Luxury self drive holiday in Iceland

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
This luxury itinerary has been designed to ensure that it has a positive impact on the planet. We encourage travellers to plan a longer trip farther away and stay longer in one place instead of taking multiple short trips each year.
Deplar Farm have installed solar and geothermal energy systems in Iceland reducing the carbon footprint while embracing the unique environmental ethos.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE:
When in conservation areas, it was important that we hand-pick lodges that have a positive impact on the environment and actively preserve this for future generations. For example, Torfhús Retreat actively engages in environmental conservation efforts, such as tree planting and wetland restoration, maintaining a deep commitment to the environment. Another of the accomodations guests will stay at Deplar Farm, prides itself in aiming to minimise the impact in and around the hotel, some of the ways they do this is limiting food waste and single-use plastics. Another focus is planting on-property gardens and sourcing local produce reducing food miles and emphasising ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY:
We promote small lodges that have a positive impact on their surroundings and give back to the local community.
For example Deplar Farm gives back to the local community by sponsoring community festivals, clubs, and teams, to working with neighborhood vendors and donating to local nonprofits, the hotel is dedicated to developing deeper relationships between our team members, guests and the communities in which we operate. Another example is The Retreat, Blue Lagoon also funds a broad spectrum of philanthropic causes in the areas of youth sports, the arts, health, and wellness—contributing to the wellbeing of the communities on the Reykjanes Peninsula and throughout the country.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY:
All the guides referred to in this itinerary are employed locally and offer incredible knowledge about the history and communities of Iceland. We believe it is essential to have local guides as this provides a more authentic and cultural experience for travellers, as well as being able to show travellers sites off the tourist trail. The Retreat which is a member of B Corp, they ensure that from the very beginning, we have placed special emphasis on nurturing our local community ensuring that they receive both social and economic benefits.