The Sky Lagoon
While the Blue Lagoon might be the big name when it comes to Icelandic geothermal spas, it is not without stiff competition.
The Sky Lagoon has a number of advantages over its older, more famous cousin on the Reykjanes Peninsula, namely that it is so close to downtown Reykjavík.
Both spas offer soothing geothermal water, naturally heated and mineral-rich, as well as welcome amenities like swim-up bars, changing facilities, and on-site cafes.
But visitors to the Sky Lagoon can also enjoy a futuristic infinity pool, allowing them clear views over the North Atlantic waves.
To heighten your experience, we recommend participating in The Ritual. This seven-step process aims to bring bathers to whole new levels of relaxation. Those who take part in this add-on will have access to the saunas, steam rooms, and cold mist showers.
You can read our feature article about this luxury spa here: The Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík.
Top Nature Activities for Luxury Travellers
There are plenty of things that VIP travellers can discover during their time in the land of ice and fire.
While some of these experiences may cost a pretty penny, there can be no rivalling them when it comes to the awe-inspiring sights they provide.
Step inside a real-life volcano
The exhilarating Inside The Volcano experience takes guests into the magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur volcano. Don’t worry – there’s no lava inside!
To reach the site, you will have to hike for approximately forty minutes from the car park.
This is an excellent opportunity to bask in Iceland’s intrepid natural scenery, as well as get your excitement bubbling for the underground adventure ahead.
Once you arrive at the entrance, you will take a small, makeshift elevator down into the depths of the earth. After a short descent, you will step out into a colourful and geologically magnificent realm. Make sure to bring your camera – you’ll have forty minutes inside, but the sights you see there are sure to stick in your mind for years to come.
Soar high over the city with an Iceland helicopter tour
Exploring Iceland’s capital at ground-level is all very well and good, but can it truly compare to flying over its streets and rooftops?
Helicopter tours around Reykjavík have grown hugely popular over the last years on account that they offer both thrills and dramatic scenery in equal measure.
In recent months, that popularity has only heightened further thanks to volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Truly, who doesn’t want to see shooting fountains of lava from way up above?
Looking through the windows of their whirlybird, visitors can’t help but revel in the vast, rural landscapes that surround Reykjavík.
Farmer’s meadows. Odd patches of woodland. Distant mountain ranges. Wide ocean panoramas. All lie in wait for those daring enough to hop aboard and partake in a thrilling aerial adventure.
Oh, and remember that whole going-into-the-volcano thing we mentioned? It’s actually possible to combine that with a spot of flying with this Inside The Volcano Helicopter tour. One is hard pressed to think of an itinerary any more unique!
Choosing Private Tours
It is worth noting that many tours in Iceland are designed for groups, both for nature tours out of the city, and those within it. Guests will, no doubt, observe the many coaches that travel across the country each and everyday, most leaving from Reykjavík.
The problem with larger tours, of course, is that they force one into a schedule, as well as having to share the guide’s attention between many people. This can make asking questions, or striking up a pleasant conversation, difficult.
At an extra cost, these issues can all be solved by participating in a private tour.
These come in many shapes and sizes, but rest easy knowing that almost all major activities have both standard and private options available.
For example, take this Private Reykjavik Street Art & Photo Friendly Walking Tour. For two hours, your own guide will take you through the city, pointing out the best landscape shots, street art, and sharing stories from Iceland’s past. One simply cannot beat focused attention like that.
It’s possible even to elevate your experience from having a private guide to your very own chauffeur. This Private Tailormade Chauffeur Sightseeing Tour in Reykjavík will see you taken around the city at your leisure in approximately four hours.
Top Bars & Restaurants in Reykjavík
An integral part of any vacation experience is the food you will eat.
Thankfully, Reykjavík boasts plenty of sophisticated eateries. Being Iceland, fish and lamb are considered the top menu options, but guests will find delicacies from around the world.
Two of the classiest bars in Reykjavík are the SKY Bar and Petersen Svítan. These fine establishments offer a rooftop drinking area from which to enjoy surrounding views of the city.
Nearby is Sólon Íslandus, which can be found at the intersection of Laugavegur shopping street and the rainbow road, Skólavörðustígur. They might claim to offer familiar dishes, but there is little chance you’ve tasted any steak, schnitzel, or stracciatella the likes of which Sólon offers.
If you’re hoping to sample Icelandic cuisine particularly, then might we advise stopping in at the Old Iceland Restaurant. Here, all manner of traditional meals have been revitalised for modern times, made all the better by the restaurant’s communal atmosphere and rustic aesthetic.
Jungle cocktail bar is also somewhere you might also be interested in stopping by given that is often frequented by celebs, such as superstar chef, Gordon Ramsey. Given the man’s fiery reputation for demanding outstanding standards in customer care, you can imagine you’ll be well cared for during your visit.
If you’re a true foodie, then you’ll be seeking out Michelin stars. Well, good news on that front, as there are plenty to find in Iceland’s capital.
For example, Sümac’s menu focuses on Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. These have become so popular that the restaurant released its own cookbook, giving you some idea as to just how delectable their culinary creations are.
Other worthy mentions all boasting their own Michelin ratings include: DILL, ÓX, Matur og Drykkur, and finally, Brút.
A quick word on lavish accommodation in Reykjavik…
It would be remiss not to divulge the swankiest suites in RYK. Of course, what one considers luxury when it comes to their sleeping quarters can vary wildly.
If you’re looking for more gentile lodgings, the boutique Sand Hotel offers rooms with terraces that overlook the city, as well as a classy restaurant on the ground floor. In the same vein, another well-suited choice might be Apótek Hotel Reykjavík.
On the other end of the scale, the newly-built Reykjavik Edition offers guests all that and more. This 5-star hotel on the waterfront offers a fitness centre, 24/7 front desk service, private parking, and even a currency exchange.
The Reykjavík Edition is right next door to the exquisite Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, which just so happens to be a fantastic location to host sophisticated and modern business events.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course. Reykjavík is certainly not short of accommodation that caters to more opulent travellers. Other excellent choices downtown include: Black Pearl Apartment Hotel, ION City Hotel, Canopy by Hilton, and the urban eco-hotel Eyja Guldsmeden.
Just outside of Reykjavík, we would recommend Hotel Berg, which is located just by Keflavík Airport. An alternative choice would be the Retreat, which is part of the Blue Lagoon, keeping guests nice and close to soothing geothermal goodness.
So what are you waiting for?
In conclusion, Reykjavík stands out as a world-class destination for luxury travellers. With its eclectic dining options and world-class spas, not to mention exciting activities like private glacier tours and helicopter rides, the city offers experiences that cater to all tastes.
Whatever it is you hope to find in Reykjavík, the city is sure to make your stay nothing short of extraordinary.
So, don’t deny yourself the pleasure of city-break in Iceland any longer! Jump headfirst into the natural beauty and sophisticated amenities that define this cool, calm, and collected Nordic capital by exploring our large variety of tour options today.
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