Located in the North Atlantic Ocean is Iceland, a Nordic island known for its extreme geological contrasts. Home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, and some of the largest glaciers in Europe, Iceland’s natural scenery is one of the most breath-taking northern destinations.
Where to stay:
The Diamond Suites boutique hotel is Iceland’s first 5-star hotel that offers exquisite experience, personal services and luxury. Located on the top floor of the renowned Hotel Keflavik, their concept aimed to fill a void that existed in the Icelandic hotel scene. It comprises five luxury suites, each 320–500 square feet in size and individually designed and decorated.
The Reykjavik Edition is located in the downtown area near the old harbour, close to the vibrant city life at Laugavegur Street. Featuring glass exteriors to create an iceberg effect, floors of volcanic basalt and flame-like lighting, the hotel draws its inspiration from Iceland’s reputation as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. The hotel is also home to the Tides restaurant by Gunnar Karl Gíslason, Iceland’s first Michelin-star Chef, which is famous for its modern Icelandic cuisine.
The Blue Lagoon was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic, propelling the majestic, healing waters into the upper echelons of global travel destinations. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, which was included in the Time Magazine’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places, is an award-winning luxury resort encompassing a 62-suite hotel, a subterranean spa, Michelin-recommended dining, and a private lagoon sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon.
What to do:
NATURE: At about 84 square kilometres and 100 metres above sea level, Thingvallavatn Lake is the largest natural lake in Iceland. The name derives from an Icelandic proverb that means “fertile is water that runs under lava. The pure glacial water from Langjökull filters through bedrock for 40km before emerging in the lake which makes it extremely popular for snorkelling and diving during the summer months. For something a little more relaxing, head to the infamous Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most pristine geothermal heated pools.
Surrounded by nature, Iceland is the perfect place to experience the wild behaviour of minke whales, harbour porpoises, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins during a whale-watching adventure.
CULTURE: Aside from their Viking roots, Icelanders have a strong culture of food, literature and the arts. Reykjavik is home to many delicious local restaurants serving plenty of traditional Icelandic cuisine. Many restaurants specialise in seafood thanks to the abundance of all manner of fish and shellfish that occupy the Island’s surrounding ocean.
There are many spots to check out in the city, depending on what you are interested in. Fans of architecture must see Hallgrímskirkja church, an expressionist piece which sits in the centre of the city. At the top of the 74.5m building is a panoramic viewing platform from which you can see the entire city in one go.
ADVENTURE: There are many things to do for the more adventurous visitors of Iceland, many of which are from a height. Paragliding is a great way to enjoy the scenic view of Iceland whilst feeling the freedom of a bird at the same time. Helicopter tours also provide one of the most exciting, rewarding and easiest methods of sightseeing some of the country’s major attractions, as well as presenting the chance to look down on a range of dramatic landscapes below.
Getting there:
Charter a jet and fly into Keflavík Airport (KEF/BIKF). Situated approximately 50 kilometres from Reykjavík city centre, a transfer takes approximately 45-50 minutes each way.
Approximate flight times:
| Dubai ✈ Keflavík | 9 hours |
| London ✈ Keflavík | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| New York ✈ Keflavík | 5 hours |
| Paris ✈ Keflavík | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Singapore ✈ Keflavík | 15 hours 15 minutes |
| Zurich ✈ Keflavík | 3 hours 45 minutes |
