The Best Luxury Experiences in Iceland
By Tully Luxury Travel | 02-06-2023 |
While a luxury vacation in Iceland is a shade different from those in other European nations, this tiny island country delivers to the extreme, thanks to a singular uniqueness. Whichever angle strikes you, the myriad reasons for enjoying a luxury Iceland adventure hit the cultural and geological jackpot. Let us count the ways.
See the stunning Northern Lights.
The aurora borealis is a breathtaking sight to witness, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by the solar wind, these rare occurrences spiral, flicker, and streak across the night sky in colorful shifting patterns. The excitation in the sky easily translates to viewing enjoyment on terra firma, as visitors to Iceland make a wish for clear skies.
Make a break for the hinterland.
Adventure with a Capital A – the topography of Iceland is a nature-lover's dream. Private jeep tours in the “Big Wheels” take you across the lava plains and onto the palatial glaciers. As extreme as you’re willing to venture, these tours are an easy way to see all the countryside has to offer, the scenery like nowhere else on earth – you may very well feel as if you’ve landed on the moon. Horseback riding, white-water rafting, snorkeling, and scuba diving, glacier hiking until there’s no tomorrow – the list is endless. The Golden Circle yields a trio of astonishment: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Take the soothing spa waters.
Iceland’s active geology creates the perfect conditions for geothermal energy, harnessed to provide heating and power. The fringe benefits of this anomaly include the country’s almost 50 natural hot springs and 200+ swimming pools – bathing culture here is so pronounced, taking a dip is a daily social event. Iceland offers a multitude of day spas, destination spas like the Blue Lagoon, resort and hotel spas, and mineral spa springs.
Unfold a white napkin or two.
The culinary exploits of Iceland are a feast in so many ways – the food scene here is a huge draw. The country continues to reach back to its culinary roots, marrying tradition with nouvelle cuisine in an ever-evolving, New Nordic-influenced food revolution. Iceland’s top chefs are revitalizing the national cuisine with a modern twist. The Tully Luxury Travel Designers can even arrange special private dinners that incorporate nature: Imagine a romantic dinner at the edge of a volcano or at the base of an icy cliff.
Get acquainted with the national identity.
The personality of the Icelandic people has many facets, but overall, they are open and kind, happy and laid-back. They’re proud to preserve their Viking heritage and have a strong sense of family and community. Keen to support green initiatives and keep their tiny island humming along in a natural way feeds support for sustainability. And being alert to prejudice and discrimination displays fairness for everyone. One more thing: Being cool in such a no-nonsense way makes Icelanders even cooler.
Settle into the perfect splendor.
The Reykjavik EDITION brings five-star luxury front and center, located in the historic heart of the city. An incredible sixth-floor penthouse is a showroom of light woods, bespoke furniture, and copper trim. The 13 modern suites of the 360 Hotel & Spa outside of town are cozy and calming, as are the hotel’s four geothermal pools. And the upscale Retreat at Blue Lagoon near the airport lives up to its name in the fullest sense. The main suite here has its own private lagoon, steam room, and sauna – the epitome of luxury in the middle of the volcanic lava fields.