Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including volcanoes and glaciers. It is also a geothermal paradise, with numerous hot springs, thermal rivers, and pools with mineral-rich waters believed to offer healing properties. This guide explores some of the best spa and wellness destinations in Iceland, offering a range of experiences from luxurious retreats to natural hot springs off the beaten path.
Discovering Iceland's Spa and Wellness Culture
Communal bathing has been an Icelandic tradition since the 12th century. Icelanders have harnessed geothermal energy to heat outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs in nearly every town. These social hubs are integral to Icelandic culture.
Luxurious Spa Retreats
The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon
The Retreat Spa, located at the Blue Lagoon, offers a luxurious journey into the volcanic earth. Covering 2300 square meters and surrounded by the Retreat Lagoon, this subterranean sanctuary embodies the interplay of nature and design.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Entry: A 5-hour exclusive entry for two guests.
- Facilities: Access to the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon.
- Private Amenities: A private changing room accommodating up to two guests, skincare amenities, and a drink of your choice.
- Dining: Access to the Spa Restaurant.
- Experience Areas: Access to 8 experience areas.
Highlights:
The Blue Lagoon Ritual: A pinnacle of the Retreat Spa journey, highlighting Blue Lagoon’s trinity of bioactive treasures-silica, algae, and minerals. The ritual consists of four key steps:
- Cleansing: A nourishing body scrub combining Blue Lagoon silica, volcanic minerals, and geothermal seawater’s microalgae to purify and revitalize the skin.
- Moisturizing: Application of a hydrating oil or lotion to seal in moisture and nourish the skin.
Retreat Lagoon: A terraced waterscape of mineral-rich warmth surrounded by canyons of centuries-old lava.
Lava Cove: An ultra-private spa-within-a-spa featuring a mineral-rich lagoon, wood-burning fireplace, luxurious furnishings, dining area, and butler.
Spa Restaurant: A feast for the senses with fresh and delicious offerings. Dine in your robe or fully clothed.
In-Water Bar: Quench your thirst with light beverages and cocktails at the lagoon’s in-water bar.
Enhancements:
- In-Water Massage: Combining the pleasures of massage and the powers of geothermal seawater.
- Float Therapy: The interplay of weightlessness and gentle massage relieves pain, alleviates stress, and brings inner peace.
Accommodation:
- The Retreat Hotel: Sixty luxurious suites surrounded by the iconic waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World. Covering an area of 8700 square meters, this mineral-rich paradise has an average temperature of 37-40°C (98-104°F).
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon, located on Kársnes Harbour in Kópavogur, is a geothermal spa offering picturesque views from its infinity pool. It is known for its seven-step wellness ritual, "Skjól Ritual".
Key Features:
Skjól Ritual: A seven-step ritual including:
- The Lagoon (Laug): Soaking in geothermal waters.
- The Cold Plunge (Kuldi): An icy plunge to boost circulation.
- Oceanview Sauna (Ylur): Detoxifying with ocean views.
- Cold Mist (Súld): A refreshing cool fog mist.
- Sky Body Scrub (Mjúkt): Exfoliating with a signature scrub.
- Steam Room (Gufa): Absorbing the scrub's elements in a steam room.
- Icelandic Elixir (Safi): Finishing with traditional Icelandic juice.
Gelmir Bar: A floating walk-up bar offering drinks like wine, beer, and cocktails.
ION Adventure Hotel
The ION Adventure Hotel is known as the famous Instagrammable retreat with geothermal pools.
360 Hotel
The 360 Hotel offers a luxury stay with a thermal spa.
Natural Hot Springs and Geothermal Areas
Gamla Laugin (Secret Lagoon)
Located in the quaint village of Flúðir, Gamla Laugin is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, constructed in 1891 around natural hot springs and a geyser.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
Near Hveragerði, the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River offers a natural setting for relaxation in mineral-rich waters amidst mountains.
Myvatn Nature Baths
These baths in Mývatn utilize water from the National Power Company’s source in Bjarnarflag, rich in alkaline, sulfur, and minerals.
GeoSea Sea Baths
Located in Húsavík, these coastal bathing spas offer mineral-rich seawater with views of Skjálfandi Bay.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Situated in the Golden Circle, these baths have been enjoyed since 1929, offering wide-open vistas and geothermal bread from the spa bakery.
Krauma Spa
Krauma Spa offers a sleek, modern hot spring experience.
Vök Baths
Vök Baths features floating geothermal pools in a serene lake.
Planning Your Spa Vacation
Best Time to Visit
- Winter: For a chance to see the Northern Lights while relaxing in the warm waters.
- Summer: Enjoy endless daylight and warmer temperatures.
Booking
- Book accommodations and spa treatments in advance, especially during peak season.
- Consider purchasing a multi-day tour package to experience the best attractions in Iceland.
Dining Experiences
Icelandic cuisine is based on fresh, local ingredients. From traditional classics to Michelin-starred gourmet creations, dining at Blue Lagoon is an experience in itself.
- Moss Restaurant: The Retreat’s Michelin-starred restaurant transforms seasonal ingredients into timeless gourmet experiences.
- Lava Restaurant: Located at the Blue Lagoon, it offers Icelandic and international cuisine with stunning vistas.
- Spa Restaurant: A feast for the senses with fresh and delicious offerings at The Retreat.
- Smakk Bar: Offers Icelandic delicacies like reindeer, goose wild game pâté, and creamy cheeses.
- Keimur Cafe: A casual cafe serving sandwiches, skyr, soup, and baked goods.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Renting a car provides flexibility to explore Iceland's attractions. Alternatively, book a Sky Lagoon package with transportation.
- Packing: Bring swimwear, comfortable clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Safety: Be aware of volcanic activity and check for closures before visiting the Blue Lagoon.