Best Spa
Hvammsvík
Kjósarhreppur, 276 Mosfellsbær
Photo by Saga Sig
As many of the best spas are located outside of Reykjavík, we decided to include some that fell within a one-hour radius of Reykjavík City proper.
A quick 45 minute drive delivers you to this picturesque spa in Hvalfjörður. The area served as a thoroughfare between the capital and Akureyri but after the opening of the Hvalfjörður tunnel, you can drive along this scenic route without seeing a soul (except for the occasional seal).The spa itself has an open design, which beautifully integrates into the surroundings. The hot tubs on the beach will even “disappear” to water level during high tide. It’s the selection of hot tubs and saunas to fit every taste that makes Hvammsvík a great all-rounder!
Runner-Up:
Blue Lagoon
Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
Photo by Art Bicnick
What can you say about the Blue Lagoon that hasn’t already been said. It’s blue, it’s a lagoon, it’s technically run-off from a geothermal power plant, and it’s a pioneer in the modern Icelandic spa culture. If you don’t want to rub noses (and other body parts) with the hoi polloi in the main pool, then the recently added ultra-fancy (and pricy) Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers a more exclusive lagooning experience, with tiered wellness rituals and celebrity-sightings.
Runner-Up:
Sky Lagoon
Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur
Photo by Art Bicnick
The verdict here was pretty unanimous for a panel of infrequent spa-goers: “I thought I would hate it, but was surprised at how much I loved it”. A beautiful spa, nestled in an industrial part of Kópavogur, which offers killer views of the Reykjanes peninsula and any volcanoes that might be erupting there. A year ago it would have taken first place but recent issues with wear and overcrowding cost it the top spot.
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