Exploring the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Note: This post has been updated on May 10, 2022.

Bucket list item… check!  While I absolutely loved everything I did in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon was, by far, my favorite.  Think of it as a gigantic geothermal spa, the size of a small lake, without the fear or worry of getting bitten by anything.

I chose to book this on the way to the airport, since Keflavik is 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

At $320pp, I reserved the "Retreat Spa” because otherwise, you are in a COED LOCKER ROOM with a lot of nudity. The amenities included in the “Retreat Spa” are:

• Retreat Spa

• Retreat Lagoon

• The Blue Lagoon Ritual

• The Blue Lagoon

• Private changing room (accommodates up to two guests)

• Skincare amenities

• A drink of your choice

• Access to the Spa Restaurant

• Access to 8 experience areas

The Process

Once I arrived at the Blue Lagoon, I checked my luggage in and then walked the long, lava-lined walkway up to the main facility.  I chose the 9am start time, which meant it was still incredibly dark out.

The lines are kind of chaotic, despite the signage.  Premium and Luxury members are lumped together, which means you are waiting a bit to get in (although it does move fairly quickly).

My hostess gave me my magnetic bracelet that is used to unlock my room, the facilities, as well as give me access in and out of the private lagoon entrance. She showed me to my room, which was incredibly comfortable and quite posh. It even included a little spa kit.

Heading Into Paradise on a Volcano

Once I was robed and slippered, I headed down to the private lounge to get ready for my dip in the lagoon.  I'm not going to lie, it was a godsend to be able to wade out, via a private door.

Outside, it was a maze of bridges to float under, private lagoon areas, swim-up bars, face mask bars, and other places of exploration.  But the best part of this was the sunrise.  It was so incredible to take it all in, in such a beautiful and serene location.

Lunch

While I was sad I had to rush this experience (I got about two out of the three hours in the lagoon), I was glad I was able to grab lunch at LAVA before heading home.  For about $55pp, you get a main dish and a dessert, along with a glass of champagne, while overlooking the lagoon.  If you're vegan, I highly recommend the Roasted Celery Root dish and for meat eaters, the Beef Tenderloin.  For dessert, I had the "Ástarpungar" & caramel, as well as vanilla and orange Crème brûlée.

Next time, I’m staying a couple of nights

There are two hotels on the property: The Silica Hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon with its own private lagoon. The Retreat Hotel is an award-winning luxury resort encompassing a 60-suite hotel, a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a private lagoon (the floor-level suites have access straight to the lagoon from their room).

Tips for NAVIGATING YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Depending on time of year, you may need to book a few months in advance. When I did it, I booked 7 months in advance.

• If you're going in the winter, definitely get the morning time to see the sunrise. Or, if you want to see the sunset, book it for 3pm.

• If you choose to get your hair wet, slather it in the provided conditioner first. I put mine up in a bun because destroying my hair did not seem like a good idea.

• Do not take the silica from the bottom of the lagoon and put it on your face (think of how much dead skin is down there)! The silica mask at the bar is complimentary, the algae mask is not. However, both are worth it.

• Do take a waterproof camera with you or purchase a waterproof phone holder/necklace, to ensure it's safe.

• Do NOT wear any jewelry as if it falls off, it's gone.

• If you do not book a luxury package, you will be sharing a coed communal space to change and shower. Many people who visit Iceland are European and have no qualms about nudity.

• If you are arriving from or going to the airport, you will need transportation back. You can order an uber, which can still be pricey, or take the transfer bus, which you can book, here. NOTE: Even though it says roundtrip to Reykjavik, they will take you from the city and to the airport, and vice versa.