Iceland

Iceland is a different kind of paradise. By almost all accounts, one of the most unique lands on the planet.

Many Rising Tide travelers have asked about the Icelandair unlimited layover program, but I hadn’t actually experienced the layover for myself. Finally, on my way home from Copenhagen (Just Back From: Copenhagen coming soon), I gave it a go. SO easy and so worth it. Iceland is like nowhere else I’ve even been and the layover is a great way to get a taste for this amazing land of Fire and Ice.

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Two days in Iceland wasn’t long enough to see everything, but certainly long enough to know I need to go back!

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Two days in Iceland wasn’t long enough to see everything, but certainly long enough to know I need to go back!

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Accommodations:

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• Hotel Borg (Overnight)
• The Reykjavik EDITION (new property)
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Day 2 - The Blue Lagoon

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• The Retreat Hotel (Overnight)
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Flights:

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• An easy, direct nonstop flight from Boston is just over 5 hours. from there, it’s another 2 1/2 to 5 hours to any major hub in Europe. If you’re just looking for a sample of Iceland, you can opt to layover a few days to begin or following a European vacation.
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Transfers:

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• For this short 2-day experience, I suggest a car service or taxi for the 45 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik.
• 30 minutes from Reykjavik to The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
• 20 minutes from The Retreat back to the airport
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Recommended for:

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• Reykjavik is a small city with activities for any variety of traveler
• The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon caters to couples, families, and would be wonderful for a solo traveler looking for a wellness retreat.
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Not-to-be-Missed experience:

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• Wake up early in Reykjavik and queue up for entrance into Hallgrimskirkja Church on the top of Skólavörðuhæð Hill for a breathtaking view of the city and the incredible surrounding landscape.
• The Ritual at The Retreat - My body has never been so happy than after this exhilarating cycle of well-being treatments based on the Blue Lagoon’s trinity of natural wonders: silica, algae, and minerals. In a spacious sanctuary of three interconnected chambers, you cover your body with the treasures of geothermal seawater, becoming one with the rejuvenating powers of the volcanic earth. Ahhh!!!
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Favorite culinary experience:

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• Hot dog at the world famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It sounds crazy, but trust me… If you like hot dogs, this place in Reykjavik Center is a must and pro tip: give yourself plenty of time as the line can be long.
• At the Lava Restaurant at The Retreat, they had a wonderful fish selection. I choose to try something new to me - Ling Fish. It was prepared with a cauliflower sauce and combined with the other flavors - it was exceptional!
• Icelandic Lamb is also a real treat!
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Favorite Wellness:

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• Again, The Ritual - just amazing!!
• Float Therapy is offered which alleviates stress, relieves pain, and brings inner peace - so relaxing!!
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Favorite “little something extra”:

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• The day we arrived (February 19th) was Women's Day in Iceland. In our suite, The Retreat staff left a delicious selection of chocolates for me to enjoy and celebrate this day.
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Kudos to:

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• María Ben Erlingsdóttir, Business Development Manager, was so helpful with arranging my stay at The Retreat!
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Additional Remarks:

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• Reykjavik was fun, but get ready to completely disconnect, rest and relax at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. Note that guests staying at The Retreat have access to a separate, private area of the Blue Lagoon that is not accessible to others visiting the Blue Lagoon with a day pass.