REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - Hotel Husafell in West Iceland is a proud new member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of 57 handpicked lodges that invite guests to experience the world's most spectacular places while helping to protect them for generations to come.
Amid the gentle hills of West Iceland's Highlands, Hotel Husafell is within easy reach of glaciers, lava caves and Snæfellsjökull National Park. Built conscientiously from sustainable design, Hotel Husafell celebrates the wild and creative essence of Iceland.
"We're honored to be the only hotel in Iceland selected to join National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World," said Unnar Bergthorsson, Hotel Manager and seventh generation Husafell resident. "Hotel Husafell has worked hard to become a world-class hotel and vacation destination. To be recognized alongside some of the world's most luxurious and acclaimed resorts validates our efforts to create an Icelandic vacation experience that is truly authentic and sustainable."
Every lodge is evaluated through a comprehensive vetting process in which it is judged on property, guest experience, quality of service and sustainable tourism practices. The process includes an on-site inspection by an expert to assess hotel operations, to meet staff and to evaluate the lodge's sustainable tourism practices.
"Our growing collection of Unique Lodges of the World offers a wide range of meaningful travel experiences to all kinds of explorers," said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic's executive vice president for Travel and Licensing. "We are thrilled to bring on these extraordinary new members, as they embody the values National Geographic and our travelers hold close."
Guests who book through National Geographic Unique Lodges will receive a "National Geographic Exclusive" experience. Guests are invited on a private history tour of the Husafell grounds including the stone sculptures by local artist Páll Guðmundsson. Visit the hotel's on-site hydro and geothermal plants and learn firsthand about Iceland's cutting-edge clean energy practices. Stop by an ancient sheep pen from Viking times to hear the folklore-rich history of Husafell. While there guests may try their hand at hoisting the world-famous Husafell stone, a test of strength introduced centuries ago by Husafell forefather Snorri Bjornsson.
National Geographic Unique Lodges offer travelers a full-service experience from booking to checkout. Travelers can browse all of the properties on the Unique Lodges website and request a reservation at a lodge. They can join a National Geographic Expedition that features a Unique Lodge or book one of National Geographic's new Private Expeditions, offered in partnership with Virtuoso®, the leading international luxury travel network.
