Iceland is recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s a destination at the top of many bucket lists, including mine. While the country’s natural beauty is mesmerizing, the wellness traditions are indeed the sweet spot for visitors seeking a vacation filled with rejuvenation and well-being in mind.
For generations, locals have embraced relaxation at community outdoor heated swimming pools, now recognized on the UNESCO’s “intangible cultural heritage” list.
It’s no surprise that the geothermal hot pools, similar to hot springs venues, are major tourist attractions, especially at the Sky Lagoon near Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.
Now if you want an unforgettable therapeutic experience, you’ll want to indulge in their 7-step Skjól ritual.
Step 1: Laug Lagoon
Your path to wellness starts indoors and a few steps later you’re outside walking through geothermal waters and surrounded by high stone wall structures. The steam from the lagoon radiates during each step as you make your way through an alluring maze.
One final right turn and you’re immediately captivated by the spectacular views of the North Atlantic Ocean while you’re still walking in the warm waters towards the infinity edge for a closer look at the ocean’s depth.
Step 2: Kuldi Cold
Next to the lagoon looks like a hot tub, but it’s a cold plunge pool that’s about 41°F. This experience is known to have health benefits like reducing inflammation, minimizing muscle soreness, and boosting your immune system. Let’s just say I didn’t last 30 seconds, but I did it!
Step 3: Ylur Warmth
Scan your bracelet, and now you’ve entered well-curated moments of relaxation.
Choose from not one, but two huge, beautifully designed sauna rooms to sit in stillness and sweat out toxins. The highlight is the breathtaking day and nighttime ocean views from any space in each room.
You can capture views and memories on camera in one sauna where cell phones are allowed.
Step 4: Súld Drizzle
Cool down by sitting or standing in a space where cold mist sprays you lightly from above in another special room. I didn’t stay long, but it is invigorating.
Step 5: Mýkt Softness
Walk into an open area where you grab a dish filled with Sky Lagoon’s signature body scrub. The skin exfoliator contains almond and sesame seed oils.
Step 6: Gufa Steam
Let the scrub melt off your body in the steam room. This was my favorite room because the area is dark, yet bright, and still gives you a sense of solitude, although it’s a communal space.
Step 7: Saft Elixir
The ritual ends with a delicious, locally made elixir featuring Icelandic crowberries.
You don’t have to worry about time or order throughout the ritual, but you are only allowed to experience Steps 3-7 once for safety reasons.
Once you return to the lagoon, order a cocktail from the pool bar and linger in the waters while fully immersed in the Icelandic atmosphere.
For more about Sky Lagoon, visit SkyLagoon.com.
For hotel recommendations, check out CenterHotels.com.
For more travel stories, follow @travelinstylewithtomeka.