Why book? If you want to linger near the magic of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell and camping isn’t in your future, you can’t get closer than a room at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.

Set the scene: It’s impossible to miss the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon—not because it’s the only hotel for miles, but because it’s so perfectly tucked against the moss, trickling waterfalls, and anchoring mountain you’ll have to double-take to make sure you’re not stuck in some sort of Nordic mirage. It’s hard to believe you’re not about to walk into James Bond’s Icelandic hideout. Every single space throughout the property makes the most of the landscape with massive windows and moody interiors that complement the moss surrounding the hotel in the summertime. The main lobby is dotted with glass orb lights hanging from the ceiling and cushy lounge chairs. Among the guests, you’ll find outdoor adventurers using the hotel as a home base for the many outdoor activities offered in the area (climbing, skiing, hiking, kayaking, and more), as well as those making luxe pit stops around the country. The vibes are certainly elevated, and you won’t find many kids strolling the halls.

The backstory: The property opened in 2016, offering a long-awaited solution for those looking for a spot to lay their heads while traveling the stretch of the south coast between Jokulsarlon and Vík. The Fosshotel brand owns and manages 18 hotels across the country.

The rooms: Beds are topped with Icelandic wool blankets in the guest rooms, and plenty of light bleeds in through the large windows. There are seven room types, including a sprawling executive suite and a large family room that sleeps three people. The rooms aren’t necessarily a place to linger—you’re staying for the proximity to outdoor adventure, after all—but they serve up a comfortable place to settle in at the end of each day. The bathrooms typically feature standing showers but the suite is home to a bathtub. Guests are also given complimentary access to the hotel’s “wellness spa,” which includes a hot tub, sauna, and gym.

Food and drink: The hotel’s restaurant of the same name is one of the best spots for stargazing come nightfall. Tables are spread across a balcony overlooking the lobby and its windows and the menu offers both set menus and a curation of mains. If budget is no concern, dig into the Dream Feast, which gives the chef full permission to get creative and craft a seasonal five-course experience. Alternatively, it’s the perfect spot to taste some grilled arctic char.

The neighborhood/area: The beauty of this property is that it really is in the middle of nowhere. It serves a very important purpose: it gets guests a 30-minute drive from one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon filled with towering ice chunks, flanked by Diamond Beach. The latter is a black sand beach dotted with smaller ice chunks delivered by the tide as it comes and goes. Skafafell National Park is a 24-minute drive in the other direction from the hotel. Here you’ll find the highest peak in the country, the largest volcano, the highest waterfall, and the oldest forest. Ice hiking and climbing are huge draws in the wintertime.

The service: Like most luxe stays in Iceland, the front desk is ready to make dinner reservations, book tours, and accommodate room upgrades and requests whenever possible. But they do go above and beyond in small, unexpected ways. For example, if you have postcards to send (complete with stamps), the front desk will be happy to mail them off for you.

Eco effort: Architects made sure to prioritize sustainability when designing this hotel, favoring energy-efficient technologies and geothermal energy wherever possible. At the restaurant, ingredients are sourced from nearby producers.

Accessibility: There are wheelchair-accessible rooms, as well as a ramp to access the first floor of the property. There’s also an elevator on-site to transport guests to their rooms and the hotel restaurant.

Anything left to mention? Take a short hike behind the property to check out Grófarlækjarfoss, a small, hidden waterfall. It’s the perfect spot to bring your morning coffee.