Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has been on my travel radar for some time. As much as I love to revisit some countries, I also really like to visit new places. Iceland offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury that few destinations can match. For those seeking an indulgent escape, this itinerary showcases the best of Icelandic elegance, featuring a stay at the opulent Reykjavík EDITION hotel (and my first time in an EDITION property anywhere in the world) and a rejuvenating experience at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa. Whether you're exploring volcanic wonders or relaxing in serene geothermal waters, this journey promises an unforgettable encounter with the land of fire and ice.

The hotels featuring in the post are:

• Sofitel London Heathrow

• The Reykjavík EDITION

• The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon

Read on to find my full detailed travel itinerary for this trip, with helpful info on:

• The best way to fly to Iceland from the UK.

• My top hotel recommendations for Iceland.

• My personal recommendations for things to do when in Iceland.

Flying to Reykjavík Iceland with British Airways

There were direct flights with EasyJet, but I opted instead to fly with British Airways via Heathrow and Club Europe, hoping that one of the flights I have upcoming will have the new seating. The other option I’d been keen on was to try flying with Icelandair and their Saga (Business Class) service, but with the direct service being from Glasgow, it’s actually as easy to fly via Heathrow, and I always love the opportunity to have an overnight at the London Heathrow Terminal 5 Sofitel. The flight was early morning to Iceland, meaning that I arrive in Reykjavik by 09:45 (only one hour time difference - behind), but also did mean that the overnight was essential with no connection being possible that same day. 

The best place to stay for London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 Airport: Sofitel London Heathrow

During Covid times, while the T5 Sofitel had been repurposed into a quarantine hotel, we did have to try out a couple of other options at other terminals, but especially when flying with BA, I don’t think we found any better option that the Sofitel with its direct connection to the terminal by a covered bridge walkway. The last few times we have stayed, it has been a fleeting visit, just the overnight only, but with another few trips lined up over the next few months with a stopover, I’ve made sure that with one of them (in November) I take an early enough time the day before and have already booked my spa appointment. It’s been a long time since we tried out the spa below the hotel, so I'm looking forward to my 90 minute Sothys body treatment, and using the wellness facilities (24-hour gym, steam room and sauna, and a thermal vitality pool with invigorating hydropath features).

Fast Facts for Sofitel London Heathrow Terminal 5

Address - Terminal 5, London Heathrow Airport, TW6 2GD LONDON, United Kingdom
Website - https://all.accor.com/hotel/6214/index.en.shtml
Group website - https://thearoragroup.com/business/hotels
TripAdvisor ranking - #5 of 42 hotels in Hounslow
Contact - H6214-re@sofitel.com
Instagram - @sofitellondont5 @sofitel @arora_group
Nearest airport - London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) - connected by a walkway tunnel, other terminals connected by bus/tube/Heathrow Express train
Opened - 2009
Number of rooms / suites - 605 guestrooms and suites, including Club Millesime Lounge
Number of floors - TBC
Bars - 2 (Le Bar Parisien & Sphere Bar)
Restaurants - 3 (La Belle Epoque, Vivre Le Experience des Saveurs, & Tea 5)
Wellbeing - Spa and fitness centre
Visiting - August 2024

Best places to stay in Iceland: The Reykjavik EDITION

My plans changed a bit, originally thinking I would stay for a few nights at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon in Grindavík, but I changed things around so that I’m staying right in the centre of Reykjavik at the five star The Reykjavik EDITION. According to my research, there are only a few notable five-star options that include The Reykjavík EDITION, Hotel Borg, and the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland.

“Located in the historical, scenic heart of downtown Reykjavik by Old Harbor port, the hotel is just steps away from Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa Concert and Conference Center. The hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the wonders of the region, with the renowned Blue Lagoon within driving distance and the Northern Lights visible in the city during the winter solstice.”

Fast Facts for The Reykjavik EDITION

Address - Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik, Iceland 101
Website - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rekeb-the-reykjavik-edition/overview/
Group website - https://www.editionhotels.com/
TripAdvisor ranking - #18 of 60 hotels in Reykjavik
Contact - reservations.rek@editionhotels.com
Instagram - @editionreykjavik @editionhotels
Nearest airport - Keflavík International Airport (KEF) 50km or 31 miles away (about a 50 minute drive)
Opened - 2021
Number of rooms / suites - 253 guestrooms and suites
Number of floors - 7 (6th floor penthouse and 7th floor rooftop)
Bars - 3 (Lobby Bar, Tölt Cocktail Bar, and The ROOF)
Restaurants - 2 (Tides Restaurant, Tides Bakery and Cafe Coffee House)
Wellbeing - Spa, Outdoor Pool, Fitness Centre
Visiting - August 2024

Why Book with Classic Travel and The Private Traveller?

By booking through my affiliation with Classic Travel, I was able to secure a number of additional VIP benefits with their Marriott STARS program.These included:

• Complimentary Breakfast for Two - Hotel designates full or continental breakfast and venue.

• $100 Hotel Credit 

• Complimentary WiFi daily

• Early Check-in/late Check-out (based on availability upon arrival)

• Priority for complimentary room upgrade (based on availability upon arrival)

• Guests receive a welcome amenity that reflects the personality of the hotel and the destination

• VIP status granted

VIP Meet & Greet Arrival Service

I’ve booked a VIP meet and greet arrival with Iceland Highlights, where their representative will greet me at the arrival gate holding a name sign for The Private Traveller  and accompany me to the airport exit. The VIP service includes Fast-Track through passport control, where I will be guided through the passport control and baggage claim area.I will then be greeted by a chauffeur who will take you to your requested destination in Reykjavik, the Reykjavik EDITION hotel.

“Experience a hassle-free and luxurious journey through Keflavík International Airport with our VIP Meet & Greet Service. Our experienced agents provide a seamless airport experience, making sure you avoid long waiting times, and language barriers, and navigate through the airport with ease.

We offer three distinct services: Meet & Greet upon arrival, Meet & Greet on departure day, and Meet & Assist for connecting flights. Our agents assist passengers with all airport formalities, including security, immigration, luggage collection, and drop-off processes.”

Things to do in Iceland

This is very much a spa trip, and as much I’m looking forward to trying out my first EDITION hotel by Marriott and their spa. I understand there is a spa bar, where some of their best creations can be enjoyed in the thermal plunge pool. There is a full menu of treatments inspired by the Icelandic landscape, and facilities including a hammam, steam room and sauna.

Here are just some of the things I’m planning for my trip:

The Retreat Spa at The Blue Lagoon

I had originally thought that I would stay at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon, the more upscale of two on site hotels (the Retreat being described as timeless sophistication versus the sublime comfort of the Silica Hotel), but with having picked a very busy weekend (the Reykjavík Culture Night, as below) this wasn’t an option. However I have a hosted day visit planned where I will be able to experience unlimited access to the Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, as well the main Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavík Culture Night

Culture Night is created by and for the city's residents. While the event has "night" in the description, there are events throughout the day—starting with the very popular Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon in the morning. Culture Night occurs across central Reykjavik, with celebrations in the streets, squares, museums, businesses, and even residential gardens!

Sky Lagoon

A friend who visited Iceland last year highly recommended the Sky Lagoon, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, just minutes from downtown Reykjavík, this geothermal spa offers a truly immersive experience. The lagoon’s warm, mineral-rich waters provide a serene escape, while the infinity pool seems to blend seamlessly with the horizon. My friend was particularly impressed by the 7-step ritual, which combines traditional Icelandic bathing practices with modern relaxation techniques, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. With breathtaking views of the ocean and an atmosphere that perfectly captures the tranquility of Iceland’s natural beauty, the Sky Lagoon is an unmissable experience.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Hallgrímskirkja, located in the heart of Reykjavík, is not only the largest church in Iceland but also a vibrant center of worship and culture. Dedicated to the revered Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, this iconic structure serves as both a national monument and a bustling parish church, known for its active community and rich musical traditions. The church's striking 73-meter tower dominates the city skyline and offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains, and the vast ocean stretching towards Greenland. Built between 1945 and 1986, Hallgrímskirkja remains one of Reykjavík’s most popular tourist attractions and a proud symbol of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland.

Full Travel Itinerary: Iceland

• Day 1   Fly to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) with British Airways

• Late evening flight Club Europe

• Overnight Sofitel London Heathrow 

• Day 2   Fly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) with British Airways

• VIP arrival service organised by Iceland Highlights

• VIP chauffeur transfer to Reykjavik

• 4 nights The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

• Day 3-4  Reykjavik, Iceland

• The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

• Visit the downtown sites including the Hallgrímskirkja Church

• Trip to the Sky Lagoon

• Day 5  The Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa

• Day visit to experience the Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, and main Blue Lagoon

• Day 6   Return flight with British Airways from Iceland (KEF) to Edinburgh (EDI) via London’s Heathrow (LHR)

• Mid morning return flight to London, with late afternoon connecting domestic flight

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