Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon

Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Blue Lagoon's milky-blue mineral waters and dramatic setting on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and over time it has become one of Iceland's most well-known attractions.

The Retreat Spa is on the same site but offers an unhurried, restful experience away from the more popular main pool. You’ll have around four hours to enjoy its facilities. Admission includes access to a secluded thermal pool and a series of self-applied treatments, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax in tranquil surroundings, enjoying the benefits of the Blue Lagoon without the crowds.

Admission to the Retreat Spa gives all the benefits of a visit to the Blue Lagoon but without the large numbers of people who come here. This exclusive-access section of the lagoon has been carved into an 800-year old lava flow, and offers a secluded alternative to the popular main pool. It has been designed so that you can access all the public areas of the complex should you wish, such as restaurants and the main pool, while at the same time providing a tranquil, alternative space for secluded relaxation and mineral treatments.

On arrival, you’ll check in at the separate spa reception and be assigned a private changing room, which contains a large shower, wash basin, hair and skin-care amenities, towels, bath robes and flip-flops. Hair dryers and hair straighteners are also available. As all amenities are provided, you’ll only need to bring swimwear along with you. The rooms are spacious, designed for two people to share. You’ll also be given an electronic bracelet, which grants access to various areas of the spa and can also be used to claim a complimentary drink of your choice at the lagoon’s outdoor bar.

Before entering the spa, you’ll need to shower — while doing so, we recommend covering your hair in conditioner to prevent the silica in the lagoon water from drying out your hair. We also recommend removing any necklaces, rings or bracelets as these can be tarnished by the lagoon water.

Retreat guests have access to a separate, concealed area of the Blue Lagoon where you can relax in a serene environment away from the main pool. The lagoon’s geothermally-heated water is naturally rich in salts and algae and it owes its milky appearance to white silica mud that lines the bottom of the lake. The average temperature of the water is a balmy 39°C (102°F) and on cold days clouds of steam rise from the surface.

The focus of a visit to the Retreat Spa, however, is the Blue Lagoon Ritual: a series of self-applied silica mud, algae masks and salt-scrub treatments, sourced from the volcanic landscape around the pool. After you’ve spent some time applying the masks and treatments, you can visit the Retreat's sauna, steam room and relaxation space, or unwind in the pool.

Massage and beauty treatments are also available at the Retreat Spa for an additional cost, and you can purchase food in one of the Blue Lagoon’s three restaurants.