Just Back From: Iceland
Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik
Iceland is a different kind of paradise. By almost all accounts, one of the most unique lands on the planet.
Many Rising Tide travelers have asked about the Icelandair unlimited layover program, but I hadn’t actually experienced the layover for myself. Finally, on my way home from Copenhagen (Just Back From: Copenhagen coming soon), I gave it a go. SO easy and so worth it. Iceland is like nowhere else I’ve even been and the layover is a great way to get a taste for this amazing land of Fire and Ice.
Two days in Iceland wasn’t long enough to see everything, but certainly long enough to know I need to go back!
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Accommodations:
Hotel Borg (Overnight)
The Reykjavik EDITION (new property)
Day 2 - The Blue Lagoon
The Retreat Hotel (Overnight)
Flights:
An easy, direct nonstop flight from Boston is just over 5 hours. from there, it’s another 2 1/2 to 5 hours to any major hub in Europe. If you’re just looking for a sample of Iceland, you can opt to layover a few days to begin or following a European vacation.
Transfers:
For this short 2-day experience, I suggest a car service or taxi for the 45 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik.
30 minutes from Reykjavik to The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
20 minutes from The Retreat back to the airport
Recommended for:
Reykjavik is a small city with activities for any variety of traveler
The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon caters to couples, families, and would be wonderful for a solo traveler looking for a wellness retreat.
Not-to-be-Missed experience:
Wake up early in Reykjavik and queue up for entrance into Hallgrimskirkja Church on the top of Skólavörðuhæð Hill for a breathtaking view of the city and the incredible surrounding landscape.
The Ritual at The Retreat - My body has never been so happy than after this exhilarating cycle of well-being treatments based on the Blue Lagoon’s trinity of natural wonders: silica, algae, and minerals. In a spacious sanctuary of three interconnected chambers, you cover your body with the treasures of geothermal seawater, becoming one with the rejuvenating powers of the volcanic earth. Ahhh!!!
Favorite culinary experience:
Hot dog at the world famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It sounds crazy, but trust me… If you like hot dogs, this place in Reykjavik Center is a must and pro tip: give yourself plenty of time as the line can be long.
At the Lava Restaurant at The Retreat, they had a wonderful fish selection. I choose to try something new to me - Ling Fish. It was prepared with a cauliflower sauce and combined with the other flavors - it was exceptional!
Icelandic Lamb is also a real treat!
Favorite Wellness:
Again, The Ritual - just amazing!!
Float Therapy is offered which alleviates stress, relieves pain, and brings inner peace - so relaxing!!
Favorite “little something extra”:
The day we arrived (February 19th) was Women's Day in Iceland. In our suite, The Retreat staff left a delicious selection of chocolates for me to enjoy and celebrate this day.
Kudos to:
María Ben Erlingsdóttir, Business Development Manager, was so helpful with arranging my stay at The Retreat!
Additional Remarks:
Reykjavik was fun, but get ready to completely disconnect, rest and relax at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. Note that guests staying at The Retreat have access to a separate, private area of the Blue Lagoon that is not accessible to others visiting the Blue Lagoon with a day pass.
“Two days in Iceland wasn’t long enough to see everything, but certainly long enough to know I need to go back!”
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