Reykjavik’s popularity as a must-visit destination has swelled over the past decade – and immediately during the car ride from the airport to Iceland’s capital city, it’s clear to see why. Mystical mountaintops form a scenic backdrop fitting for a fantastical fairytale, while roads cut through moss-flecked lava fields and traffic whizzes past plumes of hot steam erupting from the natural geysers in the distance. You instantly feel like you’ve escaped reality, surrounded by nature in its unspoilt magnificence.
It comes as little surprise then that Ian Schrager – the mastermind behind EDITION Hotels – was keen to add it to the property’s list of locations. Launching at the end of 2021, The Reykjavik EDITION is perfectly situated in the downtown of Iceland’s premier city. Placed on the harbour front, its ebony façade of shou sugi ban timber fits beautifully with the scenic views surrounding it. These considered design details, in true EDITION fashion, carry through the rest of the hotel.
As you step into the lobby you are instantly struck by the Icelandic lava stone sculptural totem commissioned especially for the hotel. Surrounded by seating and plush faux fur textiles, the essence of Iceland’s Nordic and Celtic heritage is blended with natural materials to bring the beauty of the country’s unique wonders inside. This is brought to life further with a subtle but stunning video mapped Northern Lights projected onto the wall – hues of green and purple waves dancing wistfully to reflect Iceland’s glorious night sky.
The Reykjavik EDITION is the capital’s first 5-star hotel, comprising 253 guestrooms and suites, a rooftop bar, restaurants and a spa. The guestrooms are warm and welcoming, with a muted palette of ash wood and pale grey oak bringing a lightness to the surroundings. Floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views, while Italian custom-made furniture brings interior flair for the modern luxury feel the EDITION is famous for. To give the space an Icelandic twist, there’s cosy wool throws on the bed from local company Ístex, ceramics by artist Guðbjörg Káradóttir, and artwork by famous Icelandic artists Pall Stefansson and Ragnar Axelsson – celebrating local artisans and showcasing the country’s creativity.
On the ground floor is the hotel’s signature restaurant Tides which is filled with light beaming through the floor to ceiling windows. The menu features both local dishes and Icelandic twists on the classics. For lunch, the crispy chicken burger is succulent with its curry remoulade infusion, while the Atlantic Lobster Roll is fresh with local shellfish wrapped in a soft and warm brioche bun and embellished with sweet mango salsa. The evening menu, meanwhile, offers a truly special line-up of dishes. North Icelandic Lamb Fillet is tender, with caramelised celeriac pureé giving it a tangy hit. The Lobster Ravioli was fresh and zesty, melting in the mouth with every bite, while the Braised Icelandic Lamb Gnocchi with roasted tomatoes and Feykir cheese was rich with flavours that will have you ordering a second portion. As far as side dishes go, the Sautéed Mushrooms feel straightforward when written down on a menu, but blended with garlic and pangrattato it was easily a firm favourite at the table with its moreish seasoning enhancing the main dishes further.
The relaxed bar in the lobby area is perfect for that pre-dinner cocktail, with soft furnishings offering space and time to relax. Just next to it is Tölt – named after the unique fourth gait Icelandic horses are best known for – a snug bar hidden away just off the side of the lobby, with little nooks to have a quiet drink or a nightcap after a long day of exploring. The space is adorned with rich wood panelling and colourful furnishings, with a menu of bespoke cocktails featuring local Icelandic spirits.
Up on the seventh floor is The Reykjavik EDITION’s stunning rooftop bar and terrace that offers panoramic views of the mountains, the North Atlantic Ocean and the city rooftops. In the summer you can catch the burnt orange sunsets while sipping on a drink, but you’ll be waiting until 10.30pm for that perfect dusky skyline. In the depths of winter, the rooftop is under a canopy of the Northern Lights – one of the most comfortable and breathtaking views of the aurora borealis.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Iceland without some form of spa experience, and The Reykjavik EDITION’s facilities do not disappoint. There are three treatment rooms for massages and facial scrubs which can be booked beforehand, while a hammam, steam room, sauna, and a plunge pool offering hydrotherapy allows for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. The central lounge with a spa bar serves a fresh healthy menu of post-workout Viking shakes if you’ve been sweating it off in the adjoining gym. For those who are looking for a pamper day, there’s champagne and Icelandic cocktails to fit the occasion.
The hotel is nestled in the heart of Reykjavik’s downtown by Old Harbor port, and is a prime location to easily explore the capital city and beyond. Guests are just a short walk away from Laugavegur Street, where you will find the city’s vibrant shopping district. Rainbow Street is just a 9-minute walk away, which leads up to one of Reykjavik’s iconic landmarks, Hallgrimskirkja, a 20th Century church of architectural brilliance. The city also boasts a healthy and diverse art scene, with Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús being just a 5-minute walk from The Reykjavik EDITION. A single ticket gives you access to three different galleries, with Hafnarhús offering contemporary multi-media exhibitions, Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir (30-minute walk) showcasing classic and local artists, and Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn (11-minute cab journey) being based in the former studio of Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson.
Reykjavik’s popular and tranquil Sky Lagoon is a 12-minute cab journey away, where guests can enjoy hours in the warm spring water with its infinity-pool style view over the ocean, while enjoying drinks from the lagoon bar. For those who want to explore beyond the city, Pink Iceland arranges full-day tours to explore the natural wonders. Their Golden Circle tour will take you to gorges being torn apart by moving tectonic plates at Thingvellir National park; standing next to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall; and catching the geyser Strokkur erupt at the world-famous Geysir geothermal area. With a pick-up point very close to The Reykjavik EDITION it’s the easiest way to explore Iceland’s majestic nature.
For LGBTQ+ travellers visiting for Reykjavik Pride (which takes place on the second weekend of August), The Reykjavik EDITION hold their infamous drag brunch showcasing the incredible talent of local performers over mimosas and a stunning brunch menu. It is timed to wrap up just before the parade begins, so guests can take the short 5-10 minute walk to the parade route to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community on the streets.
There’s never been a better time to visit Reykjavik as it’s popularity continues to soar with travellers across the world. With Icelandair having direct flights from both Western Europe (roughly 2-3 hours journey) and the East Coast of North America (anywhere from 4-6 hours flight), it’s an accessible getaway of escapism and wonder. With The Reykjavik EDITION one of the prime properties in the city with easy access to everything on offer, you can pair the magic of Iceland with modern luxury for a truly unforgettable getaway.
To book your stay at The Reykjavik EDITION you can visit their official website here.
Icelandair operates 35 flights a week from the UK to Reykjavik, with departure points from London, Manchester and Glasgow. Return economy flights are available from £142pp and return Saga Premium flights from £425pp. Book at icelandair.com/en-gb/
