The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

We stayed here on our European trip! It was the much needed break that we needed with our family in a location that was the most wonderful experience. Everything about this hotel was next level. My favourite thing was the view from the room. As Australians we aren’t used too such a view - and it was stunning! One day we will come back!

Whatever you have to do; cash out the 401-K, tap the kids college fund, postpone the kitchen remodel, treat yourselves to a couple of days here. I've stayed in Four Seasons, Ritz Carltons and other high end resorts and hotels, and I have never been as well treated as I was at the retreat. I could go on for several pages, but it wouldn't really describe the experience. .

We stayed one night at the Retreat and it was a very nice experience. The staff is very friendly, especially Michael, at reception. He helped us with a late check out and answered all of our questions. He seemed to really enjoy working there and interacting with guests. One of our kids was too young for the spa area but there is easy access to the public side and those of us who could enjoy the spa, separated to partake in massages, sauna and the seven steps. I love a hotel where it is common to eat breakfast in your bathing suite and robe! Lava restaurant was delicious and the rooms are very pretty and well appointed. Overall, very nice experience. Bonus that we were woken (per our request) to enjoy the Northern Lights on the terrace when they came out. It was magical.

The most gorgeous experience during our trip to Iceland. From the outset the changing rooms were beautiful, spacious and luxurious. Gorgeous tour round the setting. Phone free area. Easy access to the main blue lagoon also. An expensive experience but completely worth it. So enjoyable.

Everywhere we turned there was an incredible view of the famous Blue Lagoon water or snowy lava field in the winter. The rooms were tastefully luxurious and relaxing. Walking out in our bathrobe to the private or public lagoon was a major perk. We saw the northern lights from the terrace. The staff at the front desk and spa were fantastic. We also loved our server at the Lava restaurant (tall and bald, sorry didn’t catch the name). He keenly noticed my wife had birthday candles tucked away and brought out a special dessert. Also, there was a gentleman at the front desk who coordinated with Eva to drop off an adapter we left behind for us to pick up in Reykjavik. That extra effort was very much appreciated.

We had such a great start to our stay when we strolled in around 10:30 am! The staff greeted us with big smiles and offered us a coffee right away. By 11 am, we were all checked into our Lava View Suite, and we couldn't stop admiring the thoughtful little touches, like the complimentary Moët champagne (even though we don't like champagne) and a fully stocked mini bar included in our stay. Plus, those luxurious blue lagoon toiletries were just the cherry on top! The bed was incredibly comfy, although I found the pillows a bit too soft for my liking. We absolutely loved the lagoon—sitting in the 38-degree water was just bliss! The mud mask and salt scrub ritual was an amazing experience that left us feeling rejuvenated. Every afternoon at 4 pm, they serve afternoon tea, which is included in the room rate. It was a lovely way to break up our day! Breakfast had so many options on both the buffet and à la carte menu—it was hard to choose! We dined at the Michelin-star restaurant, but I found it a bit limiting since the only drink option besides water was wine, and since we don’t drink wine, we felt a little stuck. If I remember correctly, they didn’t offer any alternatives when we mentioned our preference. I must say, I personally preferred the more casual vibe of the Lava restaurant! I’ve seen some reviews grumbling about the lack of TVs, but honestly, I didn’t miss it at all. Isn’t the whole point of a retreat to unplug and escape from everything for a while? You aren’t allowed to take your phone into the spa area or the lagoon, though a few people didn’t seem to mind breaking that rule. On our last night, we were disappointed that we hadn't seen the Northern Lights. We were talking to a member of staff who offered to give us a wake up call if anything happened. We are so glad we spoke to him as we had a call at 9pm and we saw the lights! The Retreat is quite secluded, about 40 minutes from Reykjavik. There’s a bus to the city, but it doesn’t leave until 12:15 PM and costs about £27 per person one way! Our taxi back set us back around £130. Iceland is very expensive! If you're planning to explore places like the Golden Circle, I’d recommend splitting your stay with Reykjavik since there aren’t any pickup options nearby the Retreat. Overall, it was an amazing experience!