Showcase: Diamond Suites Keflavík

Today we share one of our favourite destinations; Diamond Suites Keflavík, Iceland’s very first 5 star hotel – and one of our valued Trade customers. Spread across the entire top floor of the already renowned Hótel Keflavík, Diamond Suites is a luxurious oasis, tucked away from the rest of the world. With VIP dignitaries, world famous actors and celebrated singers amongst its clientèle, a world of ultimate luxury is the least they expect. Scroll down for inspiration not only for your interiors but also your vacations. Diamond Suites is at the heart of the staggering scenery and endless activities that Iceland has to offer. Better still, Iceland is on the green list…

Diamond Suites Keflavík

Hotel founder and manager Steinþór Jónsson and his wife Hildur Sigurdardóttir are regular visitors at our Chelsea showroom, popping in when they are in the UK to see what new and exciting pieces we can source for their exclusive boutique hotel. They come to find individual pieces that they love. These then form the basis of Steinþór’s fabulous, eclectic interior designs. He says he never starts with a fixed idea or a drawing. He prefers to find exquisite items and accessories first and let those lead his designs. And it’s a formula that certainly works for this ultra-luxe, family-run hotel. No matter where you look, everything is magnificent. Steinþór has an exceptional eye for originality and detail. His interiors are spectacular, luxurious and truly unique.

The Diamond Suites Experience

From crystal chandeliers and giant candle stands to contemporary mirrors and hand-crafted bedroom furniture, the couple are not afraid to make bold choices. They offer their guests an outstanding experience, part of which is the unashamed opulence of their surroundings. We spoke recently to Steinþór to find out more about the hotel, its interiors, and why he believes Keflavík is the best place to stay in Iceland. So, let’s explore the Hotel Keflavík and the Diamond Suites, and find out what awaits their discerning visitors.

Hi Steinþór. Tell us a bit about the Hótel Keflavík

I founded Hótel Keflavík with my parents Jon William and Unnur Ingunn back in May 1985. We were real pioneers in this region as this was the first hotel in the Reykjanes Peninsula, opening before the international airport, and ages before any of the tourist sites such as the Blue Lagoon. We loved this landscape and location. We had faith that others would too so we made our hotel a destination in itself. Now, the Reykjanes Peninsula is the most visited area of Iceland. “If you build it they will come”, as they say in Hollywood.

Is it still a family-run hotel?

Absolutely. I have been the hotel manager from day one. I now run it with my wife Hildur and four daughters. Lilja Karen is assistant manager and Unnur Maria is reception manager. The individuality and friendly, family feel are part of the hotel’s charm. We care about every aspect of the business and every customer that comes through the door. We always go that extra mile to make our guests feel at home.

How would you describe the interior design of the hotel?

I would say it is high end, modern classical. I have a passion for beautiful furniture and luxurious materials – one of the reasons we come to Juliettes Interiors. We use Versace tiles, marble, lacquer and gold. Every detail is designed to be remarkable and, above all, comfortable. In a land of spartan, scandi design, I wanted to offer our guests something very different – and a lot more luxurious. We have taken inspiration from our own travels around the world to create something out of the ordinary in Iceland.

Who designs your interiors?

I do. I am the only interior designer for both the Hotel Keflavík and the Diamond Suites, with the all-important help of Hildur in choosing the luxury furniture to fit our style. We source pieces from around the world and always look forward to our visits to Juliettes Interiors. They have furniture that we don’t find anywhere else.

When did you add the 5* Diamond Suites and why?

Diamond Suites opened in May 2016 on the hotel’s 30th birthday, in memory of my parents who had the pioneering vision for a hotel on this site. We saw a need for ultra luxury accommodation in Iceland. It is a natural evolution of our original, high end hotel concept and was the first ever 5* hotel in Iceland. Hótel Keflavík already offered a luxurious stay. We wanted to take that idea several steps further, giving guests a taste of indulgence and decadence from the moment they arrive. Our VIP guests can always expect personal service and an exquisite experience. This is what we do best.

The Diamond Suites’ private entrance leads you into your own, exclusive domain where privacy and peace of mind are assured. Each of the individually-styled suites has its own theme. Named after precious gemstones, each has a character all of its own, from the old-world library charm of the Emerald to the contemporary styling of the Topaz with its showcase of modern Icelandic artwork. All the suites have Versace marble tiles, Juliettes Interiors luxury furniture, a large luxurious whirlpool bathtub, oversized rain showerheads and beautiful Philippe Starck taps.

A Luxury Penthouse Suite

The Ruby and Sapphire suites can be combined to form the 2 bedroom Jon William Suite, named after my late father. It is enclosed by a grand, 8 foot tall door, adding a private foyer. For the ultimate experience, the whole floor can be booked as a single, 3000 square foot penthouse – The Diamond Suite. This is a package fit for royalty. It features a spacious living room, dining area, kitchenette, private balcony with two jacuzzis and up to five en-suite bedrooms. Alternatively, these can be configured to include a private gym, office or cinema. It also includes a private, chauffeur-driven Range Rover to explore the island, plus the options of a private chef and a personal trainer.

You have made repeated purchases from Juliettes Interiors. What makes you choose us?

Everything has always been of exceptional quality and your customer service is excellent. Nothing is ever too much trouble. There is always something new to discover and we can customise pieces to make them unique. We love visiting the showroom for inspiration – and we very often take some of the smaller pieces away with us.

Is there a particular piece of Juliettes Interiors furniture that you would love to own?

There are just so many. I couldn’t pick just one. We love everything and can’t wait to visit the showroom again as soon as we can travel.

Why stay at Hótel Keflavík rather than, say, Reykjavík?

This is simply the best location in Iceland, popular with photographers, artists, nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. The scenery is out of this world and we’re right by the ocean. We even have a new active volcano just 20 km away (it’s so new it doesn’t even have a name yet). The hotel is close to Keflavík international airport – but in no way are we an airport hotel. Visitors can have a luxury stay and the beginning and end of their holiday, or use this as their base for their entire stay.

We are very close to Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, volcanoes, glaciers, geysirs and whales. We really do have some of the most amazing places to visit in Iceland, all on our doorstep. And at the end of every experience, seasoned travellers say that our bar is the best in the world, while our KEF Restaurant serves some of the finest food in Iceland. You will also find the only Moët & Chandon vending machine in Europe. There really is no need to stay anywhere else.

A final word from Steinþór

“Having stayed in some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, the family and I have tried to incorporate the very best of what we have found throughout our travels. We always try to think of everything from a client’s point of view. What would we like if we were the guests? Everything in the hotel, from lights to mirrors to the original artwork on the walls, has been carefully and purposefully chosen to give our guests the very best experience possible. Thanks to Juliettes Interiors for being a part of that.”