The Best Romantic Honeymoon Hotels in Iceland
It’s no surprise that Iceland is becoming an increasingly popular honeymoon destination – the land of ice and fire boasts romance and adventure in equal measure. Explore volcanoes and glaciers, relax in geothermal hot springs and take in some seriously dramatic landscapes. Here’s our pick of the best romantic hotels in Iceland, from luxury boutique hotels to isolated retreats surrounded by lava fields – now bookable with Culture Trip.
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Hótel Búðir
This remote oceanfront hotel, just a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, is surrounded by a lava field with the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the background and is the ideal honeymoon destination for foodies. The onsite gourmet restaurant offers a three- or five-course tasting menu on Fridays and Saturdays, with dishes such as lightly cured cod with honey, cauliflower, langoustine and trout roe, and fillet of lamb with mushroom, hazelnut and bordelaise sauce. The hotel can also arrange weddings, with ceremonies taking place in the small black church, on the white sandy beach or on the moss of the lava field.
101 Hotel
This boutique hotel, in a historic 1930s building in downtown Reykjavík, is known for its carefully curated collection of artwork by local artists and its elegant monochrome interior. All rooms come with Bang & Olufsen Beoplay speakers, bathroom amenities by Aveda and bed linens by Quagliotti. The best room in the house, however, is the Apartment Suite, which has a king-size bed, a dining area, a living room with surround sound and views over the harbour. The luxurious spa features a steam bath and a Jacuzzi, and guests have the option to arrange for in-room massage treatments. Looking for a quiet spot for dinner? The hotel restaurant offers freshly made sourdough pizzas, with toppings such as grilled corn, avocado cream and chipotle sauce.
Hotel Rangá
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – or Northern Lights – and this countryside hotel, in the south of Iceland, is the place to see them. The hotel is located away from city lights and offers an aurora wake-up service that ensures that guests never miss an appearance of the Northern Lights. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them from one of the geothermal hot tubs. There’s also an observatory with two high-tech telescopes on site, and, from September to April, a local astronomer is on hand to guide guests through a tour of the dazzling night sky.
Hotel Borg
Nothing says romance like the Art Deco-inspired interior of this boutique hotel overlooking the square of Austurvöllur, in the heart of Reykjavík. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city’s restaurants, as well as the Harpa conference and concert hall, Laugavegur shopping street and Hallgrímskirkja church, making it the perfect base to explore the city. There are 99 rooms and suites, including the elegant two-floor Tower Suite that has a living room with panoramic views over Reykjavík. Unwind at the luxurious spa, or indulge in a treatment, such as the DrBRAGI HydroZyme Illuminating Facial, a 75-minute treatment based on hydrodermabrasion and marine enzymes.
Sigló Hotel
Built into the fisherman’s marina at Siglufjörður – a small fishing town in a narrow fjord on the northern coast of Iceland – this hotel offers a relaxing escape for guests. There are two restaurants and a cafe, including Sunna Restaurant, where you can try dishes such as seafood soup with sautéed langoustine and citrus-marinated shrimp, plus the quaint Hannes Boy, which is located in a neighbouring house painted bright yellow and specialises in ice-cream and waffles. All the rooms have ocean and mountain views and a window seat, so guests can watch the world go by, while the suites and deluxe rooms have large private balconies.
Apotek Hotel
Honeymoon in style at this boutique hotel in a historic building in the heart of Reykjavík. It was designed in 1917 by Guðjón Samúelsson, the former state architect of Iceland and the architect behind the Hallgrímskirkja church. The 45 rooms – which include eight Junior Suites and a Tower Suite – are decorated in a monochromatic scheme and feature Nespresso coffee machines. A highlight is the Apotek restaurant and cocktail bar, which serves fun dishes – think an “Icelandic Landscape” of lamb tartare, pickled onions, smoked cream cheese, chives mayo and vinegar snow – alongside creative signature cocktails like the Dillagin, a combination of dill-toned Tanqueray gin, mango liqueur, lemon juice, sugar and bitters.
Hotel Glymur
Looking for a romantic private villa in Iceland? Check into this hotel on the northern side of the Whale Fjord, just 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavík. Alongside 22 cosy rooms with views over the surrounding mountains or the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord, Hotel Glymur has six self-catering villas. Each home caters for up to six people and features unique artwork, designer furniture, a state-of-the-art kitchen and an outdoor hot tub. If you fancy a special meal out, the hotel restaurant serves traditional Icelandic dishes, such as seafood soup with Arctic char, cod, shrimp and scallops, and lamb fillet with fried vegetables, potato gratin, lamb glaze and mushroom foam.
Reykjavík Residence
Honeymooning in Iceland on a budget? This collection of seven historic properties, in the centre of Reykjavík, has a number of affordable Economy Studios, each featuring modern furnishings and a well-equipped kitchenette with a coffee machine. For more spacious accommodation, book one of the Junior Suites or a one- or two-bedroom apartment. The characterful properties range from an old publishing house to a former embassy, and guests are treated to a daily breakfast basket with freshly baked bread, fruits, cheeses and yoghurt.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
It doesn’t get much more romantic than a stay at the Blue Lagoon, a bright blue geothermal spa that’s listed as one of the 25 wonders of the world and is one of the most iconic attractions in Iceland. The minimalist suites at the luxurious retreat boast views over the otherworldly landscape, and the Lagoon Suite even has its own mineral-rich private lagoon. Guests are treated to Blue Lagoon skincare amenities, daily yoga sessions and guided group hikes. Make sure to book dinner at the Michelin-recommended Moss Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to a five- or seven-course set menu that changes daily based on seasonal ingredients.
360 Boutique Hotel
Immerse yourself in the dramatic Icelandic scenery at the appropriately named 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths in Mosató, South Iceland. There are 10 deluxe rooms, two junior suites and a luxurious signature suite with a separate living area, all with private furnished patios overlooking the landscape. Enjoy a three-course “chef’s catch of the day” set menu at the restaurant, which celebrates fresh farm-to-table ingredients, and unwind in the thermal bath, which includes a pool with warm geothermal water that sits at 36-40C (96.8-104F) and a sauna.
Fosshotel Mývatn
Explore the beautiful surroundings of Lake Mývatn in remote northern Iceland from the Fosshotel Mývatn. The low-rise building was designed by award-winning Nordic architects Basalt Architects and features almost exclusively materials with a low environmental impact – think larch wood cladding and a grass roof that blends into the landscape. Dine on Arctic char and crispy roasted fillet of lamb at the lakeside restaurant, and enjoy a day trip to the Mývatn Nature Baths, an alkaline bathing lagoon that’s just 7km (4mi) away from the hotel.