Hotel Rangá Dream Stay: Gustavo and Luiz Explore Iceland

Keep reading to learn how Brazilian couple Gustavo and Luiz fulfill their dream of exploring Iceland, with Hotel Rangá as the perfect home base.

Table of Contents

At Hotel Rangá, we are fortunate to welcome travelers from every corner of the world who come to experience the magic of Iceland’s landscapes. Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gustavo and Luiz of @reservapradois, a Brazilian couple whose passion for nature-inspired adventures brought them to our doorstep. Their journey offers a beautiful glimpse into what makes both Iceland and a Hotel Rangá stay so unforgettable.

Gustavo Furtado and Luiz Maciel embrace in front of Hotel Rangá. — Gustavo and Luiz at Hotel Rangá. Photo by Reservaspradois.

A Dream Trip to Iceland

For Gustavo and Luiz, Iceland wasn’t just another destination—it was a long-held dream. “We’re a Brazilian couple who love to travel, especially to places where we can experience more intimate contact with nature. This kind of travel truly inspires us,” they explained. Iceland’s raw, untamed scenery, from waterfalls to glaciers and volcanic fields, had always captured their imagination.

When they finally began planning their trip, they chose to visit in summer. With extended daylight hours, they knew they could make the most of their first time in Iceland. “A country with such diverse landscapes was exactly what we needed. This was our first time in the country, and we planned to visit during the summer to have more daylight hours and make the most of it,” they said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gustavo Furtado e Luiz Maciel (@reservaspradois)

Their journey took them along the famous Ring Road, a route encircling the island that reveals Iceland’s incredible variety of scenery. Along the way, a Hotel Rangá stay became their chosen base for exploring the south coast.

Overhead shot of Hotel Rangá and green pastures beside clouds and sun in a blue sky. — Experience the magic of south Iceland when you stay at Hotel Rangá. Photo by Reservaspradois.

Why Hotel Rangá?

As they described, the hotel’s location was essential to their adventure. “Hotel Rangá was the perfect stay due to its excellent location, with easy access to the main attractions of Iceland’s South Coast.”

Nestled just off the Ring Road, Hotel Rangá offers travelers the chance to immerse themselves in Iceland’s natural wonders while enjoying the comforts of a four-star countryside resort. Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Westman Islands are all within easy reach, making it an ideal stop for those eager to balance exploration with relaxation.

Interior shot of tables set for dinner in the Hotel Rangá Restaurant. — Enjoy a delicious meal at the Rangá Restaurant. Photo by Mette Tonnessen.

A Culinary Delight

For many guests, meals at the Rangá Restaurant are more than just dining—they’re a highlight of the entire stay. Gustavo and Luiz wholeheartedly agreed: “Dinners were the best part of our stay. The impeccable service from the staff, the wonderful food, and the wine list really made all the difference.”

Pink fish with garnishes on a dish at the Rangá Restaurant. — Enjoy gourmet cuisine at the Rangá Restaurant. Photo by Mette Tonnessen.

Our restaurant is known for celebrating local flavors, with dishes that often feature Icelandic game, fresh fish, and seasonal produce. The couple fondly recalled one favorite in particular: “The reindeer meat dishes. We’d die to try them again! And definitely the wine list, so many incredible options.”

A glass of red and white wine beside a vase of lupine at the luxury Rangá Restaurant. — Hotel Rangá’s wine list is filled with excellent vintages from around the world. Photo by Ása Steinarsdóttir.

This blend of exquisite cuisine and warm service is something we take pride in, and it was wonderful to hear how much it enhanced their Hotel Rangá stay.

Gustavo Furtado and Luiz Maciel on the basalt columns at Reynisfjara black sand beach. — Gustavo and Luiz sit on basalt columns at Reynisfjara black sand beach. Photo by Reservaspradois.

A Suite Full of Memories

One of Hotel Rangá’s unique features is its collection of themed suites, each designed to reflect a different region of the world. From Africa to Antarctica, these rooms offer guests a playful yet luxurious escape.

For Gustavo and Luiz, the Asia Suite provided a personal and unexpected connection. “We loved staying in one of the themed suites. We stayed in the Asia Suite, which was a wonderful surprise because we had recently been to Japan and it was a great way to relive our memories.”

Gustavo Furtado and Luiz Maciel stroll on the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. — Gustavo and Luiz explore the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Photo by Reservaspradois.

A Northern Lights Surprise

While summer offers endless days and golden midnight sun, winter in Iceland is famous for skies lit up by the northern lights. For many, catching even a glimpse of the aurora borealis is the ultimate bucket-list moment.

To Gustavo and Luiz’s amazement, they were able to experience this phenomenon firsthand. “Yes! We were so lucky! Thanks to the hotel’s secluded location and clear skies, we were able to see the northern lights from the balcony opposite our room. It was incredible!”

At Hotel Rangá, our remote setting and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for aurora watching. Guests can even request a special wake-up call if the lights appear overnight. For Gustavo and Luiz, this natural spectacle became a defining moment of their Hotel Rangá stay.

A man wearing sunglasses and a navy blue rain jacket holds a baby puffin on the Westman Islands. — If you are in the Westman Islands, you might get lucky and be able to hold a baby puffin! Photo by Reservaspradois.

Exploring South Iceland

When it came to venturing beyond the hotel, Gustavo and Luiz had no shortage of recommendations. “We definitely recommend the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls,” they shared. These two iconic falls are both located a short drive from Hotel Rangá, offering visitors the chance to marvel at thundering cascades set against dramatic cliffs.

They also encouraged future travelers not to miss the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s southern coast. “We also recommend a trip to the Westman Islands. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting this place and having the opportunity to see the famous puffins up close.” In fact, the Westman Islands are actually home to the largest puffin colony in the world.

From waterfalls and volcanic islands to glaciers and black sand beaches, the south coast’s natural treasures are endless. Staying at Hotel Rangá ensures guests are perfectly placed to enjoy them all.

A puffin stands on a grassy meadow in the Westman Islands. — The Westman Islands are one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland. Photo by Reservaspradois.

Words to Describe the Stay

When asked to sum up their experience, Gustavo and Luiz didn’t hesitate. “Cozy, relaxing and peaceful,” they said. These three words capture exactly what we aim to provide: a welcoming retreat where guests can recharge after adventurous days outdoors.

They also offered a thoughtful piece of advice for future visitors: “The location is excellent, with easy access from the Ring Road in any season. The hotel is fully equipped and perfect for a well-deserved rest after a full day exploring Iceland’s surreal landscapes. Don’t miss the wonderful reindeer meat dishes. And if you’re traveling during the northern lights season, stay up late if the sky is clear. You won’t regret it!”

Gustavo Furtado and Luiz Maciel hold hands in front of the Skógafoss waterfall. — Gustavo and Luiz exploring Skógafoss waterfall. Photo by Reservaspradois.

Why Stories Matter

At Hotel Rangá, we believe that every guest brings a unique story, and each story helps capture the magic of Iceland in a new way. Gustavo and Luiz’s reflections remind us how travel connects us not just to new places, but to deeper parts of ourselves—whether that’s reliving memories of a past trip, fulfilling a lifelong dream, or simply pausing to watch the sky light up in colors beyond imagination.

We are grateful to Gustavo and Luiz for sharing their journey with us, and we hope their story inspires future travelers to dream, plan, and set out on their own Icelandic adventure.