Instagram’s Favorite Geothermal Lagoon Is Getting a Full Resort

The land of ice, snow and hot springs adds a five-star hotel

June 20, 2016 9:00 am

Update February 12, 2018: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland is now accepting reservations for its spring opening along with its in-house upscale restaurant Moss.

The milky pools of Iceland’s geothermal Blue Lagoon: Maybe you’ve seen them real life. You’ve definitely seen them on Instagram. And come fall of 2017, you can see them from your hotel window, because that’s when the Lagoon’s 62-suite, five-star hotel and spa expansion is scheduled for completion.

Visit now and you’ll find cranes from Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia and messages asking guests for patience during the renovations. But we recommend waiting a few months for the official opening.

Because while the Lagoon and its geothermal pools are one of the most-visited spots in all of Scandinavia, the otherworldly landscape alone merits the price of admission (along with the sea of outstretched selfie sticks). Take it from your correspondent, who spent a full day there donning the complimentary silica facemask, downing a smoothie from the swim-up bar and generally feeling like a million bucks (or 122,765,000 Icelandic Krona).

There are other magical pools you can (and should) visit around the country, but Blue Lagoon and its forthcoming resort gets points for their proximity to Iceland’s main airport, upscale facilities and lack of sulphurous smell you’ll find at many other baths (which can linger).

All images by Athena Wisotsky

MEET US AT YOUR INBOX. FIRST ROUND'S ON US.

Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.