The Royal Treatment at Nordica Spa

Located at Hotel Nordica, Nordica Spa offers a full range of massages, beauty treatments and aromatherapy to the frazzled business person, sightseeing-weary traveller, or deadline-stress-induced freelance journalist. Spa regulars will recognize the ‘menu’ of deep tissue or classical muscle massage, and the facials, waxing, and other beauty treatments. Nordica Spa also offers two treatments that are exclusively Icelandic and unique to this spa.
The “Fire & Ice” builds on the cliché by using hot Icelandic lava stones and cold granite stones as a massage tool. According to the Nordica Spa website, “this ancient art of Thermotherapy has been used for centuries to bring healing and balance to the body and soul.” The “Volcano” treatment begins with a mud wrap – using only the best quality geothermal mud from Hveragerði of course – and ends with a deep tissue massage and special Icelandic herbal tea. Since even beauty regimes and massage methods have trends in hip Iceland, there are new treatments designed every year.
My hour-long massage ‘experience’ began when I first arrived. Hotel Nordica is quite an upscale establishment and Nordica Spa’s relaxed, quiet environment, reflects this, perhaps mostly with the nifty terry cloth bathrobe you get given at the entrance. I tried my best to succeed at blending in with the cool people while I sipped the lemon-flavoured water in the waiting area. Are massage regulars everywhere in the world this adept at looking chic in robes?
My luxury treatment was to enjoy a wonderful massage in the hands of the gifted S.M. Nasir Uz Zaman. “People are like cars,” Nasir told me, “and getting a massage is as important as having a tune-up.” Although I presume that tune-ups are not as enjoyable for my little Toyata Yaris.
After what seemed like 10 minutes in the massage room, which has scented candles burning and relaxing music, I opened my eyes to realise that almost an hour had passed in sheer relaxation. The added bonus was the time after the massage, spent in the hot pot, where I got a further brief head and shoulder massage while I soaked.
I must admit that my ingrained sense of frugality usually prevents me from spending money at spas. But for the weary, or pretty much anyone else come to think of it, it is a real treat to have an hour or two of pampering.
After all, you’re on holiday. Can’t … write … more. Too … relaxed.
Nordica Spa
Nordica Hotel, Suðurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavík
www.nordicaspa.is
Tel. +354 444 5090
Reservations required. Massages start from 5900 ISK for 40 minutes.