Harmony Seljalandsfoss

Harmony Seljalandsfoss in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property offering a unique and luxurious retreat deeply connected to its stunning natural surroundings. This adults-only destination, comprising two secluded glass lodges, consistently garners high praise for its design, amenities, and unparalleled location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests consistently rate Harmony Seljalandsfoss exceptionally high, with review scores often ranging from 9.0 to 10.0, indicating superb satisfaction. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing it as a "magnificent place" and a "hidden gem" that offers an "incredible and marvelous venue" for relaxation and immersion in nature. Many guests express a desire to have stayed longer, highlighting the unique and unforgettable experience it provides.

2. Key Highlights

The most celebrated aspects of Harmony Seljalandsfoss revolve around its innovative design and exclusive amenities that blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape. Key highlights include:

• Unique Glass Lodges: The architectural design, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a glass-paneled roof in the bedroom, allows for panoramic views and the extraordinary experience of sleeping under the stars or watching the Northern Lights from bed.
• Private Wellness Facilities: Each lodge boasts its own private panoramic glass-fronted sauna and an outdoor hot tub, offering luxurious relaxation with breathtaking views of the mountains, including Eyjafjöll.
• Secluded Location: Despite being close to major attractions, the property provides a profound sense of privacy and tranquility, free from crowds and noise.
• Connection to Nature: Guests love the feeling of being completely immersed in the silence and beauty of nature, with the minimalist design enhancing the boundary-dissolving experience between inside and outside.

3. Room Quality

The lodges are approximately 21-23 m² and designed with a sleek, contemporary Scandinavian style infused with Icelandic charm. They feature custom woodwork, warm wood finishes, natural textures, and high-end furnishings that create a bright, soothing, and luxurious interior. Each lodge includes a king-size bed, a nicely equipped kitchenette with a toaster, fridge, stovetop, coffee machine, and kettle, along with a dining area. The private bathrooms are modern, some featuring a walk-in shower or a spa bath, and include amenities like bathrobes. Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

It is important to note that Harmony Seljalandsfoss operates without an on-site restaurant or breakfast service. The lodges are equipped with a full kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. This setup supports the private and self-sufficient nature of the stay.

5. Service & Staff

As a boutique property focused on seclusion, Harmony Seljalandsfoss utilizes a self-service model. Guests can expect self-check-in via a keybox, and a digital welcome guide is provided upon arrival. There is no 24/7 on-site reception or staff. While direct feedback on staff interaction is limited due to the self-check-in nature, the owner has noted that guests frequently compliment the "magic of the place" and express a wish to extend their stay, indicating a highly satisfying overall experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Harmony Seljalandsfoss is strategically located in Hvolsvöllur, offering both seclusion and convenient access to the South Coast's iconic attractions.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is just 5.6 to 9.1 km (10 minutes drive) from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which guests can often see from their lodge. Other nearby attractions include Skogafoss Waterfall (approximately 23 miles or 30-37 minutes drive), Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey, and the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur. The slopes of Eyjafjallajökull volcano are also accessible for adventurous guests.
• Transport: A car is essential to reach the property. For stays between October and March, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required due to potential snow and the property's location off the main road. Reykjavík Domestic Airport is about 78 miles (126 km) away.
• Local Amenities: The town of Hvolsvöllur, a 15-minute drive away, provides a supermarket, gas station, and several local restaurants.

7. Value & Pricing

Harmony Seljalandsfoss is positioned as a luxury retreat, and its pricing reflects this. The nightly rate is approximately €800 (US $871) and remains fixed year-round. A 15% discount is automatically applied for stays of two nights or more, valid until August 31, 2025. Despite the higher cost, guests generally consider the unique experience, privacy, and amenities (like the private sauna and hot tub) to be well worth the investment, especially given the overall expense of travel in Iceland.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some aspects to consider include:

• No On-site Dining or Staff: The absence of a restaurant, breakfast service, or 24/7 on-site staff means guests must be self-sufficient for meals and any immediate needs.
• Accessibility in Winter: A 4x4 vehicle is necessary from October to March due to snow and the property's location, which is off the main road and receives limited snow removal.
• Arrival in Daylight: It is advised to arrive before dark, particularly in winter, as there is no additional outdoor lighting on site to preserve the natural night sky.
• Adults-Only and No Pets: The property is strictly for adults (maximum two guests per lodge) and does not allow pets.

Sources

1. vacationcottage.com
2. booking.com
3. vrbo.com
4. nice2stay.com
5. harmonyretreatlodge.com
6. coolstays.com
7. allthingsiceland.com
8. nice2stay.com
9. michelin.com