What is the name of your accommodation?

Harmony Seljalandsfoss

Could you introduce yourself  and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

My name is Djamel Cheboub, and I was born and raised in Paris. From an early age, I developed a natural curiosity and a desire to discover the world in my own way. I never followed a traditional academic path; I am more self-taught, someone who learns by experimenting, exploring, and following passion and intuition. My greatest pride is my daughter Lily, who is seven years old and was born in Paris. She plays an essential role in my life and in my projects, as I always think about building things that make sense for both of us. What drives me most are travel, human connection, and nature. I love immersing myself in new cultures, meeting people, and letting each experience shape the way I see the world. Nature grounds me, inspires me, and reminds me of the importance of simplicity and authenticity. It is this combination of curiosity, passion, and the desire to create something meaningful that guides my path and shapes the projects I dedicate myself to today.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

In 2015, my life was profoundly shaken when I was injured during the Paris attacks. After a long stay in the hospital, I needed to rebuild myself and find a new sense of direction.In 2017, I traveled to Iceland for the first time, and it was a turning point. The raw beauty of nature, the vast open landscapes, and the silence left a deep impression on me. More than just a trip, it became part of my healing process. From that moment, I knew I needed to create a lasting connection with Iceland, whether through a home or a project. As someone who has always felt drawn to nature, the idea of building glass lodges came naturally — a place where one could fully experience the surroundings, the sky, and the Northern Lights. Choosing the location was also instinctive. I had a special bond with the area around Seljalandsfoss, a place I would return to several times a year. At the time, I often stayed with a French host named Ludo, and over the years this place became familiar and meaningful to me. It felt like the right setting to bring the vision to life. That is how the project was born.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

From the very beginning, my idea was clear. I wanted glass lodges to create a direct connection with nature and to fully experience the Icelandic landscapes, the sky, and the Northern Lights. Choosing a glass roof was an essential part of that vision. For the interior, I envisioned a minimalist and warm style. This part of the project was gradually developed with the help of those involved, but I wanted to make sure that the final result reflected what I had imagined.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

Harmony is a truly unique place in Iceland. The glass roofs create a direct connection with the surrounding nature, offering spectacular views of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the glacier, and the wild landscapes all around. Each lodge has its own private sauna and hot tub, making the experience intimate and unforgettable. My favorite place is without a doubt the bed. It is an incredible feeling to lie down and see the waterfall, or to look up at the sky and watch the stars and the Northern Lights. These are moments that stay with you forever. The area is full of natural treasures: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black sand beaches of Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, and the Vestmannaeyjar islands just offshore — all within easy reach. The personal touches are found in the minimalist design, created to highlight the surrounding nature, and in details such as the vinyl player, which brings a sense of warmth and atmosphere. One of my most meaningful memories is when I was able to show my daughter Lily what I had built. Sharing that with her, in a place where one of the lodges carries her name, was truly unforgettable.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The atmosphere inside Harmony is designed to be both calming and immersive. The large glass walls and glass roof open the space completely to the surrounding nature, which becomes the true decoration of the lodge. The interior is intentionally minimalist so that the landscapes take center stage. Clean lines, soft neutral colors, and natural materials create a soothing environment. A few design elements, such as the sculptural light fixture, add a warm and contemporary touch. The furniture is simple yet comfortable, chosen for its understated elegance. Personal details like the vinyl player bring character and warmth, striking a balance between modernity and authenticity. It is an interior created to slow down, breathe, and feel immediately in harmony with the Icelandic landscape.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

The lodges were designed with careful attention to sustainability and the environment. Their steel structure combined with wooden elements ensures strength and durability while blending into the landscape. The large glass walls and glass roof maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. The materials were chosen for their durability and suitability for the Icelandic climate. Energy efficiency is supported by modern equipment and by the fact that electricity in Iceland comes entirely from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric and geothermal. The drinking water available in the lodges comes directly from the glaciers — pure and natural. We also encourage waste separation, with a system in place for every stay. Beyond the technical aspects, the spirit of Harmony is to offer an experience that is respectful of nature — a place where guests can slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

My idea was never just to create a place for myself but to share with others what I had experienced in Iceland. This country played an essential role in my personal healing, and I wanted others to be able to feel that same emotion — that same sense of freedom and serenity. Renting out the lodges is a way to allow travelers from all over the world to discover Iceland in a different way, in an intimate setting that respects nature. For me, this is not only a hospitality project; it is about passing on an authentic experience made of silence, contemplation, and reconnection with what truly matters.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

Guests can expect a truly unique experience: sleeping under a glass roof with nature as the backdrop, watching the Northern Lights or a sky full of stars from their bed, enjoying a private sauna and hot tub, and feeling completely immersed in the silence and beauty of a timeless place. The highlights of Harmony are this rare sense of intimacy, the direct view of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the comfort of a minimalist yet warm design, and the feeling of being alone with nature. The compliments I hear most often are about the magic of the place. Many guests tell me they have never experienced anything like it, and more than once people have said to me, “I wish I could have stayed longer.” For me, that is the most beautiful feedback.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

I hope that guests will leave Harmony with a deep sense of peace and reconnection, both with themselves and with nature. I want them to keep the memory of a unique experience, outside of time, where silence, beauty, and simplicity take center stage. To make their stay unforgettable, I recommend slowing down and disconnecting from screens, watching the night sky from the bed or the hot tub, exploring nearby waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, walking along the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, or visiting the Vestmannaeyjar islands. Every moment here is an invitation to contemplate and to fully embrace the present.