Discovering Iceland: A Journey Like No Other
Scott Dunn’s Northern Europe Destination Manager, Delphine Combes, shares how Iceland’s lagoons, Reykjavik charm and wild landscapes reshaped her sense of adventure in a journey unlike any she’d taken before.
26 March 2026
Before Iceland, my travels usually took me to sunny, familiar destinations. But when I took on the challenge of becoming a destination manager for Northern Europe, Iceland became a discovery that completely reshaped my sense of adventure, and I have absolutely no regrets.
We landed and immediately headed to the Sky Lagoon, letting the warm, mineral-rich waters wash away the fatigue of travel as steam rose into the crisp Icelandic air. That evening, we stayed overnight in Reykjavik and explored the city on a short tour, colorful houses, cozy cafés, and the faint scent of the sea in the air before the real adventure began.
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![a yellow house in Reykjavik Iceland]()
Reykjavík doesn't do grey days, it does yellow houses. -
![Delphine Combs, posing next to a UTV in Iceland]()
When in Iceland, dress for the adventure. -
![Hallgrímskirkja building in Reykjavik]()
Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's concrete cathedral, touching the clouds.
The following day, we set off in a super jeep towards Deplar Farm Hotel, our base in the Highlands. What was meant to be a simple domestic flight across the country had been canceled due to strong winds, and I couldn’t have been happier.
Instead of rushing, we traversed Iceland’s raw landscapes, experiencing its moods firsthand. Rain gave way to sunlight, sunlight to a mini snowstorm, and our guide navigated twisting tracks with his GPS like a seasoned explorer.
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![horses at Deplar Farm in Iceland]()
Met the family at Deplar Farm and Iceland’s original rockstars -
![the view from a cabin at Deplar Farms]()
The view at Deplar Farm -
![a selfie of Delphine Combs at Deplar Farms]()
Delphine Combes, Europe Destination Manager
While staying at Deplar, we visited a working farm and enjoyed lunch at Flóki’s Studio and The Lake House, savoring dishes that felt as authentic as the surrounding landscapes.
Later, we moved on to the Highland base, where we stayed overnight, fully immersed in the remoteness of the region. Snowbugging at the Highland base and snowmobiling across Langjökull Glacier made the terrain come alive beneath us, each ride a thrilling reminder of Iceland’s vastness and power.
Every sight left me in awe: towering mountains dusted with snow, expansive lava fields, rushing rivers, and hidden valleys that seemed to stretch endlessly. The scale of Iceland is humbling, you feel both infinitesimally small and completely alive in the face of such grandeur.
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![the northern lights sky in Iceland]()
The Northern Lights sky in Iceland -
![the views of the snowy cabins at Highland Base]()
Shelter in the storm, Highland Base holding its own. -
![the water in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland]()
Melting into the Blue Lagoon, one mineral-rich moment at a time.
Reflecting on the journey, I realized this trip wasn’t just about visiting a country; it was about embracing unpredictability, discovering beauty off the beaten path, and connecting deeply with nature. What was meant to be a straightforward itinerary became an unforgettable adventure, a vivid reminder that sometimes the best experiences happen when plans change. Iceland doesn’t just show you its landscapes, it immerses you in them, leaving you awed, exhilarated, and eager to return.
