By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on March 31, 2023
As soon as I boarded my Iceland cruise, I knew I had to visit the Blue Lagoon first on a shore excursion. I wanted to experience the tranquility of the warm geothermal seawaters of this incredible retreat of the volcanic earth. While I could have hiked to more far-flung pools and enjoyed them for free (it's possible to find several in one day thanks to my map from the Iceland tourism company), the Blue Lagoon's size, amenities and spa concept enticed me much more. My goal was to go deep into relaxation and rejuvenation with ease.
After floating for a while, I decided to take a break to drink water to keep my body hydrated and get a mud mask to go deeper into my rejuvenation treatment. The mud is said to soothe the skin, and it's even been proven to treat psoriasis. I apply the gray mud to my face, arms and legs and let it sink in before heading back to the lagoon. I realize that while it's a lot of fun to be there, the adventure is also helping me heal. Very few attractions can gift travelers with this kind of experience. I realized that natural steam can open up the pores, which meant that my skin was absorbing the minerals from the water more effectively. I touched my skin to see if it felt any different after an hour of soaking and was surprised to find it soft and supple. My muscles started to relax and tension I didn't know I had started to leave my body. The locals were right, this place was magical. For a moment, I dreamed of living in Iceland to treat myself with the waters more often. But I couldn't complain. I was there and I was floating during a dreamy Blue Lagoon Iceland vacation, and that was more than enough.
After a couple of hours of soaking, I knew it was time for photos. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most stunningly photogenic places on earth — the ethereal atmosphere, subtle light and otherworldly ambiance are a feast for the eyes. My backgrounds were wild and plenty: rugged lava, steaming waters, bright green moss and the arctic horizon all adorning my photos. The lagoon's dreamy tributaries, trails and corridors are great spots for selfies or group photos. I sauntered back and forth looking for the best angles. Then, I took my time at the viewing deck for the impressive vistas of the lagoon and the moss-covered fields of lava. Finally, I applied a fresh layer of silica mud to my face and took various pictures of me in the lagoon, the steam framing my face.
After an extraordinary day of relaxation and rejuvenation, it was time to eat before setting sail onto my next adventure. Luckily, when you visit Blue Lagoon Iceland, you find that it's more than just hot water. It's also home to four different dining experiences, including the casual Café, serving snacks and refreshing beverages; the Spa Restaurant, featuring gourmet dishes at the Retreat Spa; the Moss Restaurant, with an impressive Michelin-recommended menu; and the Lava Restaurant, serving culinary classics with views of the volcanic surroundings. I decided to visit Lava for its savory Icelandic cuisine based on organic and local ingredients. I started with the arctic char with Icelandic wasabi, followed by eryngii and couscous, and then finished with a local favorite: Astarpungar, the sweet golden donuts fried to perfection and topped with mango chocolate mousse, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel. I left with soft skin, a relaxed mind and body, and a belly full of local delicacies. I promised myself I would come back to the Blue Lagoon in the very near future. My experience confirmed that this is definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland.
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