The story goes that Iceland was home to several of the country’s earliest settlements — a gathering place for Vikings. More recently, the country has become an underground party hotspot for partying millennials. The country, which now attracts more tourists than more traditional vacation destinations like Morocco and Indonesia, is looking to capitalize on that trend with a new hotel to help appease those looking for a party scene they can stay awake for.
Iceland’s The Loft, which opens next month in Reykjavik, is the country’s first hotel designed for millennials. The holiday-themed hotel features five guest rooms, a rooftop rooftop pool and a rooftop bar that is itself part of a long and winding underground tunnel that takes travelers through all of Reykjavik’s underground hot spots.
“One key aspect is that we want to give guests the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who share their trendy hotel experience,” said Kristin Migsdottir, the head of the design team behind The Loft. “At The Loft, visitors can have easy access to this very high-intensity type of urban lifestyle, which helps them build a sense of community.”
Another key element of the hotel design was the layering of nature and wildlife. The hallways of The Loft are lined with green plants and trees, and each of the three guest rooms includes a private overlook that takes guests through an urban-wildlife habitat.
“We wanted to emphasize the importance of nature to ensure the Arctic environment was treated in a sustainable manner,” said Astrid Einarsson, the lead designer. “Part of that was to help make the connection between nature and the luxury interior, as well as use our own lifestyle items that [the guests] need: durable but soft and comfortable.”
The design team kept the sleek look and feel of the hotel, as well as its nod to the city’s historical past — modern, sleek, but still providing a sense of the country’s turbulent past.
“The larder, gardens and my office/study all reference the historic area of Reykjavik, which is dense with history,” said Tyde Seilid, director of the design team. “We had to take inspiration from the old, with new additions, which involves trying to balance one and the other.”
The Haven Des Obez, The Loft’s rooftop bar, takes visitors on a journey through the hallways of the hotel, where they can find it’s actually hard to stay awake through all of its lounging spots. The Loft said the nightclub becomes the only place the guests can focus. Located underground, The Haven also features a spa inside the tunnel itself, where guests can take advantage of special treatment from a team of professional gynecologists, hairstylists and colorists.
Some of the Cave Lounge’s treatment options include an aromatherapy facial, which uses a specialized oil or balm to address all skin types and get guests glowing.
“We wanted to highlight the connection between art and health, which usually play in an unrelated way,” said Angella Mirow-Sahlland, Head of Radiotherapy at the hospital. “Culture and how it makes us understand the purpose of wellness and recovery was also a part of the design.”
The Loft also touted its exclusive nightlife.
“The music is the main thing that we always bring to The Loft,” said Meerja Braverman, a project manager for The Loft. “So definitely expect The Vault, the nightclub, The Boneyard, a small spinoff bar and private club.”
The Vault offers Icelandic music and DJs who play with people, and has a dancefloor for guests to dance to every Saturday night. The Boneyard is an up-and-coming club that plays some non-traditional EDM and has a high-volume DJ. The Private Room provides a good opportunity for people to take part in a party with a welcoming atmosphere. The Room features an oversized bar that has a laid-back vibe, and can be booked for a private event.