Reykjavik's Elite Escape: A Luxury Iceland Itinerary

On my first day in Reykjavik, after checking into the luxurious EDITION Reykjavik, I explored the local area. The hotel is superbly located in the Old Harbour, right next to Harpa, the stunning concert hall that opened in 2011. With numerous shops, cafés, restaurants and bars just steps away, the hotel itself also offers three bars, a restaurant, a bakery/café and a ‘hidden’ speakeasy bar, Tolt.

The hotel’s basement features a gym and spa, perfect for my love of wellness treatments. I indulged in an excellent 90-minute deep tissue massage in one of their elegantly designed treatment suites. Afterward, I relaxed in the spa’s tranquil lounge before enjoying the luxurious hammam, complete with a steam room, sauna and thermal plunge pool. It was the perfect way to start my Icelandic getaway.

For food, I enjoyed a free welcome cocktail in the Lobby Bar, a delightful lunch at Tides Restaurant and later, dinner at a local pizzeria.

Early the next morning, with the sun rising before 6 am, I enjoyed a peaceful walk through the quiet city streets to Hallgrímskirkja Church. This iconic structure dominates the city center at the top of Skolavordustigur, now known as Rainbow Street, where a large rainbow flag is painted on the pedestrian street to celebrate Pride. The street is lined with a fantastic selection of shops, as well as coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

After a quick lunch at the hotel — where the food, drink and accommodations never disappoint — I headed to the Sky Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxation. Located right on the Atlantic coast, this geothermal lagoon is the perfect retreat. I opted for the exclusive Sér changing facilities, and after a swift check-in and shower, I found myself bathing in the thermal waters with a glass of Moët in hand. To my surprise, there was a cave bar in the center of the lagoon, allowing guests to enjoy wine, champagne, beer, cocktails or soft drinks while taking in the ocean views. I then moved on to their turf house for the seven-step Skjól Ritual, which included a cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, sky body scrub and steam before returning to the thermal lagoon. This time, I tried the Pina Colada beer, which was delightful.

That day was also Reykjavik Culture Day, with numerous activities and events throughout the city. The highlight for me was a spectacular fireworks display right in front of the hotel, in the Old Harbour area. The hotel's rooftop bar provides the perfect vantage point for an up-close, birds-eye view.

Today, I embarked on a thrilling afternoon Golden Circle tour, opting for a shorter adventure rather than a full-day excursion of 11 or 12 hours. The convenience started with an easy pick-up point directly opposite my hotel, and the choice of a small group tour, with only about 12 passengers, added to the intimate and relaxed experience.

Thingvellir National Park was our first stop, a place steeped in history and natural beauty. We were dropped off at a lookout point where a restaurant and facilities were available. From there, we had two options: hop back on the minibus or take a scenic walk through a gorge to meet the group on the other side. I opted for the walk, which, although expedited, allowed me to explore the stunning landscape on foot before continuing to the next destination.

Next up was the iconic Gullfoss Waterfalls. With a shorter stop here, we were encouraged to either venture down into the falls immediately or stay at the overlook. I chose the latter, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. As the falls thundered below, two vibrant rainbows appeared through the mist, creating a mesmerizing scene that felt almost magical.

After soaking in the beauty of Gullfoss, we headed to Strokkur Geysir. This stop was a bit longer, giving us time to explore the area, which included a service station with a Costa Coffee and a gift store selling delicious Icelandic chocolate. I walked across the road just in time to catch the geyser erupting – a perfect moment for a camera shot!

Our final stop was the Kerid Crater, famously known as "The Eye of the World." The vibrant colors and unique shape of the crater made for a truly memorable experience. It was the perfect way to end the day, with a feeling of awe and appreciation for Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.

Throughout the tour, even the drive between stops was an experience in itself, with the ever-changing, mystical Icelandic scenery surrounding us. I felt so lucky to have witnessed these incredible sights, all within the comfort of a well-paced, perfectly organized afternoon tour.

Highlights of the Day:

• A scenic walk through Thingvellir National Park’s dramatic gorge

• Marveling at Gullfoss Waterfalls with rainbows dancing through the mist

• Watching the Strokkur Geysir erupt against the stunning Icelandic backdrop

• Exploring the vibrant and colorful Kerid Crater, "The Eye of the World"

If you're looking for a compact yet awe-inspiring tour of Iceland’s iconic landmarks, this afternoon Golden Circle tour is ideal. You'll experience the best of Iceland without feeling rushed, and with smaller groups, it adds a personal touch to an unforgettable adventure.

My last full day in Iceland was not only one of the most relaxing but also marked the fulfillment of one of my long-held travel dreams: visiting The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon. The lead-up to this day was a bit uncertain, as just the night before my arrival, a volcanic eruption had caused The Blue Lagoon to temporarily close. Thankfully, the spa reopened right on schedule, and I was able to experience what can only be described as pure luxury and serenity.

My five-hour exclusive entry to The Retreat Spa was nothing short of magical. From the moment I stepped in, I was transported to another world – one where time seemed to slow down and every detail was tailored for ultimate relaxation. The experience started with access to The Retreat Lagoon, a secluded area nestled within the famous geothermal waters. The tranquility of this private lagoon, away from the crowds, set the tone for the day.

One of the highlights was indulging in The Blue Lagoon Ritual, a rejuvenating journey that took me through three key stages: silica, algae and mineral scrubs, each with their own unique healing properties. I felt as if I was shedding layers of stress and tension with each step, leaving my skin refreshed and glowing.

Adding to the luxury was my own private changing suite, which was mine for the entire day. It offered not only comfort but privacy, allowing me to unwind in my own space between treatments.

After exploring the soothing waters, I enjoyed an exceptional lunch at the Moss Restaurant. The menu was a delight — a fusion of Icelandic flavors with a modern twist. The food was as much a sensory experience as the lagoon itself, making the entire day a celebration of Iceland's natural beauty and culinary heritage.

The spa offered eight exclusive experiences, including steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas, all designed to melt away any lingering stress. And while I had direct access to the main Blue Lagoon, which was an experience in its own right, the exclusivity and peacefulness of The Retreat Lagoon was truly the icing on the cake.

The contrast between the bustling main lagoon and the serene, almost meditative atmosphere of The Retreat made me appreciate the luxury even more. It was a day I’ll never forget — a perfect balance of relaxation, indulgence and awe at the natural wonders of Iceland.

Key highlights of the day:

• Private access to The Retreat Lagoon – a secluded, tranquil geothermal spa experience

• Participating in the Blue Lagoon Ritual, a unique treatment with Iceland’s iconic silica, algae and minerals

• Dining on a gourmet lunch at the Spa Restaurant, with Icelandic flavors and modern cuisine

• The luxury of a private changing suite for the day, adding a personal touch to the experience

• Direct access to the main Blue Lagoon, offering the chance to explore both the famous site and the exclusive retreat.

This day truly encapsulated everything I had dreamed of for my Icelandic adventure — a perfect way to end my trip. If you ever find yourself in Iceland, The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon is an absolute must, an experience that offers both relaxation and a deeper connection to Iceland's geothermal wonders.