In a softly-lit room at Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik, white curtains flutter around a four-poster teakwood bed, a setting so serene that it could well be found in a lazy, tropical seaside resort. And yet, when you peek outside the window, the majestic expanse of Esja mountain greets you, as does the vibrant street art and inviting storefronts of downtown Reyjkavik. Whisked away by the comfort of Eyja Guldsmeden hotel, it might be a shock to realize that this is a luxury urban retreat and you are actually just off the busiest shopping street, Laugavegur, in the downtown Reyjkavik area.

At this elegant hotel, a characteristically Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic does not mean compromising on opulence. Lush furnishings and delicate interior design create a sophisticated atmosphere for guests to call home during their stay. As for a memorable dining experience right at your accommodations, Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik sources organic and local food, beers, and wine for a wholesome approach to fine dining. To make guests’ Icelandic travels incredible even beyond the haven of their walls, Eyja Guldsmeden also offers personalised tours of some of the country’s most stunning destinations.

Founded in 2016, this hotel is a family-owned business that joins a number of other boutique hotels in the Denmark-based Guldsmeden Hotels group. As part of this group, Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik is an eco-friendly hotel at the vanguard of sustainable hospitality practices, earning a Green Globe certification. The hotel sprung up in a previous office block of downtown Reyjkavik that was renovated to accommodate the spacious set of 65 guestrooms and amenities including a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre. In this location, the hotel is both near remarkable historic landmarks of Iceland while also offering guests proximity to the chic new boutiques that capture a Bohemian spirit in the area.

Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik describes its guestroom aesthetics as channelling a “Nordics–meet–Bali” style. Their signature four-poster bed immediately invites guests into a lofty, whimsical experience in all the rooms. Additionally, minimalist furnishings in shades of beige and grey-blue run throughout the rooms. While sticking to this neutral colour palette, the rooms also exude a warm elegance with the use of teakwood and delicately woven lamp shades that suffuse golden light.

In each detail of the rooms, you can notice the superior quality of this luxury urban retreat. Such details include the sleek flat-screen TV, the efficient black-out curtains and luxuriously soft feather duvets ensuring a good night’s sleep, and the selection of organic toiletries in the private bathroom that embody the values of this eco-friendly hotel and add to the pampering experience of your stay. In rooms such as the deluxe double superior room and the triple superior rooms, there is a spacious and inviting seating area where eclectic throws adorn the sofa. This acts as a kind of intimate nook, a perfect space to relax with your latest read or enjoy a bite and a drink.

When it comes to waking up on the right side of the bed, a nourishing breakfast goes a long way. At Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik’s breakfast buffet, organic and locally sourced food can be found in abundance, with highlights include the fresh cheeses and homemade skyr – a rich yogurt – characteristic of Iceland’s cuisine. A selection of bacon, sausage, ham, and salami are available as well as mouth-watering croissants and other fresh-baked breads. To satisfy a sweet tooth, rest assured that there are decadent cakes as well as light fruit platters.

For a place to unwind from the day’s explorations and kick off a cheerful evening, the restaurant and bar at the hotel is an excellent choice. Its refined, industrial-style architecture, perhaps a remnant of the building’s past as an office space, includes high ceilings with individually cocooned lightbulbs hanging from above. A sense of comfort and warmth finds its way into the interiors through cowhide-furnished chairs and wildflower decorations. Here, guests can enjoy light meals such as a panini, soup or salad. At the bar, local beer and organic wines are the star of the show, lulling you into a sparkling end to the day.

Extending the spirit of hospitality past its hotel accommodations, Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik offers a rich variety of memorable tours that guests can take advantage of when planning their Icelandic adventures. The dizzying array of Iceland’s natural landscapes include glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and mountains. With the thoughtfully curated tours prepared by local experts, there are options ranging from self-driving itineraries to group whale watching trips to private tours along remote trails, catering to all skill-levels.

For a taste of life in Reykjavik itself, the hotel provides bicycles for hire for a spontaneous wander around the city. Along with exploring the newer establishments in downtown Reyjkavik area, especially the stylishly colourful storefronts that dot the main shopping avenue Laugavegur, there are also impressive historic landmarks of Iceland near the hotel. For instance, there is the Hallgrímskirkja Church which stretches towards the heavens with a uniquely cresting architecture. The design was inspired by the awesome structures of Iceland’s natural landscapes and reminiscent of majestic pipe organs. Other special activities close to the hotel include a trip to the city’s thermal spas and pools for a first-hand experience of just how important Iceland’s geothermal energy is to its culture and customs.

Whether you’re planning a city break in Reyjkavik or looking for a luxurious base from which to explore different corners of the country, Eyja Guldsmeden is a prime choice. At this eco-friendly hotel, thoughtfully designed rooms and the comfort of delicious organic, local food creates a sense of warmth and relaxation. Furthermore, their specially prepared tours make dreams of otherworldly adventures into the remote landscapes of Iceland true.