If you count yourself as a spa-ficionado who’s seen it all, think again: the Nordic nation of Iceland—floating in serene solitude between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic—is about to blow your mind (and quite possibly, its volcanoes).
Seismic fiesta aside, Iceland offers spa experiences like no other, thanks to its plethora of volcanic hot springs powered by lava reservoirs deep beneath the Earth’s surface. While it was the last land mass to be discovered by humans, we’re a bit quicker on the uptake when it comes to its resplendent spas; after all, when it comes to relaxation, there’s no time to waste.
Ice baths aren’t tough to come by, either, thanks to the copious glacial pools dotting the landscape. So, you can go as hot or as cold as you wish (our tip? Do both for optimal health effects.) Far from your usual spa hotels, Iceland offers spa breaks you’ll never forget, set in breathtaking scenery that’ll imprint on your memory for the rest of your days.
So, whether the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list or you simply fancy discovering something new, we’ve unearthed the best luxury spas in Iceland to help you unwind.
The 11 best spas in Iceland
- The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon
- Laugarvatn Fontana
- Krauma
- Hreyfing Heilsulind
- 360 Hotel & Spa
- Sky Lagoon
- Vok Baths
- The Beer Spa
- Secret Lagoon Iceland
- Hotel Borg Spa
- Deplar Farm Spa
1. The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon
One can’t dive into the best Icelandic spas without putting Blue Lagoon at the top of the list. The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon, Iceland is where the Retreat Lagoon brims with the same mineral-rich seawater as its famous azure counterpart, edged by towering cliffs and open sky.
Explore the vistas and soak deep in the warm waters, feeling the energy of the lava flowing far beneath your feet. A place to unwind and relax, The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon is the most generous of Mother Nature’s gifts.
Address: Norðurljósavegur, 241, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 8am - 9pm Price range: $ Website: www.bluelagoon.com/topics/retreat-lagoon
2. Fontana Spa
Conveniently located in the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most well-trodden route, the Fontana Spa offers natural mineral pools, geothermal steam rooms, a sauna, and an ice-cold lake to reinvigorate your senses (or simply show off.) And to finish: kick back in the hot tub and feast your eyes on Iceland artist Erla Thorarinsdottir’s playful creations.
This watery wonderland is set against snow-capped mountains (depending on the time of year, of course) and quintessentially Nordic architecture. The end result? Simply stunning.
Address: Laugarbraut, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 11am - 9pm Price range: $ Website: www.fontana.is/en
3. Krauma
Perched smack-bang in the middle of Europe’s most powerful geothermal spring, a day spent at Krauma will unwind the tightest of coils. There are five hot baths and one cool, so you can switch it up to get your blood flowing. Sweat out your troubles in the toasty sauna, or head to the designated relaxation room, effortlessly quietening your mind with the comforting crackling of a roaring fire.
Your eyes will be pampered as much as your body; with spectacular mountain views sure to put life in perspective, Krauma truly has it all.
Address: Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 11am - 9pm Price range: $$ Website:www.krauma.is
4. Hreyfing Heilsulind Spa
No matter your spa style, Hreyfing Heilsulind Spa answers your prayers. From bountiful beauty treatments to bespoke massage, a sauna, steam rooms, and of course, the ever-present geothermal pools (sense the theme?,) not one inch of your body will go neglected.
Emerge nymph-like from the steaming pools; reborn, reawakened, and refreshed, and sure to inspire your return trip ASAP. And for skincare treatments? We highly recommend Hreyfing Heilsulind Spa’s Silica Clay Treatment, using natural mud to boost your skin’s barrier and tighten your pores.
Address: Álfheimar 74, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland Opening days and hours: Sunday to Monday 6am - 10pm Price range: $$ Website: www.hreyfing.is/hreyfing-spa
5. 360 Hotel & Spa
Miles from the metropolis of Reykjavík and far to the East lies the 360 Hotel & Spa. Nestled in the stunning scenery—where the Aurora Borealis shines unobstructed by urban light pollution—360 Hotel & Spa is the slice of tranquility we all need a bite of.
Though on the smaller side, the sauna and thermal baths far compensate with their wood-scented sauna and surging thermal pools. Not to mention, the genuine care bestowed by the kind hotel owners. Bask in nature’s finest therapy while the water’s minerals soak deep into your pores, and watch the sun sink into the horizon in ultimate serenity. One thing’s for sure: it’s worth the road trip.
Address: Mosató, 803, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 8.30am - 9.30pm Price range: $ Website: www.360hotel.is
6. Sky Lagoon
If you prefer to stay central, this turquoise gem is hands down the best spa in Reykjavik. Hop from your flight straight to downtown Sky Lagoon, where you can submerge in the tranquil mineral waters before you can say touch-down.
We love the spa packages at this Reykjavik day spa, customizable to your liking. Choose from the Pure Lite Pass (ideal if you’re short on time), the Pure Pass, or the Sky Lagoon for Two, so you can savor the experience with your favorite person. At Sky Lagoon, you’re free to languor in your own dream world, yet you’re just a wave away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Address: Vesturvör 44-48 200, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 8am - 11pm Price range: $$$$ Website: www.skylagoon.com
7. Vök Baths
Literally translating to “hole in the ice”, we’d say that Vök Baths in Iceland offer a little more than that. Dip your frosty toes into Iceland’s favorite tradition, and enjoy the unique infinity views stretching in front of you. What’s more: these floating geothermal pools provide a celestial sensation, helping to free your body from any woes weighing you down.
When you’re all pooled out, head to the cold water spray tunnel for a vigorous reviver, and paddle up to the in-pool bar for a tipple in the ripples. The Urriðavatn lake is a stone’s throw away from Vök Baths, so you can earn your R&R with some vigorous swimming beforehand (or not—no judgment from us).
Address: 8H33+G5 Fellabær, Iceland Vok vid Urridavatn, 701 Egilsstadir, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Friday 4pm - 10pm Weekends 12pm to 10pm Price range: $$ Website: www.vokbaths.is/en
8. The Beer Spa
Imagine: a world where beer goes hand in hand with self-care. Sound dreamy? Well, we’re about to make your day. The beer baths are just what they say on the tin: each bath is filled to the brim with beer, water, hops, and yeast. Comprising of seven Kambala wood bathtubs with space for two bathers in each, you can sit back with your better half or enjoy some me-time. And before you ask: no, you can’t drink it.
Not only a novelty, a beer bath provides ample benefits for your skin; from the plentiful nutrients to relief from muscle tension, the hot beer concoction is pure goodness. If the temptation gets the better of you, head over to the bar for a (drinkable) beer, and relax in The Beer Spa’s outdoor hot tubs and sauna.
Address: Öldugata 22, 621 Litli-Árskógssandur, Iceland Opening days and hours: Closed Sunday to Tuesday Wednesday to Friday 12pm - 10pm Saturday 10.30am - 10pm Price range: $$$ Website: www.bjorbodin.is/eng
9. Secret Lagoon Iceland
If Blue Lagoon takes the award for the most famous, Secret Lagoon earns the honors for the oldest natural pool in Iceland. Known by locals as Gamla Laugin, this vast, steaming mineral pool has been soothing souls since 1891. So, it’s pretty well-versed.
Rich in sulfur and staying at a pleasing 38 to 40 degrees Celsius year-round, there’s no bad time to visit the Secret Lagoon. Free from bells and whistles and offering a pure, clean, Iceland geothermal pool experience, this is a beautiful choice for those who value authenticity.
Address: Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 10am - 8pm Price range: $ Website: www.secretlagoon.is
10. Hotel Borg Spa
A more conventional approach to spa relaxation, Hotel Borg Spa offers up a boutique feel and an all-indoor wellness center. With a sauna, steam bath, bubbling hot tub, and relaxation area, all designed with a modern and stylish aesthetic, time will dance away as you unwind at Hotel Borg Spa.
We adore the treatments on offer, from the DrBRAGI Signature Facial to the Swedish full body massage; each treatment uses innovative spa products made entirely from Icelandic ingredients.
Address: Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 10am - 8pm Price range: $ Website: www.keahotels.is/hotel-borg/borg-spa
11. Deplar Farm Spa
Irrefutably the best luxury spa hotel in Iceland, don’t be fooled by the quaint-sounding moniker of Deplar Farm Spa. Arrive by helicopter if you wish; there are two helipads for the purpose. Then, submerge in the indoor/outdoor pool, complete with a swimmable bar for mid-session champagne. And, when the heat gets too much, take a dip in the cold plunge pool to relight your energy.
With three treatment rooms and two Isopod flotation tanks, every whim is catered for at Deplar Farm Spa. And the best part? It all takes place under the Aurora Borealis (well, if you’re lucky); the night sky of our dreams.
Address: 570 Fljót, Ólafsfjörður, Iceland Opening days and hours: Monday to Sunday 11am - 10pm Price range: $$$ Website: www.elevenexperience.com/deplar-farm-iceland-winter
