I went to Iceland’s new Sky Lagoon – and you can even see the Northern Lights from it
PERCHED on a cliff edge in the freezing cold doesn’t sound like the most pleasant way to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
But when you’re doing it submerged in the waters of a hot pool in Iceland, you won’t find a more spectacular experience.
When I first arrived in this snowy country, the sun was just dipping behind the horizon and I had no idea that I wouldn’t see it again for another 20 hours.
Icelanders have just four hours of sunlight at the height of winter and temperatures regularly fall below zero.
Facing all this nighttime, it’s no wonder that taking a dip in hot springs is one of the country’s favourite pastimes.
And the best place to do it is in Iceland’s newest geo-thermal pool, Sky Lagoon.
Read More on The Sun
Located just on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the spa offers a space for unwinding — and sumptuous Scandi luxury.
An infinity edge pool is Sky Lagoon’s most jaw-dropping attraction, offering unrivalled views over the ocean.
From here you can gaze out over the snow-covered peninsular and the volcanic Mount Keilir, all while wallowing in 40C water.
It’s certainly a step up from my DIY version at home — a four-person hot tub overlooked by my neighbours.
Most read in Travel
If the weather is good you’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset that has most people pulling out their phones to capture it on camera.
If you’re even luckier, you might get a precious glimpse of the magical Northern Lights.
With the sky changing almost every second, there’s not a single moment that’s not incredibly Instagramable here.
There are nooks to explore, a waterfall to wade through, and hidden seats to recline and relax in dotted around.
The icing on the cake is a swim-up bar that serves a selection of fizz, beer and soft drinks, paid for with a wristband so you don’t have to faff with cash and break the spell.
Salt scrub
Pink champagne is a must if you want to add to the luxury, and a local non-alcoholic fizz is a delicious alternative on offer, too.
This is just the start, though.
The Sky Lagoon has been designed around “the ritual”, a seven-step experience where the hot pool is step one.
Step two is a dip in the cold plunge pool to completely shock the body.
At around 10C, this is designed to stimulate your immune system, decrease blood flow around the body and tighten skin — if you’re brave enough.
Next, you’ll hop into the dry sauna — with an entirely glass wall that lets you stare out, again, at the spectacular view.
This step is said to open up your pores, remove toxins and cleanse the skin.
Step four takes you to an outside “room” with no ceiling where a cold, foggy mist falls gently over you.
It’s not dissimilar to that feeling of being caught in the British drizzle, although at least I’m wearing a swimsuit for this — and it’s a surprisingly welcome refreshment after the intense heat of the sauna.
Next up is a salt scrub that you apply yourself, and then a trip to the steam room where you wait for a salty crust to form as your skin absorbs the oils.
Lastly, it’s a quick shower before you jump back into the lagoon again.
I was left with the softest, smoothest skin afterwards and enjoyed the go-at-your-own-pace feel and DIY scrub treatment.
You can go through the ritual again, or back and forth between steps, as many times as you want, and there’s no limit on how long you spend in the lagoon.
Read More on The Sun
On top of holistic treatements, a Sky Pass offers private changing rooms, towels, hairdryers and lockers (accessed with the same digital wristband as the bar) and facilities include a cafe and bar where food and drink has a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
All you need to bring is your swimsuit — and the desire for some rest and relaxation.
GO: ICELAND
GETTING THERE: Wizz Air flies from Luton to Kevflik in Reykjavik from £64 return. See wizzair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Marina Hotel cost from ISK25,520 (£158) per night. See icelandhotelcollectionbyberjaya.com