With some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe, Iceland has much to offer the traveller.
Newly opened this month, the four-star 46-room Hotel ION bills itself as an “adventure” hotel, set close to Unesco World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park.
The hotel is suspended on pillars by way of homage to Iceland’s first settler — Ingolfur Arnarson — who as legend has it, en route to Iceland in the year 874, threw his pillars overboard and sailed to where the gods brought them ashore. The Northern Lights Bar has floor-to-ceiling windows and quirky fake grass-covered stools which sound a little itchy. However, if you are lucky enough to witness the celestial display after which it is named — scientists say general conditions for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland this year are very good — who cares?
Rooms have sound-proofed walls, Fairtrade organic bed linen and down duvets and free wi-fi. The spa has a sauna and large heated outdoor hot tub.
Discover the World has three nights B&B from £781pp with SuperJeep excursion, lava caving, a two-course lobster dinner, entry to the Blue Lagoon, return flights from Heathrow and transfers (an hour from Reykjavik), discover-the-world.co.uk
