The drive to the Blue Lagoon is a dramatic experience, with the stark, dark landscape resembling an alien planet. The brilliant blue water of the lagoon provides a stark contrast to its surroundings. The Retreat Spa boasts a separate entrance, fostering a sense of exclusivity from the moment you arrive. The building itself embodies Nordic industrial design, accented with brass and pops of color.
Check-in is effortless, with pale blue wristbands enabling convenient charging of additional items. This thoughtful touch eliminates the need for bulky wallets while enjoying the spa in a bathrobe. Private changing rooms offer spacious en suite shower rooms equipped with a selection of Blue Lagoon toiletries. The sleek, slate grey aesthetic extends to rain showers, hairdryers, and hair straighteners. Showering before entering the lagoon is required.
The overall experience exudes warmth, privacy, and luxury, with meticulous attention to detail and genuine customer care. The Retreat Spa’s private entrance to a secluded section of the Blue Lagoon enhances the feeling of exclusivity. Unlike the crowded public areas often depicted in photos, the Retreat Spa provides a personal and intimate experience. This is a significant advantage for those seeking privacy and seclusion, particularly for individuals who may feel uncomfortable in swimwear surrounded by large crowds.
A notable feature is the swim-up bar, conveniently located within the pool adjacent to the spa restaurant. With a simple push of a button, a friendly waitress appears to take your order from a selection of champagne, wine, and beer. Enjoying a chilled beverage while immersed in the geothermally heated water amidst the Icelandic landscape is a truly unique experience. Refreshing Icelandic groundwater is also available on tap.
The uniqueness of the Blue Lagoon experience is undeniable, but its value proposition, especially for the Retreat Spa, requires careful consideration. While privacy and private changing rooms are definite advantages, the core spa experience, particularly the highly touted Blue Lagoon Ritual, falls short of expectations. The Ritual, marketed as the “hallmark of the spa journey,” proves to be a disappointing experience.
The sense of exclusivity and prestige cultivated throughout the facility abruptly vanishes upon entering the Ritual area, a dimly lit space reminiscent of a Nordic-themed Batcave. The self-service application of three different mineral scrubs feels underwhelming and raises questions about the value received for the substantial price paid. The absence of trained therapists to guide guests through the process, explain the purpose of each treatment, and provide a personalized experience is a significant drawback.
The lack of clear instructions and guidance on how to use the scrubs and navigate the Ritual area contributes to the feeling of confusion and dissatisfaction. The contrast between the attentive service provided elsewhere in the spa and the impersonal nature of the Ritual is stark. The overall experience feels more like a haphazard self-service activity than a luxurious spa treatment.
The exceptional service provided by the staff throughout the dining experiences, particularly at the Spa Restaurant, stands in stark contrast to the impersonal and at times confrontational interactions within the Retreat Spa and lagoon areas. The staff at the restaurant are highly trained, attentive, and dedicated to ensuring guest comfort and well-being.
A particularly contentious point is the strict prohibition of personal photography within the private Retreat Lagoon. The stated reason for this policy, to maintain exclusivity and privacy, is undermined by the presence of a designated “lifeguard” who offers to take photos with his smartphone. This policy raises concerns about data privacy and restricts guests’ ability to capture their own memories of this unique experience. The confrontational enforcement of this policy by security personnel further detracts from the overall experience.
The Spa Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its focus on light and healthy dishes, a well-chosen wine list, and impeccable service. The warm and inviting atmosphere enhances the enjoyment of the meal. In contrast, the Lava Restaurant, while offering good food and service, lacks the intimacy and exclusivity expected of a premium spa experience. Surprisingly, the same wines are priced lower at the Lava Restaurant than at the Spa Restaurant.
The Blue Lagoon offers a unique and memorable experience, but the Retreat Spa’s high price tag does not align with the quality of the core spa experience. The lack of personalized attention, the confusing and impersonal Ritual, the restrictive photography policy, and the confrontational enforcement by staff significantly detract from the overall value. Potential visitors should carefully weigh these factors against the price before booking.