“The centerpiece of the Sky Lagoon experience is its 7-step ritual, or Ritualinn, a carefully curated sequence designed to rejuvenate the body and mind while immersing guests in Icelandic traditions..”

The Azure Road Take

Did you know you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of a steamy lagoon with a glass of Champagne in hand? Welcome to Iceland’s Sky Lagoon, a destination spa that reimagines the wellness experience by blending national bathing traditions with contemporary practices. Situated just minutes from Reykjavík, this geothermal spa sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean offering breathtaking views from the lava rock pools and a tranquil yet social atmosphere. The highlight of the Sky Lagoon is its signature 7-step ritual, a holistic journey inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions that combines relaxation, exfoliation, and rejuvenation. This transporting experience, meant to shepherd guests through the phases of Icelandic life with its cultural references, has quickly become a must-visit for travelers seeking wellness connected to local tradition.

Sustainability Chops

Sky Lagoon was conceived with sustainability at its heart. Its architecture draws from Icelandic heritage, incorporating turf walls made of lava rock and other local materials, which not only minimize environmental impact but also connect visitors to the land’s history. The lagoon is heated using Iceland’s abundant geothermal energy, a renewable resource. Additionally, the spa prioritizes accessibility, with facilities designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges or invisible disabilities as well as non-binary gender. This thoughtful approach to eco-conscious luxury positions Sky Lagoon as a model of sustainable wellness tourism.

The Treatment

The centerpiece of the Sky Lagoon experience is its 7-step ritual, or Ritualinn, a carefully curated sequence designed to rejuvenate the body and mind while immersing guests in Icelandic traditions.

1. Slow Down and Relax in the Lagoon (Kósývatn): Begin with a soothing soak in the warm geothermal waters of the lagoon, which relaxes muscles and calms the mind.
2. Cool Down with a Cold Plunge (Kaldi): Follow the soak with a brisk dip in the cold plunge pool, a traditional Icelandic practice that invigorates circulation and awakens the senses.
3. Relax and Enjoy the View in the Sauna (Heiti Potturinn): Step into the sauna, where panoramic ocean views help clear the mind while the heat opens pores and promotes detoxification.
4. Refresh in a Cold Mist (Kaldur Þokan): Step into a cooling mist to close pores and refresh the skin after the sauna.
5. The Sky Body Scrub (Skúbb-Skrúbb): Apply the lagoon’s signature sea salt scrub to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.
6. Steam Bath (Gufubað): Enter the steam room with the scrub still on your skin, allowing the heat and humidity to amplify the scrub’s hydrating and cleansing effects.
7. Shower and Relaxation (Sturta): Rinse off the scrub in a cleansing shower, then return to the warm waters of the lagoon for a final moment of tranquility.

This thoughtful blend of heat, cold, exfoliation, and hydration leaves both the body and mind feeling completely renewed.

Spa Location

Sky Lagoon’s serene setting on the outskirts of Reykjavík offers a perfect escape from the city while remaining easily accessible. Its infinity-edge pool appears to merge seamlessly with the ocean, creating a visual connection to Iceland’s calming nature. The lagoon features spacious changing facilities, with options for both public and private spaces, catering to all comfort levels. While there isn’t an on-site hotel, the lagoon offers a cozy café and bar called the Keimur Café and Smakk Bar where visitors can enjoy Icelandic pastries, coffee, and light refreshments or beer and wine before or after their soak. The emphasis on local flavors and materials extends to the retail shop, which features handmade products like sea salts and skincare crafted in Iceland.

Staff Vibe

The staff at Sky Lagoon are as warm and welcoming as the geothermal waters. From the moment I arrived, I felt cared for, with staff taking the time to explain each step of the ritual and ensuring I felt comfortable throughout. Their attention to detail extended to helping guests navigate the facilities, answering questions, and offering helpful tips to maximize the experience.

Sky Lagoon offers more than just a spa day — it’s an immersion into Iceland’s natural beauty and traditions. The combination of stunning scenery, sustainable practices, and thoughtful wellness offerings makes this a standout destination for anyone seeking relaxation with a deeper connection to place.

If you’re looking to compare Sky Lagoon with Blue Lagoon, read the Azure Road report here.

For tips on where to eat in Reykjavík, check out my Food & Wine article.