Luxury Road Trips Worth the Drive
In a world that celebrates speed, efficiency and squeezing the most into every moment, the concept of slow travel offers a refreshing alternative. Tourists race through a checklist of hotspots, while the discerning traveller takes the time to pause, to immerse themselves in their surroundings, and to connect with the local culture and environment. To embrace the slow travel ethos in Iceland is to eschew cookie cutter itineraries, opting instead for bespoke, curated experiences, replete with boutique accommodation, and fine dining and wellness stops, plus the leeway to linger a little longer at that stunning vista or glacial waterfall when the mood strikes.
At its core, slow travel is less about the destination and more about the journey. Whether you set out to explore a single region of the Iceland in depth or endeavour to take in the wonders of the Ring Road in its entirety, you’ll soon discover that Iceland is the ideal place to take it slow.
What makes Iceland the ideal slow travel destination
If you seek depth, comfort, immersion in the landscape and a dash of luxury, a luxury self-drive or privately-guided adventure in Iceland is what you’ve been looking for.
Travelling in Iceland in the summer months means near 24-hours of daylight, welcoming you to explore further and stay a little longer at that black sand beach, waterfall or mountainside. It’s being surrounded by the beauty of Icelandic nature in full technicolour, day or night.
Embarking on a winter road trip in Iceland, meanwhile, means embracing the limited hours of daylight and soaking up the romantic ambiance of long arctic nights, which lend themselves to candlelit gourmet dining experiences, warming up in Iceland’s soothing geothermal waters, or venturing out into the wilderness for a chance to spy the elusive northern lights.
Activity Iceland’s tailor-made holidays take into account your travel priorities to ensure you experience a seamless, luxury-paced journey through Iceland’s gems and lesser-known regions without an ounce of stress. After all, there’s no room for stress in slow travel.
How to embrace slow travel in Iceland
Slow travel is a state of mind as much as it is a means of navigating yourself through the environment. Here are some pointers for embracing the luxury of slow travel in Iceland.
TAKE IT NICE AND SLOW: It’s rather on the nose, but key to embracing the essence of slow travel in Iceland is, well, to go nice and slow. Spend more time appreciating the sights and sounds all around you; break away of the Ring Road to dive deeper into the lesser-travelled areas of the country, exploring the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the wild and rugged Westfjords, the oft-overlooked charm of the Eastfjords, and every canyon, crater and waterfall in between.
The Iceland Complete self-drive adventure is the epitome of slow-paced luxury travel, spreading out your immersion into Icelandic nature, culture and history over 21 glorious, and expertly curated days.
EMBRACE THE ENVIRONMENT: To travel slowly is to tread a little lighter. To embody the slow travel way of life in Iceland is to put the country’s nature in the forefront by being aware of your impact on your surroundings and your own carbon footprint. Just as a slow traveller would never endanger Iceland’s fragile flora by driving off road or trampling through the country’s lush mossy expanses, they are also keen to keep Iceland’s pure mountain air and glacial streams pristine.
It’s easy to go green while embarking on a luxury self-drive journey in Iceland, as the island is replete with geothermal resources that allow for much of the country’s homes and businesses to be heated and powered by renewable resources. This is an important characteristic of the country that travellers can learn about during a visit to the Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiðarvikjun Power Plant.
The expanding electric vehicle infrastructure erected throughout the country — at gas stations around the Ring Road, in towns of all size and at many finer accommodations — has made a carbon neutral self-drive road trip around Iceland a possibility for the discerning traveller. Keep the environment front of mind on a Sustainable Iceland Family Adventure Eight-Day CO2 Neutral Self-Drive Tour, Adventure-packed Carbon Neutral Premium Eight-Day Self-Drive Iceland Tour, or an Activity-filled CO2 Neutral Five-Day Self-Drive Tour.
CREATE CORE MEMORIES: There are few things in this world as enchanting as the sight of a child being dazzled by an entirely new experience. Iceland is a treasure trove of new experiences for young travellers, presenting them with the opportunity to be surprised (over and over again) by a geysir shooting water tens of metres into the air, or to feel the cold mist of Seljalandsfoss on their face as they walk behind the dazzling cascade, or even spy a playful seal swimming amongst the icebergs floating in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Travelling with intention around Iceland allows for countless memories to be made together, building the stories that will be recalled fondly for years to come.
The Activity-filled Family Holiday in Iceland, and Sustainable Iceland Family Adventure are planned specifically with younger slow travellers in mind, ensuring they spend every day of the journey in awe of where they are.
MAKE TIME FOR ME TIME: Iceland is a mecca of wellness travel, with the geothermal resources that keep the island warm and energized simultaneously providing ample opportunities to self-care and pampering.
More than a mere luxury, taking a sumptuous dip in Iceland’s geothermal waters, — weather it’s at the iconic Blue Lagoon, in a natural hot spring adjacent to your boutique countryside accommodation, or at one of the many municipal pools that dot the island — is to take part in a time-honoured cultural tradition that Icelanders have engaged in since the settlement. It is in geothermal pools where some of the country’s great thinkers and writers gathered their thoughts, where community members come together to connect and share news, and where sore muscles and tired skin are soaked and soothed.
APPRECIATE THE GREAT INDOORS: It is no secret that Iceland’s nature is without parallel. Around every curve in the road, an expansive new vista unfolds, beckoning the intrepid traveller to explore and discover more. The impressive experience of Iceland doesn’t have to end once you head inside, though. Iceland boasts a wealth of boutique accommodations and fine dining experiences that will have you appreciating the great indoors almost as much as the outdoors.
Complete replenishment from a day of exploring can be found in a number of accommodations right in the heart of Reykjavík, from the five-star EDITION hotel to the sky-high Tower Suites. Hitting the road to explore the countryside doesn’t mean roughing it, as there are luxurious boutique stays dotted around the country waiting to welcome you, including the exclusive Deplar Farm and the beloved Hotel Rangá.
Treating your tastebuds to the essence of Iceland is yet another way to appreciate the bounty of this island nation. Iceland’s fine dining scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade, as the culinary creations of Icelandic chefs garner attention from the Michelin Guide and secure standing on Best Of lists. At such establishments as Dill, ÓX, and Moss, Icelandic ingredients are celebrated for their wholesome beauty with mouthwatering results.
Activity Iceland’s bespoke travel arrangements mean your time indoors may just rival all the time you spend in Iceland’s great outdoors.
SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY: There’s a sense of freedom that comes with getting behind the wheel and forging your own path around the country — but taking away the responsibility for navigating from point A to B — and C, D, E, and F thereafter — lets everyone in your travel party take in the ever-changing scenery out the car window, and arrive at the next activity feeling inspired, energised and ready to explore.
Experience Iceland from the comfort of a private luxury vehicle, led by a professional private driver-guide on Activity Iceland’s Highlights of South Iceland Private Luxury Adventure, Five-Day Luxury Adventure, or Action-Filled Luxury Summer Adventure.
No matter your unique concept of slow travel, Activity Iceland can curate a seamless, luxury-paced journey that will bring it to life.
FAQ
What is slow travel and how does it apply in Iceland?
Is Iceland suitable for luxury road trips?
Slow travel is an approach to travel that emphasises engagement with a places culture and environment. Rather than zipping around to quickly see as much as possible, a slow traveller takes their time to really experience an intentionally curated selection of locations, activities and cultural touchpoints.
Iceland is an ideal place to travel slowly, as its walkable capital and sweeping rural landscapes inspire contemplation. There are definite gems to discover and “must see” locations to experience, but all the sites and opportunities for exploration and appreciation between destinations are just as dazzling in Iceland.
What are the most scenic slow travel routes in Iceland?
Iceland is an undeniably scenic place to visit. It seems that around every curve in the road, there is a dramatic new vista stretching out to greet you. Some of the most scenic routes to explore on your slow travel journey through Iceland are the south coast, with its waterfalls, black sand beaches and glacier lagoon; the rugged Westfjords, with its charming old towns, winding fjords and wildlife; and the less visited east fjords, which still feel utterly untouched along its snaking oceanside roadway.
Are there boutique hotels outside Reykjavík?
While some slow travellers opt to camp in an effort to immerse themselves in nature, we’re of the mind that a luxurious overnight also ascribes to the slow travel ethos. Luckily, there are a number of boutique hotels around Iceland to ensure your accommodation is more than just a place to sleep — it’s a whole over part of the journey to experience and appreciate, with luxury amenities and attention to detail.
Can I combine spas and adventure on a luxury trip?
Spas and adventure go together like harðfiskur and butter (or peanut butter and jelly, if that’s more relatable). Iceland’s spas are more than places to be pampered or to relax, they’re rooted in the country’s geothermal tradition and swimming pool culture, which stretches back generations. The fact that Icelandic spas are also utterly divine is just the raisin in the end of the hotdog (or, erm, the icing on the cake).
Luckily, all Activity Iceland slow travel experiences can be tailored to your interests — with as much adventure and pampering as you’d like.
What kind of vehicle is best for a slow trip in Iceland?
The type of vehicle you choose for your slow travel experience of Iceland is dependent on your unique priorities. Those seeking a more rugged self-drive experience could opt for an SUV, while those who embrace environmental sustainability in their travels can hit the road in an electric vehicle on a carbon-neutral adventure.
Meanwhile, those wishing to remove the stress of navigation from the equation entirely will find that having a professional driver guide behind the wheel of their private luxury vehicle is the way to go.
There is no wrong choice — Activity Iceland will make sure you’re equipped with the best vehicle to suit your slow travel goals.
Do you need a guide for luxury self-drives?
While Activity Iceland’s private guided tours pair travellers with a dedicated, professional driver guide for the duration of their adventure in Iceland, travellers embarking on a luxury self-drive are instead outfitted with a detailed, personalised itinerary for them to use to take the lead on their experience of Iceland. No guide needed; just your own curiosity and sense of adventure.
How many days should a luxury road trip in Iceland take?
There’s no bad amount of time to spend in Iceland, but if your goal is to travel slowly and with intention through entire regions or to take a luxury road trip around the entire Ring Road, more time is better — from one to three weeks.
What are some hidden gems for upscale travellers in Iceland?
Iceland’s nature is accessible to everyone, but upscale travellers in Iceland can seek out exclusive experiences in the country’s luxurious boutique accommodations and fine dining experiences, including Michelin-starred chef’s table experiences.
What are the best wellness stops on an Icelandic road trip?
The Blue Lagoon is an iconic wellness stop in Iceland. In fact, many of Activity Iceland’s itineraries include a stop at the geothermal pool at some point. But there are many other opportunities for self-care and indulgence. The Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík is popular for its multi-step ritual that guides visitors through steam rooms, pools of varying temperature and all kinds of pampering. Krauma geothermal spa is also a delightful natural wellness spot in the idyllic nature near Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s most voluminous hot spring.
There are also a selection of boutique accommodations within Reykjavík and scattered throughout the countryside that offer guests truly luxury experiences, with premium amenities and spas.
When to visit Iceland to avoid crowds?
Iceland is a popular destination. The peak season for visitors is during summer vacation (June through August), so visiting outside of those months will mean smaller crowds at the popular attractions. Travelling slowly in Iceland with the aim of seeing the country in more depth than the standard must-sees will also ensure that you’ll be visiting a number of natural sites without the crowds.
How many days is ideal for an Iceland trip?
The ideal way to visit Iceland is to consider your unique priorities and have a tailored itinerary created for you. Depending on what you want to see, do and experience in the country, your ideal time frame may range from three nights experiencing the vibrant culture of Reykjavík, a 10-day adventure to the Westfjords, or spending 21 days circling the entire country.
Is 7 days in Iceland too much?
Seven days is a nice amount of time to immerse yourself in an entire region of the country, whether it is taking a private luxury adventure along the South Coast or exploring the wild and rugged west of the country. Or do both on Activity Iceland’s popular Essential Iceland tour.
Written by: Catharine Fulton
