Deep in the heart of Northern Iceland’s rugged Troll Peninsula, lies Deplar Farm, the brainchild of private-equity guru Chad Pikone’s group Eleven Experience. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers, the remote location makes the all-inclusive luxury lodge the perfect place for wilderness adventure, exploration and to view those glorious Northern Lights. Like all his properties, Pike’s wife designed Deplar to feel like a home rather then a hotel with a nordic style contemporary design of warm muted earth tones and cozy plush fabrics. The lodge offers all the amenities of a 5* hotel, with an in-house chef, spa and a tailor made itinerary based on the season. A glimpse below…
ACCOMODATIONS
ROOMS: 13 ensuite bedrooms with that can be booked individually or together for exclusive-use of the lodge.
MAPPS’S FAVORITE: Floki and Grettir which is featured below.
DINING & DRINKS
Deplar serves up farm-to-table fare provided by local fishermen and farmers and has an extensive wine cellar. The cozy horseshoe bar is perfect for schnapps and brews after a long day of outdoor adventure.
ACTIVITIES & WELLNESS
While winter weather provides epic conditions for heli-skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and fat biking, the warmer month conditions are excellent for fly-fishing, salmon fishing, sea kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, mountain biking, hiking and whale/puffin watching led by a team of expert guides.
Deplar is a wellness wonder that features an indoor/outdoor salt water pool with bar, sauna and steam room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, 2 flotation tanks, 3 treatment rooms and a fitness /yoga room.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING HERE: After landing in Reykjavík ( KEF ) you will need to connect to Akureyri via Iceland’s domestic airport RKV ( the airports are 45 minutes from each other and the flight is 40 minutes ) The team from Deplar will be waiting for you and take you on a scenic 90 minute drive out to the lodge. Please note that in winter, due to weather the ride can take 2 hours.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: All year round as each season brings new activities. Oct-Mar is when one can view the Northern Lights.
IDEAL GUEST: Adventure junkies, nature lovers and one with deep pockets to pay the hefty price tag. We love this for everyone, especially as an exclusive buyout for an epic celebration. The property is a haven for kids as the house comes with a pool, Nintendo, PlayStation, foosball and a billard and Ping Pong table. Best to have 4 guests or a multiple of 4 if you want to held-ski as the helicopters can accommodate 4 in each.
MAPPS X DEPLAR FARM: Special nightly rates as the property is all inclusive.
P.S. We love to add on a stay in Reykjavik pre Deplar to break up the travel. Email us for details.
*photos courtesy of Eleven Experience as our phone pics did not do it justice.