Custom-made facades and screens within the spa and hotel feature a. Several travel companies within Iceland offer various Blue Lagoon experiences, including both vacation day trips as well as quick lay-over trips to the lagoon. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. In contrast to the large crowds and boisterous energy of the Blue Lagoon, the energy at the. An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. MinimalistScandinavianfurnishings include cube stools, couches, and sleek sitting chairs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. Love all the advice in the article. They would then make use of the hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). I did the South East route a few years back by myself and it was very memorable (also in March but it may have been later in March). I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Enjoy the robe, the flip flops, the included drink at the swim-up bar in the lagoon, and the included silica and algae masks. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. Golden circle or part of it, seemed like an obvious/safe choice to start with. (aside from their price difference). Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. It has the unique mix of minerals and seawater algae that's found only in Iceland. They have a 4-course tasting menu which changes daily and features traditional Icelandic dishes. The main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as a cafe, and a lagoon-side bar. To receive our articles and reviews straight to your inbox Subscribe Here. Thank you in advance for advice between these two stays. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The forecast starts being reliable about 48-24 hours ahead of time, but you will still have to check every morning before you start driving and if necessary change your plans. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. This is a major bummer not only because you traveled 40-minutes from Reykjavik for nothing, but also because you get to stare at the lagoon but not go in! We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with top tips for saving money when you travel! First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. This year my girlfriend and I decided to go to Iceland in February, and it just so happened to cross paths with Valentine's Day. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Experience the landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. There are regular bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel. Iceland We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Unforgettable cuisine. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. The contemporary bathrooms have heated towel racks and large walk-in rainfall showers. Hopefully, you already purchased them days ago, as they sell out rather quickly and many families take the bus all the way there only to find out that they will not sell them passes. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. We visited the Blue Lagoon both early morning and in the evening. Get answers to your questions about Iceland, Wild camping with a vehicle is illegal in Iceland, What ,,not to do when traveling in Iceland", Taxi/Bus costs from KEF Airport to Reykjavik. Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel are the two . You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. Also, how many nights would you recommend? I was also so confused that I drove for about 40 mins in the wrong direction with no spaces to turn around, water on either sides of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Booking the half-day trip to the Blue Lagoon will allow you to return to Reykjavik for exploration, other tours, or the shopping/bar scene, while also keeping some extra ISK in your pocket! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are keener on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at the Silica Hotel. Take all of that stress off the table and purchase your passes in advance. What do you want to see and do en route? How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Required fields are marked *. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. You. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. Show on map, I agree to receive marketing communications and agree to the. Meeting/Banquet facilitiesAdditional charge. The hotel offers its own private lagoon which is available for our guests every day. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. From black sand beaches to natural hot springs, from lava fields to Icelandic ponies, this country offers a huge variety as far as what to, Grindavik, Southern Peninsula 240, Iceland, http://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/silica-hotel. Silica Hotel Named for the Blue Lagoon's iconic healing element and architected into a vast lava plain, Silica Hotel is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Thanks. Would it not be worth it renting a small 4WD camper thingy just in case the weather might be reasonable (and book hotels along the route in case it is not). Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. You will have to be flexible. Factor this into your plans for the day and give yourself a time cushion to shower (yes you MUST shower both before you get in the lagoon and after you get in the lagoon), and to lounge around. Complete with a tranquil vibe in both atmosphere and design, this spa-like retreat is an ideal base from which to explore the active volcanoes, geothermal mud pools, rock formations, and rugged landscape of the UNESCO-protected Reykjanes Peninsula and to enjoy direct Blue Lagoon access. From culinary journeys to extended holidays, our exclusive offers and special events will elevate your Silica experience. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. The biggest draw of the Silica Hotel, is of course, the fact that it has its own private Blue Lagoon for hotel guests only. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. The weather can be different across the next mountain pass or around the next bend, so you may need the skills to handle bad conditions, even if you started driving in good weather on dry roads and the forecast looked good. Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? The posted materials belong to the blog authors. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. Its not just for the elite, either. The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. On the day of my arrival, am I entitled to breakfast before I have checked in? Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! I personally stayed in Iceland for eight days and seven nights, with my last night at the alluring Silica Hotel; a luxury hotel only a 5-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon via a path through the surrounding moss-covered lava fields (a beautiful walk, especially at sunset, by the way). Dont be fooled by the photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the milky blue waters with no one else around. Its quite expensive so you want to allow plenty of time to enjoy yourself. Specifically what amenities come with the room between the two hotels? How do the two hotels compare? I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. Do you mean lava tube caves or ice caves? It is both comfortable and affordable. The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. Your email address will not be published. It is very isolated, so basically your only options for that day will be private lagoon, public lagoon, or relax at the hotel. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. For the Northern Lights, plan to visit between November and April, or between June through August for the longest days. (aside from their price difference). Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. What's the West coast like? I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. PRICE FROM $412. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). The Luxury admission is very much not worth the money, you can save yourself a few hundred dollars on that right off the bat, in case you were considering it. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. But if your budget allows you to splash out for just one night, spend it at the Silica Hotel! If you're looking for a Blue . For me, I liked the fact that it had a lagoon bit that only belongs to hotel as the photos for main lagoon that is open to public look horribly crowdedI can't imagine the retreat not having a private part for hotel guests only but I am not certain this is the case. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. We had the hotels lagoon mostly to ourselves for the afternoon. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I'd love it if someone who had stayed at both Silica Hotel and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. It was very relaxing with the vast majority of guests swanning around the breakfast room in their bathrobes. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Lego 79015 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Thanks. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is all weather permitting obviously. Paths lead through the natural terrainto the main facilities, and guests should be aware that they will have a 15-minute hike to the hotel if they're dropped off at the main resort area. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. One of Iceland's most popular places, The Blue Lagoon, is located about 6 miles (10 km) from Reykjavik and close to the fishing village of Grendavik. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. This is all weather permitting obviously. The atmosphere at the Silica Hotel is very calm and serene and from the moment we arrived, we felt like we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience. What's the West coast like? Thanks. We literally had the entire place to ourselves for at least an hour before one other couple joined us. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. I remember I liked it a lot when i stopped there for a break from driving. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. But from photos, Silica looks a lot simpler with its interior (but very nice also). (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. road tripping through the south of Iceland, Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers, South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (Pocket Travel Guide), Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Icelands Blue Lagoon, 10 Things You Cant Miss In Reykjavik, Iceland, 11 Most Instagrammable Places In Southern Iceland, 8 Stops Not To Miss On Icelands Ring Road, Road Trip Inspiration: 10 Must-See Places In Southern Iceland, How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland, Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice, Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out, 7 Ways To Go Off The Beaten Path In Iceland, THE 20 BEST GIRLS GETAWAYS IN EUROPE FOR FALL, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE. As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Many travellers stopover in Iceland for a night when travelling between Europe and North America, just to spend the night at the Blue Lagoon! Conceived for wellness and designed for wellbeing, each room is the foundation of an enchanting experience. Read more about Iceland before you go! The same company offers both tickets, so be sure to ask them if that is also your plan! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice.