Staying at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel in Iceland: Full Review
We generally like to end an active trip with some wind-down time, and the Blue Lagoon felt like the perfect place. After exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, caves, and coastlines, we spent four nights at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. It was the ideal reset before heading home — equal parts relaxing, luxurious, and unforgettable. The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon had been on our list for years, and when we finally booked a stay here, it felt like stepping into another world. With private lagoon access, quiet suites, and a spa that feels carved into the landscape, this was one of the most memorable and relaxing hotel experiences we’ve had. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering whether the Retreat is worth it, here’s exactly what our three-night stay was like.
Trip Snapshot
When: September
Length: 3 nights
Vibe: Calm, soothing, luxurious, minimalistic
Good for: Couples, spa lovers, special occasions, Iceland stopovers
Highlights: Private lagoon access, in-water treatments, Lava Restaurant, quiet suites, spa rituals
Best pace: Slow mornings, long lagoon sessions, one main outing per day
Our suite overlooked a secluded stretch of the lagoon — the perfect view to wake up to each morning.
Why We Chose The Retreat Hotel
We wanted a place to unwind at the start of our Iceland trip — something restorative before exploring the more rugged parts of the country. The Retreat delivered from the moment we arrived. It’s quiet, warm, and feels tucked away, even though it’s an easy drive from the airport. If your trip includes a long flight, the Retreat is one of the best ways to recover and reset.
Where We Stayed — Suite Experience
Our suite was modern and calming, with clean lines, soft textures, and big windows overlooking the volcanic landscape. The design leans toward minimalist luxury — simple but deeply comfortable.
The best part was how quiet it felt. Even when the hotel was fully booked, we felt like we had space to ourselves. In the mornings, the light over the lava fields made the entire room glow.
Floor-to-ceiling windows brought the lagoon right into our room.
Private Lagoon Access
What sets the Retreat apart is the private-access lagoon. It’s quieter, warmer, and far less crowded than the public Blue Lagoon next door. We spent long stretches floating in the milky-blue water with soft steam rising around us — the kind of slow, quiet time that makes you forget what day it is.
If you’re an early riser, mornings are especially peaceful. Evenings are beautiful too, especially when the sky shifts colors.
Guests of the Retreat have access to a private lagoon that connects to the main Blue Lagoon area.
Since cameras aren’t allowed in the private lagoon, the hotel provides complimentary photos taken by staff.
The Retreat Spa & Ritual
The spa feels like it’s carved into the lava rock. It’s dim, warm, and peaceful, with small pathways that open into soaking pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Completing the Retreat Ritual — the salt scrub, silica mask, and algae mask — was one of the highlights of our stay. Simple, but grounding.
If you book a massage or in-water treatment, plan for extra time before and after. It’s one of those experiences you don’t want to rush.
Dining at the Retreat
Moss Restaurant
Dinner at Moss was one of the most memorable parts of our stay. The room is intimate and warm, with sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. The tasting menu leans into Icelandic ingredients — local seafood, seasonal produce, and bright flavors — presented in a way that feels elegant but not overwhelming. The pacing was slow and thoughtful, letting each course stand on its own. If you’re staying at the Retreat, Moss is absolutely worth booking.
Lava Restaurant
Dinner at Lava was another standout. Built into the black lava walls, it’s both dramatic and cozy, with Icelandic flavors and a setting that feels unique to this part of the world. It was a perfect balance to the more elevated Moss experience.
Spa Restaurant & Lounge
Easy, casual, and perfect for lighter meals between lagoon and spa time.
Afternoon tea with pastries and coffee between spa sessions.
Fresh seafood paired with wine, with the lagoon right outside our window.
Every dish was artful — this dessert came beautifully arranged on Icelandic lava rock.
A private wine tasting in the Retreat’s underground lava rock cellar — one of the most memorable parts of our stay.
What We Did During Our Stay
Most of our time at the Retreat unfolded slowly — exactly how this property is designed to be enjoyed.
Private lagoon dips
The Retreat Ritual
Dinner at Moss
Dinner at Lava
Long, quiet mornings
Relaxing in the spa and lounges
Exploring the paths around the lagoon
Favorites & Highlights
Most peaceful moment: Floating in the private lagoon when it was nearly empty
Best surprise: How quiet the hotel feels even when fully booked
Best dinner: Moss Restaurant
Best spa experience: The Retreat Ritual
Easiest win: Early-morning lagoon time
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Book Moss and spa treatments early — both fill fast
Mornings in the private lagoon are the quietest
Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos (public area only)
The aesthetic is minimalist — neutral clothing photographs beautifully
Retreat access is a huge upgrade from the public Blue Lagoon
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d add one more night. Three nights was wonderful, but four would give even more time to enjoy the spa, the loungers, and the slow pace.
Relaxed and happy after four nights at the Retreat Hotel — the perfect ending to our Iceland trip.
Practical Details
Airport: 20 minutes from Keflavík
Entry: Stay includes private lagoon access, breakfast, and the Retreat Ritual
Crowds: Quiet and spaced out
Dress: Lounge wear, swimsuits, casual dinner outfits
Best pace: Slow, steady, restorative
Staying at The Retreat Hotel felt like a reset — quiet mornings in the lagoon, restorative spa time, and special dinners that made the trip feel both relaxing and memorable. If you’re starting or ending your Iceland adventure with a touch of luxury, the Retreat is one of those places you’ll think about long after you leave.
