Nordic Zen at the Blue Lagoon Retreat

Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Nestled in the secluded inlet of UNESCO Global Geopark in Norðurljósavegur, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon opened in Spring 2019 as Iceland's first five-star hotel. Its modern architecture seamlessly molds into the region's mossy landscape and volcanic terrain. Of course, the hotel's focal point is the famous Blue Lagoon, discovered in the 1970s by a neighboring geothermal plant. The destination has since become a tourist hot spot. Fortunately, the Retreat claims its own enclave of milky waters that surround the resort, affording easy access to its rich minerals and therapeutic powers. For visitors tight on money or time, the Retreat offers a four-hour day pass to its spa, restaurant, and the Blue Lagoon. At this unique paradise, Nordic Zen and understated luxury pervade the atmosphere.

Rooms & Suites

Clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic characterize each of the hotel's sixty-two suites. The simple, contemporary design keeps the surrounding natural beauty at the forefront, along with unblemished, floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome the sunlight. Lower-level rooms include private verandas that seem to dissipate into the misty waters, while upper-level suites feature balconies overlooking the sprawling landscape. The Retreats premier residence, Lagoon Suite, is a cozy, two-room oasis boasting its own private lagoon, terrace, and views of the geothermal waters that encircle it.

Retreat Spa & Lava Cove

Shaped into an 800-year-old lava flow along the Southern Shore of the Blue Lagoon, the hotel's hallmark Retreat Spa offers a one-of-a-kind experience adjacent to Iceland's most sought-after attraction. The 900 square meter private lagoon saves guests from competing with tourists, yet the mineral-rich waterscape flows from the same wellspring as the Blue Lagoon, ensuring visitors can enjoy the geothermal haven in seclusion and peace. Here, you can wander through hidden, interconnected chambers and apply different properties of geothermal seawater, like algae, silica, and minerals, as a face or body mask. The Spa also features a steam room, cold well, several treatment rooms, and a casual restaurant where guests are welcome to dine in their robes. But for true serenity, visit Lava Cove, an ultra-exclusive sanctuary nestled in the volcanic earth, which claims its own lagoon, dining area, kitchen, butler, wood-burning fireplace, and Italian furnishings.

Moss Restaurant

Perched at the hotel's highest point, Moss Restaurant offers fine dining in Icelandic form while overlooking the mystifying lagoon and landscape. The chic eatery complements its natural surroundings with a chef's table shaped from lava rock, which was quarried on-site. Downstairs, an impressive wine cellar, carved into a lava cavern that dates back to the 13th century, hosts up to 20 guests for wine tastings and intimate dinners. The restaurant is led by executive chef Ingi Þórarinn Friðriksson and reimagines Iceland's culinary traditions with three tasting menus procured from locally sourced ingredients. Some sample dishes include langoustines farmed near Grindavík, arctic char crudo, and a reimagined beet salad. Many of Moss's chefs are previously staged at Michelin-starred Texture in London, where they hone their craft, experiment with Icelandic cuisine, and optimize their approach to service.

Norðurljósavegur 11, 240 Grindavík, Iceland

www.bluelagoon.com

+354 420 8700

Amenities

Property

Guest Rooms

Room Types (Silica Hotel)

Room Types (The Retreat Hotel)

Bar / Restaurant

Spa / Fitness

Activities (The Blue Lagoon)

Activities (The Retreat Spa)

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