There are familiar destinations… and then there’s Iceland.
It’s not just off the beaten track, it’s off the map in all the best ways. Our recent famil to this extraordinary destination reminded us why Iceland doesn’t just live on bucket lists, it defines them. With its ever-shifting landscapes, striking contrasts, and unexpected foodie heaven, Iceland is a masterclass in inspiration.
There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it. Where else can you straddle two tectonic plates — Europe on one foot, North America on the other? Iceland is a destination where history isn’t preserved behind glass , it’s unfolding in real time. You don’t just visit here, you witness creation.
Lava tunnels, geysers, glaciers, and black sand beaches, this is nature at its most raw, and incentive delegates can’t help but be changed by it. The landscape teaches us about transformation, resilience, and the beauty of things that evolve.
We were lucky to experience it all thanks to our incredible DMC partner Incentive Travel Iceland, and in particular, the one and only Inga. With passion, precision, and that signature Icelandic warmth, she curated a program that was immersive, and invigorating.
From the adrenaline of snowmobiling across a glacier, to the cold beneath the earth’s crust whilst exploring ancient lava tunnels, every activity was about connection. Not just with the land, but with the culture, the people, and ourselves.
And of course, no trip would be complete without doing what Icelanders have done for centuries, relaxing in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. It’s not just a photo op although our boomerangs were on point — it’s a full-body exhale.
Another surprise? The food. The quality of local produce, the inventiveness of the cuisine, and the level of hospitality was world-class, but without a hint of pretense. Service here is schmick, yes, but also soulful. There’s a friendliness and honesty that feels like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home, even when seated at a sleek design-forward restaurant.
It’s this combination of polish and personality that makes Iceland so well suited to premium incentive programs.
Our base was the elegant and centrally located Parliament Hotel, which felt more like a quiet refuge than a city stay. Sophisticated, stylish, and perfectly placed to explore the township of Reykjavik, it set the tone for a program that felt both refined and rooted in place.
Let’s not forget the endless daylight in May which meant more time for exploration, more time for connection, and yes, more time to wonder how it’s still not dark at 2am. But that’s Iceland for you – always surprising, always a little quirky, always breathtaking.
For Australian and New Zealand incentive groups seeking something bold, unique, and unforgettable, Iceland is a dream. It offers the kind of shared experiences that forge deep connections real, unscripted, awe-inspiring moments. It reminds us that luxury doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbons, sometimes it’s standing on the edge of a glacier, windswept and wide-eyed, knowing you’ve just experienced something that will stay with you forever.
Thank you, Iceland. And thank you Inga, for showing us your country through a lens of pride, passion, and play.