Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most well-known attractions. Its ethereal blue water, comfortably balmy at 38°C, lays nestled in the stark unearthly landscape of the island. It’s where visitors and locals come to relax, slathered with the spa’s famous white silica mask and with drinks in hand. Steam from the hot water ads a sense of mystique, as it plays hide-and-seek with the guests. But next to the main pool, is an exclusive retreat spa experience. Only available to a lucky few, this space is the ultimate VIP experience in Iceland and I had the change to experience it. This is my honest review: Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa, Iceland.
A note about the photos: yes, they are all my own. Photos are generally not permitted to protect privacy and to maintain the relaxing atmosphere. The staff confiscates phones and cameras (returned at the end of the visit). They did not do this with my phone, even though they were aware that I was taking photos. I was not sneaky, but I only took them when there were no other guests present.
Menu
Before launching into my experience, the Retreat Spa is described on their website as “a transformative journey into the volcanic earth”. It is a 5-hour exclusive experience that includes:
- Private changing room and separate check-in process
- The Retreat Lagoon and a drink of choice
- The Blue Lagoon
- Skincare amenities
- The Blue Lagoon Ritual
- Access to 8 subterranean spaces
- Access to the Spa Restaurant
- Retreat Spa* (this was extra)
- A reservation for the Lava Restaurant* (I opted for the Spa Restaurant instead)
*not included in my review
You can read more about the offers by reading below. You can also skip to particular sections using the links above. My overall review can be found here.
It can be accessed through the luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel (in fact, unlimited visits to the spa are included with booking) or through the main entrance of the Blue Lagoon. I entered the second way and was escorted to the hotel lobby. The walk was nice as it offered great views of the famous Lava Restaurant and the private Retreat Lagoon. I recommend taking photos before entering the Retreat Spa as cameras and phones are not allowed.
Arrival at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa
Upon arrival, I was given a light blue silicon bracelet. Since the spa is cashless, this bracelet is mean to add items to a tab (eg drinks) that are paid for at the end of the visit. It also locked and unlocked my private changing room.
Ok wow, the room was gorgeous! Made from black lava rock, its large space included an impressive shower and styling counter. I also had access to almost the full Blue Lagoon range of products (soaps, lotions, etc that I was free to take home), flip flops, bathrobes, hair styling appliances, towels, etc.
Showering (a real one with soap and no bathing suit) is required before entering the water at the Blue Lagoon for both the public and the retreat sides. I personally really liked being able to have some privacy without having to share the space or products like in the public section.
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The Retreat Lagoon
The Retreat Lagoon is a private lagoon complete with swim-up direct access to the bar. It can be accessed from an entrance inside the building (and outside of course). The indoor entrance is particularly nice because I could enter and exit the water without being blasted by cold winter wind. This Lagoon has several different levels and is very calm.
A free drink is included with access, and this includes anything from the menu. I had champagne and it was divine. Since photos are not permitted, there are staff members that offer to take photos. They took a few of me with drink in hand and emailed it over to me. Admittedly, I did not like any of the photos, but the offer was nice. I think it would be more fitting if there was an actual photographer (or at least someone with a real camera instead of an iphone).
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The Blue Lagoon
The public lagoon can also be accessed from the retreat side, but through a private entrance. The public lagoon is great because of the swim-up mask bar. Regular admission lets you have a white silica mask, but the Retreat Spa access lets you test out the entire mask ritual. These are 4 different masks, including the silica mask, a lava scrub, a mineral mask, and an algal mask. The person working there explained what order to apply the masks and what they do.
Again, there is a swim up bar here too. I had freshly pressed juice.
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More Skincare Amenities
If masking outside isn’t your thing (or you want to do it again), there is an indoor spa area where you can test out the different masks. It has floor-to-ceiling windows with nice views of the Retreat Lagoon. It’s a nice option if the weather outside isn’t cooperating! In addition to face cloths and mirrors, there are information booklets about the masks. It’s calmer than the public lagoon area.
There are also unlimited housecoats and towels. This is fantastic if you are popping in and out of water or saunas. I found it was a lot more comfortable than sitting around in soggy terrycloth all afternoon!
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The Blue Lagoon Ritual
The Blue Lagoon Ritual is supposed to be the hallmark of the Retreat Spa. I did not take any photos in this area due to the nature of the experience and because there were other people there. The ritual, spread into three rooms, is a three-step full-body routine. Like the face masks outside, it uses the silica, algae and mineral elements of the lagoon in a nourishing, revitalizing treatment.
The treatments were used as scrubs or as body masks in communal settings. Luxurious nature-inspired showers were used in between each step. There was staff present to explain the treatments and how long to leave it on (but there was nothing there to actually check the time). Personally, I found it was a little strange to have staff watching me scrub myself down. It would have been more luxe to have someone else massage me, but that is an add-on option outside of the Ritual. I was mostly alone, but I could see it being an uncomfortable experience during peak hours, since multiple people can be at a station simultaneously.
For me, this part of the experience was a little underwhelming. But, I had the smoothest, most lovely skin afterwards. I do not really think this should be the main selling point of the Retreat Spa…
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Access to 8 Subterranean Spaces
The subterranean spaces are several different zones that offer complete relaxation. In contrast to the last section, I absolutely loved these.
The Nest zone features several suspended nest chairs in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a cozy spot to admire the Retreat Lagoon or to curl up with a book.
The Lava Spring room was one of my favourite spots. Perfect for contemplation and meditation, it is a dimly lit cavern featuring a glass ceiling. Water gently falls onto the glass creating the ultimate sense of tranquility. I loved looking up and admiring the water and listening to its natural sounds.
In contrast, a Fire room featured a roaring fireplace. There are also lounge beds here. I might have taken a nap on one of them because it was so relaxing and quiet.
Besides these rooms, there are sauna and hammam facilities. Even if you don’t really like sitting around in your own sweat, I recommend visiting these. You can pop in for only for a few seconds. The spaces are beautiful and the cedar wood is aromatherapeutic.
There are saunas on the public side of the Lagoon too, but the ones in the Retreat are another level. And a lot calmer.
To cool off, there is an ice pool (for the brave!) and other relaxation areas. The areas all have plush seating and large windows with great views. Even if there were other people around me, I did not feel cramped because the rooms were so spacious.
I also appreciated that there were hydration stations everywhere. Free, Icelandic water with glasses could be found in each relaxation area. Ice and citrus pieces were also available. The main hallway has a spectacular water feature with potable water too.
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The Spa Restaurant
There are 4 different dining options at the Blue Lagoon: Moss Restaurant, Lava Restaurant, the canteen, and the Spa Restaurant. All of them are available to general visitors… except for the Spa Restaurant. It is only for Retreat Spa guests. So, due to its exclusivity, that was where I decided to grab a light bite for lunch before heading back to Reykjavik.
Comfortable with lots of natural light, the restaurant specializes in healthy light dishes. After a day of relaxation, this was exactly what I was craving! I asked for all my dishes to be served together instead of as separate courses.
I was offered delicious crusty Icelandic bread with olive oil and Icelandic lava salt. It was perfect with the house made miso soup. I also enjoyed their ceviche — made with prawns, scallops, arctic char, and lime, it was very refreshing. I loved that the fish was obviously freshly caught and not frozen! For “dessert”, I had a blueberry skyr smoothie. I washed this all down with pure Icelandic water.
I really liked the restaurant. The food was fresh and the service was friendly. Patrons can eat in bathrobes too. Personally, I thought this added to the relaxed atmosphere. I would probably recommend Lava or Moss if you want something more substantial though.
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Overall Review: Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa, Iceland
I really enjoyed my visit to the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa. The facilities are beautiful and incredibly peaceful. I liked the service and the restaurant. The unlimited robes and towels were very appreciated. I especially loved being able to test out the different products. In fact, I ended up buying the masking kit as a souvenir for myself and my Mum too!
There was nothing that I particularly disliked, but I can suggest a few improvements:
- Hire a professional photographer for the photo-ops
- Offer a spa treatment to guests (10 minute massage or quick facial, for example)
- Have staff help with the Ritual section
Personally, I would love to return and actually spend a night at the Retreat Hotel. I think it would be an amazing experience, especially with a spa service or two. Overall, I would recommend the Retreat Spa to anyone who has the means to visit. I do not think that it is worth breaking the bank over, though. It is definitely possible to have a satisfying visit to the Blue Lagoon without visiting the Retreat Spa. Until my next visit!
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*Disclosure: experience was gifted