Whatever you do, do NOT get a taxi from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel, or you will be staring at a $140 USD taxi receipt. Free! You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Re: Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save Bad weather can hit in Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to the Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from the Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. It's located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula. I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 11 Shares. Basically, you lie on a floating bed in the warm milky blue geothermal waters, while the therapist massages mineral-rich oil all over your body. Do you think spending the last day there is worth it if we wouldnt be able to enjoy breakfast or the relaxing morning at Silica? Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). What do you want to see and do en route? If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. You will have to be flexible. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. The cheapest price for a room in Gunzenhausen found in the last 7 days is $32/night. (aside from their price difference). Limited access to the famous Blue Lagoon (open to the public) is included, but the hotel has its own beautifully designed geothermal lagoon that's exclusive to guests. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. How do the two hotels compare? Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant brings together dynamic cuisine and remarkable views to create unforgettable dining experiences. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. This is all weather permitting obviously. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Love all the advice in the article. The Silica Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava fields. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. I made it to the hotel that looks like a shelf of books (forgot the name). The dining room is on two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the blue lagoon. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. Shelves and benches are integrated into the design of the wooden wall cabinets and closets, with pendant lamps dangling from the ceilings. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. While it was fun and romantic, we both agreed if we were to come back to Iceland, we would simply book a half-day trip from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and purchase our own Premium access passes. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. But the next morning there was no visibility and a lot of snow. The contemporary bathrooms have heated towel racks and large walk-in rainfall showers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Buses run about every 4560 minutes to and from the Blue Lagoon. is a crystalline silica, whereas the silica which is incorporated in plants is amorphous. Want to ride horses with Fabio-style manes, Blue Lagoon Clinic Ive just returned from a last-minute jaunt around Iceland and as it turns out, the land of ice and fire is just as majestic as youd imagine. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. The Blue Lagoon history dates back to 1976 when it formed next to the geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. Thanks. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. You likely won't forget this stay. Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa | Blue Lagoon Iceland Duration One night Seasons All year Age limit 12 years Location Silica Hotel Package: 1 night Silica - Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa Price from $873 for two persons Availability and Rates Offer description Three classifications of accommodation are available at Silica Hotel, which is namely Lava Deluxe, Mountain Deluxe and Silica Deluxe, and each offers its own respective outlook. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. The weather can be different across the next mountain pass or around the next bend, so you may need the skills to handle bad conditions, even if you started driving in good weather on dry roads and the forecast looked good. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? Reservations recommended Lunch menu 11:30-17:00 Evening menu 17:00-21:00 See Lava Restaurant Moss Restaurant They would then make use of the hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast. So timing your stay when you first arrive or on the last night before you fly out is a great option. Otherwise, I am not sure how else to break the journey up; first day on arrival, we obviously won't make it very far in any case, whether the weather is good or poor. 1 room: 2 guests. In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? At our Madh Island beach resort, you can spend a day on the beach while spending a relaxing night indoors. Whilst the Silica Hotel doesnt actually have a restaurant (they only serve breakfast), the LAVA Restaurant located at The Blue Lagoon is only a 10-minute walk away. The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals. 426. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. Paths lead through the natural terrainto the main facilities, and guests should be aware that they will have a 15-minute hike to the hotel if they're dropped off at the main resort area. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. There are many different ways to explore southwest Iceland's natural treasures. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. Silica Hotel. Discover a landmark of luxury in a landscape of wonder, Things to keep in mind before you visit the Blue Lagoon, Changes, cancellations and other booking policies, Create a personal & unique experience with our treatments, Silica Hotel - Blue Lagoon ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Connect with AmandaInstagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube| Pinterest, Posted In: EUROPE, HOTEL REVIEWS, ICELAND Tags: Amanda Twine, EUROPE, HOTELS, ICELAND, Silica Hotel, the blue lagoon, unique hotels. Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Iceland are: For more information, read our article on why you need to book travel insurance for your next trip! PRICE FROM $412. Visiting the Blue Lagoon is a must-do experience in Iceland, and staying at the Silica and Retreat Hotel is the perfect way to visit this once in a lifetime destination! Never just stop by the side of the road, people have gotten killed that way, because the next driver didn't see them in the dark. Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. Its quite expensive so you want to allow plenty of time to enjoy yourself. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? A night at Silica Hotel featuring five luxurious hours at the Retreat Spaan exquisite subterranean sanctuary that brings you into harmony with the rejuvenating powers of the volcanic earth. From culinary journeys to extended holidays, our exclusive offers and special events will elevate your Silica experience. Conceived for wellness and designed for wellbeing, each room is the foundation of an enchanting experience. Take a walk or run around the hotel. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I strongly suggest you get either the comfort or premium packages in the winter months. Does this look realistic? I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. It was located as far away from the . It is just so unique. Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, 2) Get Free Premium Entry To The Blue Lagoon From Silica Hotel, 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax, 8) Experience The Amazing Food At The Lava Restaurant, 9) See The Northern Lights While Floating In The Lagoon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105370593', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and worrying about being blown off the road as the wind picked upJust thought I should share the experiences with wife who can be bit more squeamish about these things :) this can get addictive. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. They have a 4-course tasting menu which changes daily and features traditional Icelandic dishes. Wall mounted flat-screen TVs come standard along with mini-fridges, but there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers. Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. For the Northern Lights, plan to visit between November and April, or between June through August for the longest days. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Quartz as it is in rocks or as grains of sand e.g. The mineral-rich blue waters of the lagoon and Iceland's beautiful landscape are an attractive combination you cannot miss. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. That's service. Not worth it at all. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Basic includes zero frills, charging you extra for anything down to the use of a towel, while luxury includes flip flops, a towel, robe, and even drinks and a dinner reservation at Lava, the restaurant attached to the lagoon (you can skip this one, I'll explain in another post). The caf offers a complimentary breakfast and take away meals. You will have to be flexible. During my time in Iceland, I never saw a breakfast spread quite like the one at the Silica Hotel. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Alternatively, you may use. We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. We had the hotels lagoon mostly to ourselves for the afternoon. Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel are the two . Never just stop by the side of the road, people have gotten killed that way, because the next driver didn't see them in the dark. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. While we're here we are staying at the hotel right next to the Blue Lagoon, the Silica Hotel! No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. If you're looking for a Blue . We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. How do the two hotels compare? Several travel companies within Iceland offer various Blue Lagoon experiences, including both vacation day trips as well as quick lay-over trips to the lagoon. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. Thank you We Are Travel Girls for featuring my article! Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). June 5, 2018 Last Updated on February 17, 2020. Norurljsavegur 7 I am taking my SO to Icelandfor 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. I was also so confused that I drove for about 40 mins in the wrong direction with no spaces to turn around, water on either sides of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. The hotel is very family friendly, and offers children's robes and floating. I also booked Fosshotel Glacier for the night before last (with cancellation possibility 2 days before). This company will send a shuttle to your hotel to scoop you up and bring you to the bus terminal in Reykjavik, which will have a bus that can bring you to either the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel for around $20 one-way or $40 round trip. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. The breakfast area was located next to the lounge room with a view over the hotels lagoon. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). As I mentioned before, there are two different places to stay on site while at The Blue Lagoon: The Retreat or Silica Hotel. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. This rate is available with Ferienwohnung Nfelt. You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. You get access to the blue lagoon, which ticket is it more comparable to? Thanks. 1 night was perfect for us, 2 nights would be the max I'd spend as there's nothing else to do here but the spa and the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano hike (which I recommend highly). And there aren't many nice hotels (from looks of it) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather. What are the opening hours for Silica Lagoon? Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The structure of this incorporated silica can look very similar to the structure of Synthetic . You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. A transformational experience. This was a tricky one since we did not rent a car. Travelers only seeking housing close to the Blue Lagoon can check out the Northern Light Inn, which is nearby and has much lower rates. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. The four-pearl Silica Hotel is the lodging for the famous Blue Lagoon,surrounded by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water. The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most frequently visited location in all of Iceland. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? road tripping through the south of Iceland, Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers, South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (Pocket Travel Guide), Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Icelands Blue Lagoon, 10 Things You Cant Miss In Reykjavik, Iceland, 11 Most Instagrammable Places In Southern Iceland, 8 Stops Not To Miss On Icelands Ring Road, Road Trip Inspiration: 10 Must-See Places In Southern Iceland, How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland, Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice, Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out, 7 Ways To Go Off The Beaten Path In Iceland, THE 20 BEST GIRLS GETAWAYS IN EUROPE FOR FALL, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. On the day of my arrival, am I entitled to breakfast before I have checked in? Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. I'd love it if someone who had stayed at both Silica Hotel and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?