NEW HOTEL!

Iceland‘s new design eco-hotel

The architects behind the Ion Hotel (ioniceland.is) claim to have taken inspiration from the legends of Iceland’s early settlers; although judging by its isolated location, its brutalist aesthetic and the fact that an entire section of the building juts threateningly out of an icy hillside, they were also drawing on the rich architectural heritage provided by international Bond villains.

Aside from more humdrum attractions, including two restaurants and a spa, the dizzying suspended wing overlooks Lake Thingvallavatn, whose unpronounceable waters will supposedly provide “a cloud of geothermal steam”, giving the impression that the building is floating on thin air. Unsurprisingly, given Iceland’s green track record, this new luxury landmark is built on recycled and renewable materials and draws its heat and power from surrounding hot springs. The Ion is set to open this month and, though actual photographs of the hotel are yet to surface, its artist’s impressions show a highly ambitious building, and an impressive spot from which to see the northern lights or try your hand at white-water rafting and snowmobiling.

Discover the World (01737 214291, discover-the-world.co.uk) offers a winter adventure break based at Ion from £815pp (based on two sharing) including return flights, airport transfers, three nights’ B&B at Hotel Ion, northern lights safari by superjeep, lava caving, two-course lobster dinner at Rauda Husid and entrance to the Blue Lagoon.