Blue Lagoon & ION Adventure Hotel

Board your flight to Keflavik and pick-up your 4WD car at the airport, before navigating the short journey to Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon, where, just a leisurely stroll from the Lagoon itself, through the surrounding moss-covered lava fields, you will come to the alluring Silica Hotel, an award-winning design property embedded in the landscape.

The biggest draw of this elegant hotel though is the fact that it has its own private bathing lagoon, making it the best possible way to experience the Blue Lagoon. Spend your day relaxing and recharging in the warm waters or under the hands of an expert in the spa and massage rooms. Tear yourself away from the pampering and indulgences to dine at the Lava Restaurant, overlooking the Blue Lagoon.

Awake feeling thoroughly refreshed and embark on a short road trip to the Thingvellir National Park, taking in the original Icelandic Parliament, geothermal area at Haukadalur and the impressive geysers at Strokkur before arriving at the majestic Gulfoss waterfall, whose cascades tumble dramatically onto a deep gorge. You'll then head into the highlands before being delivered to the exceptional ION Hotel. Situated at the foot of Mount Hengill and surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, the sleek, stilted property stood amid lava fields justifies the tag ‘The Adventure Hotel’.

Before you throw yourself back into the outdoor activities and incredible experiences that Iceland is renowned for, ease any aches in the partially exposed Lava Spa, where a languid sauna might lead to an Icelandic massage with herbs and ash from the notorious Eyjafjallajokull volcano and a long soak in the outdoor, naturally heated hot pool. Later, settle into the modern Silfra restaurant for a sumptuous four-course menu of sophisticated Nordic cuisine.

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself further in the Icelandic landscape. ION offers a range of thrilling activities. Go glacier hiking, ice climbing and ascend a volcano – you can even descend into the crater of a dormant cone as well. Try horse riding, snowmobiling, helicopter expeditions, white water rafting and fishing. Sink between tectonic plates in the icy waters of the Silfra Rift, snug in a dry suit. In the summer spot puffins on the coast. Spoil yourself with a chance to take to the air on a heli-tour and see the surreal lunar landscape, volcanoes and glaciers from a matchless vantage point.

Alternatively, head to the South coast and wonders of Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss and the drama of the black sand beaches near Vik. The long summer days give you ample opportunity to explore long into the evening.

After a day of outdoor adventure, sink into a thermal hot spring to recharge. Back at the hotel, retire to the glass-walled Northern Lights bar to sip perfectly-prepared cocktails or Icelandic Schnapps and swap stories or listen to the Icelandic folk tunes being performed. 

Depending on your flight departure time, we would recommend you make your way back to the airport via the Rekyanes peninsula, location of Iceland's latest volcanic eruption and the bridge between the continents, before returning your car in time for your onward journey.