Adventurers will be in their element at Deplar Farm, on Iceland’s dramatic, northern Troll Peninsula. Every season here has its bounties: blackberry picking, salmon fishing in the clearest of currents, riding untouched terrain, the thrill of trying to catch the Northern Lights – or heli-skiing, the lodge’s speciality. A particularly high snowfall promises thrilling conditions for unshrinking skiers.
This 18th-century sheep farm is one of the truly unique Iceland hotels, remote and utterly modern. Intended to blend in with the spectacular landscape, it has a grass-clad living roof, sleek dark timber frames and floor-to-ceiling windows for sensational views of the mountains and grassland outside. The restaurant’s sharply executed menus pay tribute to the region’s produce: plenty of skyr is accompanied by locally sourced fish and meats. And of the 13 fresh, stylish rooms (all equipped with steam showers and blackout blinds for the long summer days), four suites with lofts and hammocks truly stand out. The four outposts offer space to relax and recline over lunch during a day's activities - whether it is the Lake House, Ghost Farm or Flóki Studio - a full working recording studio - these homes from home are a welcome stop.