No visit to Iceland is complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon - or Bláa lónið in Icelandic - where you can immerse yourself in the total cleansing luxury of geothermally heated seawater for a holiday experience like no other.
Escape from the freezing Icelandic temperatures - the country can reach chilly lows of -10°C in the winter - and plunge into the 39°C pools for one of the most relaxing experiences of your life as you look out across the country's famously rugged landscape.
The expanse of warm waters, which are heated a mile below the surface and replaced every 40 hours, are rich in minerals with cleansing and healing properties, said to be able to cure or alleviate a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
After your visit to the Lagoon, head indoors to the geothermal spa for a steam bath in a lava cave, and an all-natural and energising massage underneath the lagoon-side waterfall. There's also the option of a silica mud treatment, whereby the mud is applied to face and body for a nourishing cleanse and exfoliation.
And while there is an abundance of resorts nearby and the Lagoon is only 45 minutes from the capital, Reykjavik, we'd recommend checking into the Blue Lagoon Clinic Hotel. The hotel is just five minutes walking distance from the Lagoon, and boasts plenty of spa treatments, and chic, minimalist rooms and suites - plus, Lagoon entry is included in the price.
Inside info
After you've experienced the silica mud in the spa and lagoon you'll be swearing by it as your new must-have beauty product, so be sure to stock up on some in the Blue Lagoon store before you leave.
Details
Blue Lagoon ltd.,
240 Grindavík, Iceland
+354 420 8800
bluelagoon.com
More global hangouts
England: The Printworks, Manchester
If you find yourself in the UK's must-visit city of the moment, Manchester, make the city centre's top entertainment venue, The Printworks, your first stop. With an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs, you won't find your self short of somewhere you fancy visiting, whether it's the exclusive booths of luxe club Entourage or the laid back atmosphere of Norwegian Blue bar that appeals, you're guaranteed to have a fantastic night out.
Call +44161 829 8000 or visit theprintworks.com
In just six short hours by air, you can find yourself in the Indian Ocean paradise of Mauritius - and once there, for a dose of unprecedented luxury, check into the elegant Dinarobin Hotel, Golf & Spa. With eight superb restaurants, of which Saveur des Iles is a standout, a Clarins Spa to attend to all your pampering needs and a plethora of entertainment options, ranging from an impressive golf course to waterskiing classes, you can be as active or as relaxed as you like.
Call +230 401 4900 or visit dinarobin-hotel.com
