake where it's possible to dive between continents, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.