Iceland

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Northern Lights

With its rolling green hills, steaming volcanoes, jetting geysers, natural hot tubs, Northern Lights, and massive glaciers—often all appearing in the same vista—Iceland is, above all else, a natural wonderland of fire and ice. Due to its geographic isolation in the middle of the Atlantic, the tiny island nation boasts a population of just 400,000, and is one of the planet’s most extreme and awe-inspiring places to visit regardless of the season.

We like to start our private active journeys in Reykjavik, which is the world’s most northerly capital and a mere 5.5-hour private or commercial flight from the east coast. The EDITION hotel, which overlooks the old harbour, is among the best addresses in town. Spend the morning on a private ocean expedition spotting marine life, saving your afternoon for watching the “laval show”, with molten lava flowing right in front of your eyes. Afterward, explore stores along Laugavegur, the city’s main pedestrian shopping street. We also strongly recommend visits to towering Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall. Great dinner options abound, with menus featuring fresh fish, puffin, reindeer…plus other less exotic fare!

When it’s time to leave the “big” city, head off in a luxury, kitted-out off-road 4 x 4. Iceland’s much-visited Golden Circle route includes a hike to thundering waterfalls and a chance to snorkel between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park (best done in a dry suit!). You can also bake rye bread in a geothermal pit along the shores of lake Laugarvatn, and enjoy fresh tomatoes year-round at Fridheimar farm and restaurant.

The Silver Circle drive includes lava tubes—hard hats and torches required. Soak in hidden hot springs after a horseback ride on adorable Icelandic horses, famous for their “five gaits”.

Top lodges dotted around the countryside outside the capital include Turfhus Retreat, Hotel Rangá, and Hotel Geysir. To access the more northerly Fljót Valley along the Troll Peninsula, board a chopper or private flight north to Deplar Farm. This lodge offers year-round activities that include surfing, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, rafting, mountain biking, heli-skiing, and more. But no trip to Iceland is complete without a stay—and a long hot soak—at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, conveniently located near to the airport.