Podcast conversation with Rose Allen.
Rose gave us insights into the Eleven Experience ethos, the motto of Best. Day. Ever. Going above and beyond, setting a high bar and meeting it. Their highly experienced and engaging guides and staff become your friends. They have 8 properties around the world and I suggest you put each one of them on your bucket list.
DEPLAR FARM, in the middle of a remote, northern area of Iceland has been described as a well-balanced combination of adventure plus understated elegance. It is a year round destination with activities for every season. It is all-inclusive of food, drinks, off-property picnics, whale watching, yoga, skeet shooting, biking, hiking, and local village visits. Heli activities are additional.
Luxuriating happens all year long in the spa, the relaxation room, the Viking sauna (with a hobbit-like entrance) and the indoor/outdoor pool.
One of Eleven’s signature attributes is their horseshoe bar, ideally laid out to encourage conversation. The dinners at Deplar Farm re similar, as they set up as a communal table for dinners.
If you are just looking to chill join family or friends in a game of foosball, pool, ping pong or darts. And if you feel like resting, grab a seat in the main living room in front of the big fireplace and read a book or do some yoga.
When you are ready to get active, go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, SUPing, white water kayaking, canyoning or clay shotting. And for an extra special experience reserve one of the outposts like the Lake House, for the day to have a comfy spot for a chef-made lunch and resting after a morning out.
In winter the centerpiece is the northern lights. Rose painted the picture of what it’s like to watch the lights – get on your bathing suit, grab your favorite cocktail and lounge in a reclined seat in the heated swimming pool (stay away from the full moon for the most magical experience).
Rose shared how the area around Deplar Farm is THE place to go heli-skiing for more intermediate skiers and is the ideal place for your first heli-skiing experience. On top of that you will be skiing with views of the ocean!
RIO PALENA is located in very remote Chile. It’s in a peaceful, quiet setting on the banks of the Rio Palena (river). Take in the stunning natural landscapes from your included heli excursion.
Experience active adventures:
- Heli-SUP-ing in a glacial lake
- Hiking and heli-hiking
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- White water rafting
- Kayaking
If you are looking to relax:
- Yoga
- Reading in the family room
- Cooking classes
- Wine tasting
- Picnics
- Massage
- Lounge in the wood fired sauna and hot tub
As Rio Palena is in Chile, they enjoy a local custom – the asado. It’s a special cultural bbq experience, where the whole staff is invited to join. A gathering that is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the people (most of whom are local Chileans) who make your trip exceptional. Other special touches will happen throughout your stay – some planned, some a delightful surprise.
Having a hard time choosing which lodge? Both will give you a once in a lifetime experience. My suggestion – just pick one, and plan to do the other next year!
Reach out to mimi@truvaytravel.com to plan your next adventure. We’ll combine an Eleven lodge with another 1-2 destinations. BEST. VACATION. EVER!
Eleven’s’ other lodges:
Colorado:
France:
Bahamas:
Chile:
NZ:
Heli-skiing Canada: