Also the difference in price as well. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. I personally stayed in Iceland for eight days and seven nights, with my last night at the alluring Silica Hotel; a luxury hotel only a 5-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon via a path through the surrounding moss-covered lava fields (a beautiful walk, especially at sunset, by the way). If you are a guest of the hotel, you can a daily treatment with silica … Reaching deep under the 800-year-old lava flow, the underground Retreat spa is about as atmospheric as they come (and a phone/camera-free zone, obviously). Introducing The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland.The 62-suite hotel opened its doors in April of this year, and its arrival marks the destination's first five-star property. Make sure you check the bus schedule and plan accordingly, otherwise you'll get out of the lagoon, shower, get your things and walk out only to see a license plate driving away into the distance, and have to wait around for the next one, losing precious time in the beautiful country. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). The hotel is only a kilometer away from the main Blue Lagoon resort. The hotel may be built into a lichen-coated lava flow that traces its origins to the 13th century, but it'll be far more modern in design. An à la carte breakfast is served each morning. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105361065', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. I think planning the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! Stay at Fosshotel Blue glacier. The bill for The Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one night stay. It is very isolated, so basically your only options for that day will be private lagoon, public lagoon, or relax at the hotel. Iceland Air Business Class?? Basic includes zero frills, charging you extra for anything down to the use of a towel, while luxury includes flip flops, a towel, robe, and even drinks and a dinner reservation at Lava, the restaurant attached to the lagoon (you can skip this one, I'll explain in another post). The Retreat – a 62-suite spa hotel – sits in a private extension of the lagoon, its interconnected pools cascading and meandering through lava canyons. As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to The Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. This is hands down your best option if you have not rented a car. The picturesque landscape of lava fields surrounding the lagoon only compound the irresistible draw for many tourists when they visit the beautiful island country. Built on an 800-year-old lava flow on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon complex also has another 35-room hotel, Silica Hotel, in addition to the Retreat and public bathing area. The suites are 40 square meters (431 square feet) or 60 square meters (646 square feet). Sunset over the lava field walking to The Blue Lagoon from The Silica Hotel. Thanks. Is Fosshotel Westfjords a good base to explore Westfjords? What do you want to see and do en route? Unlock the door to a wonder of the world. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The downside is that it is quite expensive. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Take all of that stress off the table and purchase your passes in advance. Never just stop by the side of the road, people have gotten killed that way, because the next driver didn't see them in the dark. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. When I traveled to the Blue Lagoon, I was surprised to find that there was only one hotel there, the Silica Hotel. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. Paths lead through the natural terrain to the main facilities, and guests should be aware that they will have a 15-minute hike to the hotel if they're dropped off at the main resort area. A night at Silica Hotel featuring access to the Retreat Spa This hotel isn’t budget-friendly, but we decided to book a stay there. You can have drinks and silica treatment in the pool. However, the hotel has their own smaller lagoon which is lovely and also has silica mud masks available for free. Spa. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. Reserve your room at Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel, a place of timeless sophistication, luxurious comfort and unparalleled hospitality. 14 May 2019. Enjoy the robe, the flip flops, the included drink at the swim-up bar in the lagoon, and the included silica and algae masks. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. Book The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, Grindavik on Tripadvisor: See 237 traveller reviews, 618 candid photos, and great deals for The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, ranked #1 of 4 hotels in Grindavik and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. The lagoon around the hotel is separate from the public Blue Lagoon, ensuring peace and privacy. Tip: If you’re flying in from the USA and plan on staying at Silica, book your room for the night before your arrival so you can check in and go right to your room. That's service. Silica Hotel, Iceland: "What’s the difference between the Silica Hotel..." | Check out answers, plus 1,059 reviews and 1,892 candid photos Ranked #2 of 4 hotels in Iceland and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. See great photos, full ratings, facilities, expert advice and book the best hotel deals. Liz Westwood from UK on September 02, 2018: Great hub. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Silica Hotel is located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about one kilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. The biggest draw of this elegant hotel though is the fact that it has its own private bathing lagoon, making it the best possible way to experience Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon Retreat is a great experience of relaxation, health and wellness. It remains as madly popular as ever, and while the main part of the lagoon can be very busy, the newest addition is decidedly more exclusive. If you are seeking a one-time romantic gesture with your significant other, or you simply can't bear the idea of being surrounded by hundreds of people in the larger Blue Lagoon, then you should definitely consider a one night stay at The Silica Hotel. Price from ISK 79900 for two. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive...). Since visiting, they’ve also built the Retreat Hotel which looks very similar in its Icelandic design and environmental emphasis. 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax. Does this look realistic? I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosy...I wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. The Luxury admission is very much not worth the money, you can save yourself a few hundred dollars on that right off the bat, in case you were considering it. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Their milky turquoise water snakes around the building like a protective moat, steam rising eerily. The suites are 40 square meters (431 square feet) or 60 square meters (646 square feet). We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. Read the Silica Hotel, Blue Lagoon, Iceland hotel review on Telegraph Travel. Would it not be worth it renting a small 4WD camper thingy just in case the weather might be reasonable (and book hotels along the route in case it is not). (aside from their price difference). Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. If you are day-tripping to The Blue Lagoon, then I can't stress enough how important it is for you to also buy your admission passes on their website in advance before you even get on the bus. We went with the booking combo to eat at the Moss restaurant at The Retreat with a 7-course fixed menu, which was a great deal! Besides including access to the Blue Lagoon, all suites come inclusive with access to the exclusive and subterranean Retreat Spa, private Retreat Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Ritual. This year my girlfriend and I decided to go to Iceland in February, and it just so happened to cross paths with Valentine's Day. The geothermal pool is great with 38C hot water while the outside temperature is cold. An à la carte breakfast is served each morning. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. You can see the Lights on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Read the The Retreat Hotel at The Blue Lagoon, Iceland hotel review on Telegraph Travel. I wonder if we can make the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I figured hey, why not try to stay at the Silica Hotel for Valentine's Day? This is all weather permitting obviously. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number for the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. No, that's not a joke. For our purposes, The Silica Hotel was 100% worth every dollar. How do the two hotels compare? The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland review: the ultimate five-star spa hotel Lose yourself in silica-rich waters beneath the Northern Lights. The bill for The Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one night stay. The Retreat Hotel is an exclusive luxury accommodation, offering only private suites, 62 of them in total. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105366484', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. The hotel’s 35 bright and spacious double/twin rooms are … See great photos, full ratings, facilities, expert advice and book the best hotel deals. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Though the waters are not for bathing, they are an inspiring vision. Factor this in to your plans for the day and give yourself a time cushion to shower (yes you MUST shower both before you get in the lagoon and after you get in the lagoon), and to lounge around. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? The Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel is definitely one to visit. Offering daily guided group hikes and yoga sessions as well as afternoon Icelandic coffee in the shared lounge, this hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service and valet parking. For those who have the means to stay at the Blue Lagoon, there’s either the 62-suite Retreat Hotel and Spa (Iceland’s first five-star and most luxurious hotel) or the more intimate, single-storey Silica Hotel which is a short drive away from the Blue Lagoon. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. We have family who have visited recently and others who are planning on going. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. Thanks. This was a tricky one since we did not rent a car. Just a short stroll from the Blue Lagoon through the surrounding moss-covered lava fields and you come to the alluring Silica Hotel, an award-winning design property embedded in the landscape. The larger Blue Lagoon is open to the public, but believe me when I tell you it is packed with tourists all day. I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to The Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. I strongly suggest you get either the comfort or premium packages in the Winter months. Buses run about every 45-60 minutes to and from The Blue Lagoon. Is it worth it. If you did not purchase bus tickets yet, you can walk inside the terminal and buy them there; it is very easy. Alternative car rental?? Also the difference in price as well. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. That HAS to score some points, right? Not worth it at all. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Since visiting, they’ve also built the Retreat Hotel which looks very similar in … While it was fun and romantic, we both agreed if we were to come back to Iceland, we would simply book a half-day trip from Reykjavik to The Blue Lagoon and purchase our own Premium access passes. I managed to secure a last minute reservation (which basically came down to me refreshing their website on my cellphone every 15-20 minutes for about two weeks, haha). In my case and I'm sure most cases, the hotel concierge will even call them for you to coordinate your pick-up This company will send a shuttle to your hotel to scoop you up and bring you to the bus terminal in Reykjavik, which will have a bus that can bring you to either The Blue Lagoon or The Silica Hotel for around $20 one-way or $40 round trip. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport; the only international airport in Iceland. When I traveled to the Blue Lagoon, I was surprised to find that there was only one hotel there, the Silica Hotel. Offering daily guided group hikes and yoga sessions as well as afternoon Icelandic coffee in the shared lounge, this hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service and valet parking. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). How do the two hotels compare? Judging by the renderings, guest rooms will have a … I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to The Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. The hotel used to be a spa clinic (hence the name Silica), and you certainly feel like you’ve checked in at a luxurious spa when you arrive. Booking the half-day trip to the Blue Lagoon will allow you to return to Reykjavik for exploration, other tours, or the shopping/bar scene, while also keeping some extra ISK in your pocket! Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105360642', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. It is both comfortable and affordable. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Vök Baths project scheduled for completion in 2019. We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. Silica Hotel is the closest hotels near the Blue Lagoon, since it is located right next to this extremely popular must do in Iceland (within 5 minutes walking distance). Admission varies from basic, comfort, premium and luxury. Retreat is located at the main Blue Lagoon. NEWS. This article is to help you decide whether or not you should bust out your wallet for The Silica Hotel or if you should just go to the Blue Lagoon instead and save yourself some major coin. Silica Hotel, Iceland: "What’s the difference between the Silica Hotel..." | Check out answers, plus 1,059 reviews and 1,892 candid photos Ranked #2 of 4 hotels in Iceland and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The same company offers both tickets, so be sure to ask them if that is also your plan! It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! Several travel companies within Iceland offer various Blue Lagoon experiences, including both vacation day-trips as well as quick lay-over trips to the lagoon. I did the South East route a few years back by myself and it was very memorable (also in March but it may have been later in March). They also have a spa. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. Read the The Retreat Hotel at The Blue Lagoon, Iceland hotel review on Telegraph Travel. This is a major bummer not only because you traveled 40-minutes from Reykjavik for nothing, but also because you get to stare at the lagoon but not go in! I closed my eyes and clicked "Book", trying to pretend that if I didn't see it, maybe it would cost me less. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Guests at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland can look out onto the turquoise water of the famous lagoon from a hotel nestled into the lava formations. Unlock the door to a wonder of the world. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. Entrance to Silica Lagoon; Creating an environment of modern simplicity, relaxing comfort, and sublime serenity, Silica Deluxe rooms are enhanced by the enchantment of the mineral-rich waters bordering the terrace. Hopefully you already purchased them days ago, as they sell out rather quickly and many families take the bus all the way there only to find out that they will not sell them passes. Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to The Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from The Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. Basalt Architects completes The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Dezeen) Construction of Highland Baths and Hotel starts in 2019. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. more. It is surrounded by lava landscapes and is a mere 10-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon thermal springs. Remember the 6 P's! A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! What's the West coast like? We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Iceland is becoming more popular as a travel destination from the UK. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. Another Thread of Tourist Driving from Reykjavík to Akureyri. However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. Offering daily guided group hikes and yoga sessions as well as afternoon Icelandic coffee in the shared lounge, this hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service and valet parking. Private Geothermal Hot Spring Lagoon. Groundbreaking ceremony of Nónhæð Apartments. Steamy! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Silica Hotel & Retreat Spa. Get answers to your questions about Iceland, Wild camping with a vehicle is illegal in Iceland, What ,,not to do when traveling in Iceland", Taxi/Bus costs from KEF Airport to Reykjavik. Anyone else being denied a refund from Lotus Car Rental? The hotel may be built into a lichen-coated lava flow that traces its origins to the 13th century, but it'll be far more modern in design. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. Something different. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. You will have to be flexible. Silica has separate a smaller bathing area and located 10-15 min walking from main Blue Lagoon. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are more keen on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at The Silica Hotel. Tip: If you’re flying in from the USA and plan on staying at Silica, book your room for the night before your … Retreat is located at the main Blue Lagoon. An à la carte breakfast is served each morning. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. This hotel isn’t budget-friendly, but we decided to book a stay there. See great photos, full ratings, facilities, expert advice and book the best hotel deals. We went with the booking combo to eat at the Moss restaurant at The Retreat with a 7-course fixed menu, which was a great deal! The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most frequently visited location in all of Iceland. Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? From Keflavik International Airport to The Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20-minutes with no traffic. The Retreat Hotel is an exclusive luxury accommodation, offering only private suites, 62 of them in total. The biggest draw of The Silica Hotel, is of course, the fact that it has its own private Blue Lagoon for hotel guests only. Both options include admission to the lagoon and round trip bus fare to and from the Blue Lagoon from the airport, or from Reykjavik, the busiest tourism city in Iceland. Silica has separate a smaller bathing area and located 10-15 min walking from main Blue Lagoon. Whatever you do, do NOT get a taxi from Reykjavik to The Blue Lagoon or The Silica Hotel, or you will be staring at a $140 USD taxi receipt. 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