Shortlisted within three categories in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2013: Hotel up to 50 Rooms; Restaurant within a Hotel and Bar / Club / Lounge (we look forward to sharing images of the restaurant and bar shortly), Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, by Minarc, is a truly unique hotel.
Nestled into the slopes of Mt. Hengill, near Thingvellir national park, the Ion sits perched atop a series of high-seat pillars, an homage to Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, who en-route to Iceland in the year 874 threw his high-seat pillars overboard and sailed to where the gods brought them ashore.
The Ion sits perched atop a series of high-seat pillars, an homage to Iceland’s first settler
The Ion, with its use of natural light, outdoor living spaces and panoramic views of the environs, creates a unique sense of oneness, where the boundaries of walls seem to part and beckon nature inside. Inspired by the environmental surroundings, Ion incorporates innovative materials, sustainable practices, and the natural features of Iceland into its design. Ion is surrounded by hot springs, which provide geothermal hot water and energy.
The mnmMOD prefabricated, panelized building system exceeds environmentally safe building standards. Driftwood and other natural materials are used extensively in furniture throughout the hotel. Lights made of lava and found-wood illuminate the rooms. The restroom features the “Rubbish” sink made of recycled rubber.
Driftwood and other natural materials are used extensively in furniture throughout the hotel
Images of the Icelandic horse, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and other Icelandic references adorn the hotel walls. Each guest room is detailed with restrained lighting effects and subtle color palettes, as well as an abundance of natural daylight. Large picture windows in each room offer breathtaking views of Lake Thingvallavatn and the surrounding mountains, over which nature’s own theatre unfolds as the most spectacular light show, the Northern Lights, comes to life.
Nature’s own theatre unfolds as the most spectacular light show, the Northern Lights, comes to life