The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s Ultimate Luxury and Wellness Escape
This marks my second journey to Iceland, following a memorable visit just last year. On that first trip, I ticked off several bucket-list experiences — including bathing in the iconic Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, exploring central Reykjavík, visiting Hallgrímskirkja church, and soaking in the dramatic Icelandic landscapes beyond the city.
Fly direct from Edinburgh and immerse yourself in Iceland’s geothermal beauty, luxury wellness retreats, and handpicked experiences.
That trip left a lasting impression, and you can revisit it through the links below:
My Original Iceland Itinerary
Sky Lagoon Spa Review
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon Review
The perfect reason to return? Icelandair’s new direct service from Edinburgh to Keflavík — and I’m flying on the inaugural flight. More on that below…
Still steaming, still surreal — Iceland's geothermal wonders never lose their magic.
Why I Chose the Hotels?
Balancing Reykjavik buzz with Blue Lagoon bliss — and scouting Iceland’s finest luxury stays.
On my last trip, while I had originally planned to stay at one of the Blue Lagoon’s luxury hotels — either the serene Silica Hotel or the ultra-prestigious Retreat at the Blue Lagoon — the dates didn’t align. Instead, I based myself in downtown Reykjavík at The Reykjavik EDITION, which turned out to be a fantastic experience in its own right, with sleek design, excellent service, and a prime location for exploring the city.
That said, as soon as I visited The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, I knew it was somewhere I’d have to return to stay properly. Nestled in a lava field and centred around Iceland’s iconic geothermal waters, it offers one of the most unique wellness experiences in the world.
🛏️ Other Luxury Hotels on My Iceland Radar:
These standout properties also remain high on my list for future stays or client recommendations:
Eleven Deplar Farm – A remote, ultra-luxury lodge in the Troll Peninsula, perfect for heli-skiing and summer adventures.
ION Adventure Hotel – Famous for its striking architecture and featured in BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.
UMI Hotel – A boutique hotel near Eyjafjallajökull with a modern Nordic design.
Hotel Búðir – A romantic hideaway on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, ideal for Northern Lights watching.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Close to Jökulsárlón, ideal for glacier hiking and iceberg lagoon excursions.
Hotel Rangá – A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, known for stargazing and themed suites.
Step behind the falls and into the glow—one of Iceland's most enchanting perspectives.
Getting There
A seamless route from Scotland to Iceland’s geothermal luxury
As much as I wanted to try Icelandair — and experience their Saga Class service — at the time of my first trip, their closest departure option was from Glasgow. With limited timings that didn’t suit my schedule, I opted instead to fly British Airways via London Heathrow, which worked perfectly.
Golden hour descent with Icelandair—ocean views, soft light, and a quiet sense of arrival. Credit @icelandair
When I later spotted that Icelandair was launching new seasonal direct flights from Edinburgh, it felt like the perfect reason to return. Not only would this be a more convenient route from Scotland, but it also gave me the chance to tick another box on my Icelandic wishlist: a stay at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon.
✈️ Icelandair now flies direct from Edinburgh to Keflavík three days a week — an exciting new gateway to Iceland’s luxury and wellness experiences.
Where to Stay?
A short stay focused on indulgence, with a practical end to the journey
For this short Icelandic escape, I based myself almost entirely at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon — a destination in itself, known for its unparalleled wellness offerings, geothermal spa access, and serene lava field setting. This was the highlight of the trip and the centrepiece of the itinerary.
For my final night, however, I opted for convenience and stayed at the Aurora Hotel by Keflavík International Airport. While it’s not on my curated list of must-visit hotels, it proved the perfect practical solution: I returned my rental car the night before and could walk directly from the hotel to the terminal for my early morning flight back to Edinburgh.
These perks are part of my affiliation with Fora Travel, giving you insider access to the best hotel programmes worldwide.
Solitude redefined—where the land meets the sea and silence speaks volumes.
Typical VIP benefits when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel include:
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
$100 USD resort credit
Room upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Soak, float, repeat—luxury in its purest Icelandic form. Credit @bluelagoonis
Fast Facts: The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon
Wellness redefined—privacy, peace, and geothermal perfection. Credit @bluelagoonis
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon |
| Address | Norðurljósavegur 11, 240 Grindavík |
| Nearest Airport | Keflavík Airport (KEF), 20 mins |
| Rooms & Suites | 62 suites |
| Dining & Bar Options | Moss Restaurant (fine dining), Spa Restaurant (wellness-focused), access to Lava Restaurant, in-room dining, wine cellar tastings |
| Spa & Wellness | Geothermal spa, floatation therapy |
| @bluelagoonis | |
| Visiting | September 2025 |
Fast Facts: Silica Hotel at The Blue Lagoon
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon |
| Address | Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland |
| Nearest Airport | Keflavík Airport (KEF), 20 mins |
| Rooms & Suites | 35 rooms with private terraces and lava views |
| Dining & Bar Options | Complimentary breakfast and access to Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon |
| Spa & Wellness | Private bathing lagoon exclusive to Silica Hotel guests; access to the main Blue Lagoon spa available |
| @bluelagoonis |
Exclusive Booking Perks
Unlock VIP benefits at the world’s finest hotels — at no extra cost to you.
Booking through The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel gives you access to exclusive VIP perks at many of the world’s leading luxury hotels and resorts.
As a Fora Pro advisor, I work with preferred partner programmes to unlock elevated experiences for my clients — whether you're planning a city break, beach retreat, wellness escape, or once-in-a-lifetime journey.
🌟 Typical VIP Perks Include:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two, served in the hotel restaurant
Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
$100 USD equivalent hotel or resort credit to use during your stay
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
These perks are available at no extra cost when you book through me — part of the added value of working with a trusted luxury travel advisor.
By day or starlight—nature doesn’t get more cinematic than this.
Things to Do in Iceland
Discover Iceland’s dramatic natural wonders and unique wellness experiences — from glacier lagoons to geothermal retreats.
✨ Best Things to Do in Iceland
Bathe in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
Iconic for a reason — soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields or oceanside views.Visit the Golden Circle
See Þingvellir National Park, the erupting geyser at Geysir, and the thunderous Gullfoss waterfall — all in one day.Explore Reykjavik’s creative heart
Wander around Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa Concert Hall, and enjoy chic cafés, boutiques, and contemporary Nordic cuisine.Take a private glacier hike or snowmobile tour
Discover Iceland’s ice caps with a guide, complete with panoramic views, secret ice caves, and a shot of Brennivín if you dare.Chase the Northern Lights
Visit between September and April for the best chance to see this natural light show — ideally from a remote luxury base.Ride Icelandic horses through volcanic plains
An authentic way to see the countryside — known for their gentle gait and unique breed characteristics.Experience a luxury super jeep tour
Go off-road to reach waterfalls, black sand beaches, and remote highland valleys in comfort and style.Dine at some of Iceland’s top restaurants
Including ÓX, Dill (Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant), and Matur og Drykkur for a modern take on traditional Icelandic fare.
Little birds, big charm—puffins bring colour to Iceland’s dramatic coastlines.
Your Luxury Journey, Elevated
Book Your Luxury Iceland Journey with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
Unlock more from every stay when you book through The Private Traveller, in partnership with Fora Travel. Whether you're heading to a remote Nordic spa, an iconic city hotel, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I’m here to offer personalised advice every step of the way — from choosing the right property to planning the details that make your trip exceptional.
As a Fora Pro advisor, I also offer an automatic price tracking service. If the rate drops on a flexible booking after we’ve reserved it, I’ll be notified — and will rebook you at the lower price whenever possible. It’s just one more way I help ensure you get the best value without compromising on luxury.
✨ Enjoy Exclusive VIP Perks:
Complimentary daily breakfast
Room upgrades on arrival (subject to availability)
$100 USD hotel or resort credit
Early check-in and late check-out (based on availability)
VIP welcome amenities
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Every itinerary I build is tailored to your travel style, pace, and priorities. Let’s design a journey that reflects what luxury means to you.
📩 Enquire now: dave.gillan@fora.travel
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Planning your next escape? I’d love to hear from you — whether you have a destination in mind or need help turning inspiration into a perfectly tailored itinerary.
Where mountains meet the sea—perfect symmetry in Iceland’s southeast.
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Once the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, Amerikalinjen is now one of Oslo’s most atmospheric boutique hotels — and my first stop in Norway.