reykjavik - geothermal awesomeness
**All photos of Sky Lagoon are from various photographers. Though phones are permitted, we left ours behind for a fully present experience.**
Back in grade school, I recall having to remember countries on a rudimentary map. The only thing I know of Iceland is the name.
A week prior to our visit, Google-ing reveals that Iceland is home to at least 45
geothermal pools. Soaking in them is something not to be missed! I bypass the most popular choice ( sorry, Blue Lagoon ) and discover its sister, Sky Lagoon, a more luxurious and true Icelandic experience. Numbers are limited, and no kids under 12 have access. Included in this visit is a 7-step ritual called Skjol.
I am beyond excited! Trevor is not quite sure, yet, is game to try.
Entering the ornate turf structure, we are welcomed into this Icelandic house with rich woods and stone under cozy lighting. Every detail has been deeply thought through, so one can excessively enjoy each moment. With all belongings stowed away, and after a cleansing shower, we don swimwear and journey directly from the turf house into the thermal lagoon. These waters feel delicious as we transition to the cool outside air. High walls crowned with grasses and lichen hold in the steam, giving this an ethereal feel. Birds flit overhead and chase each other as we slowly swim through a wide labyrinth. An opening pulls us forward, and once beyond the steam, an expanse so stunning reveals it elicits expressions of great surprise. This geothermal infinity pool faces the Arctic Ocean, giving the impression that one could swim out to sea.
Rarely does an experience exceed my expectations; this is beyond wild! Trevor is now quite sure he is happy to be here.
Everyone present speaks in a low voice as there is a reverence known across language and culture. We slowly swim the heated waters, exploring edges and nooks. Around one corner, we discover a swim-up bar and procure a drink. A relaxed and joyful energy sits over the lagoon. Conversation is shared with a few fellow guests as we imbibe, then head off to the second step in our Skjol journey.
Dear gawd, a cold plunge!
Grateful no children are present, a string of expletives falls out of my mouth. I am no Wim Hof follower - Trevor is calm and takes his time.
Dashing into the next turf hut, I am grateful to find a sauna awaits. We enter and are once again blown away. The silence in here is that of a library. With wide eyes, we mouth our ‘WOWS’ as a massive windowed sauna overlooking the ocean invites us in. Similar silent and exaggerated expression plays across each new face.
A few alternating moments between the cold plunge to sauna, and we move further into this journey. Cool mists greet us next with stunning design. A massive rock is lodged above as the sunlight filters through, creating a circular rainbow in the fine droplets. For some reason, this room elicits my inner kid. I cannot help standing with arms stretched out, looking skyward and mouth open. Peeking over, I see Trevor in the exact same pose.
From here, we are each handed a small pottery dish filled with a salt and oil blend. We scrub ourselves and each other to finely polished and pink. After a lovely steam, then shower, an elixir of crowberries is consumed, and we are released back into the lagoon completely rejuvenated.
I feel like a new human as we float buoyantly in body and spirit through the thermal pool once again. After another hour, we are ready to be poured into a carafe and carried home.
Tonight we sleep deeply, even though spring brings bright evenings stretching out to smudge the line between late afternoon and daybreak.
Before we depart, a walk along the water’s edge shows hints of purple that will eventually carpet the land. If your attention is fully present, large geese can be found watching, hidden in tall grasses. Thank you, Reykjavik!
The next time a spa day ( or rather week ) calls, you can find us here!
