We pre booked this before we left for Iceland, so we could plan it into our itinerary. We opted for the ‘Pure’ date night package which was in the public changing area, and included the 7 steps ritual, drink at the bar, and a snack. You’ll have to pick an arrival time, too.
We took a taxi from the hotel to the Sky Lagoon, which was around 4600 ISK (£26) one way. The hotel have a ‘magic button’ they press behind the reception desk and within minutes a driver arrives. From the hotel the journey takes about 15 minutes by taxi, right up to the front door. We did look at a bus, but it was 2-3 changes and an hour journey.
When you arrive, you’ll head into a reception area, and head to the pre-booked ticket desk. We advise arriving close to your time slot or you will have to wait around for a while.
Before you head for the changing rooms, they’ll give you a set of wristbands depending on what package you have chosen. There’s lots of FAQs on their website about what to do etc. One of the wristbands you’re given acts as your locker key and also your payment device (keep reading).
As you enter the changing rooms, you have to take your shoes off and they provide you with a bag to put them in. You then enter the locker/changing area (which was immaculate). The lockers lock and unlock using the wristband they provide you with, you just hold it against the door. After you’ve changed, the next step is to shower, which you must do before entering the lagoon. No shower police were present, but the general consensus is to take a shower. There’s a few reviews saying you need shower naked, and straight away you have this image in your head of prison showers with everyone looking at each other, but there are cubicles…all well organised.
Next, you enter the lagoon. There’s a bunch of cubbyholes before you get in to put flip -flops in. We didn’t take any, but possibly would next time. As you enter, you’re immediately immersed in the rocks and hot water, it’s a fabulous feeling. You follow the rocks around and you’ll come to the infinity edge, which is fantastic when you can see the mountains in the background. There’s rocks dotted around the lagoon for you to sit on.
As you walk towards the infinity edge, to the left, you’ll eventually see the bar (follow the drinks!). Our package included a ‘free’ drink, so we indulged whilst looking out over the sea. There’s plenty of choice on the bar from draft beers, Prosecco, cocktails and more. This is where your payment wristband is used, they’ll ask to scan it at the bar.
After spending some time in the lagoon, it was time to hit the 7 steps ritual. Before entering, you’ve got to get in the cold pool….OMG….COLD! Especially after getting out of the lagoon. The first step is the sauna, which they ask you to be quiet in. The downside to this part was the fact that the doors kept opening as people walked in and out, and the heat escapes. The view though, was fantastic.
The next step is a cold rain shower. Similar to the cold plunge pool, it was cold but refreshing. Next, you’ll rub body scrub all over, there’s a sign asking you to let staff know if you’re allergic to certain types of nuts. After the body scrub, you’ll get in the steam room. This is really pleasant, but similar to the sauna in terms of people going in and out. Finally, you’ll rinse off the scrub in the showers, and then it’s back to the lagoon.
You can spend as much time as you like in the lagoon, its not timed as such.
When you get out, you’ll be given a towel. Then it’s back to the showers and changing rooms. If you forget which locker number you were in, there’s a handy screen with a reader on for you to scan your wristband against. It will tell you which locker you put your things in earlier.
There’s small plastic bags provided to put your wet clothes in which is useful, but no sign of any drying machines etc.
The next part of our tip to the Sky Lagoon was the ‘Sky Platter’ which was included in the ticket. If you head over to the snack bar (which is actually like a nice restaurant), advise them you have a pre booked snack, they will find your name and bring it over to you. We have to say, it was delicious.
As you leave the Sky Lagoon, a team of people at the end will ask you to pay the balance of whatever is on your wristband. You could try and escape, but there’s a machine which takes your wristband off you (and we assume) checks to see if there’s any outstanding charges, before you’re let back out the gate.
It’s also this same team who can order you a taxi.
What did we think of the trip? 100% worth it. Although it was busy, it was a fantastic experience just 15 minutes outside of Reykjavik. Staff were helpful, and the facilities were great.
