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By Kristina Smith
There’s a second right here when the sunshine shimmers off moss-covered lava fields and lingers lengthy into the night time, dissolving the road between day and dream. Now, within the coronary heart of Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, a brand new vacation spot is inviting travellers to sink even deeper into that restorative glow.
Welcome to Laugarás Lagoon, Iceland’s latest geothermal sanctuary, a two-story, design-forward wellness vacation spot that mixes thermal bathing, forest saunas, and farm-to-table eating by one of many nation’s most celebrated cooks.
A New Chapter in Icelandic Bathing Tradition
Laugarás Lagoon sits on the banks of the Hvítá River within the village of Laugarás, a lush pocket of Iceland identified for its geothermal exercise and native farms. Whereas the nation is understood for its pure sizzling springs and smooth spas, this addition represents one thing totally different: a reimagining of Iceland’s long-standing bathing tradition as a holistic wellness expertise that engages all of the senses.
Developed by Mannverk, owned by Norverk, and operated by Laugarás Lagoon ehf., the lagoon encompasses 10,000 sq ft of therapeutic waters maintained between 38 and 40°C. Designed by T.ark Architects with engineering by Efla, it’s Iceland’s first two-level geothermal lagoon, and the primary to characteristic a cascading waterfall. This architectural centrepiece sends a mild roar by way of the forested air.
The lagoon’s design philosophy mirrors Iceland’s acutely aware steadiness of wilderness and modernity. Giant glass panels open to panoramic views of the Hvítá River, whereas domestically sourced wooden and stone are designed to mix into the pure environment.
Lighting by Hildiberg Design and interiors by Anthony Bacigalupo, in collaboration with T.ark, full the image: clear traces, pure textures, and a way of calm that flows from one area to the subsequent.
Immersed in Nature
Overlook the whole lot you suppose you recognize about Icelandic lagoons. At Laugarás, thermal bathing isn’t a fast dip—it’s a ritual of renewal. Company can transfer between two saunas (one dry, one moist), plunge into a chilly pool, and retreat to a secluded grotto surrounded by forest.
Those that need to linger can wade as much as one in every of two swim-up bars, order a drink, and watch the river drift by. Even the smallest particulars—from the scent of native birch oils within the altering rooms to the nice and cozy glow of the lighting after sundown—are designed to encourage deep rest and reconnection with nature.
In winter, this connection reaches its peak. Laugarás Lagoon sits in one in every of Iceland’s finest places for viewing the Northern Lights, simply 94 kilometres from Reykjavík and nestled between Geysir and Gullfoss. Think about sinking into the water as ribbons of inexperienced and violet ripple throughout the sky; heat beneath, surprise above.
Packages that Invite You to Sluggish Down
Guests can select from three signature experiences, every named after a local Icelandic tree:
- Birki (Normal)—From approx. £40 per individual. Contains full entry to all out of doors wellness areas, private altering rooms with lockers and self-importance stations, and premium hair and physique merchandise.
- Lerki (Premium)—From approx. £55 per individual. Provides plush towel service and a drink of selection on the swim-up bar.
- Ösp (Deluxe)—From approx. £93 per individual. Contains the whole lot in Lerki, plus a two-course seasonal menu at Ylja Restaurant and a non-public altering sales space.
Every package deal is designed to encourage aware immersion fairly than hurried sightseeing —a shift towards sluggish wellness journey rooted in Iceland’s deep connection to the land.
Wellness on a Plate: Ylja Restaurant
In Iceland, wellness is as a lot about nourishment as it’s about nature. That philosophy shines by way of in Ylja Restaurant, the lagoon’s signature eating area led by chef Gísli Matt.
Gísli rose to prominence with SLIPPURINN, his restaurant in Vestmannaeyjar that helped outline fashionable Icelandic delicacies. Now, he brings that very same ethos of creativity and sustainability to the Golden Circle.
At Ylja—which suggests “heat” in Icelandic—Gísli has constructed an idea rooted in hyper-local sourcing and seasonal steadiness. The menu options wild herbs, seaweeds, berries, and elements from close by farms, fisheries, and geothermal greenhouses within the Laugarás area.
“The Laugarás space has such a novel character; the probabilities with geothermal warmth are inspiring,” says Gísli. “What excites me most is the possibility to work with the unbelievable producers within the area, who’re rising and elevating issues with a lot care.”
He provides, “I additionally really feel a powerful urge to show {that a} challenge of this scale might be accomplished in true partnership with nature—minimizing waste and exhibiting that sustainability and ambition can go collectively.”
Each dish tells that story. Many are cooked over an open fireplace, utilizing fermentation and preservation strategies to cut back waste and have a good time Iceland’s resourcefulness. It’s a type of culinary mindfulness—honouring each the ingredient and the atmosphere that produced it.
From Daylight to Firelight
Ylja’s rhythm mirrors the lagoon’s pure stream.
By day, visitors can get pleasure from lighter fare such because the Ylja Soupboard—a comforting unfold of natural pesto, tomato salad, and freshly baked bread—or two-course seasonal choices like slow-cooked cod with dulse seaweed and herb sauce, or grilled lamb leg with pearl barley.
As night time falls, Ylja transforms right into a fine-dining expertise, providing two five-course tasting journeys that evolve with the harvest. Cured Arctic char with horseradish cream, slow-cooked cod loin with natural sauce, or grilled celeriac “steak” with almond miso may seem on the menu, relying on the season’s bounty.
The wine record is equally considerate, spotlighting natural and pure wines from small-scale producers whose tales mirror the restaurant’s values.
Reservations are inspired, serving to the kitchen plan exactly and reduce waste—a easy act that helps Ylja’s round, low-impact strategy.
Cocktails That Style Just like the Panorama
The beverage group at Ylja has distilled Iceland’s terroir—actually—right into a menu of inventive, zero-waste cocktails.
- The Laugarás Highball blends Himbrimi pure Icelandic gin with lemon verbena, wooden sorrel, rosemary, lavender, and sage. I’m informed every sip is like “like a breath of Laugarás.”
- Spice & Smoke twists the basic margarita with tequila, inexperienced tomatoes, and fermented brine, clarified with birch-smoked milk.
- Espresso & Rye reinvents the espresso martini with brown-butter–washed Rye Brennivín and occasional liqueur produced from spent grounds, topped with caramel foam from leftover filtered espresso.
Different standouts embody Strawberries & Sorrel, made with greenhouse-grown strawberries and vanilla skyr–washed Katla Vodka, and Lemon Verbena & Lavender, an area tackle the martini that includes Himbrimi Gin infused with herbs from close by farms.
Every sip is a reminder that Iceland’s elements, from berries to botanicals, are greater than flavours. They’re a part of a narrative about place, resilience, and steadiness.
Personal Eating and Group Experiences
For travellers searching for deeper connection—whether or not with others or with themselves—Ylja presents area for reflection and celebration alike.
The restaurant seats 80 indoors, with further out of doors seating overlooking the lagoon’s thermal waters. A separate personal eating room, that includes art work by Icelandic artist Sigmundur Freysteinsson, offers an intimate setting for milestone gatherings or company retreats.
Each element, from the sparkle of candlelight on the tables to the scent of herbs from the open kitchen, feels designed to floor you within the second.
A Lovely Strategy to See the Northern Lights
If there’s a single expertise that captures Laugarás’ magic, it’s floating in steaming water underneath a cover of stars, watching the aurora borealis unfurl throughout the sky.
The timing couldn’t be extra excellent. Opening in sync with Northern Lights season (October–December and February–March), the lagoon’s night hours enable visitors to stream seamlessly from soothing geothermal baths into effective eating. The final word Nordic night ritual.
A Vacation spot That Redefines Wellness Journey
In Iceland, wellness has by no means been about luxurious for its personal sake. It’s about equilibrium—the assembly level between Earth’s uncooked power and human presence. Laugarás Lagoon captures that completely.
Right here, travellers can immerse themselves in geothermal waters powered by the planet, dine on meals grown inside strolling distance, and witness one in every of nature’s best exhibits with out leaving the heat of the pool.
It’s not only a new cease on the Golden Circle. It’s a brand new sort of Icelandic pilgrimage—one which honours the nation’s elemental traditions whereas pointing towards a extra sustainable, sensory, and soulful future.
Your Flip
Laugarás is positioned on Iceland’s fashionable Golden Circle route, accessible through a scenic drive or employed tour from Reykjavík. The lagoon is open every day 10 am-10 pm, and Ylja Restaurant is open every day from 11 am-10:30 pm.
E book your expertise at laugaraslagoon.is.