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A dip in considered one of Iceland’s well-known geothermal swimming pools gives a scrumptious distinction to the nation’s chilly climes. The 2 hottest geothermal spas, Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, invite swimmers to absorb Icelandic bathing tradition in mineral-rich waters. Which is greatest? Learn on to search out out which geothermal pool reigns supreme on this detailed evaluation of Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon. I examine the 2 distinctive experiences based on water and ambiance, locker rooms, spa choices, swim-up bars, eating choices, areas, and pricing. (And, sure, I do choose a winner!)
Thanks to Pursuit Assortment for internet hosting my go to to Iceland. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
Sizzling Springs vs. Geothermal Swimming pools
The Land of Fireplace and Ice earns its nickname. One of the vital volcanically energetic locations on the planet, Iceland’s magma lies near the Earth’s crust. This creates naturally heated waters slightly below the bottom good for decent springs and geothermal swimming pools.
People can take a dip in Iceland’s pure scorching springs, that are principally scorching tubs created by mom nature. However watch out as a result of geothermal waters can attain temperatures means past boiling.
You may as well expertise heat Icelandic waters in artifical swimming pools created for swimming and bathing. Volcanic exercise heats the water, which is then cooled to a toasty however protected temperature. Let’s leap into the 2 most famous geothermal swimming pools in Iceland, Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
Water and Ambiance
Opened within the spring of 2021, Sky Lagoon is considered one of Iceland’s latest and hottest sights (actually!). The washing services on the Blue Lagoon opened to the general public in 1987 and are heated by run-off waters from a close-by geothermal energy plant. The water is often stored at 98.6 to 104°F (37 to 40°C), with slight variations attributable to out of doors temps.
The mineral-rich water at each Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon is purportedly good on your pores and skin. However remember that you mustn’t get your head moist on the Blue Lagoon as a result of the silicon-rich waters will dry out your hair and provides it a strawlike consistency. I wore a knit cap not solely to maintain heat but additionally to guard my hair and remind me to not put my head underwater.
Sky Lagoon’s Upscale Spa Ambiance
The vibe on the new Sky Lagoon is that of an upscale spa. It gives an opulent place to expertise Iceland’s magnificence, each visually and bodily.
This out of doors pool was designed to really feel at one with nature, boasting an infinity edge that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The person-made lagoon was constructed into volcanic rock formations with waterfalls and tunnels for exploring.
Visitors should be aged 12+ at Sky Lagoon, contributing to a mature and chic ambiance. The 50,000-square-foot pool is considerably smaller than Blue Lagoon, however plans are within the works to broaden the ability in 2024 to fulfill demand.
A pair of flip-flops is loaned to all visitors and is required to be worn at Sky Lagoon. Swim towels and cubbies to retailer them are additionally supplied.
Blue Lagoon’s Playful Aquamarine Swimming pools
The Blue Lagoon’s swimming pools function the milky blue shade you already know and love from Instagram photographs and bucket lists in shiny journey magazines. This iconic swimming spot is way greater than Sky Lagoon. Containing almost 2.4 million gallons (9 million liters) of heat blue water, there’s loads of area to drift and discover.
Nationwide Geographic named Blue Lagoon among the many wonders of the world in 2012 for its geothermal water, which is comprised of 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater, enriched with silica, algae, and minerals.
Regardless of this esteemed designation, Blue Lagoon felt extra like a fairly public pool than a luxurious spa to me. Count on an off-the-cuff, playful ambiance with footbridges, a waterfall, and many chatting amongst visitors. Guests age 2+ are welcome to swim on the Blue Lagoon, making it a enjoyable choose for younger households and multigenerational teams.
A Blue Lagoon attendant palms out towels as visitors step again indoors. This will result in chilly walks within the recent air however this apply presumably retains the pool space tidy and cuts down on wasted laundry water.
Locker Rooms and Showers
Wristbands are used to safe and unlock lockers to retailer private belongings at each Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. These bands can also be used to make extra purchases on the services, like meals and drinks.
Because the geothermal swimming pools should not chlorinated, bathing in gender-separated locker rooms beforehand is necessary at Sky Lagoon in addition to Blue Lagoon. And, sure, you might be anticipated to wash utterly bare and wash your personal components. Chlorine is used to completely clear the swimming pools at Sky Lagoon every night time whereas Blue Lagoon depends on its water’s excessive mineral rely, which prevents micro organism from rising.
Tiered Altering Rooms at Sky Lagoon
There are two tiers of locker rooms at Sky Lagoon. The Pure Move consists of bathe cubicles and personal showers. In the meantime, the Sky Move, which I skilled, gives each personal altering rooms and personal rain showers. The bathe stalls are giant and embrace bathe gel, shampoo, and conditioner for visitor use.
Dressing tables with mirrors and hair dryers could also be used for primping after soaking at Sky Lagoon. There aren’t any brushes or deodorant, although, so deliver your individual.
Blue Lagoon’s Altering Rooms
After I visited Blue Lagoon, there was an attendant barking at visitors to get within the bathe stalls. It felt…dare I say…disconcerting.
The bathe stalls are cramped however personal, with bathers getting into, scrubbing, and exiting as if on an meeting line. Complimentary bathe gel, shampoo, and conditioner are supplied.
There are each personal and communal altering rooms at Blue Lagoon. The cramped shared sink space at Blue Lagoon gives hair dryers. I really noticed one tween lady drying her hair with an electrical handheld dryer whereas standing in a puddle of water. Yikes!
Sky Lagoon’s Seven-Step Ritual
The rejuvenating 7-Step Ritual at Sky Lagoon embraces the custom of Icelandic bathing. Additionally known as Nordic bathing, Scandinavian bathing, or distinction tub remedy, this means of alternating cold and warm water publicity has confirmed well being advantages. These embrace decreased irritation, decreased stress, boosted immunity, and improved circulation.
1. Lagoon
Begin by getting into the nice and cozy geothermal lagoon. Swim to the infinity pool edge and luxuriate in the fantastic thing about the north Atlantic Ocean increasing within the close to distance. Float round a bit and take your flip bathing below the artifical waterfall.
2. Chilly Plunge
Subsequent, take a dip within the chilly plunge pool. It is stored at a bracing 50° F (10° C). Consultants advise spending three to fifteen minutes in a chilly water plunge for optimum immune system enhance and different well being advantages.
Newcomers, nonetheless, might want to construct as much as this size of time. (A fast dunk was all I may deal with.) Plus, with at the moment only one chilly pool at Sky Lagoon, it is necessary to be conscious of others ready for his or her flip within the chilly tub.
3. Sauna
Then it is time to warmth up within the oceanfront dry sauna. I do not understand how Sky Lagoon retains the enormous image window crystal clear, however the view is phenomenal.
5 to 10 minutes within the sauna is the utmost time really helpful for well being advantages, particularly for these new to warmth remedy. Sky Lagoon’s sauna is stored at 176° to 194° F (80° to 90° C).
4. Chilly Mist
You’ll stroll by a chilly fog mist as you depart the sauna. Pause right here for a second to chill down your physique temperature earlier than shifting on to the subsequent step.
5. Physique Scrub
After that, seize a dish of the Sky Physique Scrub. Rub it into your pores and skin utilizing a round movement. Afterward, you may really feel silky easy and reinvigorated. Go away the mineral scrub on till the ultimate step.
6. Steam Room
Time to warmth issues up once more within the steam tub. Stored at a decrease temperature than the sauna, issues do get very steamy nonetheless at about 115° F (46° C). Steam bathing not solely relaxes sore muscle groups and will help with coronary heart well being, but additionally it clears nasal and chest congestion from allergic reactions and opens your pores for higher skincare.
7. Bathe
Lastly, finish the Sky Lagoon Seven-Step Remedy with a rinse in a bathe good for Goldy Locks — not too scorching and never too chilly. These are public group showers shared with males, girls, and youngsters so swimsuits keep in place, after all.
As soon as you’ve got accomplished the 7-Step circuit, get again within the lagoon for extra leisure.
Blue Lagoon’s Spa Choices
Though Blue Lagoon felt extra like a public pool than a secluded spa expertise, it does current some noteworthy spa choices.
Facial Masks
Swim as much as the Masks Bar at Blue Lagoon to pick your cleanser of selection, obtainable at no further cost. The anti-aging algae masks is formulated to nourish, moisturize, and provides pores and skin a wholesome glow. In the meantime, the silica mud masks offers a deeper clear to clear pores and skin of impurities. You may as well purchase Blue Lagoon facial care merchandise on the onsite retailer or on-line.
Steam Room and Sauna
Search for a steam room and sauna within the many inlets at Blue Lagoon. And let me know in case you discover them! They aren’t marked on Blue Lagoon’s map and I wasn’t profitable however I did not look very laborious, both.
In studying different Blue Lagoon critiques, nonetheless, the consensus appears to be that the steam room and sauna are very small for a facility this measurement. Solely eight persons are allowed in both area at one time. Plus, with a relentless inflow and outflow of bathers, chilly air enters the steam room and sauna, disallowing a very heated expertise.
Paid Spa Therapies
Up your Blue Lagoon sport with a spa remedy for a further charge. Ebook a soothing, in-water therapeutic massage for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Guided solo, {couples}, and group weightless float remedy classes can be found, too. For those who’d choose a land-based possibility, then make reservations on the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Spa for a standard pores and skin remedy or therapeutic massage session.
Swim-Up Bar at Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon
Each of those well-known geothermal lagoons serve a complimentary drink from a swim-up bar with the acquisition of normal admission.
Lagoon Bar at Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon’s swim-up bar is aptly named Lagoon Bar. These searching for alcoholic libations can choose from beers, cider, white and rosé wines, glowing wines, and cocktails. As a wine drinker, I appreciated that Sky Lagoon serves its bubbly in plastic flutes and its wine in stemmed plastic glasses.
Teetotalers select from sodas, juices, a non-alcoholic beer, and a caffeinated Icelandic beverage known as Collab, which comprises collagen.
In-Water Bar at Blue Lagoon
Toast your success at Blue Lagoon’s In-Water Bar with a glass of beer, cider, pink or white wine, or glowing wine (together with a strawberry-flavored fizzer).
Blue Lagoon gives fewer drink choices containing alcohol than Sky Lagoon however makes up for it with an array of zero-proof drinks. Count on a number of fruit smoothies, just like the Inexperienced Is Good made with banana, mango, spinach, ginger, and orange juice. You may as well order a raspberry or cherry slushy, Gatorade, or soda pop.
Eating Choices at Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon focuses on serving recent, easy however hearty Icelandic delicacies at a pair of eateries. The sit-down Smakk Bar restaurant is situated in the identical space because the counter service Sky Café, with a roaring fireplace within the middle of the 2. If you’re a much less adventurous eater, then Sky Café most likely makes your best option.
Sky Café
Recent-baked bread, bagels, and pastries are delivered to Sky Café each day from Sandholt, considered one of Iceland’s oldest bakeries. A wide range of espresso drinks right here will perk up any diner. Order easy meals like each day soup, toasted sandwiches, and granola, too.
Smakk Bar
Order Icelandic charcuterie-style platters from Smakk Bar, meant for sharing. The Sky Platter presents a little bit of all the things: native blue cheese, Icelandic gruyere, wild goose pâté with pink onion jam, and cured reindeer meat. Additionally on the platter, Gravlax is a candy and salty cured salmon, beloved by Icelanders. I most well-liked the Completely satisfied Marriage Cake, made with rhubarb, blueberries, or different seasonal fruit.
Eating places at Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has informal in addition to fine-dining venues with incredible views of the steamy swimming pools. There should not one, not two, however 4 completely different locations to eat at Blue Lagoon Iceland.
Blue Café
Seize a fast chunk to eat on the Blue Café. Suppose easy sandwiches, soups, and snacks. That is essentially the most inexpensive and informal eatery at Blue Lagoon.
Spa Restaurant
Particularly for visitors of the Retreat Spa, diners could eat in spa robes or absolutely clothed on the Spa Restaurant. Superior reservations should not essential. Count on easy however elegant gadgets on the menu like burrata with gazpacho, rooster Caesar salad, sushi, and three forms of caviar.
Lava Restaurant
Reservations are really helpful at Lava Restaurant, particularly if you need a desk subsequent to the floor-to-ceiling home windows with enviable views of the Blue Lagoon’s azure water. Give it a shot even in case you did not plan upfront. I used to be stunned to be seated immediately within the bar space for an early dinner after I inquired if any tables have been obtainable.
Menu gadgets range from their signature Icelandic Cod to Lamb Filet served with rutabaga, carrot, and mushroom sauce. Vegan dishes can be found, too. Youngsters aged 12 and youthful could order from a youngsters’s menu. To benefit from the stunning views with out breaking the financial institution, I like to recommend ordering the Langoustine Soup from the Starters Menu for spoonfuls of velvety decadence served with hearty brown bread and butter.
Moss Restaurant
For a memorable splurge, make reservations at Moss Restaurant on the Blue Lagoon. It is one of many few eating places within the nation that has been awarded a Michelin star for its high quality menu and persistently excessive requirements. It is open for dinner solely, Wednesday by Sunday.
Michelin Information says, “The tasting menu (additionally obtainable in vegan kind) showcases the most effective of Iceland’s produce in a sequence of exacting and visually beautiful dishes. The moss-covered rocks and lava fields seen exterior add to the character and ambiance, while a chef’s desk is accessible if you wish to watch the crew in motion.”
Geothermal Lagoon Places
Though there isn’t any Uber or Lyft in Iceland, you possibly can take a rental automobile or taxi to Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Your resort will help organize transportation, or you possibly can obtain the Hreyfill app to name a taxi utilizing your smartphone.
Sky Lagoon is lower than quarter-hour from downtown Reykjavik, making it handy for a day journey when staying in Iceland’s capital metropolis. Sky Lagoon gives prearranged shuttle service for a further cost. You may as well ebook Sky Lagoon admission with switch out of your Reykjavik resort with GetYourGuide.
Blue Lagoon is in Grindavík, near the Keflavík Worldwide Airport. About 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this location makes Blue Lagoon a good selection for a protracted layover in Iceland or a cease earlier than your flight residence. There’s even an space to retailer baggage at Blue Lagoon for a further charge. Reserve personal roundtrip transfers for as much as 4 individuals to and from the airport and/or your resort in Reykjavik with GetYourGuide.
Sky Lagoon Pricing
Sky Lagoon presents three major pricing packages starting from about $64 to $110 USD, all of which embrace a free drink of selection. The luxurious bundle is Sky, which incorporates the Seven-Step Ritual and personal altering services. Pure is the preferred possibility, which additionally consists of the ritual together with a barely much less premium locker room. Most inexpensive is the Pure Lite Move, which skips the signature ritual and would possibly work greatest if you do not have a lot time to spend in Sky Lagoon’s water.
Blue Lagoon Pricing
Blue Lagoon additionally gives three completely different packages, however they vary from an affordable $67 to a whopping $589 USD. The Consolation Bundle consists of entrance, a mud masks, towel use, and one complimentary drink. Improve to Premium for $86 USD complete to get two extra mud face masks, using a bathrobe, and a glass of glowing wine at Lava Restaurant.
For those who’re an actual baller, go for broke at Blue Lagoon with the Luxurious: Retreat Spa bundle. The 5-hour expertise consists of entry to the Blue Lagoon, the personal Retreat Lagoon, the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Restaurant, and eight subterranean areas. With this premium bundle, you may additionally obtain a drink of your selection, Blue Lagoon skincare facilities, and use of a personal altering room.
Resorts at Blue Lagoon
For an much more immersive expertise, you possibly can spend the night time at considered one of two Blue Lagoon motels. Silica Lodge is a 10-minute stroll from Blue Lagoon and has its personal personal lagoon for in a single day visitors.
The 60-suite Retreat Lodge is essentially the most luxurious possibility with entry to the personal Retreat Lagoon and Retreat Spa. Additionally, take pleasure in included gourmand breakfast, Icelandic espresso time within the resort foyer, morning yoga, and a choice of Blue Lagoon skincare. Visitors should be age 12+.
Which is healthier, Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?
For those who can select just one geothermal pool in Iceland, I like to recommend Sky Lagoon for its elegant ambiance, stunning pure environment, 7-Step Ritual, gentler water, and handy location close to Reykjavik.
Ebook a Sky Lagoon bundle instantly or take pleasure in this luxurious geothermal tub expertise with different Icelandic wonders like a Golden Circle tour or volcano hike with our trusted supplier, GetYourGuide.
For many who have extra time to absorb Iceland’s bathing tradition, nonetheless, I counsel reserving each. The milky blue heat water, lava subject setting, and scrumptious eating choices are one thing to behold at Blue Lagoon.
Purchase your entrance ticket from Blue Lagoon or pair this playful geothermal pool with a Northern Lights tour or different thrilling sights in Iceland through GetYourGuide.
Extra Spas and Swimming pools
If Iceland’s geothermal lagoons float your boat, then you definitely’ll love this assortment of the most effective Nordic spas in Canada.
Chilly plunge swimming pools, saunas, and dreamy therapies abound on this ranked checklist of the most effective spas in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For the final word in leisure and self-discovery, learn my Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa overview. (Oprah’s favourite wellness resort!)
Regardless of the time of 12 months or climate exterior, your loved ones will love these unbelievable motels with indoor swimming pools world wide.
Save this Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon Evaluation
Contemplating a visit to Iceland? You should definitely save this comparability of the preferred Icelandic geothermal swimming pools. Simply pin the picture above to Pinterest. Go forward and observe Journey Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Which of those geothermal swimming pools in Iceland would you want to go to: Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, or each?
A Observe from The Journey Mama: My Sky Lagoon expertise was hosted by Pursuit Assortment however I paid to go to Blue Lagoon myself. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this evaluation of Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon. No matter who’s paying, I at all times share the reality with readers.
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