The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

The setting was beautiful, the spa was divine, and the hospitality was top notch. We were so content at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon that we didn’t want to leave the property during our stay. Management also responded to the issues we raised afterward and offered an adjustment to the bill, which we appreciated as a sign of their commitment to improving guests’ experience. Our room, though, was a letdown for a hotel at this price level. It seemed to be a wheelchair-accessible layout, without a bathtub, even though the website advertised one and our friends’ room had one. We’d booked months ahead and paid the same rate. Nobody mentioned the difference before or during check-in, and we had to raise it twice before anyone acknowledged it. Privacy was another problem. There was a gap of a few inches between the sliding shower door and the wall, facing the entry area. Both the shower and bathroom had sliding doors without latches. For two people, we had only one towel hook and nowhere designated to hang swimsuits. Regular rooms had an extra rack for swimsuits and towels, but ours didn’t. There were also billing errors. The Moss restaurant charge was missing at checkout, and the itemized invoice we received later had several mistakes, including a double charge of 188,650 ISK. I’d still recommend The Retreat for its distinctive, relaxing setting. Just be aware that some twin room configurations may not have advertised features and can raise privacy concerns. Check the bill carefully, even after checkout.

The hotel itself was dreamy: spectacular rooms, even better service, a beautiful spa, and a convenient private lagoon. The food was the weak point. At Moss, the Michelin Star restaurant, the service was fantastic and the presentation was artistic, but the food didn’t taste good. It felt like they focused so much on how it looked that they forgot it should taste good too. I’ve been to Iceland before and know there’s plenty of tasty food there. For a meal costing over $500, I expected to enjoy it. I’d rather go to Reykjavik and eat at pretty much any restaurant. Lava was okay. The food tasted better than Moss, though the service was a bit lacking. I enjoyed my stay, but Moss isn’t worth the price. I’d look for food elsewhere.

We spent one night at The Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel just after landing, and it was a wonderfully relaxing start to our Iceland trip. The cost is definitely high, but it was the most relaxing part of the whole journey. From the moment we arrived, the peaceful, zen-like atmosphere felt like a reset. Our room had breathtaking views, and access to the private lagoon made the stay feel special. The included spa amenities added a lot, too. Service was excellent, and the food impressed us. One of my favorite moments was catching the Northern Lights from the rooftop. If it cost less, I’d have stayed several nights without hesitation. Even at the premium price, the relaxation and service made it worth it, and I’ll absolutely be back.

The volcanic mud spa is a must-try, and floating in the Blue Lagoon for an in-water massage was unbelievably relaxing. Being able to get straight into the lagoon from the hotel is an incredible experience. There are also meditation and relaxation spaces in the spa that make it easy to slow down and reset. The rooms were comfortable and the service excellent. After years of traveling, this is honestly one of the most impressive hotels I’ve stayed in. I’d strongly recommend it for the last few days of an Iceland trip. It’s close to the airport, and ending the journey with a soak and some quiet downtime is a perfect way to unwind.