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Hotel Rangá’s Africa Suite stuns with original furniture and decor, giving the room a truly authentic feel. To create the suite, we teamed up with a New York Gallery specializing in African art. Their mission extends beyond art, focusing on local economies and small business in Africa.
The gallery provided us with a wide variety of items, ranging from handcrafted wooden masks and giraffe figurines, to vibrant African prints and bold wooden furniture. The room also boasts a luxurious bathroom with pitch-black walls but the pièce de résistance is actually the suite’s ceiling.
Look up! It’s a Hut Ceiling
If you look up, you will notice that the Africa Suite’s ceiling appears to be made of straw, much like an African hut. Searching for ways to build the ceiling, hotelier Friðrik Pálsson recalls his visit to a nearby farm, Þorvaldseyri. At this farm they grow Icelandic wheat and Friðrik was curious if it could be used in the project.
“We made an unusual request to cut some of the fully grown wheat before it was threshed, aiming for maximum length. The farmer found this request amusing.” As a result Friðrik Pálsson and his team visited the farm two more times to gather a substantial amount of wheat for the ceiling.
When it came to actually building the small hut ceiling, Friðrik and the builders had no idea how to get started. After a few failed attempts and lots of laughter, they finally managed to put their heads together and get the job done. “Up it went and it’s still hanging on after all these years.” “I highly doubt that many African huts have been built using Icelandic wheat,” says Friðrik Pálsson and laughs.
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of African Wildlife
While searching for suitable lighting for this room, we stumbled upon magnificent lamps and a chandelier crafted from grand ostrich eggs. Ostrich eggs are not only a cultural symbol in Africa but also a valuable resource, reflecting the profound connection between nature and human life on the continent. This made these lights a perfect choice for our space.
The Africa Suite doesn’t limit itself to ostriches; it’s a celebration of African wildlife. Delicate animal figurines stand in a glass cabinet. What’s more, you will also notice giraffe figurines made by a Zambian artist–each meticulously crafted from a single piece of pure teak wood. Take a moment to appreciate the individuality of these giraffes–the lady giraffes exude grace and elegance, while others are more rigid and statuesque, holding male characteristics.
The Meaning of the Tree
Africa is home to some of the world’s most majestic and significant trees, some that have been around for thousands of years. They provide shade, shelter and sustenance to various wildlife. Trees are truly vital components of the continent’s ecosystem.
Trees also have cultural significance in Africa, with local communities often using them as gathering places. In fact, some iconic trees even have spiritual or mythological meanings. In Africa, trees are deeply intertwined with the lives of its people.
Placing a tree above the bed only seemed fitting. This tree is not only a reference to the African landscape but a nod to how trees are integral components of the continent’s cultural and ecological tapestry.
A Bold Bathroom
Among the numerous African artworks in this suite, the bathroom door itself stands out. Step into the bathroom and you will notice that the walls are pitch-black. This bold choice leads to a luxurious atmosphere, reminiscent of the vast African night skies. The contrast of dark walls with warm lighting adds a touch of drama. You can be sure that your bathing experience will be a truly immersive and unique experience.
Want to stay in the Africa suite? Contact our lobby at +354-487-5700, through the contact form, or via email and book your stay.
View other suites through our Rooms & Suites Page.
The Northern Lights at Hotel Rangá
