Why renting a private villa is the best way to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland has some fabulous luxury hotels, but there’s something more special, more intimate, about renting a private villa. Depending on the needs of your party, it might even take stress and inconvenience out of finding a place to stay.

Arctic Face’s bespoke approach to vacation planning means that whatever your preference, we’ll try to accommodate it as we craft your journey. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why renting a private villa is the best way to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland and how combining it with a meal cooked by our private chefs makes it even more special.

A challenging aspect of planning a vacation for a larger group, whether it’s an extended family or groups of friends, is settling on suitable accommodation. There’s no guarantee you’ll be accommodated in adjacent rooms if a busy hotel doesn’t have availability, something to bear in mind if you’re planning a trip over a holiday such as Christmas and New Year.

We offer an exclusive selection of private accommodations you won’t find listed anywhere else. These range from cozy countryside retreats to ultra-luxurious villas tucked away in Iceland’s most breathtaking locations. An added bonus of having a private villa is the space to truly unwind—think fully equipped kitchens, spacious lounges, and plenty of room for your group to relax together after a day of exploring.

Often, you’ll also have outdoor space – a deck or terrace can come in handy for watching a Northern Lights display that’s popped up out of nowhere. If you choose wisely and your private villa is in a rural location free from light pollution, it could be the ideal spot to hang out and watch the magical spectacle unfold above you. There’s no need to bundle up and chase the Northern Lights – instead, let them come to you and pop indoors when you need a hot drink or a stint in front of the fire.

One of the most crucial things to improving your experience of viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a dark sky. It’s not impossible to see the Aurora in larger settlements such as Reykjavik, Akureyri, or Selfoss, but in reality, you are making it harder to see vibrant colors.

Unless the solar activity is intense, there’s a good chance the wispy and washed-out greens will be barely more than gray. Situating yourself in a private villa in the heart of the Icelandic countryside is a good strategy if you’re keen on maximizing the viewing experience.

By opting to rent a private villa, you can choose to base your party in as remote and rural a location as you wish. However, such extreme solitude and isolation aren’t everyone’s preference, particularly if your vacation is in the depths of winter when an unexpected blizzard could leave some remote rural spots cut off for a time. That could be a concern if there are time-sensitive activities you’ve planned in addition to your Northern Lights viewing. No problem: hiring your own place means you can make sure it’s close to a major road that will be cleared promptly should it snow.

Our collection of private villas all come with full-service hospitality, including a dedicated chef and serving staff to cater to your schedule, not the other way around. Whether you’ve been out late chasing the Northern Lights or enjoying a slow morning by the fire, your meals are prepared fresh and served whenever you’re ready. It’s luxury on your time, with every detail taken care of.

A private villa isn’t just a place to stay—it’s the key to experiencing Iceland in comfort, style, and total seclusion. It gives you the freedom to chase the Aurora on your own terms, without the crowds, timetables, or noise. Whether you’re watching the lights from a steaming hot tub or enjoying a late breakfast after a long night under the stars, this is Iceland at its most exclusive.

Ready to turn the dream into reality? Take a look at our journeys that include private villas:

• Iceland the Extraordinary

• Authentic West Iceland