Inside a former Premier League star’s exotic hotel in Iceland… where a deluxe suite will cost you £426 a night, while guests can experience the jaw-dropping Northern Lights

Former Portsmouth star Herman Hreidarsson played 332 times for five different clubs in the Premier League, but now the ex-defender has taken up another hobby.

The 49-year-old retired from professional football in 2014, but now plies his trade in the hotel industry.

Stracta Hotel is a family owned business which is located on the south coast of Iceland – roughly an hour from Reykjavík and is close to some of the most spectacular wonders on the island.

Prior to his venture with Stracta, Hreidarsson teamed up with former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen to launch a hostel in Reykjavik in 2011.

Just three years later, soon after he retired, Hreidarsson – who made 89 appearances for his country – launched Stracta.

The Stracta Hotel offers guests a jaw-dropping view of the Northern Lights 

The hotel, which has a four of five stars on TripAdvisor, has a total of 148 rooms, including standard double rooms and superior double rooms.

It also boasts several studio rooms with a kitchenette, two bedroom apartments with cooking facilities and a private hot tub, as well as deluxe suites that also come with their own private hot tubs.

One night in their standard room will cost you £112, while a night in their deluxe suite will cost customers £426.

A standard room are designed in a Nordic style with hard wood floors. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower and free access to the hot tubs and sauna. 

The deluxe suites are designed with ‘ultimate luxury’ in mind for relaxation. It features a spacious bathroom, a bath tub, an outdoor patio with a private hot tub, a luxurious bed, a minibar and a large sitting area.

The hotel’s restaurant, Gardur, is located on the ground floor – with guests being able to enjoy stunning views of the beautiful nature such as Eyjafjallajokull and Hekla.

Its most expensive starter, smoked salmon, will cost customers around £15. Guests can enjoy a wide range of options for the main course, including the Stracta burger – which contains hamburger, cheese, caramelised onions, bacon, salad and sauce – which is served with fries and Stracta sauce, all for £19.

The hotel’s most expensive offering on the menu, the beef steak of the day, will cost guests £39.

One night in their standard room will cost guests £112

One a night in their deluxe suite will cost customers £426 – which features an outdoor patio with a private hot tub

Guests will have access to a wide range of saunas located outside of the hotel

Three-course meals are prepared at the Gardur restaurant – which will cost customers £50-per-head

Three-course meals are also prepared at the Gardur restaurant – which will cost customers £50-per-head. 

The dessert menu includes Stracta ice cream, homemade brownie and Icelandic skyr cake, all for around £12.

Many activities can be found nearby the hotel, such as horse riding, hiking, kayaking and helicopter tours. 

Couples and families can also visit the man-made Caves of Hella. It is believed to date back over thousands of years – with some claiming that they came before the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.

The Northern Lights, which are best seen between September to April, can also be seen from the gardens.

While Hreidarsson is currently managing Icelandic side IBV, the Stracta hotel is a nice little side hobby for the former Premier League defender.

Guests can experience a wide range of activities – including a tour of the man-made Caves of Hella

Guests can also take part in a kayaking tour around Solheimajokull glacier lagoon