Iceland is a Nordic island nation in Europe that is known for its dramatic landscape. The island country is in the North Atlantic Ocean and has a reputation for its hidden gems. Iceland has major tourism appeal, especially due to its popular Blue Lagoon. In fact, the Blue Lagoon is the attraction that travelers will most likely see if they search the destination online. Although the Blue Lagoon is a major tourism spot, the country has much more to offer travelers. Some of the other things travelers should experience while visiting Iceland include the Westfjords region, Atlantic puffins, the Secret Lagoon and The Golden Circle Tour. The Golden Circle Tour is a day journey that is a holistic exploration of Iceland’s most popular attractions. It is an ideal option for first-time visitors, so many travelers plan to stay in local accommodations during their trip.
For travelers planning to stay in Iceland, it is important to research the best places for travelers. Safety is a number one concern for travelers staying abroad. Technically, Iceland is a very safe place to travel to, but of course where travelers stay plays a big part in their experience. Booking luxurious accommodations is an additional step that travelers can take to ensure their convenience and comfort. To best prepare for a trip to Iceland, we have compiled the most important information for travelers as well as the best luxury hotel options.
Why Visit Iceland? What Are the Important Things Travelers Should Consider for Their Luxury Stay?
According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) Iceland has very low crime compared to other destinations in Europe. Because of this it is one of the safest destinations to visit. Travelers often note that they feel comfortable visiting this country and even consider it one of the most relaxing places they have ever been.
Best Time To Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland for the best travel experience depends on the traveler. The high season for travel in Iceland is between June and August and the month of December. The shoulder season is around fall, so between September and October. The least amount of travelers visit from November and April, due to the limited amount of sunlight (around five hours a day in winter).
For pleasant weather, the best time to visit this country is during summer. Between June and August, travelers will notice ideal temperatures for summer activities. Temperatures are around 50 and 60 degrees during the warmer months.
For natural attractions like the northern lights, there are ideal travel times. To view the Aurora Borealis it is best for travelers to visit from the middle of October until March. During this time there are longer hours of darkness, which optimizes travelers chances of great views. The weather conditions of Iceland are quite temperamental, so travelers should not base their whole trip on seeing the Northern Lights.
Travel Costs
While Iceland is considered one of the world’s most beautiful and expensive travel destinations, travelers commonly note that it is worth the visit. But generally, there is a high cost for food and not travel. The bulk of the cost of an Iceland trip is in the excursions, food and accommodations. It is possible for travelers to plan wisely and save money though. The best time to visit Iceland for lower prices is around the off season, typically between late fall and the beginning of spring.
The Best Luxury Hotel Options in Iceland
For travelers that are looking to splurge on their accommodations, there is a good selection of places to stay. From the most breathtaking views to the fanciest vacation features, these hotels of Iceland have plenty to offer to international travelers. These luxury hotels offer the top amenities in Iceland and are a great fit for travelers with a bigger budget.
Deplar Farm
Deplar Farm is an award winning hotel with exceptional views of the Northern Lights. It has even been recognized as one of the world’s best hotels (in 2023). The property has floor to ceiling windows which allow guests to take in the nearby peaks and colorful skies. The rustic yet modern accommodation has some top notch amenities. Among those are a premium wellness spa, indoor and outdoor pools or hot tubs, a sauna, lounge, yoga room and even two helipads. The hotel has en suite rooms with optional private balconies and chef prepared meals all day. The lodge is so accommodating that guests have included round trip airport transfers, guided nature activities and assistance with planning from the experience team.
Hotel Rangá
Hella is a small town in southern Iceland. It is considered a family friendly area, so it is a particularly safe place to stay. The Hotel Rangá is a four star resort located near Hella. This themed hotel has a gourmet restaurant, bar and observatory. Travelers can enjoy Nordic delicacies, candlelit dinners and artistic decor from local artisans during their visit. Visitors of this rural property are commonly honeymooners, older travelers or small groups. The hotel provides a relaxing getaway experience but also has unique features like an optional wake up service for when the Northern Lights are visible.
Reykjavik EDITION Hotel
The Reykjavik EDITION hotel in downtown is a five star luxury experience. The spacious property has distinctive offerings. One of the most popular features of the hotel is THE ROOF, which is a sleek wrap-around outdoor terrace with floor to ceiling glass doors. Due to its downtown location, this hotel is quite centrally located. The famous Blue Lagoon is within driving distance and travelers can explore the city’s popular shopping district. The rooms at the hotel have stunning panoramic views of the harbor, cozy decor and some even have outdoor terraces.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
This retreat is an award winning luxury resort and is located near the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The hotel has 62 spacious suites, a spa, smart features, a Michelin starred restaurant and phenomenal views of the surrounding landscape. Of course, many travelers will recognize the nearby geothermal lagoon (Blue Lagoon is about 12 miles away) that has made this hotel a convenient and popular accommodation. In addition to the close proximity of the hotel to one of Iceland’s most famed attractions, there is a wealth of wellness experiences offered. Travelers can book soothing in-water massages, float therapy sessions and nourishing spa treatments. There are private meditation, sound healing, yoga and stretching experiences available for travelers trying to find their zen.