Unwind at heartsome hotels in Iceland

Near Hveragerði’s geothermal river, Varmá is a boutique hotel that offers its guests a lavish stay using subterranean energy. Riverside hot tubs, a relaxing sauna, and an outdoor pool are all among the hotel’s luxurious amenities. Its sleek interior is decorated with captivating works by local artists, while outside, the steamy volcanic hillsides of Reykjadalur promise excellent hiking trails. Surrounding farmsteads provide the ingredients for the onsite Varmá Restaurant’s à la carte dishes.

South Iceland’s only four-star resort, Rangá is named after the nearby salmon river. The trickling feature can be seen running between Mount Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcano through the windows of any one of the hotel’s 52 furnished rooms. Many come with spa baths, balconies and flatscreen televisions, though the real luxuries are found downstairs with the hotel’s own cognac office and two sophisticated bars. In case this wasn’t enough, Hótel Rangá also operates an advanced planetarium, regarded as one of the most impressive stargazing and Northern Lights facilities in Iceland.

As its name suggests, this hotel in Suðureyri is all about showcasing Iceland’s fishing heritage. The Fisherman Hótel offers not only delicious unprocessed dishes through its restaurant and small shop but also the Seafood Trail, a gourmet tour of the town led by a local food fanatic. The hotel itself has 19 rooms, some suited for travelling couples, others for the entire family, but all of which are perfect for seafood aficionados.

Located 45 minutes from the capital on the northern end of Hvalfjörður, Hótel Glymur is another excellent choice for travellers looking to experience the very best of Iceland’s western regions. There are 22 rooms in total, each with Italian leather furniture and marvellous views over the fjords and mountains. There are also two luxury suites, complete with alleviating massage-baths (perfect after a hard day travelling), and six themed villas with their own hot tubs and verandas.

Nestled conveniently between the majestic nature reserve Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, this luxury 125-room hotel is an excellent accommodation choice for those who’ll settle for nothing less than true immersion in nature. Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon is positioned directly beneath Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m), and its restaurant offers cuisine equally dramatic, with an emphasis on creative dishes like creamy langoustine soup, smoked lamb carpaccio, and coffee-vanilla cured salmon.