Located

Located
on a former sheep ranch, deep in the valleys of
Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, Deplar Farm promises a storybook stay in
a myth-infused landscape. The property combines luxury wellness with adrenaline-fuelled adventures, spa
treatments inspired by Viking wisdom and front-row seats to one of
the world’s best natural displays, the aurora borealis.

Stay away if you’re one for low-key laziness – Deplar days are
expertly crafted from start to finish, packed with activities
personalised to your preferences, no matter what the Icelandic
weather may have in store.

After a day spent exploring the icy realms beyond the door,
return rosy-cheeked to decompress in the Viking sauna, take a dip
in the geothermal outdoor saltwater pool – while gazing up at,
fingers crossed, the northern lights – and impress your lodge-mates
with tales of your adventures.

Rooms

Designed to blend into the landscape, the black timber-clad
lodge – complete with moss-green living roof – houses 13 rooms,
each named after Norse gods and prominent figures in Icelandic
folklore. They’re a cosy counterpart to the surrounding wilderness,
honouring the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Icelandic
farmhouses, but adding opulent white linens, Moroccan wools and
sheepskin throws.

Opt for Grettir, the largest suite, for a palatial stay with
your own private deck (expansive in size and offering far-reaching
views), stone fireplace and soaking tub. If you’re looking for
something a little more homey, the four Gallery Suites, though
smaller in size, come with mezzanine living spaces, hammocks and
dramatic mountain, lake and river views.

Luxury continues through the en-suites, where you’ll find
underfloor-heated stone, steam showers and enough Aesop goodies to
leave you smelling of rosemary, cedar and mandarin long after
you’ve left. Don’t forget to raid the in-room mini fridge for your
pick of Icelandic treats.

Travelling with the whole family? Álfahóll, the signature
bunkroom, kitted out with four double beds and a vast bathroom,
awaits. Icelandic slumber party, sorted.

What’s for breakfast?

Days start bright and early, but you won’t have any trouble
dragging yourself out of bed with the prospect of a Deplar
breakfast ahead. Choose the daily special, or from the à la carte
menu, which is laden with local flavours. Everything is prepared to
order – and accompanied by barista-made coffee. North Atlantic
salmon, eggs any way you like them, blueberry-topped pancakes and
homemade granolas are among the offerings. With neighbouring
farmers and fishermen making regular deliveries, this is
source-to-table dining at its finest.

Alongside your chosen dish, expect individual fruit salads,
warm-from-the-oven bread (delivered with a wedge of creamy sea salt
butter) and freshly squeezed juices.

How about lunch and dinner?

Lunch is the most relaxed of meals at Deplar Farm. You’ll find a
light (but filling) spread of soups, sandwiches and salads waiting
to fill you up, post-adventure.

Dinner is a little more lavish, but remains imbued with the
retreat’s laid-back, comfortable energy. Expect a three-course
affair, each dish paired with a wine from Deplar’s well-stocked
cellar. Guests break bread at a communal table, over which the
day’s stories are shared, with chef Garðar Kári Garðarsson
(Iceland’s 2018 Chef of the Year) sending out dishes made using
locally sourced ingredients. Highlights might include lamb ribeye
and confit shoulder – the meat coming from the family-owned farm
next door – lightly smoked Arctic char, and white chocolate mousse
made with regional mysuostur (“brown cheese” – a whey blend with a
distinctive caramel flavour).

Is there a bar?

Yes, there are two. The first can be found in the living room,
or hang space, and is positioned to enjoy the “jam out” area – a
lofted realm equipped with everything needed for an evening of live
music, or, should the night call for it, a round or two of karaoke.
It’s open until the last guest heads upstairs. Order from the menu,
or tell your mixologist your spirit of choice and give them free
rein to work their magic.

As much fun as the indoor bar is, little beats the outdoor,
poolside bar. Pick your spot, order your drink and sit back for an
evening of northern lights watching. If the temperature heads
south, we recommend an amaretto hot chocolate. You can thank us
later.

Amenities

Despite its location in the remote Fljót Valley, there’s no
shortage of things to do throughout the seasons. Sign up for the
Eleven Life Deplar Farm wellness programme, and
you’ll be given a personally curated schedule of activities
incorporating spa therapies, outdoor adventures and more.

Strike out into the Troll Peninsula’s windswept edges in winter
to drive snowmobiles over pristine powder, snow-shoe under fir
trees and traverse the landscape’s otherworldly terrain.

On the farm’s grounds, you can ogle wild landscapes and, in the
winter months, catch a glimpse of the northern lights from the
comfort of the outdoor geothermal pool. Test your limits with the
snow-capped Viking sauna (and the recommended post-session
cold-water plunge) or find your zen with a gong bath in the
meditation room. For those still looking to squeeze in their
morning workout, there’s an on-site gym, plus a line-up of morning
yoga classes, while, come evening, movie lovers can head to the
soundproofed media room.

What about accessibility?

Despite its remote location, the team at Deplar will take care
of all things transportation. From the moment you touch down,
you’ll be escorted to and from all your activities, and the
airport.

The queen-sized room, Thor, is designed to allow for the easy
flow of wheelchairs.

Things I should know

Deplar Farm has twice as many staff as guests, so you’ll be well
taken care of. Your stay is tailored to your needs, starting with a
pre-arrival form covering everything from preferred activities and
food preferences to health history. Prepare to be pampered.

In true Icelandic style, community is key at Deplar. Guests eat
breakfast and dinner together at the communal table, while lunch is
individual to each group. If you’re an introvert, you might
struggle.

Everything during your stay is included in the price of your
room, unless otherwise stated, so there’s no need to worry about
the bill at checkout (although the final figure might make you
gulp).

Deplar is also available for a full buyout: if you’re looking to
celebrate in style (and you’re not worried about the hit to your
wallet), it doesn’t get much better than this.

Within a short walk I can find……

The landscapes of the Troll Peninsula. What else do you need?
While most activities happen on the Deplar grounds, some will take
you beyond the valley. Catch some swells at Ólafsfjörður, go whale
watching at Eyjafjörður and find Stífluvatn Lake an easy 20-minute
walk away.

This article was updated on the 26 April 2022.