Going off Grid: Deplar Farm, Iceland - Luxury Holidays & Concierge Travel

Let us transport you to a parallel world. Your destination – the extremely remote Fljot Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. It is the height of summer; wildflowers carpet the meadows, and there’s sunshine at midnight allowing plenty of time for round-the-clock explorations. And there between the fjords lies Iceland’s most acclaimed property – Deplar Farm.

"With its dark wood exteriors and traditional turf roof, Deplar Farm blends seamlessly into the natural landscape."

FEEL HYGGE

Previously an 18th century sheep farm, the property is a celebration of its rugged past. The 13 rooms are named after Norse gods and stylish Hygge interiors flow throughout, emanating a pervading warmth that’s in stark juxtaposition to the raw landscape beyond: barren peaks and snow-dusted mountains, glacial rivers, lush green valleys and lakes that gleam like mirrors. Outside, black timber cladding is typically Icelandic, while the living turf roof rustles in the wind like the meadows all around, blurring the boundaries between lodge and valley.

"Deplar Farm ranks as one of the most isolated yet luxurious hotels in Europe, perhaps even the world."

YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE

"The Troll Peninsula is ideal for heli-skiing, and with two helipads on the property, you'll have instant access to rolling descents and steep couloirs that run all the way down to the ocean. During summer, Iceland's midnight sun makes it possible to carve tracks well into the night, and should conditions make flying impossible, Deplar's guides can arrange cross-country or resort skiing instead."

The possibilities for adventure are almost unlimited at Deplar Farm, which is setting new standards in experiential travel.

Summer in Iceland (roughly April to September) means long, light-filled days with endless opportunities for outdoor activities. If you’re a keen fisherman you’ll have access to some of the best Atlantic salmon and Arctic char rivers in the world. If angling’s not your thing, then take your pick from the likes of horse riding, kayaking, skeet shooting, surfing, hiking and whale-watching.

In winter (November to mid-March), days may be shorter but they’re quickly packed with fat-biking along carefully groomed trails, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, heli- and resort skiing.

And if that all sounds tiring, Deplar’s geothermally heated pool and talented masseurs will be ready when you return to soothe your aching muscles.

DANCING LIGHTS

When the weather turns and winter arrives, Deplar Farm shows another side to its character.

An alpine wonderland far removed from any sources of artificial light, the Fljót Valley is one of the best places in the country to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights – shimmering arcs of dancing light that sweep their way across the dark night skies.

The lights are at their most frequent from November to March and provide a sight so celestial it will take your breath away.

Back at the ranch

Back at the lodge, comfort remains luxuriously consistent. Sink into the geothermally heated indoor/outdoor pool, complete with its own bar – perfect for nights spent admiring the Northern Lights or swimming in the midnight sun. Ease aching muscles in the sauna, steam room or indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Book into the spa for a massage, facial or flotation tank treatment. Relax in the media room complete with huge-screen TV, movies and games consoles. Play billiards or foosball, try yoga or pilates, perhaps even take a course in functional fitness, with expert instructors working to help you maximise your exercise time and inspire good habits.

Come evening, try a signature cocktail or Icelandic craft beer, then dine on sublime farm-to-table food, prepared by Iceland’s ‘chef of the year 2018’. Like everything here, food is a celebration of the surroundings, with fish caught in the local rivers and lamb raised on the sides of the mountains outside. Meals are typically three-course affairs, using modern techniques to elevate ingredients that have been around since the Vikings.

The Verdict

Deplar Farm is a game-changer for Iceland, combining hyper-stylish interior design with year-round outdoor adventures in one of the wildest and most spectacular corners of the continent. From heli-skiing to salmon fishing, kayaking to snowmobiling, this is adventuring on a truly epic scale, safe in the knowledge that a standout spa, cutting-edge restaurant and world-class team of staff will be waiting to welcome you home.

Sarah Woodthorpe

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Sarah.Woodthorpe@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile

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Highlights

5 Reasons to Visit Iceland

With everything from glacier hikes to the Northern Lights, Iceland is an adventure playground ready to be explored at any time of year.

Iceland

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