Snapshot: The enchanting Blue Lagoon

The icy blue vastness stretches into a distant mist, a vision of calm and quiet. Setting foot on the premises feels like you’ve stepped onto a foreign planet- strange and oddly fascinating.

The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland is a geothermal spa nestled in a lava field where its steamy waters are part of a lava formation. Located in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, the spa is one of Iceland’s most visited attractions.

The lagoon may look like nature’s gift, but in reality, it’s man-made, constantly filled by the nearby geothermal power plant and renewed fortnightly. Word is that people make the pilgrimage to the Blue Lagoon from all over because its warm waters contain rich minerals like silica and sulphur, and has the healing power for people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. Before you get all skeptical at the idea, the spa actually operates a Research and Development facility to help find cures for skin ailments using mineral-rich water.

A trip to the Blue Lagoon can stretch up to hours. The spa facilities include dry sauna, steam room and even a man-made waterfall around the lagoon perimeters. Staff periodically fill up the white silica mud around the lagoon edges. You can lounge in the lagoon for a long period of time without realising it. To avoid feeling the need to rush, go early. Must try- the water massage.

Tip: go ahead, shower at its facility. The spa features exclusive Blue Lagoon shower cream and gel you’ll love.

Trivia: the Blue Lagoon made an appearance on The Amazing Race 6 as the pit-stop during one of the legs. It was also featured in the filming of Hostel: Part II, where its thermal spa scenes took place.