Iceland’s latest geothermal lagoon spa experience, Sky Lagoon, opened in late April 2021.
Call me a fool, but, I for one cannot wait to go there to ‘where the ocean meets the sky’.
Before We Start
At a time when we are all armchair travelers, planning for our next getaway is all we can do and dream about.
As we approach a year of pandemic shutdowns and no vacations, my sense of longing for a flight on a plane, feeling my ears pop, and landing in another country is overwhelming.
It’s an itch I can’t scratch and I desperately need to go to Iceland right now having seen Sky Lagoon.
With the 2021 opening of Sky Lagoon just outside of Reykjavík, all I can say is that Iceland is top of my list of destinations post-pandemic.
Not to be mistaken for the established Blue Lagoon Spa Iceland, Sky Lagoon is also centered around Icelandic bathing culture traditions.
Sky Lagoon is brought to you by Pursuit Collection who are world leaders in high-end tourist attractions and destinations.
Mainly centered in Iceland and North America, you should check out their latest attraction opening in June 2021 – The Golden Skybridge, Canada’s largest suspension bridge.
Can’t wait to read more about Sky Lagoon? Read on for our Sky Lagoon review and book your Spa Pass.
Where is Sky Lagoon? How To Get There
The short answer for people outside of the country is that Sky Lagoon is located in Iceland.
Have more questions about Iceland? Read our Iceland FAQ
If you have a limited time in Reykjavik you should read our FlyOver Iceland Review from Pursuit, the same owners as Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa.
The fabulous man-made Sky Lagoon is located at Kárnes Harbour, Kópavogur, just a few minutes’ drive from Reykjavík and it is well worth the trip and incorporating into any Icelandic itinerary.
Getting There
- Driving – Coming from Reykjavík city center take Kringlumýrabraut (route 40). Continue on to Kársnesbraut and head to Vesturvör. GPS Coordinate: Latitude: 64.1158139 Longitude: -21.9410669
- Bus – From Hlemmur square in Reykjavík city center, take bus 4 to Hamraborg (15min). From there take nr. 35 to Kópavogsbraut (4min). Walk for few minutes and follow the signposts or ‘Wayfinder’. For more information on bus timetables and routes visit straeto.is.
Sky Lagoon-Why So Special?
Over the years, The Blue Lagoon Spa has been a wonderful success in Iceland and there is certainly room for another geothermal based spa.
Enter Sky Lagoon into the equation. As mentioned already, this is a man-made structure, several years in the making and costing $31.1 million USD or €21.6 million EUR.
The location for this lagoon spa is right by the ocean.
Here you can see first hand the raw beauty of the North Atlantic, immerse yourself in the thermal spa experience, and witness the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis while submerged in the waters of the 230-foot infinity-edge pool.
Sounds like heaven to me.
What does Sky Lagoon have to offer?
To be honest, I was quite surprised that there is no accommodation option at the spa at the moment.
I do hope it is something they offer as the phased project stages near completion.
Not to have accommodation is a unfortunate. I for one love a whole spa experience where I can also stay and retire to my room.
Take a quick look
Natural Appearance in The Landscape
What I like most about Sky Lagoon Spa is that it fits into the natural landscape so well it’s almost invisible and so a perfect symbiotic relationship exists where the ocean meets luxury, something which infrequently happens.
Where I am from in Ireland, huge emphasis and strict planning laws are in place to ensure that new homes and other buildings fit into the landscape, with large consideration for how coastal dwellings appear even from the sea.
It appears that this thermal spa has succeeded in doing this by building the structures in the traditional style with turf(grass sod) yet luxury exists within.
Having visited hotel spas that appear like concrete blocks in the landscape, there is something very reassuring that this spa escape has chosen such natural materials internally as well as externally.
The Spa Experience
Icelanders have long used the geothermal pools around Iceland in their normal habits and traditions to promote health and well-being, physically and mentally.
Icelandic bathing rituals have been woven into the fabric of the Sky Lagoon seven-step bathing process and each step has a distinct purpose to help you rejuvenate during your time here. You can read more here
Step 1 – Start off the experience by soaking in the warm geothermal lagoon. Iceland has a lot of volcanic activity, hence the naturally heated pool. You’re outside here, so breathe in the fresh cool air of the sea. Personally I’d visit for this experience alone and go home happy.
Step 2 – Brace yourself!! Take a plunge into the glacier cold waters of the plunge pool. The cold water apparently stimulates your immune system, decreases blood flow in the body, and, in so doing tightens the skin. A natural high for sure, but menfolk might be a little alarmed after this step! 😀
Step 3 – Ahhhh next is the sauna and just reward if you were brave enough to take an icy plunge in step 2. The sauna in Sky Lagoon is truly magnificent and boasts the largest single window in Iceland, weighing in at 2.4 tons!! Wow! At this stage in the bathing ritual, you can see and feel that the physical and sensory experiences are lulling you into relaxation.
Step 4 – Cold foggy mists are up next! Don’t read any Stephen King prior to your visit here or your mind will wander from the relaxation. Just kidding, this is another awesome step in the process and extremely rejuvenating.
Step 5 – Sky Lagoon has a signature body scrub which you will use during step 5. During this re-invigoration step, your skin will be exfoliated and revitalized. Apparently, this is the highlight of the ritual. This scrub is also on sale in their boutique so make sure to pay a visit before you leave.
Step 6 – This is a step where you will be ‘bathed’ in steam in order to open your pores once again and maximize the therapeutic benefits of the scrub used in step 5. Sounds amazing to be fair. You should fully expect your lungs and sinuses to be open and clear by now too. They say that your overall body function should be improved with this step.
Step 7 – Ahh the final step and it’s a blissful shower. Rinse in a gentle shower. Take your time and revel in the awesome restorative powers of the water ritual that you just experienced. Take your time and enjoy the last moments of your spa experience.
Lagoon Bar – Having finished with your shower in step 7 you can take a visit to the Lagoon bar for refreshment and once again drink in the majestic Atlantic and views toward Mount Keilir and in the distance Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano which erupted on March 19, 2021.
Packages and Sky Lagoon Prices
So how much does it cost to go to Sky Lagoon? So far there are three packages being offered at the Spa; Pure Lite Pass, Pure Pass & Sky Pass.
The main difference between the Pure Pass packages is the lack of access to the 7-step ritual on ‘Pure Lite’
From there the difference between Pure Pass and Sky Pass is that Sky pass has private vs public changing facilities and all the amenities that Sky Lagoon has to offer.
You can book your time slot in the spa through their website or a Pure Pass ticket through the Orange link below where the cost is generally around $90.00. All pricing is in ISK on the Sky Lagoon website and so, dollar prices shown are rounded to the nearest whole figure.
The basic package or ‘Pure Lite Pass‘ costs ISK 6,990 (USD 55.00) for adults and ISK 3,495 (USD 28.00) for children. This is indeed a pretty basic offering without access to the 7 step ritual but access to the geothermal lagoon.
The middle package or ‘Pure Pass‘ costs ISK 9,990 (USD 80.00) for adults and ISK 4,995 (USD 40.00) for children. This is a considerable increase on their introductory promo prices.
The upgraded package or ‘Sky Pass‘ costs ISK 13,900 (USD 110.00) for adults and ISK 6,950 (USD 55.00) for children.
Compared to the Blue Lagoon where a Day Pass is $40 for the basic ‘Comfort’ package and $67 for the ‘Premium’, neither involves the seven-step bathing experience I just outlined. Instead, the ritual for this other Spa is in the region of $370.
This versus $110 is a decent offer but Sky Lagoon is more expensive on the cheaper offerings.
If you’re living locally in Iceland and not just on vacation, you now have the option to purchase a ‘Pure Multi-Pass’.
This new offering from Sky Lagoon entitles guests to six Pure Pass admissions to Sky Lagoon. This comes in a reasonable price of ISK 24,900 (USD 197.00) per adult. It does represent a saving of approx ISK 35,000 ( USD 283.00).
Sky Lagoon Facilities
I mentioned the lagoon bar which is tucked into the side of the cave and looks onto the infinity pool. It’s the perfect place to chill out and enjoy a beer.
You can also get simple food in the rustic style, Sky Cafe.
Available here are light meals like sandwiches, soups, and local goodies. To be honest, this type of food is sufficient after completing the Spa ritual experience.
Towards the end of 2021, the phase completion will see the opening of the Smakk Bar. On offer will be 5 tasting plates, all light, and wholesome delights and it will be a welcome addition to the Spa.
Spa Hygiene During COVID
Thankfully there is a comprehensive Safety Policy on their website with hygiene and social distancing foremost during the pandemic.
You can read it here but, should you choose to cancel due to any concerns relating to the disease, they have a special policy in place allowing for a full refund up to the day of your visit.
Let us hope this will all be short-lived.
Face masks must be worn in any of the public spaces during the experience except for the bistro.
Staff will guide you through the experience ensuring it flows and social distancing is adhered to.
Sky Lagoon FAQ
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You certainly can. Iceland and, indeed, Sky Lagoon Spa, is perfectly situated to see the Aurora Borealis given the right natural conditions. Take it all in as you relax in the waters of the lagoon.
How much does it cost to go to the Sky lagoon?
As of April 2021, the pricing for Adults starts at $48 for a Pure Pass and $80 for their Sky Pass.
Is food included in the entry cost?
I believe that a simple refreshment at the lagoon bar is included. For food in the Sky Cafe, you can expect to pay extra for this.
How deep is the water?
The Sky Lagoon measures up to 1.2 meters (3.94 feet) deep.
Do you need to wear flip flops in the Spa?
While not mentioned on their website, this normally comes down to personal preference. It is not obligatory but often advisable. in my opinion, bring your own pair or they may also be available to purchase there.
Final Thoughts about Sky Lagoon
I love their website and the whole premise of the experience. The professional images and sleek marketing have me sold on a visit to the spa.
A bucket list item of mine is to see the Northern Lights, so what better way to merge luxury and one of nature’s wonders?
While unfortunate that there is no accommodation at the spa, that Sky Lagoon is in such proximity to Reykjavik is a bonus. Reykjavik is the obvious base for any trip to Iceland.
Be sure to include a day trip to Sky Lagoon in any itinerary plans you have and “Revive your senses at the edge of the world.”
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