Iceland Spa Adventures

Iceland is one of our favourite destinations here at Regent, thanks to its amazing spa facilities… you can find pools of various shapes and sizes throughout the country perfect for a geothermal break! I know everyone has heard of the Blue Lagoon, but there are a few other amazing spa options to choose from too that you might not have heard of. Here is just a small selection of my favourites… 

Geosea

The tiny fishing village of Húsavík in North Iceland is already well known for amazing whale watching trips, and you can now add a unique bathing experience to your visit. Incredible vistas are pretty much the norm for Iceland but the view from the Geosea infinity thermal waters is something else! Swim up for a view of the open expanse of Skjálfandi Bay across to snow-capped mountains. If you’re lucky you may even see whales breaching across the waves! Packed with minerals, the geothermal seawater revitalises the skin and the warm water (38-39°C) relaxes the muscles. I love the swim up bar for a nice cooling white wine. 

Secret Lagoon

For a piece of history, head over to the (not so) Secret Lagoon, hidden away in the village of Flúðir. The pool was constructed in 1891 and is officially the oldest swimming pool in the entire country. In 1909 swimming lessons were offered here and it was one of the few places where Icelanders could learn how to swim - they simply call it 'the old pool' or 'gamla laugin'. A visit here combines nicely with the Golden Circle, though I prefer coming here on an evening in the winter, especially if the northern lights are around! A natural hot spring feeds the lagoon with 38-39°C water that bubbles up from the earth and constantly replenishes and refreshes the water in the pool. It’s a really authentic relaxing experience. 

Mývatn Baths

A more laid-back bathing experience is to be had in North Iceland with a visit to Mývatn Baths, located some 90km from Akureyri. The baths opened in June 2004, but geothermal waters were used during the settlement of Iceland. The minerals in the heated alkaline water, which flows directly from Landsvirkjun's borehole in Bjarnarflag, are really good for minor skin problems thanks to natural healing properties. There is one large geothermal pool, where people mostly sit and admire the almost lunar landscape. You can bob around to find the most comfortable heat for you, as the water runs in different temperatures all around the lagoon. Away from the lagoon, you can relax in the saunas and various hot tubs as you wish. There is a large cafeteria serving meals, snacks and a tasty Icelandic craft beer too, so make a day of it! 

Krauma

Located in Borgarfjörður, West Iceland and opened at the end of 2017, this swanky geothermal spa is located slap bang in the middle of the famous Deildartunguhver hot spring area, which is the highest-flow hot spring in Europe. In Krauma there are six differently shaped baths (five hot and one cold), all with amazing views to the mountains. As with most Icelandic “hot pots”, work your way up from the coolest to the hottest. There are two soothing saunas and steam rooms here, where I highly recommend you make use of the Sóley Organics beauty products in the showers. I love the relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace and listen to soothing music. With a restaurant serving the most delicious local Icelandic food, you can while away many hours here in total peace. 

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Tucked away on the edge of Laugarvatn Lake and out of the way of most tourists, lies the peaceful Laugarvatn Fontana. Combine a visit here with a trip on Iceland’s Golden Circle. Since 1929, Icelandic folk have been coming to these waters to relax… and bake bread! Yes, baked in the heat of the geothermal ground is a traditional delicious, dense, sweet-tasting rye bread. Now you don’t get that in other spas! Time your visit around 2:30 in the afternoon when they “dig” up this warm tasty treat. In the spa, there is a selection of pools of various temperatures, so you can choose which one is just right for you. I love the beautiful wood crafted saunas, which use the steam seeping out of the ground to soothe your tired muscles. For the brave, cool off with a dip in the freezing Laugarvatn Lake!

The Retreat

The crème de la crème of luxury spas in Iceland is The Retreat. This 62-suite spa hotel is located on a private extension of the famous Blue Lagoon. It has its own separate entry, so you can avoid the many coaches that bring visitors to this renowned wellness spot. Step into this oasis of cool Icelandic designed interiors with its stunning views of the moss-covered landscape. On my visit I loved floating along the interconnected pools filled with milky turquoise waters edged by black lava rocks. I relaxed in the Ritual room, an inky-dark space, where I used exfoliating lava salts and nourishing algae masks. With private changing rooms larger than my house and delicious local healthy snacks from the Spa restaurant, this was a start to my Icelandic adventure unlike any other!

Get in touch with our Travel Specialists to plan your own Icelandic adventure.

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