Located an hour east of Reykjav铆k near the greatest geologic hits of the famed Golden Circle loop, is a luxurious respite for hikers, fly fishermen, and other adventurers. After a day exploring nearby glacial streams, lava fields, ancient geysers, and fault lines, return to the boxy, contemporary Ion for the 鈥淗eal鈥 spa treatment: a full-body scrub, hot shower, thermal wrap, and massage. A cup of tea brewed with local herbs kicks off the pampering鈥攁 thoughtful touch.聽
Next, head to the hotel鈥檚 Silfra Restaurant and Bar, which, thanks to some carefully sited support beams, juts out over the stark, beautiful landscape. Grab a seat by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and try the Arctic char, caught in the nearby Lake Thingvallavatn. Or, if you鈥檙e feeling adventurous, get the caribou burger with red onion jam. (Rudolph tastes sort of like veal, in case you鈥檙e wondering.)聽
During the summer, linger at the bar and enjoy the extended daylight hours鈥攖he sun sets around 10:15 p.m. in August. In winter鈥攚hen Iceland goes dark as early as 3:30 p.m.鈥攖here鈥檚 no shame in retiring to your room for a mini hibernation (though don鈥檛 forget to peek out at the Northern Lights鈥攂est viewed in the cold months).
Each deluxe suite boasts a hypoallergenic bed topped in organic linens, and a large bathroom stocked with soaps and lotions from fancy cosmetic brand S贸ley Organics. Given the magical accommodations and surrounds, we wouldn鈥檛 be surprised if your dreams involved some sort of flying-through-the-Northern-Lights fantasy鈥攕oundtracked by Bjork, of course.聽
The Details: Through August, range from $382 to $443 for deluxe suites, and $304 to $356 for standard rooms.