For the third lodge keep of our Iceland to The Residence by way of Cambodia journey, we spent one evening at The Retreat Lodge at Blue Lagoon, a 60-key property at Iceland’s most well-known vacationer attraction, the Blue Lagoon.
This lodge opened again in 2018, with the aim of providing an elevated and prolonged expertise in comparison with the primary Blue Lagoon. Previous to my keep, I had seen just about no “actual” evaluation of this property, and was genuinely curious what it was like, so I figured I’d take one for the crew and keep right here, to report again as to what it’s actually like.
Let me be completely trustworthy — going into this keep, I figured this lodge can be a little bit of a vacationer entice, and wouldn’t be a real luxurious lodge expertise. In spite of everything, that is an impartial property at a mass-market vacationer vacation spot, so it hardly looks as if the place the place you’d count on an incredible luxurious lodge.
I’m completely happy to report that I used to be improper. A lot to my shock, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon was merely spectacular, from the property’s design, to the unimaginable spa advanced and personal lagoon, to the service, to the general vibe. This property virtually has an Aman-like vibe, proper at one in every of Iceland’s largest vacationer sights. Whereas this place is tremendous expensive, it’s price it, if you happen to can swing it, and worth these sorts of experiences.
That is one in every of my most memorable lodge stays ever, and seeing a spectacular show of the Northern Lights didn’t harm both!
Reserving the Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Charges on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon are tremendous steep, however after staying there, I type of perceive why. Costs differ seasonally from round $1,800 to $2,300 per evening for a base room (give or take), and since we have been staying off season, our price was on the backside finish of that vary (we paid $1,800 for our one-night keep).
All charges on the lodge embody complimentary breakfast, afternoon espresso and tea, all minibar contents, morning yoga, welcome drinkso, entry to the property’s unimaginable spa, and Blue Lagoon skincare facilities. Sadly though that is an ultra-luxury property, it doesn’t take part in any applications like Virtuoso, and so on., so there’s no method to get further perks, sadly.
Now, when reserving a keep on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, there are a number of issues to notice:
- For a lot of dates and room sorts, the lodge has a two-night minimal keep, although that didn’t apply over the dates we have been staying
- Be aware that the lodge is fairly strict about check-in and check-out instances, and that’s as a result of entry to the spa and lagoon (the important thing promoting level of this property) is closely restricted, so don’t count on that you simply’ll be capable of entry the amenities earlier than the printed check-in time (if you happen to arrive early or depart late, they gives you tickets to the primary Blue Lagoon, although)
- Should you’re staying for a number of nights, there are packages you’ll be able to e-book that embody further issues, like dinner on the lodge’s eating places, spa remedies, and so on.; these might be price contemplating, however the financial savings don’t appear to be that vast, a minimum of primarily based on my fast math
- There’s typically a fourth evening free promotion for stays on the lodge, if you happen to’re prepared to remain for that lengthy
I additionally need to point out that whereas charges listed below are tremendous excessive, the vital factor to remember is that this will get you entry to the property’s particular spa space and lagoon. Folks also can buy day entry to the spa and lagoon with out staying on the lodge, and that prices round $1,400 per couple.
Clearly that is all tremendous costly, however the intent with the spa and lagoon is particularly to maintain it unique and restrict crowding. So incrementally, the price of really staying on the property vs. shopping for a day go is kind of affordable.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon location
The Blue Lagoon is positioned in a lava subject on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. It’s within the city of Grindavik, which is roughly 12 miles from Keflavik Airport (KEF), and round 30 miles from the town of Reykjavik.
So when it comes to logistics, the best scenario is to remain right here both upon arrival within the nation or upon departure, assuming you may make the timing work (within the sense that I wouldn’t need to keep right here if I had a 7AM flight, since I’d need to make my more often than not on the lodge).
If you arrive on the Blue Lagoon, you’ll see signage particularly for the Retreat Lodge, which you’ll need to observe. You’ll then end up on the entrance to the lodge. The arrival was completely flawless — there was nobody in sight as we pulled up, however the second we arrived, a bellmen got here working outdoors to assist us with our luggage, and to park our automobile (valet parking is complimentary).
From there, we have been escorted into the foyer, so check-in formalities might occur.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon foyer & check-in
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a murals, plain and easy. The foyer is gorgeous — it’s elegant with an amazing sense of place, and most significantly, it has enormous home windows, so your eyes are drawn outdoors. The foyer additionally has enjoyable music taking part in, so it already affords a spa-like feeling upon arrival.
Iceland isn’t precisely recognized for over-the-top hospitality (a minimum of in a conventional sense), and for that matter, when staying at inns, you’re fortunate if you happen to even get to meaningfully work together with anybody from Iceland. So I discovered it fascinating how lots of the folks working within the entrance workplace have been Icelandic, and so they additionally couldn’t have been friendlier and extra personable.
We have been invited to have a seat within the foyer, and have been instantly provided welcome drinks, with a alternative of absolutely anything, and we opted for some champagne.
We have been informed it will simply be a brief wait till our room was prepared, so within the meantime, check-in formalities have been taken care of, with all of the property particulars being defined. We have been additionally knowledgeable that we had been upgraded one class, from a lava view junior suite to a lagoon view junior suite. We have been additionally given our wristbands, which provide entry to the spa and lagoon, and can be used to cost issues to the room.
Whereas ready, we took a fast look across the foyer, past simply the primary space. There’s a small retailer the place you should purchase Blue Lagoon branded gadgets.
There’s additionally a library space, which is sweet to hang around in. There’s even a liquor show there, and you’ll pour your self a glass of something, with an honor system, the place you merely fill out a kind as to what you consumed.
There’s additionally a viewing deck the place you’ll be able to sit outdoors. Be aware that this doesn’t overlook the primary a part of the lagoon.
After solely a brief wait, we have been escorted to our room, and couldn’t wait to begin our journey!
Retreat at Blue Lagoon visitor rooms
With solely 60 rooms, lodging on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon are unfold throughout two wings, taking on two flooring. I am keen on the design of this place — it’s nothing over-the-top, but it surely simply feels so acceptable for the situation.
Our room was positioned on the decrease degree, and after strolling down the primary hallway, our room was towards the tip and on the left (we have been in room 118).
Junior suites on the lodge are described as being 40 sq. meters (round 430 sq. ft). I’d say the lodge is taking some liberties by calling these “suites” of any kind, however both manner, I liked the lodging.
Whereas the room wasn’t enormous, the design and views have been unimaginable. The centerpiece of the room was a really plush mattress with wonderful pillows. This was by far probably the most snug mattress we had throughout our time in Iceland. There was additionally a seating space, with two chairs, one in every of which had an ottoman.
Behind the mattress was some baggage storage and closet area, which additionally housed the minibar.
The minibar was properly stocked, and all the things was complimentary, starting from the espresso, to the tea, to the water and gentle drinks, to the snacks.
The lavatory was again over on the aspect of the room, with a sink space appearing because the centerpiece of the lavatory.
Ready on the counter subsequent to the sink was a pouch with some Blue Lagoon skincare merchandise, which might be taken dwelling.
Over on the suitable aspect was a walk-in bathe with unimaginable water strain, plus a soaking tub.
Toiletries have been additionally Blue Lagoon branded, together with shampoo, conditioner, physique wash, physique lotion, and so on.
The bathroom was then on the alternative aspect of the lavatory of the bathe and bathtub, and it had a sliding door, for some privateness.
The room boasted a pleasant terrace overlooking the lagoon. Let me emphasize that the lagoon outdoors of the rooms isn’t one you’re speculated to swim in, however as a substitute, it’s simply to offer a pleasant view.
For example of how nice the service was, between the time that we arrived on the lodge and once we obtained into our room, the good man who checked us in wrote us a observe to welcome us (and you already know it was written on the spot, as a result of whereas Ford goes by that title, it’s not his authorized first title, so clearly that was written primarily based on how he launched himself).
There have been additionally a few further bottles of water, plus a field of goodies.
What a fully unimaginable room… I can’t say sufficient good issues about it! One different factor price mentioning is that Wi-Fi within the room was quick and free, so if it’s essential keep related whereas vacationing right here, that’s not a problem.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon spa & lagoon
The largest promoting level of staying on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon is that you simply get entry to the particular spa and lagoon. As I discussed earlier, outsiders also can purchase day passes for this, however a pair pays round $1,400 for entry for sooner or later.
Earlier than I get too deep into this, let me point out that the spa has a no electronics coverage. So not solely aren’t you allowed to take footage, however you’re not even allowed to have a look at your cellphone. It needs to be away always, and that’s positively a controversial coverage that individuals will both love or hate.
The spa has a safety crew which can be like hawks with watching folks, so don’t count on to get away with an excessive amount of. Let me point out that the safety workers are completely happy to take footage of you with the spa’s smartphone digicam (however not your individual), and so they’ll even share different footage that they’ve taken by e-mail or AirDrop.
With that out of the way in which, let me say that the Retreat at Blue Lagoon has probably the most spectacular spa that I’ve ever seen. It covers round 2,300 sq. meters (24,750 sq. ft), and it’s merely subsequent degree. I’ve by no means seen something like this earlier than.
The spa has eight completely different experiences areas, with all the things from saunas and steam rooms, to cozy rest areas with fireplaces, and far, way more. There’s additionally a roughly 45-minute “Blue Lagoon Ritual,” because it’s known as, which is principally a self-guided spa therapy.
Now, I have to acknowledge that I did barely violate the no images coverage, as a result of my aim is to report again on the expertise as a lot as doable. I very a lot respect (and agree) with the lodge’s coverage of getting everybody get pleasure from a personal expertise, however I did subtly snap some footage when there was nobody round (the place was abandoned throughout our go to). So whereas I did violate the foundations, I feel I used to be following the spirit of them.
In fact the primary promoting level of the spa is that you simply get entry to an enormous, personal lagoon space, separate from the primary one. This consists of a number of completely different lagoons, related by stairs and bridges, since they’re at barely completely different heights. Consider it as virtually being like one thing between a lagoon and a lazy river, primarily based on the shapes of the varied areas, plus the environment.
Beneath are some footage that the workers shared with me (since they’ll ship you footage they take), snapped the morning of our keep, because it was significantly stunning. I actually can’t put into phrases how magical this all was. I do know this would possibly sound silly, but it surely was simply such a particular expertise.
We spent a complete of six hours within the water, we liked it that a lot. What added to the expertise was that there had been an enormous snowstorm the day earlier than, so the environment couldn’t have been extra stunning.
There have been lengthy durations of time the place we had the complete lagoon space to ourselves. It was simply unimaginable. By the way in which, there’s a bit of “drink window” in one of many lagoons, the place you’ll be able to order from a restricted collection of drinks. Speak about a cultured swim-up bar… or one thing!
As a degree of comparability, beneath is what the primary a part of the Blue Lagoon seems like, which is what 99%+ of individuals go to. It’s in fact nonetheless stunning, however not as good. I additionally suppose it’s price emphasizing we have been touring off season, as a result of in summer time, the primary a part of the lagoon is packed.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon additionally has paid spa remedies, together with in-water massages. These happen in an space behind the resort, close to the primary lagoon.
I can’t say sufficient optimistic issues about this setup, as a result of it truly is that particular.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon gymnasium & yoga room
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon has a gymnasium on the second ground, which will be accessed by visitors 24/7. The gymnasium is primary, with half a dozen cardio machines, plus a wide selection of free weights, so it does the trick.
There’s additionally a yoga room, the place complimentary lessons are provided every morning.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon eating places & bars
Relating to consuming and consuming on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, listed below are the fundamentals:
- The complimentary breakfast and afternoon espresso are served within the foyer space
- Spa Restaurant is the all-day eating restaurant, and it’s an informal place to seize a chunk to eat with out even leaving the spa
- Moss Restaurant is the Michelin-starred restaurant that’s open for dinner choose nights, so it’s spectacular to see such high-quality eating at a lodge like this
- Lava Restaurant is the primary restaurant that’s not unique to the lodge, serving lunch and dinner
Let’s go over every of those venues in additional element. Let’s begin with the complimentary afternoon tea and breakfast, which is accessible to all lodge visitors, and served within the foyer. The foyer space is big, so there’s loads of area to get pleasure from this.
The lodge affords its complimentary Icelandic espresso time, every day from 4PM till 5PM. This comes with a alternative of espresso or tea, and yow will discover the choice beneath.
I have to say, the barista espresso was wonderful, and the views don’t suck both!
We have been then introduced a tray with a number of candy and savory snacks — yum!
Within the morning, breakfast was served between 7:30AM and 11AM, and consisted of a mix of a buffet and an a la carte choice. The buffet was small however prime quality, with all types of contemporary fruit, yogurt and muesli, chilly cuts and cheese, freshly baked bread and pastries, and freshly squeezed juices.
On prime of that, there was a menu you might order off of, to enhance the buffet choice.
I ordered the avocado toast with a aspect of scrambled eggs (unconventional maybe, however don’t choose!), whereas Ford had the eggs benedict.
Subsequent up, Spa Restaurant is positioned within the spa (as you could have guessed primarily based on the title). It’s open every day from 8AM till 8PM, first serving breakfast, after which serving an all-day menu, which yow will discover right here. What’s good is you could put on your bathrobe at this restaurant all day lengthy, so it’s tremendous informal.
We have been having a lot enjoyable within the lagoon that we ended up simply having dinner right here, and we thought the meals was phenomenal throughout the board. We ordered the avocado and seed crackers, tuna tartare, Icelandic burrata, and beef tataki. All 4 dishes have been scrumptious, and excellent for sharing.
Moss Restaurant is the lodge’s Michelin-starred venue, serving a tasting menu, and it’s open Wednesdays by Sundays, beginning at 6PM. Initially we have been going to try to eat right here, although I’m so completely happy we didn’t. I’m positive the meals is superb, however clearly having a drawn out dinner right here would’ve restricted our means to get pleasure from our time within the lagoon, which was the primary level of staying right here.
So I’d suggest consuming right here if you happen to’re staying for a number of nights, however for one evening, we simply didn’t need to spend hours having an amazing (and really costly) dinner, given the options.
Given the lodge’s strict check-in and check-out insurance policies, we determined to have lunch at Lava Restaurant after trying out. This restaurant isn’t absolutely a part of the lodge, however as a substitute, is open to anybody visiting the Blue Lagoon. In order you’d count on, it could get fairly crowded.
The restaurant is open every day from 11:30AM till 9PM, serving lunch and dinner, and yow will discover the menus right here. Bathrobes will be worn till 4PM.
Whereas clearly not fairly as serene as The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, this was nonetheless an amazing eating expertise. Firstly of the meal, we have been introduced freshly baked bread, with whipped butter.
For starters, I ordered the mushroom soup with shiitake mushrooms and coconut cream, whereas Ford had the baked golden and ruby beets salad.
Then for important programs, I opted for the fish of the day (cod), with broccolini, dates, and shellfish sauce, whereas Ford had the grilled beef with Jerusalem artichoke and shimeji mushrooms.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon remark deck & Northern Lights
Earlier than I wrap up this evaluation, it’s price mentioning that the Retreat at Blue Lagoon has an remark deck, which provides you a superb vantage level over the realm. It actually makes you respect how rugged and harsh the panorama within the space is.
That wasn’t even the perfect view from the remark deck, although. On the evening of our keep, we have been sitting within the foyer for a bit, and the entrance desk affiliate knowledgeable us that the Northern Lights have been presently out, so we headed as much as the remark deck.
My goodness, I believed this keep couldn’t get any higher, however then this occurred…
Retreat at Blue Lagoon service
Throughout the board, we discovered service on the Retreat at Blue Lagoon to be distinctive. From the entrance workplace workers, to the spa workers, to the restaurant workers, everybody was exceedingly pleasant. They actually attempt to make this a particular expertise for visitors, which I wasn’t anticipating.
Iceland is mostly a reasonably low-touch service nation, so it was pretty to expertise such hospitality, particularly with many workers really being Icelandic.
Backside line
The Retreat Lodge at Blue Lagoon exceeded my expectations in each manner, and is a genuinely unimaginable expertise. Whereas the Blue Lagoon as such is type of just like the Disney World of Iceland, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon elevates that have vastly.
To my shock, the Retreat had beautiful design and rooms, pleasant service, and unimaginable facilities. Most notable is entry to an enormous spa, and to a personal lagoon. Spending hours within the water whereas barely seeing one other soul, and capping off the evening with a Northern Lights viewing, actually is an expertise that’s powerful to beat.
Sure, this lodge is pricey, and at first I questioned if it will be price it. I feel it’s vital to border the price of a keep right here within the context of spa entry for the day costing $1,400 for a pair. I’m not saying that’s an amazing deal or cash that everybody ought to spend, however at that time, the incremental price for really staying right here is kind of low.
What do you make of the Retreat Lodge at Blue Lagoon?
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