Michelin Star Dining And A Luxury Spa Resort At Iceland's Blue Lagoon

Forbes

01-07-2025

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Inspired by the steam rising from the surrounding waters of the Blue Lagoon, many of the dishes from Chef Aggi Sverrisson at Moss Restaurant are a visual sensation as well as being delicious. A bowl of 'Tomato Gazpacho' is served inside a larger bowl decorated with pieces of lava rock with a dry ice-induced fog pouring over the sides. No long poetic explanation is given by the server — you can see the inspiration just looking out the window. The seasonal seven-course menu features creative takes on the best of Iceland's ingredients, from langoustine to lamb, including an Asian-influenced Icelandic Cod with myoga, miso and apples. For special occasions a true show-stopper of a dessert arrives. A plate with two heart-shaped pieces of chocolate mousse is placed in the center of the table with a vessel containing liquid nitrogen behind it. A long-stem rose is dipped inside the vessel and then becomes solidified. One server then holds the flower over the dessert as another claps their hands around it, smashing the rose and covering the dessert (and table) with pieces of the petals.
Moss received its well deserved Michelin star in 2023 — one of only three in the entire country — adding a special culinary experience to a stay at The Retreat, a luxury hotel and spa at Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon. Located about half an hour from Keflavík International Airport, and about 40 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is often the first stop travelers experience when visiting the country. While the large pools of the main geothermal spa are open to the public, The Retreat opened in 2018, carving out its own private sanctuary and waterways.
The wine cellar of Moss, surrounded by lava rock. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Retreat incorporates the wild Icelandic landscape into its design. The 60-suite resort is built into an 800-year-old lava field — including a stunning subterranean wine cellar — and the geothermal waters snake around the buildings. Some rooms face the lava fields and others face the lagoons — both peering out onto an otherworldly atmosphere. And while the resort's lagoons are for hotel and spa guests only, those wanting their own private pools can opt for The Lagoon and The Blue Lagoon suites.
The main draw of any stay here is The Retreat Spa, made up of 2,300 square meters of waters and relaxation spaces. No appointment is needed for guests. The geothermally heated outside waters are at a comfortable heat year-round and can be accessed through different entrances surrounding the spa. The pools are layered at different heights around the property creating paths to explore within the water, and small bridges leading up and down the various levels. Along with a steam room and sauna, there are different rooms for relaxation, including a quiet fireplace room, a lava room and a lounge with refreshments.
A Lagoon View suite at The Retreat Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The highlight of a spa visit is 'The Blue Lagoon Ritual' where you go through a self-guided series of treatments: a mineral salt scrub, a full-body covering of raw silica mud and then a final full-body covering of algae. Afterwards the staff gives you mineral oils to finish your circuit. And while traditional spa treatments are available, the best way to take advantage of the spa's unique setting is with an In-Water Massage, where you are brought out to the lagoon on a flotation mat, covered with a blanket and your therapist works on you in the water. There is also a Float Therapy session, which includes a lighter massage, and uses a floating cap and leg supports instead of a full mat.
The lagoons at The Retreat. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
While spending time at The Retreat is perfect for a rejuvenating vacation, it's also a great gateway to exploring more of Iceland. The resort has a sister property, Highland Base, located deeper in the interior of the country in Kerlingarfjöll. This mountain range area, situated between two glaciers, is perfect for hiking through one of the most unique landscapes you will ever encounter: the Hveradalir geothermal area, where you'll trek up and down reddish mountains with snowy peaks, and pass hot springs shooting steam along the sides of the trails. A day trip from The Retreat can be arranged — which also includes a stop at the stunning Gullfoss falls and the Great Geysir along the way — where you will enjoy hiking, the Highland Base restaurant as well as their own geothermal baths (you can't have too many). You can also stay overnight or longer at the newly constructed Highland Base Hotel or the more secluded Highland Base Lodges, perfect for a more private and cozy experience with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Highland Base Hotel in Kerlingarfjöll. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Retreat can also schedule multiple types of tours to explore the uniqueness of Iceland and participate in different adventures. The 'Golden Circle' tour provides a day-long trip to some of the country's top natural wonders (including Gullfoss falls and the Great Geysir mentioned above). Tours can also be arranged by helicopter, electric SUV and ATV vehicles. Depending on the time of year, there are Northern Lights experiences, trips inside a volcano and lava cave, whale watching and snowmobiling. And for those who like to explore on their own, the city of Reykjavik is under an hour away by car and has a host of restaurants, museums and sights to enjoy. Whether you just want a private escape or wish to combine it with exploring more of Iceland, The Retreat has you covered.