The Blue Lagoon, Iceland > Reviews (13)

The Blue Lagoon ( the famous geothermal spa) has a clinic attached which treats people with psoriarsis; however guests may also stay there. Silica has been proven to reduce skin complaints, hence the reason for the clinic.

It is a small, chic guesthouse with private spa pools located next to the Blue Lagoon - it is 15km from the airport, so not in Reykjavik, and people usually stop there on the way back to the airport so transportation there from the airport was difficult. However I did find Blue Line Taxi ( they have flyers in the reception of the airport) only 500ISK MUCH CHEAPER THAN TAXI OR OTHER TRANSPORT!!!

The drive to the lagoon is like a trip on the surface of the moon. And, yes, every tourist always says it, told me the Blueline taxi driver dourly. The icelandic people can seem very reserved but are very hospitable once they open up.

I stayed for one night (£60 approx) and it was money well spent. They had a problem with my reservation - had not been received despite a confirmation email, but they settled me in. So my advice is check and double check, as if you are stranded there it can be expensive and a headache to find other accommodation ( The Northern Lights Inn is 5 mins away by car rooms 10,000 ISK low season, single, 12000 ISK double, 16.000 triple to high season: 12,000 single, 20.500 double).

The clinic has beautiful wooden-floored rooms with beautiful attention to detail. Gorgeously designed furniture, herbal tea, fridge, wonderful lighting, state of the art bathroom, TV, free internet in a communal lounge room and amazing service for such a tiny place (they will make you snacks etc). Iceland may be very expensive but their standard of living is very high.

You have use of the clinic geothermal pool from 8am - 10pm and 8pm - 10pm after the main Lagoon has closed. These are entirely separate pools. (Main spa hours : September 1 - May 14 Daily from 10:00 - 20:00 May 15 - August 31 Daily from 09:00 - 21:00 price 1400 ISK)

Grab a few rubber rings and float in the steaming water while snow rains down and star watch. ( lovely in the winter when the day starts at 11am... a very different kind of tourism). Unlike Japanese hot spas, swimming attire must be worn, I should mention!

Breakfast at the clinic is copious and lovely ( smoked salmon, skyr (Icelandic curd - like yoghurt) grain breads, ham and cheese, eggs) and set in a room with views over the Japanese style central courtyard on one side and over the steaming pools on the other side.

It's like staying with friends, but very rich friends. The words I would use to describe it are low-key, luxurious, relaxing.

Then in the morning, the sky will show you marvellous pinks and blues in the sunrise which makes for excellent photography, especially coupled with the amazing sculptures the lava has made on the landscape. Bring your camera, Iceland is a paradise for photographers.

The Clinic at the Blue Lagoon is not Iceland - it's remote, and perfect if you want to relax, but there isn't much to do apart from relax.

There is no nightlife; you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights but they are quite elusive. It's also in the middle of nowhere, so not accessible (in winter anyhow) to any of the attractions of the South West by bike or hiking.

The main Lagoon (5 mins away) has treatments such as massage, silica mud baths etc available, but the clinic usually caters for people with skin disorders, so you might find yourself the only guest there!

I cannot recommend this place enough. I really relaxed, deep down. I padded around around 24 hours in my fluffy white bathrobe, provided by the clinic, with lengthy trips over to the main lagoon with a free guestpass for every day you are there ( so 2 for an overnight stay - the equivalent of 2800 ISK) Stay at least one night, even if the price seems a lot!

If you want to know more about Iceland, look at my reviews ( coming soon) on Iceland attractions. It would be unfair to mention them here, as the Blue Lagoon is not really the best place to be based for a lot of sightseeing, especially if you do not have a car.

A car is the first thing I would change about my trip if I returned to Iceland, By hiring a car ( if you are confident on ice and snow) all the attractions are very accessible within the short daylight hours; organised tours are very frustrating, as you see wonderful vistas but with no scheduled stop, they are lost behind you...

Anyway back to the Clinic...

You might want to take some alcohol with you ( against the spirit of the place but man, it's cold..) as none is available in the clinic ( although the Lagoon has a restaurant and a cafe which serve alcohol at exorbitant prices). Snacks too might be an idea as food is very expensive generally and also at the clinic/lagoon you are a captive audience.

A bus will come on time to take you to Reykjavik when you leave, or to the airport if that's your destination. It's about 1000 ISK and they run regularly throughout the day. From Reykavik, much of the main island is within your reach.

Notes on the Main Lagoon ( probably already mentioned in the other reviews)

Huge geothermal pool with silica rich mud coating the bottom., the water is pumped from the depths of the earth. Steam Room, Sauna, Waterfall, Restaurant, Bar.