Sky Lagoon

A recent competitor to the Blue Lagoon is the Sky Lagoon, also located near to Reykjavik and fed by natural hot springs. The Sky Lagoon markets itself as the more luxury, spa oriented experience and they have the option to purchase a 7 step spa 'Ritual' add on. Kids under 12 aren't allowed in the Sky Lagoon and it has a much quieter, more serene feel. 

Regardless of the spa services, our group preferred the Sky Lagoon because it has a more natural setting. The lagoon is surrounded on 3 sides by lava rock that makes the entire place feel as if it was just a natural hot springs that was discovered and had a shower/ restaurant facility built around it. The 4th side is an infinity drop off to the ocean. The Sky Lagoon is perched on a small cliffside, located about 15 feet above the ocean and the infinity pool design allows you to soak in the hot springs and watch for marine life in the bay at the same time. For me, this was far superior to the more commercial feel of the Blue Lagoon. The water is also clear, as opposed to the muddy minerals that fill the Blue Lagoon, likely in part from the free face masks that everyone uses and washes into the water there. 

All in all, the Sky Lagoon, particularly first thing in the morning, is a relaxing oasis that feels more like the advertisements of quintessential Iceland than anywhere else I visited. Like the Blue Lagoon, travelers book in advance for a set entry time any hour (and then can stay as long as they want). The ideal time to visit is the first hour they opened. We were the first ones in the lagoon and this added to the sense of serenity. By the time we left, 2 hours later, there were probably 100 guests or more. Still beautiful, but a bit less of the oasis we felt first walking in.