Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

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Category: Iceland, View All

The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic and popular hot springs destinations. Situated about 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, this full resort offers two hotels, a plethora of spa treatments and world class hot springs pools.

The geothermal pool sits only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, meaning it’s entirely possible to schedule a long layover flight in Iceland and hit the hot springs before your next leg of the journey. Recharge like your body deserves prior to your flight departure onward to Europe or the United States.

Residing on an other-worldly lava field in Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon is isolated on the Reykjanes Peninsula next to a geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. It’s easily one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and a can’t miss destination if you’re on the island and a fan of healthy hot mineral water. Pre-booking is required for all day visits!

Hot Springs Pools

The hot springs pool at the Blue Lagoon is one of the most unique and largest in the world. The crazy blue shade of milky water is due to the high silica content. You’ll notice bathers covered in white face masks, which is from a Silica mud mask complimentary to all bathers.

The soaking pool’s temperature averages between averages 37–39° Celsius (99–102° Fahrenheit). The pool is open to children 2 and over, however those under 9 years of age must where complimentary pool floaters on their arms. Children under 14 get in free with adult. All guests must shower before entry. Clothing is optional. There is an accessible ramp for wheelchair users.

The deepest part of the pool is 1.4 meters (4.7 feet). The shallowest area is nearly 0.8meters (2.6 feet). All guests must pre-book their ticket before they visit. Entrance comes with a mud mask, towel and 1st drink free. In addition to the pools there is a Sauna and Steam rooms.

There is also an In-Water Bar and Mask Bar. The bar has a refreshing selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, smoothies and juices. The Mask Bar has both a Silica mud mask and Algae mask, the former deep cleans and the latter stimulates collagen production.

Water Source – The Blue Lagoon is filled with natural mineral water from volcanic aquifers 2000 meters under the earth. It’s a wonderful combination of freshwater and seawater: geothermal seawater. The silica, algae, and salt-rich water repairs and strengthens the skin.

Though the water is a byproduct of the local geothermal power station. Superheated water from the ground is used to move turbines that make electricity. After that the water passes thru a heat exchanger to supply heat for a municipal water heating system. After which the water flows into the lagoon. The water in the Blue Lagoon renews every 40 hours.

The all natural water is not artificially disinfected and rich in minerals, PH 7.5 and salt content 2.5%. Still it contains no foreign bacteria, such as fecal bacteria, environmental bacteria, fungi, or plants. It is a self-cleaning ecosystem. It has been gifted a Blue Flag for more than a decade.

History – After the power plant opened in 1976 the runoff formed hot springs pools. A psoriasis patient soaked in one in 1981 and noted that it improved his symptoms. Bathing there rose in popularity and facilities officially opened in 1987. The Blue Lagoon company formed in 1992. There was a psoriasis clinic opened in 1994. A year later the Blue Lagoon introduced their own line of skin care products, which contained silica, algae, and salt.

Spa Treatments

There are a number of beauty treatments and massage therapy to choose from at Retreat Spa. The therapeutic gem here, aside from the geothermal seawater, is the in-water massage. Durations last 30, 60 or 120 minutes. A Steam Cave is available, which features an earthen chamber full of moist heat, as well as a Sauna.

Dining

There are four dining options at the Blue Lagoon. Reservations are recommended for Lava and Moss restaurants.

Blue Café – A great place for snacking and to take a break away from the water. It has nice views of the lagoon. Hours are 8:00AM to 9:00PM.

Moss Restaurant – This 2019 Michelin Guide recommended restaurant is a can’t miss. The menu is remixes on classic Icelandic cuisine. Because Moss is located at the highest point of the resort, you’ll get views of the volcanic horizon like no other.

Lava Restaurant – Offers gourmet dining experience on the shores of the Blue Lagoon. This relaxed fine dining restaurant is open for lunch beginning at 11:30AM through dinner closing at 9:00PM. You can dine here in your robe until 4:00PM.

Spa Restaurant – Spa guests can dine at the Spa Restaurant too, away from the crowds. It has both an À la carte breakfast and all day menu, available from 7:30AM to 10:00PM.

Overnight Accommodations

There are two hotels to choose from at the Blue Lagoon. Both are upscale and sublime.

Silica Hotel – The more affordable accommodation of the two at the resort. Rooms have stunning views of the volcanic moss covered landscape, mountains and/or silica-rich water. Clean, modern room types include:

  • Lava Deluxe
  • Mountain Deluxe
  • Silca Deluxe

Retreat – First class hotel designed to unwind you from your modern day chaos. Lagoon suites have their own private lagoon! Classy suite types include:

  • Moss Suite
  • Lagoon Suite
  • Lagoon View Junior Sweet
  • Lava Junior Suite
  • Moss Junior Suite

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How to Collect Spring Water

Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.

The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.

FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.

Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.

Filling 2.5 Gallon Alive Waters Jug

When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.

When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.

How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.

How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.

I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.

Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.

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