Stylish hotels at volcanic destinations for your holidays

ICELAND'S volcano may be wrecking havoc on the travel industry, but not all mountains with a rumble are bad, with boutique hotel specialists Mr and Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) coming up with a list of stylish hotels in volcanic destinations.

The list is not endorsed by Reuters.

1. 101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland

They don't call it the Land of Fire and Ice for nothing, but if it's cool you're after, make a date with the 101 Hotel in Iceland's happening harbourside capital, more than 100km from headline grabbing volcano Eyjafjallajokull.

Behind the classical facade you'll find a vision of metropolitan monochrome, with sleek bedrooms and freestanding baths.

Dine on Mod Icelandic cuisine at the restaurant or consider the local art at the 101 Gallery. Then warm up in the basement sauna.

2. Hacienda de San Antonio, Colima, Mexico

Backstroke up and down the enormous pool at this coral-pink, classically decorated heritage hotel and you'll be able to eyeball the unmistakably steep slopes of the Colima volcano in the distance.

Nestled near the Pacific coast west of capital Mexico City, this elegant 120-year-old retreat offers stately manor luxe amid lush landscaped gardens.

You can't beat the El Quetzal Junior Suite, which boasts panoramic views of the smoke-haloed volcano from its pretty terrace.

3. Mystique, Santorini, Greece

Set on a rugged Cycladic island summit with vistas of a cliff-lined volcanic bay, this getaway is high on holidaymaking, relaxation and nature.

Soaring above the rocky heights of the southern tip of Oia, in the north of Santorini, its serene, all-white suites are spacious and airy with private terraces overlooking the sea.

4. The Boatshed, Auckland, New Zealand

If you love making an entrance, hop aboard the 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island, home to the Boatshed.

En route you won't be able to take your eyes off the dramatic low-lying lines of volcanic island Rangitoto, which means Blood Red Sky but which last erupted about 600 years ago.

With 50 volcanoes making up the Auckland Volcanic Field, this is a volcano fan's dream destination.

5. Hotel Raya, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani regularly holidays on Panarea, one of the volcanic Aeolian Islands off the north-east coast of Sicily, and it's easy to see why.

For a boutique bolthole which perfectly captures Panarea's Mediterranean charms, check out the Hotel Raya, which offers vistas of iconic volcano Mount Stromboli, delicious seafood, top diving and sailing.

6. Amankila, Bali, Indonesia

What do you get when you team a luxe Aman resort with a coastal cliff-side spot nestled below Bali's tallest and most sacred volcano?

Amankila, on the island's east coast near Manggis, which boasts jaw-dropping views of towering Mount Agung.

Enjoy the skyline from the rustic-deluxe sanctuary of your private terrace, set amid coconut groves, or from the tempting three-tier infinity pools which step down from reception to the shore like paddy fields.

All suites are freestanding huts with thatched roofs, but interiors offer a sophisticated modern take on Balinese style.

7. Ace Hotel, Portland, USA

Within reach of dormant volcanoes Mount Hood and Mount Tabor, as well as active Mount St Helens and Mount Rainier further north — and some superb snowboarding — this hip hotel is the ace in downtown Portland's pack.

8. Huka Lodge, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

A traditional 1920s hunting lodge famous for its sumptuous riverside rooms, creative dining and world-class fishing, Huka Lodge is one of New Zealand's most sought-after stays, beloved of celebrities.

Set in the heart of the North Island near Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake was formed by volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago.

It's also within striking distance of still-active Mount Ruapehu, home to the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields, where you can slalom down volcanic cones.

9. La Minervetta, Sorrento, Italy

Working a quirky nautical look, this Amalfi Coast cliff-hanger near Sorrento comes with vertiginous views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples from its lofty pool and stunning terrace.

La Minervetta is handy for visiting the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum (Ercolano) nearby, both victims of devastating ancient volcanic eruptions but now among Italy's top tourist must-sees.

10. Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This coffee plot in a remote mountain setting on Indonesia's main island Java is surrounded by plantation fields and ringed by no less than eight volcanoes.

Stay in authentic antique-filled Dutch colonial villas, set amid 25 hectares of lovingly tended gardens and coffee plants.

Naturally, the home-grown coffee is a highlight, as is the award-winning spa which boasts a Turkish-style hammam bath and uses herbs and ingredients harvested on site.

If you're heading out and about, there's great jungle trekking, and cultural centre Yogyakarta and Buddhist temple complex Borobudur both within easy reach.

Reuters