Best Wellness Hotels in Iceland

If you fancy staying at the most famous attraction in the country, book a minimalist suite at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon and enjoy views over the volcanic delights of the Blue Lagoon. Spa breaks are a speciality – The Retreat Spa is a part of The Retreat experience. Within the main subterranean spa lies Lava Cove, a private sanctuary, reserved for the affluent, offering gourmet dining, in-water massage, and guided yoga sessions. Be sure to try the signature ritual utilising the silica, algae, and minerals of the geothermal seawaters. There’s also a restaurant with an equally soothing atmosphere. And of course, the lagoon, for quintessential Iceland bathing.

Bringing 5-star luxury to the city, the Reykjavik EDITION is the perfect place from which to enjoy the many attractions of the region. Located in the historical heart of downtown Reykjavik the hotel is a short walk from Laugavegur Street, the city´s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre whilst the natural geothermal pools at Sky Lagoon are only a 10-minute car journey away. The modern style flows throughout the hotel and room sizes and classes cover every traveller’s needs – with harbour and ocean views available too. The hotel itself boasts a variety of distinctive food and beverage options; from light bites to alfresco dining through to a more formal dining experience lead by Gunnar Karl Gíslason, Iceland’s celebrated first Michelin-star chef. An onsite gym is also available for guests to work up a sweat.  With a fun-loving vibe and lively spaces to socialise, work and relax – this is the place to be! Edition Hotel Reykjavik is part of the Marriott Collection.

Located in Selfoss, the ION Adventure Hotel is a remarkable modernist structure that sits on stilts, cutting an impressive outline in the already dramatic landscape. Once a spooky abandoned inn, it’s now a 45-room (choose between standard and deluxe) boutique hotel with outlooks over Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant or across the lava fields towards Thingvellir National Park. As with ION’s City Hotel, there’s a clear presence of salvaged materials in the design with the exterior mimicking the brutal conditions of Icelandic winter. Sigurlaug Sverrisdottir is behind the concept and manager to the ION brand. Once air cabin crew, she’d also created a business, arranging adventure tours -and there’s many wonderful excursions to be enjoyed from here. Adventure Hotel juts out on Mount Hengill as a secluded and sustainable retreat for those wishing to get off the beaten track.

Found between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is one to add to your Icelandic road trip. The 125 contemporary rooms have a minimal peaceful design, with huge windows looking out onto the local wilderness and the country’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur. High ceilings add to the sense of peace and serenity that this hotel embodies. The hotel’s large restaurant is decorated in a geometric style, with dishes inspired by its natural surroundings. The highlight of this property is, of course, its proximity to the Fosshotel Glacier, providing fantastic hiking on the doorstep.

This was the first luxury hotel to be put up in Iceland. It combines the elegance of high-end art deco with contemporary style. The hotel has numerous amenities, including a relaxation annexe, gym, sauna, steam bath treatment rooms and a spa. Their rooms are adorned with custom-made furnishings, hastens beds, spanning cupboards and elegant Bang & Olufsen TVs. Their restaurant is run by an award-winning chef whose main focus is on refined Icelandic cuisines like langoustine, Arctic char and beef tenderloin. Make a point of visiting their bar for delicious cocktails that are normally prepared using homemade syrups.

Another city-break favourite is Alda Hotel, on Reykjavik’s main shopping street. Although centrally located, the emphasis here is on tranquillity and calm, creating an oasis-like experience – the outdoor hot tub is perfect for winding down after some hectic sightseeing. 88 swanky guest rooms with L’Occitane toiletries all vary in shape and size, furnished in vibrant colour schemes, eye-catching artworks and designer furnishings. Alda is perfect if you like a stylish, laid back vibe, or are travelling with kids. Meals can be enjoyed at the casual Brass Kitchen & Bar, or you can explore the array of options in the vicinity.