Tag: sky lagoon

Reykjavik Winter 2024 #7

by ginnyinshanghai

Besides the food, we had two traditional yet classic Icelandic experiences. First up, a thermal pool.

Sky Lagoon

Opened in 2021, this oceanside geothermal lagoon demonstrated the commitment to sustainability as their water sources is fueled by the country’s 600 natural hot springs. Their building techniques and building supplies were sourced intentionally and sustainable. BTW – almost every home in Iceland is heated with geothermal power.

Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal water is a beloved Icelandic tradition. We made two separate visits to the Sky Lagoon during our stay. Coming into the reception area you begin to soak in the ambience and relax.

There is ‘spa etiquette’ that everyone should be aware of and follow.

>Remove your shoes before entering the changing facilities.

>Locate a locker, store personal items inside, locking with your wristband that also serves to purchase food and refreshments.

>Shower your body, sans clothing with soap and warm water to keep the pools clean. Yes, some places have private showers, others do not. We have done both types. First time showering in front of other females felt odd, after that, no big deal. Think high school gym class when you had to shower……… only these are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH nicer showers!

>Put on your bathing suit before leaving the changing room to head to the geothermal water.

Find your spot to enjoy the warm waters and peaceful surroundings.

At the back of the above photo you can see a waterfall. We both enjoyed the spray. Me, not quite as close as Eric. 🙂

Earlier I mentioned ‘oceanside’………..the 75 metre infinity edge of the lagoon was a gathering spot for all.

Did I also mention they have a walk up/swim up bar? Your wristband serves as your payment method.

With your entrance, you are able to participate in ‘The Ritual’. This is an opportunity to slow down, take your time and experience a deeper healing journey through all of your senses.

Not going to lie. The only part of me that ‘plunged’ into the cold pool was the few inches up to my ankle. The photo on the right you can slightly see the rounded edge of the cold plunge spot.

Walking into the turf house, the next step was the sauna.

I could not spend many minutes in this part before I felt like was cooking.

This was a ‘cool’ spot. Ha, Ha! Mist sprays were slowly occurring as you walked into and out of this area.

Totally loved the next step in the ritual

They didn’t mind being in my photo.

Take as much time as you want to exfoliate.

You’re all salty, oily and it’s time to walk into the steam chamber.

Not too much to see in the steam room…………………….

You’re almost finished with the ritual and yes, slightly dehydrated.

Herbs in the elixir
Very tasty and refreshing drink.

Alas, time to brave the chilly air and winds to head back out to the geothermal lagoon.

What’s left to do after all that? Enjoy the relaxing pool. We visited this place twice during our visit. Below is a short video of the second visit – it was VERY windy (and I was in a protected area – Yikes!).

Would we do it again? A.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. Our first day in Iceland after arriving, we visited and our last full day in Iceland we went back again.

We exit the building and……………….

After some light refreshments to fuel and rehydrate, we drove the 15 minutes back to our apartment.

Oh man – wish I was back there now.

At the beginning I indicated we had 2 traditional Icelandic experiences. What was the other one?

Aurora Borealis – The Northern Lights

All our research indicated the best way to seeing the Northern Lights……booking a guided tour.

I follow several Instagrammers from Iceland and one company stood out – Artic Adventures. If your first foray with them doesn’t work out to see the Northern Lights, you can rebook another night, and another night, with your reservation good for 3 years (no refunds) until you see the lights.

Their reviews were fabulous. Rebooking did occur and still the reviews had positive things to say. We booked them. We also choose a day early in our vacation in case it didn’t work out. And it didn’t. If cloud cover or rain is forecast, the tour is canceled by 6:15pm (pick up was 8:30pm) and you can rebook. We looked at our remaining days in Iceland and the Friday night looked the best option – not great, but better than the other days of the week.

Here’s the radar that night. Our guide (also the driver) felt he could find us a window north of the city.

Our group of 18 was in an elongated super jeep. One couple on the tour had rebooked 2 other times that week and been canceled due to cloud cover. One criteria was to get away from the city and subsequent light pollution. We drove 40+ minutes before he stopped, talked with other guides and pulled off onto dirt roads. Yes, we needed the super jeep.

I had done my reading and truly did understand the lights tended to be ‘white fuzz’ to the naked eye. The camera on your smart phone could filter out that light and still give you a decent photo.

My first viewing, not really impressed.

Second photo I could faintly see pink and green.

Okay, things are getting a bit better. Definitely seeing streaks of green.

And then the money shot.

I will continue to be on the hunt for ‘dancing’ northern lights, but I’m good for now.

I plan to be back. Why? The unparalleled scenery, the abundant natural beauty, the thermal pools, the delicious food, the wide-open spaces and vast areas of untouched wilderness.

On my first visit in 2019, I found this street art on one of their buildings. I was hoping we could find it again. We did. This is why we travel:

We need to collect -great- moments. This is my last post for the 2024 Icelandic visit. Hope you enjoyed our activities and learned a bit more about the land of Fire & Ice.

Ginny, Eric & Adrienne

Reykjavik, Iceland Winter 2024

by ginnyinshanghai

That’s right……………we headed back to Iceland!

Eric found direct flights to Iceland from Orlando and after conferring with Adrienne, we found a week to head north.

So excited to be on another journey to one of my (current) top places to visit. In my excitement, forgot a few steps after landing……………….deplaning outside before catching a bus to the terminal. Had to dig out the scarves, gloves and headwear from the backpack!

Yep, a great way to get used to the chilly temps for us Floridans.

Going in November we got to see the beginning of Christmas displays.

We all were able to utilize carry-on luggage and a backpack (each) so no waiting at the luggage carousel.

Short walk to the BLUE rental car company and we were quickly on our 45-minute drive to Reykjavik. We rented an apartment and got really good directions, even though we went around the block a few times. OOps. There was a parking garage underneath the building and after a few trial & errors……. we got inside and parked.

The place was next door to Hotel Borg and the key box was in the opposite alley. Eric went upstairs where another key box happened to be located, and we procured both sets of keys!

Our place was the middle balcony overlooking a square.

We made the decision to pay for the prior night of our arrival thus ensuring we had immediate access upon arrival. Flights from the U.S. arrive very early Icelandic time. Five hours was the time difference from home. My body thought it was 3am.

Two bedrooms, a living area and a small kitchen was perfect for our needs.

First order of business was breakfast after dropping off luggage and no better place than right next door at Hotel Borg at their buffet. They had a variety of offerings but truly, I wanted the basics then some sleep. Two cups of coffee had absolutely no effect on my sleeping at that point.

Four hours of sleep truly made a difference for the afternoon plans……Sky Lagoon. Originally, it seemed a bit at odds to jump into water in Iceland but LOVE their thermal baths and lagoons.

This visit (yes, there is another one) was part of a package, but more on that in another post. Here are a few highlights:

Steaming water viewed after showering and putting on swimsuits.
Three delighted participants.
Eric leading the way into the main body of water.
Liquid refreshment.

Hour+ later we met at their bar for other nourishment.

An initial tasting of lamb stew – Icelandic lamb was the only reason I now enjoy lamb.

Even in this climate, I found flowers. The center flowers are related to cabbage and tolerate colder temps and looked great.

They were surrounded by a pink heather.

Even in their winter, we found plenty of activities and as long as you’re dressed in layers, you can brave almost anything here. Hang tight, more posts to come.

Ginny

Iceland’s Sky Lagoon

by ginnyinshanghai

This had been on my list once I heard it was built in 2021. Most visitors stop at The Blue Lagoon for their Icelandic thermal experience. Nothing wrong with that, they’ve built a solid business model – everyone knows about it. Most visitors stop there after landing or before getting on the plane to leave. We are not most visitors. 🙂

As the owners were building they took a holistic approach to sustainability for themselves and when selecting materials and construciton partners. Soaking in warm, healing mineral-rich geothermal water is a beloved Icelandic tradition being a part of most communities. It’s where you meet your neighbors and hear the latest goings-on.

This place is ……..

……..a journey of the senses, powered by the elements. LOVE it!

This was exactly what we needed after the ‘angst’ of getting to Iceland. There are a few different packages that can be booked (a reservation is a must – we had a hard time finding one) with the SKY package being our selection.

This package included private changing & showering, direct stairs to the lagoon and the 7-step Ritual. More on that in a bit. But in case you get stuck on the word private? You might think – huh? Isn’t everything private? Think of your gym class. Yep, locker-type changing rooms, communal locker showers BEFORE putting on your swimsuit and stepping into the lagoon. That is the norm around here. We’ve got no problem with that and have done it in Iceland previously. The only way to get the 7-step Ritual was through the SKY package. But enough of that. Let’s get into the water.

Instant warmth, I’m going to love this. Eric, he’s not the biggest fan of the thermal water, but there are pockets where cooler water prevails – he has to hunt for them, ha!

We haven’t even gotten to the best part yet and it’s heaven.

We went straight for the waterfall. Wellllll, maybe not me.

Time for a bit of refreshment.

And just in case there is some unsafe behavior…

The sea meets the sky at the edge of their infinity pool.

So I mentioned this 7-step Ritual.

With a map included below. All of my photos thus far are part of number 1, the lagoon, begging your body to slow down.

Number 2 the cold plunge – no way. Heartier souls than me were getting in and getting out extremely fast. Entering this portal started the rest of your Ritual.

Number 3 the Sauna was okay for about 1 minute – maybe.

Jumped into Number 4 the cold mist – just to cool down and man – I needed it. Number 5 the body scrub – undoubtedly the best step for me.

I was able to stay in longer for Number 6, the steam room. but showering off in Number 7 was bittersweet.

You’re done. At this point, Eric was very excited to get back into the main lagoon.

It was time to slowly make our way back to the shower & changing area.

Total time was about 1.5 hours. It was relaxing and everything I wanted it to be. I would definitely do it again!

No lie, was a little shaky getting out. All the relaxing thermal water (and possibly the lack of sleep) had an effect. Stopping at their cafe for a little refreshment did wonders for the body.

Ginny