THERMAL SPA
Katie Barnes, editor, Spa Business
Blue Lagoon launches The Retreat A subterranean spa built into an 800-year-old lava flow forms part of a significant expansion at Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon
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ttracting up to 1 million visitors last year, Blue Lagoon geothermal springs is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé have taken to its waters, while Microsoft founder Bill Gates reportedly booked the entire site for a twilight swim. With such growing demand, the opening of its first luxury offering, the Retreat, has been highly anticipated. The all-suite hotel, restaurant and spa – which have been in development for four years – launched in April and represent a significant expansion for the attraction. “We’re proud to finally be able to share the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland with the world,” says founder and CEO Grímur Saemundsen, who’s received awards for his progressive approach in tourism. It’s been his long-term vision for Blue Lagoon to become an epicentre for health and wellbeing. “Our team and partners have worked extremely hard to bring this luxury experience to life and we are beyond excited to welcome guests to our new property,” he adds.
Subterranean spa
Founder Saemundsen is “beyond excited” about the launch
40 spabusiness.com issue 2 2018
©CYBERTREK 2018
The underground Retreat Spa built into an 800-year-old lava flow is a core part of the extension. Open to overnight guests and day visitors, the 4,000sq m (43,056sq ft) spa has steamrooms and saunas warmed by the heat of volcanic rocks, a cold well,