Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is shaped by dramatic contrasts—glaciers and volcanoes, black sand beaches, and steaming hot springs. Among its many natural wonders, one of the most serene and luxurious places to experience Iceland’s geothermal magic is The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon.
Set against a backdrop of 800-year-old lava fields and encircled by the Blue Lagoon’s iconic milky-blue waters, the resort is a stunning blend of nature and minimalist Nordic design. It offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind after a physically demanding tour of Iceland’s rugged terrain. When we arrived at the exquisite lobby, I wanted to kiss the ground—finally, a return to comfort after days of remote and challenging adventures.
We were greeted with a glass of champagne and given a tour of the facilities, which include three distinct restaurants: the serene Spa Restaurant, the more casual and lively Lava, and the Michelin-starred Moss, the crown jewel of the dining experience. All three exceeded expectations.
Guests have exclusive access to a private lagoon with a swim-up bar, far quieter than the public Blue Lagoon. The subterranean Retreat Spa is a marvel—24,000 square feet of healing geothermal seawater rituals, cozy relaxation areas, and beautifully integrated architecture that echoes the surrounding landscape. The spa features steam rooms, saunas (both dry and wet), a cold plunge, and a variety of wellness experiences. The highlight for me? A 90-minute in-water massage—deeply calming and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and highly recommended.
Rooms are designed to reflect the textures, tones, and forms of the natural world. We stayed in a “junior suite”—a modest 430 square feet, thoughtfully laid out with a spacious shower, dressing area, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The heated floors were a welcome touch, and while the room included many luxuries (a king bed, blackout curtains, Nespresso machine, safe—a rarity in Iceland, and complimentary minibar), it notably lacked a TV or music system. They call the rooms “suites,” but be prepared: they are compact. We paid extra for a lagoon-facing room, which turned out to overlook a manmade, non-swimmable lagoon—visually serene, but not quite what we expected. Alternatively, rooms are facing the lava fields, which are ever-present and just as striking.
In addition to a generous à la carte breakfast, the hotel offers a daily afternoon tea with pastries served in the lobby from 3–5 p.m.—a thoughtful and refined touch. Guests also receive access to both the private Retreat Lagoon and the busier Blue Lagoon, as well as the full Blue Lagoon Ritual featuring lava, silica, and algae treatments.
Although the resort feels completely secluded, it’s conveniently located 40 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport. Despite the bustle of day-trippers at the Blue Lagoon, the Retreat remains blissfully quiet. Plush robes and towels are abundant, and yes, you’re welcome to roam the hotel or even dine in your robe—pure heaven.
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is more than a hotel—it’s an elevated, immersive experience where nature, wellness, and design come together to offer restorative luxury. It’s a true haven of tranquility, and a spectacular way to end an Icelandic adventure.
Highly recommend.
Happy travels,
Shanea
07/13/2025