Stepping into the Sky Lagoon
Leaving Iceland without visiting a lagoon was not an option for me. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous -- its bright blue waters and mud masks kept popping up on my Tik Tok "For You Page," and every website from Viator to Trip Advisor called it a "must visit." But images and videos of visits to the Sky Lagoon also made their way into my research. It was visually stunning in a relaxed way, and I knew I had to go.
I had already decided while planning my first-ever solo trip to Iceland, that I would return to the land of ice and fire. So with this visit limited to four days, I decided to visit the Sky Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon, and when I returned with friends later in life -- I would make sure to visit the Blue Lagoon.
I picked the Sky Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon for a few reasons:
I saw a few horror stories about the silicones in the water destroying people's hair. I had my hair in braids so that added an extra layer of nightmare since I wouldn't be able to wash my hair afterwards or properly condition it ahead of my visit.
I wanted to get videos and images, and shooting by myself would be hard and awkward enough without being in a packed lagoon. Due to the popularity of the Blue Lagoon, I feared it would be full.
Sky Lagoon appeared very natural and in line with its surroundings. The infinity pool aspect of the lagoon helped it blend into the sea that it overlooked. It was designed to be very natural looking.
Finally, I found Sky Lagoon to be a better value. Blue Lagoon's lowest tier package came with entrance, a mud mask, a drink, and a towel for $65. The next tier came with a bathrobe, two additional masks, and a glass of sparkling wine in addition to the first tier amenities for $83. Blue Lagoon's top tier includes private changing rooms, a spa with a sauna, the Blue Lagoon ritual, and the previous tiers' amenities for $500. Sky Lagoon's lowest tier for entry alone was $60. Next up was the Pure Pass for $75 which would get you the seven step ritual in addition to entry. For $100 you can get the seven step ritual and a private changing room.
I paid $100 for the Sky Pass which got me a private changing room and shower and access to the seven step ritual.
When I arrived I checked in where they handed me a bronze wristband. The wristband was essential for opening my locker and running a tab at the bar. Sky Lagoon also has a café and shop which I didn't visit but I could have made purchases via the wristband there as well.
After I got the low-down, I stepped into my private room to shower and change into my bathing suit. The Sky Lagoon was my last stop in Reykjavik on my way to the airport, so I was happy to have my own locker that fit my carry-on and personal items before I stepped into the lagoon.
As soon as I stepped out into the lagoon entry point, I was sad that I would have to leave so soon. The water was warm and welcoming, and there was a light fog resting on top of it. The rock formations surrounding the lagoon waters had light moss and grass on top. All of this could have been manufactured, but these features added to the nature-like atmosphere.
The first step of the ritual is lounging in the lagoon. I made my reservation for the first available time at noon, so it wasn’t too packed. There was plenty of space along the infinity edge for me to rest and relax before heading to step two.
The second step is the cold plunge. Cold plunges are supposed to be great for the immune system and increase your blood flow. I stepped out of the lagoon and into the cold plunge and managed to stay in the icy water for about a minute or two. After I got out, one of the staff recommended staying in the cold plunge for about five minutes -- but since you can only experience the ritual once, I couldn't go back. I also did not want to go back because I started to lose feeling in my toes. #AnemicProblems
Step three is the sauna. The sauna was not as hot as I prefer, but it was breathtaking. A window took up the entirety of one wall, so the experience felt like sitting in a picture frame staring out into the gulf.
Step four is a stimulating cold mist. Jumping from the sauna to the cold mist was a shock. The mix of hot and warm throughout the ritual is great for the senses and the cold mist room was also beautiful. Thanks to the constant mix and the open air ceiling -- there's a constant rainbow in this small room.
Step five is the cleansing scrub which includes a mix of almond and sesame oil. I love the smell of almond oil and I never thought to use it on my skin! I rubbed this all over my body and scrubbed it into my skin before stepping into the steam room for step six.
There was almost no visibility in the steam room but it was as hot as I wanted the sauna to be. The steam helped the oil mixture melt further into my skin. I rubbed some of the scrub in further to help things along and I felt so soft as I headed out to complete the ritual.
The final step was a shower to cleanse off some of the oil before heading back into the lagoon.
With the seven step ritual complete, I had the rest of my time to relax in the lagoon and do as I pleased. The staff recommends dedicating two hours to the lagoon - including the ritual - and to take your time at each step. I had a flight to catch so I only had an hour and a half at the Sky Lagoon, and I wish I had more time.
At the bar, I added a glass of Moët to my tab using my wristband and sipped it in the lagoon. While lounging, I got to hang out with another fellow solo woman traveler who recognized me during an earlier part of the ritual from a tour we were on the previous day. What a small island!
The next time I go to Iceland I'll give the Blue Lagoon a try, but I'll also make time to revisit the Sky Lagoon. It's an absolute wonder, and a great place to relax and reflect.
P.S. I took all of these photos on my iPhone. While these phones claim to be water resistant, I didn't take any chances and I used this phone pouch.
