Blue Lagoon Iceland, The Retreat Hotel & Spa
Amidst the ancient lava flows of South West Iceland, geology and architecture meet in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. The low slung Retreat Hotel is carved into volcanic rock, looking out over a mossy and stark landscape. Inside, clean lines, walls of glass and fireplaces hewn from lava are punctuated by Italian furniture and unusual lighting. Your stay here includes access to the lagoon and your very own host is on hand to make sure everything is as smooth as can be. This is a Spa experience like no other.
The healing properties of the geothermal seawater are legendary and when the conditions are right, you’re rewarded with a light show like no other – the Northern Lights. The Retreat is one of Iceland’s most luxurious hotels, and whether you’re here for a week, or just two or three days of restorative relaxation, you’ll leave with a sense of calm and wonder.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its' incredible geothermal spa. A stay here offers pure indulgence & relaxation.Style:
Sleek & minimalist luxury.Location:
Just 30 minutes from the airport on the southwestern tip of Iceland - it’s the ideal location for the beginning or end of your Iceland adventure.Rooms:
9 suites with lagoon accessSwimming:
Takes on a new meaning here! Immerse yourself in the mineral-rich retreat or healing geothermal waters.Children:
This is one more for the grown ups. Children have to be over the age of 9 to stay in the ground level suites & be over the age of 12 to use the Retreat lagoon or Spa.Accessibility:
All the common areas are wheelchair accessible & some of the Junior Suits are wheelchair-adapted too.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Spacious with lunar views, the Suites are strikingly minimalist, but exceptionally comfortable. Not to mention heated floors. Some are on the upper floor with a private balcony, whilst others have direct access to the lagoon. Moss green, lava grey and earthy brown interiors are a homage to the other wordly landscape visible through the floor to ceiling windows. Guests also have their own host who’ll book your treatments and tours and look after you throughout your entire stay.
The Moss Suites of the hotel have a separate living area with a view to the horizon and a freestanding bath in the bedroom. The larger Moss Junior Suites have equally beguiling views across the lave fields, and a balcony from which to soak it all up. On the lower level, the Lava View Junior Suites are carved into the earth, with ancient lava touchable from your terrace. Surrounded by the ethereal thermal waters, the Lagoon View Junior Suite has a private balcony and one of the most spectacular vistas from the bed that we’ve seen. And then there’s the Lagoon Suite, with its own private lagoon. This suite is a little sanctuary, where you can step straight into the waters and instantly experience their restorative powers.
food
The dramatic setting for Lava Restaurant, carved into volcanic rock and looking out over the lagoon, is the ideal place to sample the delicious and classic Icelandic cuisine that is served. At Moss Restaurant, traditional dishes are elevated to extraordinary heights, and its menu has gained a very well deserved reputation for innovative dishes, overseen by Icelandic born chef Angar Sverrisson, who has Michelin star pedigree. Ingredients are fresh and local, and seasonal, and we thoroughly recommend the tasting menus. We also rather like the Spa restaurant, where you can relax in your robe, with a light lunch, before or after a skin tingling treatment.
activities
You come to the Retreat for the wonders of the lagoon and its Spa. Underground and carved into the volcanic earth, with its mineral rich waters, it makes any other Spa forever feel a little mundane. Tectonic activity in the depths of the earth drives the water up, enriching it with silica, algae and minerals on its journey. When it reaches the surface, it emerges at a very comfortable 38°C.
A mask bar, a natural sauna and steam room, in water massage, in water bar and treatments with a range of signature skincare products, all add up to one of the most relaxing Spa experiences you’ll find. Each morning there are yoga sessions and every day, there’s a hike across the lava fields for the intrepid. Within a short distance of the Retreat, you’ll find many of Iceland’s geological wonders. Geysers, mud pools, extinct volcanoes and hot springs are all around and tours to all of them are easily organised. That is of course, if you really feel the need to leave the restorative waters of the lagoon!
sustainability
Iceland’s sustainable approach to living is world-renowned, and certainly ingrained in the complexes DNA. The enduring principle when designing the architecture was ‘harmony, not contrast’, resulting in construction materials chosen for their durability, green product standards, and ability to merge with the environment. Geothermal energy is the sole source of all electricity, heating, and hot water, which includes an advanced LED system that mimics the human circadian rhythm.
The volcanic landscape was also respected as much as possible during the construction. Many of the delicious ingredients are locally sourced, whilst the lagoon itself has been harnessed for research purposes, working towards a more sustainable future.
Location
Iceland
Just 30 minutes from the airport & 45 from Reykjavik, on the southwestern tip of Iceland - it’s the ideal location for the beginning or end of your Iceland adventure
