Selfoss, Iceland
Black Sand Hotel
Minimalist volcanic lodge
Minimalist volcanic lodge
The lodge hunkers on a windswept volcanic spit, built for watching the North Atlantic surf from beside an open fire.
What it’s good at
Notable
Low-profile volcanic architecture with stone interiors, open fireplaces, and caramel-leather lounge seating.
Listed
Swedish DUX beds come dressed in Quagliotti linens beside Atlantic-facing picture windows.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
its sparsely decorated interiors are warmed by rich textures and by high-quality fixtures and furnishings, which include DUX beds dressed in Quagliotti linens.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The black sand beach sits right outside, and the restaurants of Selfoss are a fifteen-minute drive inland.
The rooms
Wood paneling keeps the bedrooms warm, and picture windows look straight out toward the North Atlantic or inland mountains.
ÓMUR Restaurant
Floor-to-ceiling glass looks out over breaking Atlantic surf, with tables set for seasonal Nordic seafood.
At the table
A long timber table looks out toward the mountains, and the bar mixes craft cocktails beside seasonal small plates.
How it began
The owners halved the hotel's planned size to reduce its footprint, heating the property with local geothermal energy.
Selfoss
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.