The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland - Grindavík

Michael H.

If you are into luxury hotels with great intentionality and design, something like Aman resorts IE Amangiri, this hotel is for you. I'm typically quite verbose, but I'll keep it simple... Iceland has been waiting for this moment. This is true luxury, in every sense, however realize this is an Island that has been exploding in popularity for over a decade+, and you'll need to temper your expectations on service only slightly. The rooms are the most beautiful things, and the atmosphere really unites all my favorite experiences: hot springs, luxury, service, cuisine, relaxation, wellness, peace, and even the northern lights (don't expect them, just be thrilled when you see them). Having been to Iceland and explored many prior "luxury" accomodations, there isn't much outside of downtown, beyond the Ion in the park. The Retreat hotel has reset expectations, and upped the game for the entire island, and it's beyond exciting. The staff is delightful, warm, and charming. The amenities are outstanding, and I'll say that the fully stocked and restocked minibars are a gluttonous treat, and now I'm on the hunt in how to find icelandic sparkling water in the USA! =) Thank you for the experience, and next we'll be back for much longer. It's truly an unparalleled experience, and one of the finest luxury hotels in the world. I could go on, but simply... this is my favorite hotel in the world and I've built and managed luxury resorts and had the opportunity to stay at some unmatched hotels... and they may have met their match. Cheers to all of you and what you do.

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Ef þú hefur áhuga á lúxushótelum með mikilli ásetningi og hönnun, eitthvað eins og Aman resorts IE Amangiri, þá er þetta hótel fyrir þig. Ég er vanalega töluverður, en ég ætla að hafa það einfalt... Ísland hefur beðið eftir þessari stundu. Þetta er sannur lúxus, í öllum skilningi, en gerðu þér grein fyrir að þetta er eyja sem hefur verið að spreyta sig í vinsældum í meira en áratug+, og þú þarft aðeins að milda væntingar þínar um þjónustu. Herbergin eru fallegustu hlutir og andrúmsloftið sameinar í raun allar mínar uppáhaldsupplifanir: hverir, lúxus, þjónusta, matargerð, slökun, vellíðan, friður og jafnvel norðurljósin (ekki búast við þeim, vertu bara spennt þegar þú sjá þá). Eftir að hafa komið til Íslands og skoðað mörg "lúxus" gistirými er ekki mikið fyrir utan miðbæinn, handan jónarinnar í garðinum. Retreat hótelið hefur endurstillt væntingar og hækkaði leikinn fyrir alla eyjuna, og það er meira en spennandi. Starfsfólkið er yndislegt, hlýtt og heillandi. Þægindin eru framúrskarandi og ég ætla að segja að fullbúnir og endurnýjaðir míníbararnir eru matarlyst og nú er ég að leita að því hvernig á að finna íslenskt freyðivatn í Bandaríkjunum! =) Þakka þér fyrir reynsluna og næst munum við koma aftur miklu lengur. Þetta er sannarlega óviðjafnanleg upplifun og eitt af bestu lúxushótelum í heimi. Ég gæti haldið áfram, en einfaldlega... þetta er uppáhalds hótelið mitt í heiminum og ég hef byggt og stjórnað lúxusdvalarstöðum og fengið tækifæri til að gista á óviðjafnanlegum hótelum... og þau hafa kannski hitt jafningja sína. Skál fyrir ykkur öllum og því sem þið gerið.

Hjatli H.

Mjög góð nærvera við Bláa lónið.

Beth M.

We stayed one night at the Retreat and it was a very nice experience. The staff is very friendly, especially Michael, at reception. He helped us with a late check out and answered all of our questions. He seemed to really enjoy working there and interacting with guests. One of our kids was too young for the spa area but there is easy access to the public side and those of us who could enjoy the spa, separated to partake in massages, sauna and the seven steps. I love a hotel where it is common to eat breakfast in your bathing suite and robe! Lava restaurant was delicious and the rooms are very pretty and well appointed. Overall, very nice experience. Bonus that we were woken (per our request) to enjoy the Northern Lights on the terrace when they came out. It was magical.

Zantherpad

One of the best in the world. Not only the unique setting, but the hotel rooms are exceptional. The showers are exquisite. The staff will accommodate nearly any request. I would recommend at least 3 nights here. The in the water massages were a great experience.

Gerald T.

Everywhere we turned there was an incredible view of the famous Blue Lagoon water or snowy lava field in the winter. The rooms were tastefully luxurious and relaxing. Walking out in our bathrobe to the private or public lagoon was a major perk. We saw the northern lights from the terrace. The staff at the front desk and spa were fantastic. We also loved our server at the Lava restaurant (tall and bald, sorry didn’t catch the name). He keenly noticed my wife had birthday candles tucked away and brought out a special dessert. Also, there was a gentleman at the front desk who coordinated with Eva to drop off an adapter we left behind for us to pick up in Reykjavik. That extra effort was very much appreciated.

Meghan S.

The best place I have ever been, by far. The amenities and service here makes the Ritz Carlton look like the Cracker Barrel.

You will find people from all over the world with different backgrounds which is a wonderful experience by itself. There were some kids, but kids under 12 aren’t allowed in the Lagoon. The kids at The Retreat were very well behaved. I would not risk bringing my young kids here.

Service is top notch, the staff at The Retreat make the experience unforgettable. We were greeted at the front door upon arrival and offered a glass of champagne and a tour of the property. Our host, David, made the first moments at The Retreat extra special and was there to help us with reservations and anything else we needed. Cell phones are not allowed in the spa, but there is an attendant who took our photo in the spa lagoon with the hotel’s camera and sent to us on email. It was nice to spend hours and hours completely unplugged from our phones. The Ritual at the spa was an extraordinary treat. You can repeat the ritual daily if desired. We had lunch at the spa cafe which was incredible. We spent quite a bit of time in the library during the evenings, enjoying a wide variety of books unique to Iceland and its people.

The Retreat has its own Blue Lagoon, separate from the larger public Blue Lagoon, but you can still access this area if desired. We ate dinner at Lava every night. The Langostine soup was incredible. We were lucky to make a last minute reservation one night, but next time I would book out all of our reservations.

Once you get to the spa, you don’t want to leave. We stayed three full days and that was the perfect amount of time to relax and unwind. Upon check out, I was debating what to do with my giant suitcase, and I opened the door to find an attendant waiting to take my luggage to our rental car. And to make the last moments even sweeter, there were a few bottles of water waiting in our rental car for our journey back to the airport. Don’t wait to book this place. You won’t regret it!

Nabby B.

The most gorgeous experience during our trip to Iceland. From the outset the changing rooms were beautiful, spacious and luxurious. Gorgeous tour round the setting. Phone free area. Easy access to the main blue lagoon also. An expensive experience but completely worth it. So enjoyable.

Lane E.

Epic experience. We stayed here two nights. Service unparalleled. We found a private corner in the hot pools to watch the aurora which was unforgettable! I had the best hot stone massage I’d ever had by Brad, and the spa ritual was really fun. There was a swim up bar that was fun too.