Where to explore on a luxury holiday to Iceland
Iceland is a place of outstanding natural beauty and its awe-inspiring landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a luxury holiday. In the capital of Reykjavik, visit the dramatic Hallgrímskirkja church, where the Perlan glass dome offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The Harpa Centre is another architectural masterpiece, representing an integral part of the country’s vibrant arts scene as the home to both the Opera and Concert Hall. Beyond the buildings and buzzing bar scene, the scenery outside of the city can only be described as other-worldly, and Reykjavik acts as a gateway to the wilderness beyond. From stunning glaciers and roaring waterfalls, to volcanic terrain and verdant lava fields, the surroundings shift from one extreme to another. Often called ‘Little Iceland’, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula boasts all of these landscapes, along with black-pebble beaches and charming fishing villages, and is only a stone’s throw from the bustling capital.
Located in the southwest of Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula is characterised by remarkable lava fields and visitors from all over the world flock here to visit the Blue Lagoon, a hub of geothermal activity. On one of our Iceland luxury holidays you can experience the idyllic blue waters first-hand with a stay in a modern, minimalist suite set at the lagoon’s edge. Designed to perfectly blend into the environment, the spa is carved into the volcanic rock and offers innovative treatments, which incorporate the transformative power of geothermal seawater. The fine-dining is also creative, consisting of inventive new flavours combined with traditional Icelandic ingredients – what more could you want on a luxury holiday to Iceland?
The iconic Golden Circle consists of some breath-taking natural wonders, including Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Every luxury holiday in Iceland needs an adrenaline kick, so watch and wait for the grumbling geyser to blast a great plume of billowing mist straight from deep in the Earth’s crust. Equally fascinating is the geological activity visible in Thingvellir National Park; as the rifts caused by the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates allow you to walk, snorkel or dive between two continents. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was once the location for the meeting of the world’s first ever parliament in 930AD. If you’re lucky, you might also have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, and our Iceland experts can advise on the best times of year to catch a glimpse of this cosmic performance. Our Iceland luxury holidays truly are a once-in-a-lifetime experience (although it’s more than likely that you’ll be tempted to return).
What to do on a luxury holiday in Iceland?
Nothing screams Iceland luxury holiday more than soaring over bright geothermal pools and steamy volcanoes in a helicopter, keeping your eyes peeled for rainbow-adorned falls, coal-coloured black sand beaches and creaking glaciers (Langjokull in particular) below. For an even more thrilling adventure, land on the glacier itself and step out onto the ice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Strap on your crampons and explore the otherworldly landscape of the glacier with an expert guide, learning about the fascinating geology and ecology of this incredible place.
If you want an adrenaline-fuelled jaunt, hop on the back of one of the island’s noble steeds for a ride along one of the beautiful black sand beaches. Trot past towering basalt columns and icebergs that look like oversized diamonds scattered on the dark sand. Even try your hand at a traditional Icelandic tolt – hold a pint of Icelandic beer in one hand while your short-legged Viking horse charges along the beach, all the while trying not to spill any of the delicious amber liquid.