ION Hotel & Reykjavik

On arrival in Keflavik, collect your hire car and drive to the spectacular ION Adventure Hotel. Situated at the foot of Mount Hengill and surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, the sleek, stilted property stood amid lava fields certainly justifies its reputation as one of Iceland's most distinguished design hotels. 

Before you throw yourself 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 accompanied by a well-curated wine list.

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the otherworldly Icelandic landscape. Under your own steam, you’ll have the flexibility and freedom to explore as you see fit. We suggest that you embark on a road trip around the famed Golden Circle, taking in Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. There are also several fabulous geothermal spas in the region that you might be tempted to visit, including Laugarvatn Fontana, Secret Lagoon and Laugaras Lagoon.

Additionally, ION offers a range of thrilling activities. Sink between tectonic plates in the icy waters of the Silfra Rift, snug in a dry suit. Go glacier hiking, ice climbing, or ascend a volcano – you can even descend into the crater of a dormant cone as well. There are also opportunities for horse riding, SuperJeep safaris, helicopter expeditions, white water rafting and fishing. 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. 

You may be tempted to squeeze in one last adventure at the ION Hotel before driving to Reykjavik, where you'll check into the elegant, Art Deco-inspired Hotel Borg. You'll then have two full days to explore Iceland's capital at your own pace. We highly recommend taking a trip up to the viewing platform at the top of the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church for magnificent panoramic views overlooking Reykjavik and the landscapes beyond. Admire the colourful murals that adorn the streets, stop by one of the excellent bakeries for a coffee and a delicious pastry, and go hunting for souvenirs along the main pedestrian street, Laugavegur. You'll also want to head down to the waterfront to check out Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager monument and the Old Harbour. And, if museums are your thing, you'll find plenty of fascinating ones covering everything from Iceland's Viking heritage to the science behind the Northern Lights – highlights include the National Museum of Iceland, Perlan, Aurora Reykjavik, the Reykjavik Art Museum and the Saga Museum. 

You might also be tempted to take a trip to the nearby Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland's finest geothermal spas, which lies just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre and offers a rejuvenating seven-step Nordic wellness ritual. By night, you'll no shortage of superb places to eat and drink, ranging from Icelandic fine dining restaurants to traditional pubs and buzzing food courts. Indeed, you'll likely be surprised by the quality and variety of Reykjavik's culinary scene. 

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, drive back to Keflavik International Airport to drop off your hire car as your trip comes to an end.