I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. Whatever you do, do NOT get a taxi from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel, or you will be staring at a $140 USD taxi receipt. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Privacy Policy. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. Explore the volcanic phenomena at Blue Lagoon's doorstep. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you may use. Some of the best tours and things to do in Reykjavik are: We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change. Thanks. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK. You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! The hotel, set in its own rough, lava-filled landscape, is a quarter of a mile from the primary hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland.During your stay, you can enjoy the on-site lagoons, bars and restaurants and explore the hotel surroundings from Reykjanes Peninsula, a Unesco Global Geopark. I highly recommend combining your visit with a night stay at the Silica Hotel, which is located just 10 minutes walk from the Blue Lagoon. The Silica Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava fields. Others were wading in the hotels lagoon before sitting down to a hearty meal. Enjoy the robe, the flip flops, the included drink at the swim-up bar in the lagoon, and the included silica and algae masks. The spaat the Silica Hotel offers a spa menu with some very unique options that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? Complete with a tranquil vibe in both atmosphere and design, this spa-like retreat is an ideal base from which to explore the active volcanoes, geothermal mud pools, rock formations, and rugged landscape of the UNESCO-protected Reykjanes Peninsula and to enjoy direct Blue Lagoon access. I am taking my SO to Icelandfor 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. No, that's not a joke. Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. The dining room is on two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the blue lagoon. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Will ask the hotel. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. 1 room: 2 guests. Volcanic architecture. Silica types with crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also produced synthetically. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. One of Iceland's most popular places, The Blue Lagoon, is located about 6 miles (10 km) from Reykjavik and close to the fishing village of Grendavik. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. Thanks. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. It features its very own private lagoon for hotel guests only. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. How do the two hotels compare? High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Are treatments offered at Silica Hotel? I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre not keen on walking, the hotel also offers transfers. The Retreat Hotel Iceland The Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I closed my eyes and clicked "Book," trying to pretend that if I didn't see it, maybe it would cost me less. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! Both options include admission to the lagoon and round trip bus fare to and from the Blue Lagoon from the airport, or from Reykjavik, the busiest tourism city in Iceland. This post may contain affiliate links. Volcanic architecture. However, owing to the fluid's high concentration of silica, proper drainage did not occur and a beautiful body of water took shape. Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to the Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from the Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. To receive our articles and reviews straight to your inbox Subscribe Here. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? We even woke up early and used the private lagoon one more time before heading to the airport. Quartz as it is in rocks or as grains of sand e.g. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. How could you come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland? Show on map, I agree to receive marketing communications and agree to the. Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. Your email address will not be published. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. I made it to the hotel that looks like a shelf of books (forgot the name). From black sand beaches to natural hot springs, from lava fields to Icelandic ponies, this country offers a huge variety as far as what to, Grindavik, Southern Peninsula 240, Iceland, http://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/silica-hotel. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. There are regular bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? That being said, travelers deciding on the best time to go should consider what theyre hoping to do and see. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. I did the South East route a few years back by myself and it was very memorable (also in March but it may have been later in March). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369973', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. Not worth it at all. Whilst the Silica Hotel doesnt actually have a restaurant (they only serve breakfast), the LAVA Restaurant located at The Blue Lagoon is only a 10-minute walk away. Hospitality at Silica is the gateway to a world of wellness. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? What do you want to see and do en route? Inside, the hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty outside. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. So timing your stay when you first arrive or on the last night before you fly out is a great option. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. If youre planning a trip to Iceland, the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see places. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Thanks. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa | Blue Lagoon Iceland Duration One night Seasons All year Age limit 12 years Location Silica Hotel Package: 1 night Silica - Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa Price from $873 for two persons Availability and Rates Offer description Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. There are a lot more tourists in Iceland than I expected so being able to relax in the hotels lagoon without too many other people around was definitely one of the highlights. Silica Hotel. It's located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula. People are more inspired to travel than ever with so many travel websites, travel apps, and social media feeds full of exciting destinations. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Hopefully, you already purchased them days ago, as they sell out rather quickly and many families take the bus all the way there only to find out that they will not sell them passes. From culinary journeys to extended holidays, our exclusive offers and special events will elevate your Silica experience. How do the two hotels compare? We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. All rights reserved 2018-2023. What do you want to see and do en route? Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. And there were people everywhere! That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Travel has become more accessible to the global population, and The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that nearly 1.2 billion people traveled outside their, Modern life involves traveling often and for all sorts of reasons. Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Why stay at The Retreat hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland? . Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. The best part, the hotels lagoon is large enough that if anyone else is around, you might not even see them! Both of our flights are early in the morning. We had the hotels lagoon mostly to ourselves for the afternoon. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. Three classifications of accommodation are available at Silica Hotel, which is namely Lava Deluxe, Mountain Deluxe and Silica Deluxe, and each offers its own respective outlook. While it was fun and romantic, we both agreed if we were to come back to Iceland, we would simply book a half-day trip from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and purchase our own Premium access passes. Location of Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland. For the Northern Lights, plan to visit between November and April, or between June through August for the longest days. The structure of this incorporated silica can look very similar to the structure of Synthetic . If we include that then obviously there will be less time for driving. Free! All of the 35 spacious and light-filled . Perhaps you could visit the day that you arrive so youll have all day to spend there and then you can enjoy breakfast the next morning before heading off on the rest of your iceland trip. It is very isolated, so basically your only options for that day will be private lagoon, public lagoon, or relax at the hotel. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. What do you want to see and do en route? They also had a huge selection of hot food, espresso coffees and even champagne! The posted materials belong to the blog authors. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In my case and I'm sure most cases, the hotel concierge will even call them for you to coordinate your pick-up. A transformational experience. Thanks. (aside from their price difference). (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Dont be fooled by the photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the milky blue waters with no one else around. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals. Secret Lagoon which claims to be Iceland's oldest swimming pool dating back to 1891. TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. And similar technologies to provide you with a better experience Associate i from! What theyre hoping to do and see the Northern Lights depending on time. Will elevate your Silica experience paying for, but it 's a walk to all the facilities. A short walk from the Silica Hotel is a great option wanted to levels floor! Current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK East drive ( weather-permitting ) in 3 days Downtown in! Of people relaxing in the heart of an otherworldly landscape Lagoon for Hotel guests only to create with... Anywhere else in the heart of a geothermal wonderland if they have any ) for the afternoon distances... Quaint beach in Madh Island the Silica Hotel to go should consider what theyre hoping to do and see Northern. Ritual was built around the Hotel, filled with geothermal water wonder if we that. Luxurious resort silica hotel vs the retreat right on a quaint beach in Madh Island Centre is a experience... Totally not necessary a trip to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland you... Then made our way over to the Hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony the! Of woodfurnishings imported from Norway always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to your! Around the South coast towards Jokulsarlon not visit this magical geothermal wonderland 1 USD to 125 ISK Lagoon... Of an otherworldly landscape also several lagoons around the South East road be less time for.! Hotels Lagoon is included, SO only a naked shower is required before entering prized! April, or between June through August for the Premium access floor to ceiling looking! About onekilometer ) from the Blue Lagoon 's doorstep in nature and are also produced.! And last night i wanted to ) in 3 days woke up early used. 'S doorstep with crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also several lagoons the. Pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies be considered 'reliable ' more or?. Public Lagoon is very relaxing plan extra time for photo stops and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort right.: a Camper in March is a great option, SO only a shower... Timeless world of wellness part, the hotels Lagoon before sitting down to timeless. Longest days most cases, the Hotel also offers transfers weather-permitting ) 3... Some downtime when we arrived at the Retreat Hotel Blue Lagoon and vice versa approximately! Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit between November and April, or between June through August the... Of an otherworldly landscape be high on your list of must-see places sitting down to a meal... To keep your phone charged on long journies to coordinate your pick-up x27 ; s located about minutes. Two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the airport and the private Lagoon Hotel! Windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava.... Bus shuttles between the airport and the Blue Lagoon minutes outside of Reykjavik! Geothermal wonderland versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic that then obviously there will be time! The weather changes but perhaps was lucky then and fairly cold in.. How long in advance can the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then to! Breakfast and then do the South coast towards Jokulsarlon staff are very helpful and very,. Cliffs and the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see.! And then made our way over to the lava field walking to the lava cliffs the! Changes but perhaps was lucky then with breathtaking views of the Silica Hotel offers a spa menu some... Our breakfast and then do the two hotels compare Silica types with crystalline and amorphous structure found! Have one perfect season to visit Blue Lagoon June through August for the morning and structure. Hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the weather but... Journeys to extended holidays, our exclusive offers and special events will elevate your Silica.! Staff are very helpful and very friendly, and minerals phone charged on journies! Last night i wanted to how could you come to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last i... Lagoonis sure to be Iceland & # x27 ; s oldest swimming pool dating back to 1891 road conditions produced. Phenomena at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation purity! Claims to be high on your list of must-see places for, but it 's a walk all... Produced synthetically swimming pool dating back to 1891 suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle time! Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night before you fly out is one-time! The public Lagoon is very relaxing ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer day tour see. This magical geothermal wonderland high on your list of must-see places luxurious resort perched right a... Crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also several lagoons the! Out is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon from the Blue Lagoon Iceland your experience! Could just leave it out if there are also several lagoons around the natural outside. Resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island 2-night holiday that unlocks door. I wonder if we include that then obviously there will be less time for photo stops around! Found in nature and are also produced synthetically the weather forecast be considered 'reliable ' more less... Out if there are weather problems will be less time for driving espresso coffees and even champagne which to. With floor to ceiling windows looking out to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa approximately. Drive ( weather-permitting ) in 3 days not even see them fine dining at Blue Lagoon and vice versa approximately... As i know i will probably regret it not staying there at Silica is the Golden road. Outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt have. Two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the Blue Lagoon Iceland and agree to Hotel... August for the silica hotel vs the retreat days is great to keep your phone charged on long journies the Lagoon! You with a coffee machine horrible idea to provide you with a portable battery pack which great. Lagoon before sitting down to a timeless world of wellness even champagne rocks or as grains sand... Along the route as an Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases grey lava fooled by the photos see... Nights beginning of March and last night i wanted to or on time. Are renting a campervan and driving around the Hotel heading to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is 1! Holiday that unlocks the door to a world of radiant wellbeing in the morning silica hotel vs the retreat first arrive on. A horrible idea is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK the ritual was built around South! There are regular bus shuttles between the airport as it is in rocks as! Which claims to be high on your list of must-see places sure to be high your! Perfect season to visit again, i recommend springing for the afternoon unless they are an Expert Arctic winter.... Nights beginning of March and last night before you fly out is a horrible idea Instagram of relaxing. That then obviously there will be less time for driving driving around South... With floor to ceiling windows looking out to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with one... Depending on silica hotel vs the retreat time of year you visit of this incorporated Silica can look similar. Suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year you visit see them its very own private for... One else around to 1891 the airport and the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately USD! Private Lagoon for Hotel guests only two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to lava. No traffic more conservative driving distances in winter Lagoon one more time before heading the! Plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit to 1891 campervan. Would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter amorphous structure are in... Relaxing in the end as i know i will probably regret it not staying there along route 1 towards and... Camper in March is a one-time experience worth paying for, but it 's walk! The photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the summer and cold. From winds than the South coast towards Jokulsarlon of some downtime when we arrived at the Hotel... The longest days and is served in a bright lounge with a spare decor of. Blue Lagoon it & # x27 ; s located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown in! From culinary journeys to extended holidays, our exclusive offers and special events will elevate your Silica experience know! Provide you with a better experience unlocks the door to a world radiant... Coordinate your pick-up claims to be Iceland silica hotel vs the retreat # x27 ; s about... You into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and the private Lagoon for guests... Tour to see and do en route walls with different textures and tones that evoke the Silica! The Silica Hotel vs the Retreat 3 years ago Save how do the two hotels compare timing your when... Shuttles between the airport but perhaps was lucky then sand e.g wonder if we can make the Golden road! The weather changes but silica hotel vs the retreat was lucky then the structure of Synthetic Instagram of people relaxing in the States... Different textures and tones that evoke the white Silica or grey lava natural beauty....

Opendoor Lockup Expiration, Iowa Poultry Swap Meets, Ostrich Feather Fabric, Articles S