Already more relaxed travelling than I’ve been in a long time, I arrive at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. As promised, it’s a tranquility nest that’s best visited when in need of first-class rest and rejuvenation.
Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula that was officially given the status of UNESCO Global Geopark, this part of Iceland is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a wonderland of geothermal phenomena that’s alive with craters, fissures, mud pools, steam vents, hot springs and endless moss covered lava fields.
On my agenda while I’m here, plenty of free time in the magical Blue Lagoon and a chance to try an Icelandic water treatment, called Float Therapy… said to be relaxing, meditative and even transformative. Designed by Unnur Valdi ‘the float’ promises to miraculously stretch, cradle, and calm me.
Oh, and let me not forget, my invitation includes a chance to attend one attend one of a series of culinary adventures the Retreat is hosting this year.
But first—my guided tour
Most of us have heard, if not visited, Iceland’s venerable Blue Lagoon, one of the wonders of the world. Known for its geothermal waters that are pumped for 2000 feet through volcanic lava rocks into large man-made ponds, the site is also now home to a sizable research and product development facility and two boutique hotels, Silica and the upmarket, Retreat which opened after a significant expansion in 2018.
Lava and lux
True to its moniker, The Retreat is a bastion of blissfulness built into the lagoon’s black lava rock. From start to finish, the décor channels the shapes, colours and patterns of the surrounding frontier.
When we enter The Retreat we’re cocooned. Instead of leaving Iceland’s stunning natural features outside, we find ourselves going deeper. Fellow guests agree, it’s a fully immersive experience. There are large windows everywhere blessing us with clean, clear panoramic views from all sides and an informal, comfortable atmosphere that draws us in.
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is private and wonderfully restorative. It boasts it’s own separate lagoon that is also 38 degrees as well as being home to 62 suites. There’s an intimate area for daily breakfasts and lunches as well as a noteworthy subterranean spa carved into the volcanic earth that I’m keen to explore.
Robes on!
First stop… a warm soak and an indulgent Ritual Spa Journey in a spacious sanctuary of interconnected underground chambers. Without much light at all I’m shown how to follow a self-guided cleansing ritual that involves covering my body with the three treasures of the geothermal water that researchers here have discovered: silica, algae and minerals.
Research has shown that the silica brings radiance, the algae brings nourishment and anti-aging and the minerals combine to ex-foliate and rejuvenate. I leave feeling smoother and refreshed.
A few hours later, after I’ve had a catch-up nap, my treatment time arrives. Before I know it, I’m shoulder deep in mineral rich, warm water and ready to surrender myself to something brand new.
I’m floating
As per the spa director’s promise, the floating experience involves using mineral-rich warmth of a wonder of the world, which puts you into a deeply relaxing, highly meditative state in harmony with the water, the earth, and the touch of your body-worker. The hypnotic interplay of weightlessness and light massage soothes the body, calms the mind, and elevates the spirit—alleviating stress, relieving pain, and catalyzing inner peace.
It’s not long before I’m donning my bathing suit and shoulder deep in the soothingly warm sea water in what appears to be a smaller cordoned off small lagoon. Described as a weightless experience using the world
famous geothermal waters and light therapeutic touch “the float” is orchestrated by massage therapists who help guests achieve a highly meditative state while that elevates the spirit, alleviates stress and harmonizes them with the water, the earth, and the touch of the body-worker. It’s said that the float is also catalyzing for inner peace and also pain relief.
Time for something new
I’m invited to follow my assigned body-worker (aka nurturer) to a set up area where my legs are wrapped in the large children’s water wings, a buoyant version of a swimming cap is put on my head and a weighted blindfold over my eyes.
Not one to trust easily, especially without instructions or a dry-run, my first few dark minutes in the chest deep water became riddled with mind chatter. Did I look silly? Would my Nordic goddess therapist drop me instead of save me? Was I going to be able to keep my feet up?
I began to float, almost on my own and there, with the Icelandic sunshine warming my face, my worldly worries and all that surrounds me, fades away. My heart rate slows and, for just this moment in time, I relinquish control.
The gentle rhythm of the lava gods takes over while my mind and body came together in a delightfully weightless dance. Definitely divine!
Note: The Blue Lagoon is an amazing gift of nature and is considered one of the wonders of the world.
Caroline Tapp-McDougall
