Torfhús Retreat Selfoss
iceland, iceland · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Torfhús Retreat is the most romantic address in Iceland for couples who want the country's folklore to be the backdrop rather than a sidebar. The property is a small village of turf-roofed torfhús cottages modeled on Viking-era longhouses, set on rolling pasture in the Golden Circle region near Selfoss, with the snowy outline of Hekla volcano on the horizon. Each cottage has a private outdoor geothermal hot tub fed by the land's own springs, a wood-burning fireplace, and a hand-hewn bed built from driftwood and Icelandic wool — this is a property where the rooms are the experience. There's a 32-horse stable of Icelandic horses for guided rides across the lava fields, a serious wine cellar under the main hall, and a restaurant that treats langoustine, lamb, and Arctic char with Nordic fine-dining restraint. Honeymooners consistently describe it as the most magical night they spent in Iceland.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
93/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Torfhús (Turf House) Cottage — a standalone two-level longhouse with a private geothermal hot tub on a viewing deck, crackling fireplace, and a loft bedroom under a turf roof.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,600/nt) | $11,200 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $16,800 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $2,240 |
| Total estimated | $33,540 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Torfhús Retreat across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival and first tub
Transfer from Keflavík (90 minutes) through the lava fields, check into your torfhús, and mark the moment with a long soak in your private tub as the Icelandic dusk settles.
Golden Circle at your own pace
Self-drive or guided loop covering Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, with a late lunch at the Friðheimar tomato greenhouse and a fireside dinner back at the Retreat.
Horses, sauna, spa
Morning ride on Icelandic horses across the property's lava pastures, an afternoon in the turf-roofed spa and sauna, and the chef's tasting menu in the evening.
Secret Lagoon and Kerið crater
Bathe in the rustic Secret Lagoon at Flúðir, visit the red-rimmed Kerið volcanic crater, and stop at a small farm distillery before returning to the Retreat.
South Coast big day
Full day along the south coast — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and Dyrhólaey arch — with a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull for the active.
Slow day and aurora
Long breakfast, a wine tasting in the cellar, a couples massage, and — in winter — an aurora watch from your private hot tub, which is as spectacular as any guided chase.
Departure through Reykjavík
Final morning ride or soak, drive back toward Keflavík with an optional half-day in Reykjavík for Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture before your flight home.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The Retreat is remote — the nearest town (Selfoss) is a short drive away but there is effectively nothing within walking distance, so a rental car or driver is strongly recommended.
Winter access requires confidence on icy Icelandic roads; the hotel can arrange a private driver if you would rather not drive yourself.
Dinner at the restaurant is a multi-course event and books out quickly — reserve your table at the time of booking rather than on arrival.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Torfhús Retreat Hello Torfhús team, We are planning our honeymoon in Iceland and would love to stay at Torfhús Retreat for 7 nights from [DATE] to [DATE]. Please could you confirm availability of a Torfhús Cottage with a private geothermal hot tub, and share your best available rate including breakfast? We would also like to reserve the chef's tasting menu for two on [DATE], a guided horseback ride, and a couples treatment in the spa. A private airport transfer from Keflavík would be ideal. Thank you, [NAMES] [EMAIL] / [PHONE]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this hotel good for honeymooners?
It is arguably Iceland's most romantic hotel. Private turf-roofed cottages with geothermal tubs, a horse stable, a fine-dining restaurant, and a fairytale setting make it a top-tier honeymoon pick.
What is the best time to visit?
September through March for aurora viewing from your private tub, and June through August for the midnight sun and long horse rides. Shoulder seasons (May, September) balance weather and daylight well.
What should we book in advance?
A Torfhús Cottage, a dinner reservation at the main restaurant, a guided horse ride, and any Golden Circle or South Coast excursions. Add a cellar wine tasting if you're interested.
Is it adults-only?
No, but the property is small and designed around couples and quiet stays, so the atmosphere is overwhelmingly adult and subdued.
What's the best room type for a honeymoon?
A standalone Torfhús Cottage with a private hot tub and fireplace is the flagship honeymoon room. If you want more space, the Torfbær Cottages are larger but share the same magic.
How do we get there?
Fly into Keflavík (KEF). The Retreat is about 90 minutes by road; you can self-drive a rental or book a private transfer through the hotel.
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