Blue Lagoon in Iceland: a luxury geothermal spa
Iceland is made up of more than 30 active volcanoes and is famed for its wonderful scenery and hot springs. The luxury Blue Lagoon spa has been built on one of these hot springs.
Creation of the Blue Lagoon
People started to utilise the hot spring in this area in the 1970s and the Svartsengi Power Station was built here, now supplying energy to nine towns in the surrounding area and the airport at Keflavik. The geothermal water comes from a depth of 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and sea water mix at extreme temperatures. On its way to the surface, the water is enriched with silica and minerals.
A lake was created around the power station full of these substances which have a beneficial effect on the body and are also used during treatment of skin diseases. It didn’t take long for a spa to open here, established precisely on the unique properties of the geothermal sea water in the lagoon.
Where does the blue colour come from?
Geothermal water has a unique composition represented by three active ingredients – silica, seaweed and minerals. The blue colour comes from silica and the way in which the sunlight reflects on the surface. During the summer, you can even see shades of green on the surface. This is caused by seaweed exposed to direct sunlight.
You may however be surprised to learn that the water is actually white. If you pour it into a clear glass, it will always have a milky white colour. It only looks blue due to the sunlight.
A spa with all things luxurious
The spa resort which was created here underwent significant extension at the start of 2016 and work will be continuing in 2017. You can enjoy a healing mud massage in the lagoon, buy some of the unique local cosmetics, relax your muscles under the flow of water from the artificially created waterfall or relax in the sauna.
The resort also includes the Lava Restaurant, Blue Café and Lagoon bar offering special cocktails.
The luxury Silica Hotel is located a few minutes’ walk from the lagoon, surrounded by stunning lava landscape and its own private lagoon for bathing which is only open to hotel guests. The hotel has also won several design awards.
