By Dana Perkiss
With a long history of geothermal spas and hot springs, Iceland is home to some of the best spa facilities in the world – not to mention breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanic beaches, and delicious food.
If you're looking for a vacation that's got it all, there's no better place to visit than Iceland!
Get a Silica Mud Mask at the Blue Lagoon
Enjoy one of Iceland’s most famous destinations for both sightseeing and skincare, the Blue Lagoon. The water’s pastel blue color is thanks to the high content of silica, a material that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps keep your skin healthy. Relax while you receive a silica mud mask that leaves your skin feeling fresher than ever, then rest in the lagoon’s 102 °F water.
Visit the Mývatn Nature Baths
Opposite the Blue Lagoon on the northern part of Iceland is the Mývatn Nature Baths, which feature steam-baths, hot tubs, a children’s pool, and a restaurant. When you’re finished with the Nature Baths, you’ll be stunned by the beautiful lagoon situated in the center. The water averages around 100 °F and is filled with healthy minerals, most notably sulfur which has been known to help with skin, respiratory, and musculoskeletal afflictions. The healing effects of the water coupled with the rejuvenation of the Nature Baths will leave your skin (and your soul) feeling astoundingly cleansed.
Relax at the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Another iconic lagoon and known as Iceland’s deepest lake, Jökulsárlón can be found in the Southeast of Iceland. It is filled with breathtaking views of icebergs, seals swimming by the shore, and wild birds flocking. Plus, it’s a short walking distance from Diamond Beach, a black sand beach where visitors can watch glittering icebergs fade into the Atlantic Ocean.
Fun Fact: Jökulsárlón is a famous film location, with many films including “Tomb Raider” and the James Bond films “Die Another Day” and “A View to a Kill” having been filmed there.
Meet Icelandic Horses and Visit a Geothermal Greenhouse
Enjoy the Icelandic countryside at Friðheimar. Meet some of the most unique horses in the world and learn about the rich history of Iceland’s nature. Along with its horse stables, Friðheimar features a geothermal greenhouse with about 10,000 plants and a restaurant best known for its delicious Icelandic-grown tomatoes. After traveling and walking around the lagoons, you’ll find peace in your animal companions and being immersed in a greenhouse. But if you still want a spa day, luckily Friðheimar is a short distance from attractions like the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa and Geysir Hot Springs.
Feel Refreshed at the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
Speaking of, the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa is a hidden but most beloved attraction on the Golden Circle route that’s an absolute must see. This spa is filled with geothermal pools connected to outdoor mineral baths, saunas, steam rooms, and access to the icy cold Lake Laugarvatn. Switch between the heat of the spa and the cold of the lake and you’ll understand why Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice! This spa also features a unique geothermal rye bread bakery which is open all year and is a must taste attraction.
Experience the Sky Lagoon
Reykjavik's most exciting new attraction, the Sky Lagoon, promises an authentic Icelandic bath experience that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed like never before. This oceanside, thermal spa offers an array of therapeutic treatments for you to enjoy, like a relaxing swim in the geothermal lagoon water, a glacier-fresh pool that will boost your senses, saunas to reheat and cleanse your skin, and you’ll get to use the Sky Lagoon’s famous Sky Body Scrub to exfoliate your skin!
