Looking For The Most Luxurious Experience In Iceland? Deplar Farm Is The Place To Go

Eleven’s renowned properties and experiences focus on customized adventures, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, but always include exquisite lodging and food. Eleven’s Deplar Farm is located in Iceland’s northern Troll Peninsula, close to the top of the world. The property is completely off the grid, housed in a converted sheep farm. But getting there is relatively simple—just a quick flight from Reykjavik and then an hour drive through Iceland’s rugged countryside.

The perfect place to see the Northern Lights

When you arrive at this 13 suite property, you are instantly transported by this spectacularly remote lodge. The spacious rooms are lovingly decorated with local woods and the beds are covered in cozy sheepskin and Moroccan wool. The humongous main room is outfitted with a giant fireplace, and a well-stocked bar for the adults. Kids who walk in for the first time (including my teenage boys) can barely contain their joy as they  discover the ping pong table, foosball table, dart board and a loft that is filled with guitars, a drum set and anything else you may need to become a rock star for the afternoon. There is also a media room, a yoga studio, a wonderful spa and an outdoor hot tub with possibly the only swim-up bar in Iceland.

Enjoying the outdoor hot tub

But the real reason you are here is to explore the incredible bespoke adventures. Friends and families get to design their own activities from an ever changing seasonal array. Summer visitors can fill the extra-long days with the most amazing sights. Nature lovers might choose to sign up for whale watching at the Eyjafjordur fjord, hikers will be awed by the stunning scenery in the nearby nature reserve, and beach lovers can pull on wetsuits and have an incredible surfing experience on a black sand beach. My family particularly loved paddling down the Fljotaa River, a spectacular boat ride and hike to Puffin Island, and an evening of skeet shooting. Eleven is known for its devotion to fishing and Deplar guests can enjoy trout or char fishing on the river or lake. Deplar also has two cabins set up for overnight stays just steps away from a fishery.

A perfect fishing hole

Winter guests will be thrilled with the most ideal setting to watch the Northern lights. Guests can ski right through June and in the winter, when snow is plentiful, skiers can choose from on piste skiing, backcountry skiing, cat skiing and the resort’s renowned heli-skiing. Non-skiers can enjoy, snowshoeing, hiking, fat biking and winter surfing.

Heli-skiing is the antidote to ski lift lines

Meals are a highlight

Regardless of the season, the food is lovingly prepared and beautifully presented. (Deplar’s chef, Garoar Garoarsson, was named Iceland’s 2018 chef of the year.) Local farmers and fisherman stock the pantry, the wine cellar is filled with an extensive selection and wine pairings are offered at each meal. Dining happens at a communal table, where guests swap adventure stories and try to figure out how and when they can make a return visit.