This is all weather permitting obviously. This post may contain affiliate links. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Thanks. The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Read more about the Lagoon's history and healing here. 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. It is both comfortable and affordable. Here are 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the Silica Hotel is totally worth it. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Whatever you do, do NOT get a taxi from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel, or you will be staring at a $140 USD taxi receipt. 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. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). 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. Enjoy the robe, the flip flops, the included drink at the swim-up bar in the lagoon, and the included silica and algae masks. Norurljsavegur 7 Not worth it at all. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. (aside from their price difference). Whether youre in the sub-zero temperatures of Iceland or soaking up rays on the island Santorini, views seem to be better from a pool. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. However, owing to the fluid's high concentration of silica, proper drainage did not occur and a beautiful body of water took shape. The hotel is very family friendly, and offers children's robes and floating. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). It was made up of massive black bubbles of lava that have hardened and in some cases, hollowed over thousands of years and are now covered in green moss and snow. So timing your stay when you first arrive or on the last night before you fly out is a great option. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. The dining room is on two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the blue lagoon. 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. 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). 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 am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. 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. They have a 4-course tasting menu which changes daily and features traditional Icelandic dishes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105370593', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and worrying about being blown off the road as the wind picked upJust thought I should share the experiences with wife who can be bit more squeamish about these things :) this can get addictive. Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Thanks. Silica types with crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also produced synthetically. From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. 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. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Volcanic architecture. 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. Reykjavik is about 40 minutes away by car, and Keflavik International Airport is a 20-minute drive to the north. Hilton Munich Airport is the nearest with a distance of 0.1 mi from this airport. The hotel's 35 rooms come in single or double varieties, with hardwood floors and a simple decor in shades of light blue and gray. Location of Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland. Privacy Policy. 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. . The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krna (ISK). This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? One of the Blue Lagoon Iceland hotel is named Silica Hotel and the other one is a highly recommended hotel, brand new, opened in 2018 and is named The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. 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. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. 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. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. 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. If you're looking for a Blue . But the next morning there was no visibility and a lot of snow. Free! I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. What do you want to see and do en route? Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Iceland's Blue Lagoon Hotel -#iceland #bluelagoonmocktail #hotel #nature #top10 Audio Credits: Song: 'Miguel Johnson -. 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. Enjoy a variety of tours and activities during your stay. Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. It has the unique mix of minerals and seawater algae that's found only in Iceland. 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. Volcanic architecture. How do the two hotels compare? You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! 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. What are the opening hours for Silica Lagoon? 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). Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. 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. Visiting the Blue Lagoon is a must-do experience in Iceland, and staying at the Silica and Retreat Hotel is the perfect way to visit this once in a lifetime destination! If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. The best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you would like to do. 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. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. The amazing views of the sparkling blue ocean with the resort at its edge create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge in. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). The hotel offers its own private lagoon which is available for our guests every day. Make sure you check the bus schedule and plan accordingly, otherwise you'll get out of the lagoon, shower, get your things and walk out only to see a license plate driving away into the distance, and have to wait around for the next one, losing precious time in the beautiful country. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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 plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Will ask the hotel. Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? You will have to be flexible. Are These 5 Trendy Destinations Still Worth Visiting? Alternatively, you may use. 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. In-room minibar (soft drinks, wine and Icelandic beer), Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? Conceived for wellness and designed for wellbeing, each room is the foundation of an enchanting experience. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? At our Madh Island beach resort, you can spend a day on the beach while spending a relaxing night indoors. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. Never just stop by the side of the road, people have gotten killed that way, because the next driver didn't see them in the dark. You will have to be flexible. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. 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. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. 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. 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. If you did not purchase bus tickets yet, you can walk inside the terminal and buy them there; it is very easy. Its not just for the elite, either. It features light woods, stone and natural fibres. Hospitality at Silica is the gateway to a world of wellness. 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. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. We had the hotels lagoon mostly to ourselves for the afternoon. We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369973', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. See all 17 articles. 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. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. If youre planning a trip to Iceland, the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see places. This is a country bordering the Arctic Circle in winter. Thanks. Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Alternatively, you may use. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our global travel community, where we empower women to wander the world with confidence! The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. So if the elusive Aurora Borealis decides to show up, you are only steps away from hopping into the hotels lagoon and gazing away at the night sky. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. Iceland is part of the European Schengen zone, which typically provides 90 days of free entry every 180 days to visitors from many countries. As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Combining sublime comfort at Silica Hotel and classic Icelandic cuisine at Lava Restaurant, this overnight experience opens a world of radiant wellbeing. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices. It is a little pricey. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? You will have to be flexible. A transformational experience. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. Will report. We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We literally had the entire place to ourselves for at least an hour before one other couple joined us. The style of the hotel is modern simplicity. I closed my eyes and clicked "Book," trying to pretend that if I didn't see it, maybe it would cost me less. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google. You. This means you can enter Iceland and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay. If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! Full hour-long massages can be takenin-water, while floating gently on a rubber mat. 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. is a crystalline silica, whereas the silica which is incorporated in plants is amorphous. The lagoon is in fact not natural, and was caused by a man-made structure for excess water from the power . We even woke up early and used the private lagoon one more time before heading to the airport. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. What do you want to see and do en route? Dont be fooled by the photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the milky blue waters with no one else around. 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). A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. The pick would have to be the in-water massage. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. (aside from their price difference). A night at Silica Hotel featuring five luxurious hours at the Retreat Spaan exquisite subterranean sanctuary that brings you into harmony with the rejuvenating powers of the volcanic earth. Want to ride horses with Fabio-style manes, Blue Lagoon Clinic Ive just returned from a last-minute jaunt around Iceland and as it turns out, the land of ice and fire is just as majestic as youd imagine. 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. And there aren't many nice hotels (from looks of it) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather. 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. Otherwise, I am not sure how else to break the journey up; first day on arrival, we obviously won't make it very far in any case, whether the weather is good or poor. Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa | Blue Lagoon Iceland Duration One night Seasons All year Age limit 12 years Location Silica Hotel Package: 1 night Silica - Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa Price from $873 for two persons Availability and Rates Offer description The serene atmosphere makes the Silica popular with couples, as well as with those seeking treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Silica Hotel Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland 1 Rm, 2 Guests See All Grindavik Hotels Overview Full Review Photos Room Rates Amenities Map Pros Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon and its spa Stunning landscape of mountains and lava flows Private geothermal bathing pool Understated rooms have patios with incredible views