Hotel Laxa

Hotel Laxa manages to be stylishly modern while also blending in with its natural surroundings. Its angular design is very contemporary, while the wood-and-glass exterior lends it an organic air; the interior spaces offer an arty atmosphere by the use of modish light fittings and impressionistic wall decorations. Many of the communal spaces are glass-walled, enabling you to fully enjoy the view over the unspoilt countryside.

Hotel Laxa’s guestrooms are stylish, modern and minimalist. The wooden floors use boards of different shades, creating a unique patterned effect, while the rest of the colour scheme is quite monochrome, with walls and furnishing in various shades of grey, black and white, reflecting the volcanic nature of the landscape outside. This theme is further evident in the wall art, which depicts Iceland’s sites of great natural beauty.

The Eldey Restaurant is a colourful, stylish space, where beautifully presented Icelandic cuisine is served up using produce from the Myvatn region and beyond: expect to find Arctic char from Husavik, beef and lamb from Eyjafjordur, and organic vegetables from the farms surrounding the hotel. For a drink or a light bite, head to Bar Bistro, where you’ll find a wide range of draft beers, wines, and light meals.

Make the most of the natural hot pools and mud baths of Lake Myvatn, which are right on your doorstep. 

When most people think of bathing in hot springs in Iceland, the first thing that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon, but the country’s northern equivalent, Lake Myvatn, offers similar geothermal activities without the bustling crowds. The Jardbodin Nature Baths are a beautiful spot for a dip, particularly at night, when you can either bask in the midnight sun or marvel at the Northern Lights, depending on the season.

Other highlights include the warren-like caves of Dimmuborgir, and the lunar landscapes of the Viti Crater. The Myvatn region can be explored in a variety of ways, from hiking to cross-country skiing and snowmobile rides.