Where to go in 2023: Iceland
Iceland is one of the newest destinations in the Bella Vita Travels portfolio. We’ve been planning trips here for a few years now, and this summer is no different! We’ve had several clients ask to visit this breathtaking country in 2023. Iceland is a destination that is a true experience.
Iceland is nicknamed “The Land of Fire and Ice”. It is a nature lover’s paradise! It’s full of hot springs, icy glaciers, dramatic lava fields, volcanoes and breathtaking waterfalls. The landscape is surreal, and mostly untouched. If you’re seeking a truly unique adventure, Iceland does not disappoint. There are miles of incredible roads along the island, making this a great destination for a roadtrip. There are almost endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Iceland this is a dream destination. For those traveling in a family, or just a couple on a romantic trip, or looking for adventure and sport, Iceland has it all.
Over the past few months, we are sharing some trending tours, accommodations and trip ideas in some of our most requested destinations this year. These are great ideas for a future trip. Iceland’s sunny summers are a great time to visit, but the winter offers experiences like the northern lights. There are so many activities here, and we’ll share some of our personal (and client) favorites.
Hotel: The Reykjavik EDITION, Reykjavík, Iceland
Steps away from the main shopping district, the long-awaited Reykjavik EDITION is the city’s newest see-and-be-seen hotel. The 253 stylish rooms and suites (as well as the chic rooftop bar) look out onto impressive, only-in-Iceland views, including Mt. Esja and Snæfellsjökull Glacier, while the specialty restaurant dishes up local and international favorites. The hotel also features a spa, state-of-the-art gym facilities, and nearly 6,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel: The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia overcome the challenges of Iceland’s unpredictable, lava-filled landscape to create an ultra-luxe hotel in wellness hotspot the Blue Lagoon. A twenty-minute drive from Keflavik Airport, this hotel realizes the longtime vision of Grímur Sæmundsen, founder and CEO of Blue Lagoon. It benefits from its proximity to what has become Iceland’s most famous tourist attraction. Here, guests at the 62-suite spa hotel are granted exclusive access to pools piped with the same geothermal waters – while avoiding the crowds. This hotel is a top client request, and also a personal favorite!
Tour: Ingolfshofdi Puffin Tour
Join us on a rustic journey through Iceland’s rolling countryside to a picturesque headland known as Cape Ingolfshofdi. The cape itself is situated on a remote headland. It lies between Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park and the iconic Jökulsárlón ice lagoon. Here, we will find some of Iceland’s amazing birdlife, including adorable puffins and great skuas. They are nicknamed the pirates of the seas. Our journey to the cape will take us across 6 kilometers of diverse Icelandic countryside, encompassing marshes, waters, and sands in a tractor-drawn hay cart. We will then spend time hiking around this incredible landscape, enjoying the birds and the beautiful natural scenery. This makes the tour ideal for anyone who loves nature. Furthermore, it’s great for anyone who wants to get an authentic taste of Iceland’s gorgeous countryside.
Tour: Black Beach buggy tour in Iceland
This tour kicks off after you meet your ATV guide at the Arcanum Base (Mýrdalsjökull Base) near Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You will receive all the necessary gear and a short safety briefing. After, you start venturing out to ride on Iceland’s iconic black beaches. The guide will lead the group to the stunning coastline to witness breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You’ll marvel at the views of Dyrhólaey, a peninsula that is the southernmost tip of the country. You will also see the marvelous Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the distance. After leaving the beach, the group will head to the famous Sólheimasandur plane wreck. This relic has been resting in the sand since 1973. Following the plane, you will drive to the Jökulsá river and up the foot of the mountain. This action packed tour ends when you arrive back to the Arcanum Base.
Restaurant: Dill, Reykjavík
A strong sustainability ethos drives the kitchen at this moodily lit and atmospheric first floor restaurant. The internationally experienced chef uses traditional Icelandic methods alongside modern techniques. Hence, producing a multi-course menu of creative, diminutive dishes that really pack a punch – and they’re served and explained by the chefs themselves. This restaurant has a green michelin star for sustainability, in addition to a star for service and gastronomy.
2023 travel dreams – Iceland
We hope you enjoyed some of these Icelandic spots you cannot miss in 2023. If any of them got your travel dreams going, don’t hesitate to contact us. There’s still time to plan your tailor made holiday for this fall and winter!
