Skip to main content

First Luxury Hotel Set to Open at Iceland’s Iconic Blue Lagoon

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is among the country’s most popular attractions and — with the recent explosion of American tourism — it has the crowds to prove it. The thermal hot spring is rarely as pristine and tourist-free as the publicity shots would have potential visitors believe. This fall, boutique luxury property Moss Hotel will open its doors at the water’s edge to provide private, unprecedented access to the eight-hundred-year-old lagoon.

A typically crowded afternoon. Image used with permission by copyright holder

On paper, it’s difficult to imagine how a large cauldron of soupy wastewater from a nearby geothermal power station could become so popular. In person, it’s another matter entirely. The volcanic topography and otherworldly after-dark glow of the mineral-rich water are a microcosm of Iceland’s landscape as a whole. It’s a beautiful, alien, and even spiritual experience.

Recommended Videos

Moss Hotel recognizes many of the lagoon’s hundreds of thousands of annual visitors want a more personal and private way to enjoy its waters. The intimate, 62-room property features a modern industrial design of angular concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic lagoon views, and tasteful Scandinavian minimalist furnishings. Every room offers a wide terrace or balcony with sweeping views of the water and volcanic fields mere feet away. The result is a seamless integration of the hotel’s architecture into the natural landscape.

Lava Cove Spa Image used with permission by copyright holder

Guests will also have access to a private swimming area distinguished from the lagoon’s main wading pool. The hotel will be part of a full-featured complex that includes Lava Cove — a luxury underground spa built into the naturally occurring volcanic rock — with a lava rock steam room, a sauna, and a menu of natural mineral treatments. If that isn’t disco enough for you, Hidden Cove provides an exclusive, ultra-private “spa within a spa” that includes a butler, private masseuse, and on-call chef.

Moss Restaurant Image used with permission by copyright holder

The on-site Moss Restaurant will offer top-shelf food and drink selections. Among them: an authentic Icelandic, seven-course dining experience at the Chef’s Table. An upscale lounge, simply named The Lounge, perched atop the restaurant will provide a relaxed space for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amid panoramic views of the volcanic fields.

The hotel is set to open its doors in fall 2017. While views of the finished product are only available as artist renderings, the stunning landscape and ultra-luxe rooms already have us planning our next trip to Iceland.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Yes, you’re probably overpacking — 7 travel tips for packing I swear by
Years of travel mistakes led me here. These tips actually work
An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.

But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.

Read more
Move over Vegas — this U.S. city is now the top casino spot
Is Chicago the new Las Vegas?
Casino

Before you book your next trip to Las Vegas, you might want to consider a surprising alternative. A new ranking from gaming aggregator SlotMatrix reveals that Sin City isn’t even in the top three casino destinations in the U.S. In fact, Las Vegas came in fourth place, while the number one spot went to an unexpected winner: Chicago, Illinois.

The study analyzed several factors, including the number of casinos per 100,000 residents, casino amenities like hotels and restaurants, the number of slot machines, table games, poker tables, late-night bar options, and average hotel prices.

Read more
Luggage shipping gains popularity as travelers seek stress-free flying
Avoid long baggage claim waits and lost luggage stresses
Man carrying luggage in both hands

In case you are unaware, AAA says a record-setting 72.2 million Americans are estimated to travel ahead of Independence Day this week (between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 4th). AAA projects that this year's domestic travel forecast will surpass 1.7 million travelers over last year, and 7 million more than in 2019. Busy summer travel also means an increased chance of encountering common airport hassles, such as long wait times at baggage claim, and even lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. Travelers are also looking for new ways to avoid rising checked bag fees and overweight baggage fees.

As a solution, more travelers are turning to luggage shipping as an alternative to make their summer journeys a bit smoother. With luggage shipping options at The UPS store, specialty luggage boxes are used to accommodate a wide variety of the most common suitcase sizes. For airlines with strict size and weight regulations, using luggage shipping may offer an easier, stress-free option to transport your belongings without the hassle. Travelers with specific mobility issues or with multiple suitcases have also turned to luggage shipping as a more straightforward solution than navigating busy airports with numerous suitcases at once.

Read more