I had always dreamt of visiting Iceland, drawn by the allure of the iconic Blue Lagoon. Nestled amidst the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this geothermal marvel enchants with its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, creating an ethereal oasis shaped by volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs. While not officially recognised as a natural wonder of the world, the Blue Lagoon is celebrated as one of Iceland’s most remarkable attractions.

In addition to the Blue Lagoon and the Silica Hotel, which opened in 2005, the more exclusive Retreat Hotel has offered a luxurious escape since 2018. Although I initially hoped to stay at The Retreat, for my first visit to Iceland - and I know there will be more - I chose to base myself in central Reykjavik. This decision was influenced by the Blue Lagoon’s recent temporary closures due to increased volcanic activity since December 2023, including a significant eruption in November 2024 that covered the main parking lot in lava, leading to extended closures for safety.

Staying overnight is not essential to experience the magic of the Blue Lagoon. Day visits are available to both the Blue Lagoon and the exclusive Retreat Spa, where you can unwind in private lagoons, steam caves, and tranquil spaces designed to enhance relaxation and well-being. Read on to discover more about my unforgettable experience.

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland: The Important Details

Website - https://www.bluelagoon.com/

Location -  The Retreat - Blue Lagoon Norðurljósavegur 11 240 Grindavík Iceland

Contact - https://www.bluelagoon.com/contact

Opened - 2018

Cost - from $564 for 5-hour exclusive entry

Wellbeing facilities - Lagoon Ritual, In-water massages, Float therapy, Yoga, Meditation, Sound healing, Skincare, Spa treatments, Wellness workshops, Dining

The Spa Experience

My day visit allowed for a 5 hour exclusive entry to the Retreat Spa - although I visited on my own this time, the experience could be for two people. This INCREDIBLE experience (and I don’t use that word lightly) included:

• 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

What I loved about this (and there were so many things to love) is that you had the ultra-exclusive privacy of your private changing suite and all of the above at the sanctuary of The Retreat, but full access to all of the Blue Lagoon services too. When I was there some of the facilities in the main Blue Lagoon were being upgraded, but I’ve seen online what improvements have been made and it’s definitely somewhere I would want to revisit time and time again.

The Ritual

The Retreat Spa Ritual at the Blue Lagoon is a luxurious, self-guided experience designed to immerse guests in the rejuvenating properties of the Blue Lagoon's mineral-rich waters. The ritual consists of four key steps, each using exclusive Blue Lagoon products:

1. Cleansing - The ritual begins with a nourishing body scrub, which combines Blue Lagoon silica, volcanic minerals, and the geothermal seawater’s microalgae. This scrub gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and revitalized.

2. Detoxifying - After cleansing, guests apply a mineral-rich mud mask made from the Blue Lagoon’s silica.

3. Masking - Guests apply a mineral-rich mud mask made from the Blue Lagoon’s algae. This mask purifies and revitalizes the skin, helping to restore its natural radiance.

4. Moisturizing - The final step is the application of a hydrating oil or lotion that seals in moisture and nourishes the skin. This product is also derived from the Blue Lagoon’s unique natural resources.

I had done something similar on my previous visit to the Sky Lagoon (you can read all about that experience here which I called Rejuvenation Above the Horizon: My Serene Escape at Sky Lagoon Iceland.

However, as much as I enjoyed that visit (a particular highlight was a glass of chilled champagne whilst bathing in the lagoon), The Retreat took the experience to a whole new level of luxury and exclusivity. But, you could still enjoy a glass of chilled champagne (or chilled beer as I had too) in both the Retreat lagoon (there was a window from the lagoon straight into the restaurant and you press a button for service) or the main bar areas in the Blue Lagoon itself by using your wristband to pay.

My Review - The Retreat Spa

I will go on to explain the experience in more detail, but in a snapshot this was one of my best spa experiences ever, so unique! After enjoying what I thought had been quite an exclusive experience at the Sky Lagoon with their option of enhanced changing facilities, The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon took this to a whole new level with your own private changing suite which you kept during your entire visit.

Changing facilities

Your wristband controlled access to the private changing suite, which was really decent sized with a large vanity area with huge mirrors in the front section, with a two person open slate walled double shower at the rear. Robes and slippers were provided, as were lots of perfect towels, and there were all toiletries (Blue Lagoon branded) available for use, as well as a selection to take home too in a gift bag. Not much use to me, but there was also a hairdryer and hair straighteners provided too.

Facilities

There were various steam rooms to begin with, to warm up and open up the pores of the skin before going into the four-step guided ritual. Once having gone through the cycle of mineral salt, silica mud, algae paste, then a cold towel and algae oils; it was time to relax in one of the many chill out spaces throughout the spa, and then into the lagoon itself. There was the option of glass boxed with views over the lagoon, or one I loved with a darkened room behind a heavy curtain with beds to relax and a real fire.

The Lagoon

You can access the private lagoon of The Retreat from various access points, and this is on different levels and has quite a few bridges; all with the mineral rich geothermal waters. You can also go into the main Blue Lagoon area too, all access included.

Food & Drink - The Spa Restaurant

The Spa Restaurant at The Retreat overlooks the lagoon, and a really relaxing space where you enjoy a coffee or drink, snack, or lunch. I did some of the treatments first before stopping for lunch which was Burrata (Tomato, basil, gazpacho) with unlimited (and totally delicious) sourdough bread with oils, before finishing off with a dessert of Dark chocolate mousse (Olive oil, seeds, sea salt) and a couple of glasses of fizz to accompany the meal.

After lunch I then just spent the rest of my time between the various areas of the Retreat Lagoon (I had to order another glass of fizz from the window) and then also went to check out the main lagoon area too, and had a chilled glass of beer there too.

Perfect Escape: Ideal Times to Visit the Blue Lagoon

You’re going to find the main Blue Lagoon is always busy, being such an iconic place to visit at any time of the year. The Retreat is only limited to hotel guests (there are only 60 suites here) plus day visitors, which are limited in numbers to ensure an exclusive experience. If you’re in Iceland for only a few days, I certainly wouldn’t leave visiting until your last day, in case of any unplanned closures. I was in Iceland for four nights, and had actually planned to visit on my last day, which actually worked out ok on this occasion. 

There had been some very recent eruptions just the day before I arrived (and you could see the dramatic glowing fissures from the plane on landing) and the whole of the Blue Lagoon was closed. It remained closed for the next couple of days, but I was lucky in that it reopened the day of my visit. To be on the safe side though, maybe do this in one of your first few days, so that if it does close you have options to rebook.

The Retreat Hotel

The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon is an architectural masterpiece seamlessly blending with the surrounding lava fields. Boasting 60 elegant suites, it offers unparalleled tranquillity and privacy. Guests can indulge in the mineral-rich waters of the Retreat Lagoon, unwind in the subterranean spa carved into volcanic rock, and savour Icelandic cuisine at the acclaimed Moss Restaurant. Every corner of The Retreat is designed to enhance relaxation and provide an unforgettable luxury experience.

My intention would be on a future visit to Iceland to stay somewhere else to begin with, perhaps Reykjavik again, but spend the last two nights at The Retreat Hotel. I could literally have spent longer than my five hours as a day guest, so one night would be too short I think. The plan would be to arrive in the afternoon to be able to experience the lagoon at sunset/evening, then a full day of the lagoon experience and treatments, before having yet another night to relax before heading home.

Things to Know Before Your Visit

There were a few things that I wondered about, that I didn’t necessarily see the answers to online:

• The changing suites are so exceptional, and after my visit to the Sky Lagoon where you use shared ‘private’ changing rooms, at The Retreat the changing suite is yours for the entire visit.

• While The Retreat is a separate exclusive part of the lagoon, you can walk through the thermal area where you would go out into an area of the main lagoon for floatation treatments, and from there you can swim into the general access area.

• The restaurant is fully available for you just in a bathrobe and slippers (which are provided for either hotel or day guests) and anything can be charged using your wristband.

• I wasn’t sure whether this wristband would work in the main Blue Lagoon area too, for the bars there, but indeed they did. At the end of the day, on check-out as a day guest you just settle up for any extras.

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon: The Highlights

This spa experience offered numerous memorable moments, but here are some of the standout features—a concise summary I hope you'll find useful.

• Geothermal Marvel: Nestled in Iceland’s lava fields, the Blue Lagoon offers milky-blue waters enriched with minerals.

• Exclusive Accommodation: The Retreat Hotel, opened in 2018, features 60 elegant suites with access to private lagoons and world-class amenities.

• Spa Experience: Enjoy in-water massages, float therapy, and the unique Blue Lagoon Ritual.

• Dining Excellence: The Spa Restaurant offers fine Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking views.

• Private Facilities: Spacious private changing suites with luxurious amenities.

• Unforgettable Moments: Sip champagne while soaking in geothermal waters, with seamless access to both The Retreat and main Blue Lagoon areas.

• Insider Tip: Book early in your trip to allow flexibility, especially with potential volcanic activity closures.

Opportunities for Enhancement

Whenever I stay at a property or visit a spa, I focus on highlighting the positives of the experience. However, there are times when I notice areas that could be improved to create an even better spa experience or stay. While these observations are subjective, they reflect what could enhance the overall experience.

• I had such a special experience here, there is nothing that I can think of which would have improved the day; other than staying over in the hotel!

Final thoughts on the Retreat Spa

With this being somewhere I had wanted to visit for a while, I am so glad I have now been and it did not disappoint in any way. It’s only given me more encouragement to visit Iceland again, and to go back and stay at The Retreat Hotel for a longer experience. This time I will take ‘Mrs’ TPT - as much as he can moan about too long a treatment time or too much spa time, I think he would love it here as there are so many relaxation areas where you can just chill and read.

Have you been to Iceland and visited either the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon? I’d love to hear your own thoughts and opinions on it as well as your impression of Reykjavik or Iceland as a holiday destination.

Comment below to share your thoughts and opinions. 

Let me know which spa or hotel I should review next!

[I do normally take all of my own photos, but with not being allowed a phone in the spa or lagoon area, any photos there are credit of The Blue Lagoon - thank you.]