Iceland Spa Guide: 6 Unique Spas in Iceland You Have to Visit

Iceland is a unique getaway with dramatic natural features and spa settings. [Photo credit: Jeremy Goldberg]

For many well-heeled travelers, Iceland is a bucket list destination. The capital Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital, and it certainly seems like it's at the end of the world when you look at a map. Surprisingly, it's easier to get to than you might think. I flew two hours from Edinburgh, Scotland, and three hours back to London, England—a surprisingly short jaunt.

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If you love spas, Iceland is filled with unique getaways like no other. Among volcanos, lava fields, fjords, and forests, you'll find incredible, dramatic spa settings that spark your senses and open your sense of wonder.

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The Arctic island experiences an average of 500 small earthquakes a week, stirring up geothermal, mineral-rich waters. With a population of 385,000 in a country about the size of the state of Kentucky, it's remote yet easy to get around. The well-marked, easy-to-navigate highway system ferries you from spa to spa with ease.

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In our Iceland spa guide, we’ve rounded up six of the most unique spas in Iceland that you have to visit. Read to discover our top picks for the best spas and check out the best flight deals to Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland; +(354) 420-8800

The excitement of entering the magical landscape of the famed Blue Lagoon begins even before you enter the doors. Driving through black lava fields and luminescent mists floating out of the pools of cerulean light blue waters just adds to the anticipation that you're about to step into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "Surreal" doesn't even describe the feeling; you're overcome with a magical emotion that surpasses surreal.

When I walked through the massive front doors of The Retreat Spa in the Blue Lagoon, I let out a deep belly breath of relief. I made it. Not only did I feel lucky to have landed at one of the world's top natural wonders, as deemed by National Geographic, but I had arrived between nearby volcanic eruptions that managed to spew lava near the Blue Lagoon. Thankfully, the staff is experienced and familiar with the geological phenomena of everyday Icelandic life. The entire lagoon can be evacuated in less than an hour, which is what happened a few days before we arrived.

The Blue Lagoon comprises a large geothermal pool with a swim-up bar where you can order drinks and an in-water circular hut where you can try the three-step Blue Lagoon ritual using silicate, algae, and minerals. While there are small alcoves with low bridges, a waterfall feature, and access to steam rooms, the lagoon can feel like a bit of a circus.

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Opt for the Retreat Spa for a luxury sanctuary experience if you can. There are private changing rooms for two people with dual shower heads and skincare amenities. You can roam to eight experience areas, such as the Nest, Lava Spring, and Refresh.

The Blue Lagoon Ritual in The Retreat Spa is a multi-step process where your entire body is spoiled with silica, algae, minerals, and lava powder. Multiple shower heads are spread out across the subterranean space built into an underground lava field to rinse off and start the next step. At the more public Blue Lagoon, only the face, neck, shoulders, and arms get the iconic star treatment since you're chest-deep in geothermal waters.

Everything is thought of in the Retreat Lagoon. From the indoor spa, you enter the waters through a warm, enclosed room. You gently push a door in the water itself to wade into the chilly Icelandic air while you're already chest-deepin the 100-degree geothermal waters. No blast of cold air here or running into the Blue Lagoon to escape the cold. There's even a small counter where you can order drinks and sip Blue Lagoon cocktails with tables built into the pool. 

While you're there, splurge for the renowned Float Therapy treatment. Lying face-up on a mat floating in the warm, mineral-rich waters, a therapist does a relaxing, stress-relieving massage. The lovely Retreat Spa restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Retreat Lagoon with views of the magical waters and mist set against the dramatic black volcanic rock.

Hvammsvik

Hvammsvík, 276 Mosfellsbær, Iceland +(354) 510-5900

Located 45 minutes from the capital, Hvammsvik is rustic spa that features a maze of eight natural hot springs that pour into the Atlantic Ocean at an aptly named spot called Whalefjord. Set against the backdrop of rising mountains and black beaches, guests bask in warm waters with panoramic views of Iceland's dramatic landscape. You can see the spectacular Northern Lights during the dark winter months while lounging in the outdoor warm waters.

Admission to this spa allows all-day access to the geothermal springs, steam room, private showers, and changing rooms, depending on the package. Taking advantage of the oceanside location, on certain days guests can also paddle board, swim in the ocean or try a guided introduction to the Wim Hof technique, a breathing and cold therapy technique that's meant to produce health benefits.

Relaxing in an Icelandic spa isn't complete without a swim-up bar and an on-site bistro, showcasing Icelandic cuisine like seafood soup with sourdough bread or crowberries picked from the local hillside.

Krauma

Deildargunguhver, 320 Reykholt, Iceland; +(354) 555-6066, +(354) 595-9211

This northern geothermal spa is a prime viewing spot for the Northern Lights, a natural light show that makes the Icelandic bathing experience even more spectacular.

Located more than an hour north of Reykjavik in West Iceland, Krauma has mineral-rich waters fed by Europe's most powerful hot spring. Deildortunguhver has the highest hot spring water flow rate, pumping in 180 liters of 212-degree Fahrenheit water per second.

Outside, you'll find five bath pools of varying temperatures between 97-degree and 102-degree Fahrenheit, along with a cold tub for a quick plunge in between the naturally heated waters. Indoors, you'll find a steam room, relaxation room, and a restaurant that serves Icelandic cuisine for up to 70 guests.

Laugarvatn Fontana

Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland; +(354) 486-1400

This well-run Laugarvatn Fontana on the Golden Circle route hosts outdoor mineral baths, a lengthy pool, and an elevated hot tub for views of the landscape. Indoor spaces include a network of geothermal baths, steam rooms, and a Finnish-style sauna, all with views of Iceland's mountains and seas.

Adjacent to a vast lake, the Icelandic oasis also offers cold-water snorkeling for the more active spa-goer. You can also book visits to the nearby geothermal bakery at the spa, where guests can see how rye bread is made using an old Icelandic recipe, which involves burying the dough in a metal pot for 24 hours where the heat generated by the black sand bakes the rye bread slowly and naturally. It’s a perfect snack after feeling famished at the end of a spa day. 

Secret Lagoon

Hvammsvegur-845 Fluoir, Iceland; +(354) 853-3033

Discovered in 1891, Secret Lagoon is the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland. It's the epitome of a rustic oasis in a rural natural setting. The geothermal sulfuric pool is surrounded by fields and historic stone structures. The warm waters come directly from nearby Geysir, an active geothermal hot spot where people can watch "geysers" blow every few minutes. As you might've guessed, the word "geyser" originated from the Icelandic attraction.  

Open every day, the hours are extended in the summer season. Showers are separated for men and women. There's also a restaurant that serves cold plates, as well as a bar for refreshments. If you want to experience Icelandic bathing culture from its historical roots, this may be the perfect place.

Sky Lagoon

Vesturvör 44-48, Kópavogur, Iceland; +(354) 527-6800

Less than 15 minutes from the capital, Sky Lagoon is one of the newest luxury spas to open in Iceland. Perched against the backdrop of the North Atlantic Ocean, the spa features geothermal pools, including a spacious 230-foot, infinity-edge pool that opens to the sea. The water is clear, reflecting the color of the sky against a backdrop of natural rocks.

The Ritual at Sky Lagoon is a seven-step experience. It begins with stepping into the main lagoon, floating through a small canyon, and emerging into an expansive pool with a view of Mount Keilir. Next is a cold plunge followed by a warm sauna, taking in the view from the largest single window in Iceland while opening up pores and removing toxins. Step into an emerging cold fog-mist space and take rejuvenating deep breaths.

The ritual culminates with the Sky Body Scrub for exfoliation that'll leave your skin glowing. Return to the sauna to open up the pores, shower, and revisit the lagoon to lounge and quench your thirst with an elixir from the lagoon bar. On the premises, there's also a Sky Café and Smakk Bar for a taste of Icelandic cuisine like pickled herrings and wild game pate.

[Photos courtesy of spas and hotels]

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Helen I. Hwang is an award-winning journalist, author, and mechanical engineer. Her works have appeared in The New York Times for Kids, Eater San Diego, People Magazine, Parents.com, Trip Advisor, Huffington Post, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine,TravelSavvy.com, and other publications. She has also written a book, titled All Grown Up: Please Touch Museum and Its Move to Memorial Hall, for the Please Touch Museum, a children's museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition, Helen worked as a researcher for the Peabody Award-winning NPR radio program, Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Over the years, she's lived on three continents and traveled to more than 40 countries. She currently lives in San Diego, CA, the 16th place she's called home. More about her can be found at helenihwang.com.