If I had to describe Iceland in one sentence, that would be it.
A living painting.
Every turn felt surreal, like someone had taken the most dramatic landscapes on earth and brought them to life. Waterfalls crashing into black sand beaches, moss-covered lava fields, blue ice caves & glaciers that felt untouched by time… and skies that quite literally danced for us.
We spent 8 days there for our honeymoon, and somehow it felt like both two weeks… and not nearly enough time at all!
✨ The Moment I’ll Never Forget
Our first night, we saw the Northern Lights.
No build-up. No waiting days. No chasing forecasts.
Just… pure magic. Standing there, looking up at the sky, watching the light swirl above us (like a dance), it didn’t feel real. It felt like one of those “wait… how is this actually happening right now?” moments.
But here’s something I didn’t know before experiencing it…
The Northern Lights don’t always look the way you see them in photos.
To the naked eye, they almost appear like a soft, moving ghost in the sky… subtle, shifting, almost smoky. You can see hints of color, but it’s not always those super vibrant greens and purples you see online. It’s more delicate. More mysterious.
And honestly? That made it feel even more magical.
Because it wasn’t about capturing the “perfect” picture… it was about being fully present in a moment that felt unreal.
That said… we were also lucky enough to have incredible photos and videos thanks to our amazing guide Danny aka the Aurorman, who truly did not disappoint. He knew exactly how to find the lights, how to time it, and how to capture it in a way we’ll have forever.
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list… just know it may not look how you expect… but it will feel even better than you imagined.
And from that moment on, Iceland had me.
☕ Small Moments That Made the Trip
Not every highlight was big and dramatic… some of my favorite memories were the simplest ones:
- Stopping at Skool Beans (a tiny café, women owned, inside a converted school bus ☕)
- Long drives through landscapes that didn’t even look like Earth
- Quiet mornings at our hotels with views that didn’t need filters
Those are the moments that stayed with me just as much as the big ones.
🚐 Why Booking a Private Guide Was 1000% Worth It
Let me be very real with you:
Driving in Iceland in the winter is NOT for the weak.
- Roads can close suddenly
- Weather changes in a blink of an eye
- Wind is no joke (like… aggressive, knock-you-off-balance wind)
At one point, we waited about 1.5 hours for a road to reopen.
And in that moment, I kept thinking:
👉 There is no way I would feel comfortable driving this myself.
Hiring a private guide was one of the best decisions we made. Not only for safety, but for peace of mind. Someone who knows the roads, the weather, and backup routes? Priceless.
I will have an affiliate link for our private guide soon, but if you do plan on booking a private guide who is also an amazing photographer… Danny is your guy!
❄️ Visiting Iceland in the Winter (The Real Talk)
Iceland in winter is magical… but it comes with challenges.
Here’s what you NEED to know:
- Layers are not optional, they’re essential
- Waterproof gear is a MUST (jackets, boots, everything)
- Weather delays are real → always have a backup plan
- Daylight is limited, so your schedule needs to be strategic
But here’s the thing…
Even with all of that?
It was 1000% worth it.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Iceland (Honest Reviews)
One thing that really shaped our experience in Iceland was where we stayed.
We didn’t stay in just one place (five places to be exact), instead, we moved around the island, which allowed us to experience completely different landscapes, energy, and even pace of travel.
From city luxury in Reykjavík to quiet, nature-filled stays near waterfalls… each hotel or lodge added something unique to our honeymoon.
Here’s my honest breakdown of everywhere we stayed:
✨ The Reykjavik EDITION
(Stayed using points)
This was our first stop—and such a beautiful way to ease into Iceland.
We arrived very early (around 6:30 AM), and they were able to get us into our room by 9 AM, which after an overnight flight felt like a lifesaver. That level of service definitely stood out and set the tone for the start of our trip.
The lobby and overall ambiance are stunning—very modern, clean, and elevated. It truly feels like a luxury property the moment you walk in.
That said, for being one of the only 5-star hotels in Reykjavík, I did expect a bit more in certain areas. Small details—like heated towel racks (which you’ll find in many other places in Iceland)—were surprisingly missing.
We also tried dinner at the hotel restaurant, and while the experience was nice, the pricing didn’t quite match the value in our opinion.
Thankfully, we used points for this stay, which made it feel much more worth it.
✔️ Perfect for: A stylish, centrally located stay in Reykjavík
✔️ What I loved: Early check-in, design, and location
✔️ Good to know: Beautiful hotel, but may not fully meet “5-star” expectations in every detail
🌊 Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon
We stayed here for two nights… and it ended up being one of our absolute favorite hotels of the entire trip.
From the moment we arrived, it felt special. They welcomed us with a personalized note for our honeymoon, which was such a thoughtful touch and immediately made the stay feel more intimate.
The amenities truly elevated the experience, having access to the sauna and hot tubs (open until midnight!) after long days of exploring in the cold was everything. There’s nothing like ending your night under the Icelandic sky, completely relaxed.
And the food? SO good. Both dinner and breakfast were genuinely delicious, which isn’t always guaranteed when you’re in more remote areas—so this really stood out.
Location-wise, it’s perfectly situated between glaciers and waterfalls, making it an ideal base for exploring the South Coast. Waking up here and looking outside felt like stepping into a postcard.
✔️ Perfect for: A cozy yet elevated stay in nature
✔️ What I loved: The honeymoon touches, food, spa amenities, and unbeatable location
🌿 Harmony Lodge
This stay was one of the most unique of our entire trip… glamorous, remote, and truly unlike a traditional hotel experience.
First, the setting is incredible. Being so close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall adds a magical layer to the entire stay, especially in quieter moments when you really feel surrounded by nature. It’s peaceful, secluded, and feels like you’re completely off the grid.
That said, this is not a typical hotel experience, it’s important to come prepared. There is no on-site restaurant or convenience setup, so you’ll need to bring everything you plan to eat or drink.
We also experienced a snowstorm during our stay, and visibility was extremely limited. At one point, we could barely see the roads, and we only made it in because our guide Danny had stayed there before and personally knew the owner. That definitely added a layer of safety and reassurance.
Even using the hot tub during the storm was more challenging than expected due to the weather conditions, but in a strange way, it still added to the experience. It felt raw, real, and very “Iceland in winter.”
Overall, this stay truly felt magical… but also very dependent on timing and conditions.
We were glad we only stayed one night in winter, but I could see this being an incredible 2-night stay in the summer when conditions are more accessible and you can fully enjoy the property.
✔️ Perfect for: An off-grid, luxury nature escape
✔️ What I loved: The location near Seljalandsfoss, privacy, and once-in-a-lifetime setting
✔️ Good to know: Weather can heavily impact access and experience—come prepared
🖤 Exeter Hotel
(Stayed using points)
This one had such a cool, modern, slightly industrial vibe. And actually this hotel was NOT on the list but remember early how I mentioned weather can change your itinerary, well that night due to the closures we couldn’t get to our original hotel. But thankfully it all worked out and we were able to stay back in Reykjavik and use points!
It felt younger, trendier, and super well-located. Perfect if you want something stylish but still comfortable and walkable to everything in Reykjavík.
✔️ Perfect for: A stylish city stay with personality
✔️ What I loved: The design + location
💙 Silica Hotel – our final dreamy honeymoon stay
This was our splurge stay… and honestly, it felt like stepping into another world.
From the moment we arrived, everything slowed down. The energy, the pace, even the silence felt different here. It wasn’t just a hotel, it felt like an experience designed around calm, privacy, and pure reset.
One of the biggest highlights was having access to the private Silica Lagoon. Compared to the main Blue Lagoon, it felt quieter, more intimate, and almost meditative. Floating in warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by lava fields felt surreal… like nature and luxury meeting in the most unexpected way.
The hotel itself is minimal, modern, and intentional. Nothing feels overwhelming or loud… it’s all about stillness and space. Our room was peaceful, the service was seamless, and everything felt designed to help you fully disconnect from the outside world.
We also really appreciated how easy everything felt here. After days of exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, this was the place where we could finally pause, breathe, and just be present.
If I had to describe it in one word: restorative.
✔️ Perfect for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, or a luxury unwind
✔️ What I loved: The private lagoon, peaceful design, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere
✔️ Good to know: This is a true splurge but it delivers on the experience
💙 The Blue Lagoon Experience
After a few days of exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and remote stays, it felt only right to experience one of the country’s most iconic destinations… Blue Lagoon.
Since we were staying at Silica Hotel, our access was already included, which made the experience even more seamless. Entry to the lagoon, a drink, three different face masks, and even the shuttle service were all part of our stay.
So of course… we had to try it and see what all the hype was about.
I’ve seen it called everything from a “modern wonder of the world” to one of the most unique wellness experiences on the planet… and honestly, I understand why.
The moment you walk in, it already feels different. The milky-blue geothermal water, the steam rising against the lava rock, the contrast of cold air and warm water… it’s surreal in a way that photos never fully capture.
And then there’s the swim-up bar…
Yes, a bar inside the lagoon.
Floating in warm water with a drink in hand, surrounded by this otherworldly landscape, felt like one of those “this cannot be real life” travel moments.
We also loved being able to try the different silica masks throughout the experience.. it added a fun, spa-like element that made the whole visit feel even more elevated.
Even though it’s one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, it still felt worth experiencing firsthand. It’s not just about the lagoon itself, it’s about the entire atmosphere and how effortless the experience is when you’re staying on property.
The Reality Behind the Trip
As you can probably tell, we were really intentional about where we stayed… mixing comfort, location, and a few once-in-a-lifetime moments that truly shaped the experience.
And yes… that absolutely played a role in the overall cost of our trip.
But I also want to be really honest here:
This was the most expensive trip I’ve ever taken, and I have zero regrets.
Every hotel, every experience, every spontaneous “this is unreal” moment added to what became one of the most meaningful trips of my life.
If anything, it reminded me that some experiences aren’t meant to be cheap… they’re meant to be lived fully.
So if you’re wondering what a trip like this actually looks like financially, here’s the full breakdown:
💰 The Real Cost of Our Iceland Honeymoon
Disclaimer:
- This is for TWO people
- This was our honeymoon, so we did not hold back aka business flights, room upgrades, no food budget, etc.
- We were incredibly grateful to receive about $14,000 in honeymoon funds from our wedding
Drumroll…. Full Cost Breakdown:
|
Category |
Cost |
| ✈️ Flights | $4,375.92 |
| 🏨 Hotels | $3,541.93 |
| 🚐 Private Guide & Transport | $9,000.00 |
| 🚕 Airport Transportation | $332.00 |
| 🍽️ Food & Drinks | $1,767.93 |
| 🛍️ Souvenirs | $117.66 |
| 🐾 Pet Sitting |
$500.00 |
| TOTAL | $19,635.44 |
One Last Honest Note…
This trip was an investment, but it was also one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
No regrets… just gratitude, memories, and a deeper love for travel than ever before.
My hope in sharing every detail is that it reminds you that trips like this are possible for you too. No gatekeeping here, just real experiences, real costs, and honest insight.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@thislatinatravels.com, or connect with me and tag me @ThisLatinaTravels so I can see your journeys and help however I can.
