05/22/2026
Iceland. Yes, Iceland.
I know what some of you are thinking - why Iceland? It's cold, it's remote, it feels like a lot. But friends, let me stop you right there. Iceland is one of those places that genuinely doesn't feel like it belongs to this world. It's ethereal, dramatic, raw, and wildly beautiful in a way that photographs simply cannot capture. It's moody and mystical and magnetic. It pulls you in and you leave completely changed.
This is exactly why Nicole counts Iceland among her top 10 favorite countries in the world. And today, we are going to spend the day telling you exactly why.
So let's start with reason number one, and honestly, for some of you, this reason alone might be enough to book your seat.
Geothermal Pools.
Iceland sits on top of an incredibly active volcanic landscape, which means the earth there is literally alive beneath your feet. All of that geothermal energy heats water naturally, creating warm, mineral-rich pools that are woven into everyday Icelandic life. This isn't a luxury added for tourists. This is just how Icelanders live. They soak. They breathe. They exhale. It's part of their culture, their wellness, their rhythm.
Now picture this. You are outside. The air is crisp and cold, maybe even snowing softly around you. The sky above you could be a dramatic moody grey or lit up with the northern lights dancing overhead. And you are submerged in warm, silky, mineral-rich water that smells faintly of the earth. Your shoulders drop. Your jaw unclenches. Time slows down. That is the geothermal experience, and it is one of the most profoundly relaxing things you will ever do in your life.
If you are not the adventure type, if the idea of hiking glaciers or snowmobiling makes you want to close the browser tab, hear me when I say this - Iceland still has an entire trip waiting for you. You could genuinely fill every single day of an Iceland trip with nothing but soaking, resting, sipping something warm, and staring at the most stunning landscapes you have ever seen. No hiking required.
Here are some of the best geothermal experiences available on our trip:
In and around Reykjavik, you will find the city's beloved public pools called sundlaugar. These are neighborhood pools that locals visit daily. They are affordable, authentic, and deeply relaxing. The Vesturbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug pools are wonderful examples. These are not fancy. They are just pure, warm, simple bliss and a beautiful window into real Icelandic life.
Then there are the lagoons, and this is where things become truly special.
The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous geothermal experience in the world, and for good reason. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just about 20 minutes from the airport, it is surrounded by ancient black lava fields. The water is this surreal, milky, luminous blue. It almost looks fake. It is not. It is full of silica and minerals that leave your skin feeling incredibly soft. There are in-water bars, silica mud masks, steam caves, and a serene, floaty atmosphere that makes it hard to ever want to get out. Prices range depending on the package you choose, starting around 60 to 80 euros and going up from there for premium experiences. Reservations are absolutely required and they do sell out, so this is not something you want to leave to chance.
Along the South Coast and Golden Circle route, you will find Sky Lagoon and the Krauma Geothermal Baths. Krauma is smaller, quieter, and incredibly intimate. It draws its water from Deildartunguhver, which is actually Europe's most powerful hot spring. It is peaceful in a way that feels almost meditative.
And then there is Sky Lagoon. Nicole's personal favorite.
Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and it sits right on the edge of the ocean just outside Reykjavik. The infinity edge of the lagoon looks out over the North Atlantic, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. On a dramatic, cloudy day, it feels like you are floating at the edge of the earth. The seven-step ritual they offer takes you through a cold plunge, a sauna, a cold mist, and a warm soak, and by the end of it, your nervous system has essentially melted in the best possible way. It is zen. It is cinematic. It is the kind of experience you think about for years. Prices start around 65 euros for the pure pass and go up for the sky pass which includes the full ritual experience. Reservations are required here as well.
The good news is that transportation to these lagoons can be arranged for you. You do not need to worry about renting a car or figuring out buses. We take care of getting you there so all you have to do is show up and sink in.
If your idea of a perfect trip involves spa days, warm water, mineral-rich soaks, beautiful surroundings, and genuine relaxation rather than a packed adventure itinerary, Iceland might just be your dream destination in disguise. You can wake up slowly, make your way to a lagoon, soak for hours, eat something wonderful, watch the sky change colors, and call that a perfect day. Because it is.
More on what makes Iceland so magical coming throughout the day. Stay with us.
And if you want to get in on our November 7 - 14th trip, then email today: [email protected]
