From Geothermal Lagoons to Luxury Hotels, Experience Nordic Spa and Wellness Traditions at the Best Spas in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland. [Photo credit: Einar H. Reynis]
Known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, Northern Lights, and viking history, Iceland is a majestic country that attracts more than 2 million visits a year. The small island nation, which served as the scenic backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes in “Game of Thrones,” is home to many unique attractions and sites for travelers to explore including three established national parks, more than 100 towns and villages; volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls; Icelandic horses, whale watching, and more.
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, is a world-renowned destination and the fifth city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature due to its impressive collection of medieval literature and manuscripts. A city of contrasts, Reykjavík has both a small-town feel yet is cosmopolitan and sophisticated at the same time. It has many museums, theaters, cafes, restaurants, and historic monuments yet is just steps away from some of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
When it comes to wellness and relaxation, Iceland is famous for its abundant natural hot springs and geothermal pools. In addition to having some of the world’s most luxurious and famous geothermal spas like Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, there are also a wide variety of high-end hotel spas, boutique day spas, and other wellness experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Read to discover our top picks for the best spas in Reykjavik highlighted in our Iceland spa guide. If you’re looking for the best flight deals to Iceland, discover the best prices when planning your next getaway.
Grandi Spa at Grandi by Center Hotels
Seljavegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland; (+354) 595-8500
Part of Center Hotels, a family-run hotel chain with multiple hotels in the city center of Reykjavík, Grandi by Center Hotels is located in the capital’s creative quarter. The industrial-themed hotel delivers classic comfort with modern frills in its rooms and suites, and has both an upscale French brasserie that is open daily for breakfast and dinner, as well as an attached coffee and pastry shop.
Grandi Spa is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, offering guests a place to unwind after a long day of outdoor adventures. The co-ed spa has a spacious lounge are with comfortable seating and an ambient light fireplace, in addition to a sauna and two hot tubs set at different temperatures. An open skylight above the hot tubs allows natural light to filter in so guests can look up at the sky and enjoy a fresh mist of cool air while relaxing in the warm waters.
Men and women have separate changing areas and showers, and individual lockers are also provided for storing one’s belongings. There are three private massage rooms—two for individuals and one for couples, and a selection of massages and facials are offered ranging from classic and hot stone massages to an Anti-Aging Facial.
The gym is located adjacent to the spa and features a variety of equipment and weights. Access to the gym is included with spa admission.
Natura Spa at Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel
Nautholsvegur 52, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland; (+354) 444-4000
Located a few minutes from the city center in one of the greenest areas in Reykjavik, Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with thoughtful details inspired by the beautiful nature surrounding the property. The hotel embraces its Icelandic roots and features work from local artists, offering a variety of guest rooms that are tastefully decorated with modern designs and amenities.
The hotel also has a fitness center, an in-house restaurant with a bar, and Natura Spa, a tranquil retreat for soothing the body and mind. Spa amenities include a heated indoor pool, an indoor relaxation lounge with a fireplace, a hot tub, and a white noise room.
Swimsuits are also available for rent at the spa and guests can book a variety of spa treatments as well. The entrance fee to the spa includes a bathrobe, towel, and L’Occitane products in the changing rooms.
Parliament Spa at Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland; (+354) 513-3000
In the city center next to the Iceland Parliament House and across from Austurvollur public square, Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton offers artistic sophistication in the heart of Reykjavik. Major sites and attractions such as Harpa Concert Hall, City Hall, and Reykjavik Cathedral are less than five minutes away, and the hotel is also the leading conference and event venue in the city.
The hotel offers a selection of modern guest rooms and suites, and also has an onsite restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Parliament Spa is a luxurious oasis with a wide variety of amenities for guests to enjoy including several relaxation areas, a cold mist room, indoor pool, and post-treatment lounge. Spa services offered range from massages and facials to detoxifying baths inspired by ancient rituals.
Sky Lagoon
Vesturvör 44-48, Kópavogur, Iceland; (+354) 527-6800; info@skylagoon.is
Located less than 15 minutes from Reykjavík on the edge of Kópavogur, Sky Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newer luxury wellness destinations. The geothermal spa opened its doors in 2021 and is in a stunning setting with expansive water views and rock formations as its backdrop. The amenities and experiences it offers are inspired by Icelandic bathing culture, including a traditional turf house that houses a sauna, steam bath, and more.
While Sky Lagoon doesn’t offer traditional spa treatments such as massages or facials, visitors come here to experience the Skjól Ritual—a seven-step healing ritual that combines warm and cold wellness experiences including the infinity-edge geothermal lagoon, cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, body scrub, and steam room. The ritual concludes with a refreshing shot of healthy crowberry juice. During the winter months, the Northern Lights can be witnessed from the lagoon, which makes for an incredible and unique experience.
Spa Profile: Sky Lagoon Iceland
Guests can purchase a Saman Pass, which includes admission, the Skjól Ritual, access to public changing facilities, and a towel; or for an elevated experience they can purchase a Sér Pass, which provides access to private changing facilities with individual showers and samples of Sky Lagoon’s signature Sky Body Lotion. Sky Lagoon’s signature skincare products are available for purchase in the retail boutique, along with a variety of other Icelandic gift items.
The lagoon has a cave-side bar that serves beer, wine, and cocktails for guests to enjoy while relaxing in the warm waters. After completing the ritual, guests can satisfy their appetites with a snack at the on-site Keimur Café, which serves a variety of beverages and fresh baked goods; or feast on a larger meal at Smakk Bar, which serves platters featuring traditional Icelandic dishes including cheese, bread, wild game paté, happy marriage cake, and more.
The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland; +(354) 420-8800
One of the most famous destinations in Iceland, Blue Lagoon is located a 45-minute drive southwest of Reykjavík and is worth the visit, whether you’re just going for the day to visit the spa or making it an overnight getaway. The award-winning luxury property includes a hotel with 60 modern suites that offer views of the lagoon and historic moss-covered lava fields as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant among its culinary offerings.
People from around the world come to experience the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, which was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. It is rich in algae, silica, and minerals, which give the water its skin-nourishing benefits. Open to both overnight and day guests, The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon Iceland is a unique wellness sanctuary that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences such a sauna, steam cave, cold well, and lava spring, among others.
Spa Profile: The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon Iceland
The spa also offers a treatment menu that includes massages, facials, float therapy, as well as the signature Blue Lagoon Ritual, which takes place in three interconnected chambers with a trio of natural wonders (algae, minerals, and silica). Blue Lagoon’s signature skincare line is also available for purchase at the spa, and can be found at various boutique throughout Reykjavík.
Overnight guests also receive access to the exclusive Retreat Lagoon, which is an expansion of the Blue Lagoon and offers the same healing and relaxation benefits. Before or after spa experiences, spa guests can dine at the Spa Restaurant, which highlights light and refreshing dishes that feature the best in Icelandic ingredients, as well as an assortment of teas, juices, coffee, beer, and wine.
Note: Blue Lagoon is susceptible to volcanic activity due to its location on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is a highly active volcanic and seismic zone. Temporary closures and evacuations often occur unexpectedly and without warning due to seismic activity and potential lava flows.
The EDITION Spa at The Reykjavik EDITION
Austurbakki 2, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland; +(354) 582-0020; spa.rek@editionhotels.com
The Reykjavik EDITION is located in the historical, scenic heart of downtown Reykjavik by Old Harbor Port and brings the first 5-star modern luxury experience to the city. It’s conveniently located just steps away from the city’s vibrant shopping district, the Harpa Concert and Conference Center, and many other local landmarks and attractions.
The hotel’s 253 sophisticated rooms, which include 26 suites and a penthouse, offer stunning views of the harbor, Mt. Esja, and the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier. Room interiors feature a stylish modern decor and posh details by Ian Schrager paired with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury amenities.
Multiple dining outlets are on property including The ROOF, which offers panoramic views from the 7th floor; its signature restaurant TIDES, which celebrates the best seafood and locally sourced meats; a bakery and cafe, and several bars.
Those looking to relax and rejuvenate will enjoy spending time at the EDITION Spa, which features amenities including a thermal plunge pool, steam room, sauna, and hammam. It also has a lounge with a bar that serves healthy post-workout smoothies during the day and transforms into a pre-party pampering spot at night.
The spa menu offers a full range of treatments inspired by the Icelandic landscape. Offerings include ESPA facials and massages, sound therapy, express treatments, as well as exclusive treatments like the Vikingur, a muscle-relieving body massage with warm salt stones designed to relieve tension. The hotel also has a 24-hour gym on the lower ground floor equipped with free weights, exercise balls, premium equipment by Matrix, and yoga mats.
[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]
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Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk