About this hotel
General information
The Retreat is an intimate resort of 60 suites set into a moss-covered lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, beside the Blue Lagoon. The hotel seems cut into the cooled lava: from some suites the rock face is within arm’s reach of the terrace, while others look out over blue water, moss and a distant volcanic horizon.
At its heart lie the Retreat Spa, a 2,300 m² subterranean sanctuary, and the Retreat Lagoon, fed by the same geothermal seawater as the Blue Lagoon. Hotel guests have unlimited access to the spa, both lagoons and the Blue Lagoon Ritual. Stays also include à la carte breakfast, daily group yoga and the Icelandic custom of afternoon coffee in the lobby. In the evening, Moss serves a tasting menu, its wine cellar carved into the lava.
Location
The hotel sits in south-west Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavík, among the lava fields that surround the Blue Lagoon. Keflavík Airport is about 20 minutes away by car and Reykjavík about 40 minutes. Guest relations arrange private airport transfers, taxis or a helicopter, and valet parking is available on arrival.
Spa
The Retreat Spa lies underground, within the lava itself, and is wrapped on all sides by the waters of the Retreat Lagoon. Each pair of guests is given a private changing room with its own shower. The spa unfolds across eight areas: a geothermal steam cave, a sauna facing the lagoon, a cold plunge well, a lava spring, a fireside lounge, suspended nest chairs above the water, a refreshment room with glacier water and an outdoor viewing platform. The journey ends with the Blue Lagoon Ritual in three linked chambers, where silica, algae and mineral masks are applied in turn. Treatment rooms offer massages and facials with Blue Lagoon Skin Science products, while in-water massage and float therapy take place in a secluded part of the Blue Lagoon. For complete privacy there is Lava Cove, a spa within the spa with its own lagoon, fireplace, dining area, kitchen and butler.
Sports & leisure
Group yoga sessions are held every morning with views of the lava fields, and guests have use of the fitness centre. Guest relations arrange outings across the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond:
- an ATV tour over lava terrain reserved for hotel guests, and guided e-mountain bike rides
- hikes through the lava fields, a descent into a lava tunnel and a trip inside an ancient volcano
- northern lights hunts on clear nights in the darker months, and stargazing with an astronomer
- private helicopter flights over Reykjanes, the Golden Circle and the Icelandic Highlands
- guided drives around the Golden Circle, the south coast and the Reykjanes Peninsula, plus a gourmet walking tour of Reykjavík
- snowmobiling on a glacier, whale watching in season and riding Icelandic horses
- jet skiing, kayaking and private photography tours
- private wine tastings and Champagne with caviar
Restaurants & bars
Guests choose between several restaurants across the Blue Lagoon estate and the Retreat’s own spaces:
- Moss — creative cuisine: a seasonal tasting menu inspired by Iceland’s mountains, rivers and sea, a separate vegan menu, a cellar set in the lava and a Kitchen Table for six beside the chef; it occupies the highest point of the estate, facing the volcanic horizon
- Lava Restaurant — Icelandic cooking inside a lava cliff on the shore of the Blue Lagoon: langoustine, Arctic char, lamb and skyr desserts, with tasting menus in the evening; by day guests can dine in their robes
- Spa Restaurant — light dishes and breakfast within the spa, with windows onto the Retreat Lagoon and direct access to the water; bathrobes are welcome
- Retreat Lounge — a glass-walled hall with a wood-burning fireplace for breakfast and afternoon coffee
- In-Water Bar — light drinks and cocktails served in the Retreat Lagoon
Swimming
Instead of a beach there is geothermal water. The Retreat Lagoon is a private, terraced waterscape threaded through lava canyons and hidden passages, entered directly from the spa or the Spa Restaurant. Its blue water is rich in silica, algae and minerals. Guests also have access to the Blue Lagoon itself, around 10,000 m² of water at 37–40 °C. The Lagoon Suite and The Blue Lagoon Suite each have a private lagoon of their own.
Rooms
Sixty minimalist suites with clean lines, natural local textures and floor-to-ceiling glass facing lava, moss or lagoon. All suites are designed for two adults; two Lava or two Moss junior suites can be joined into a single 80 m² suite.
Bespoke B&B Italia furniture, a European grand king-size bed or two single beds, fine linen, blackout curtains, heated floors, coffee machine and tea, minibar, Bluetooth speaker, charging stations, safe, Wi-Fi and turndown service; bathrooms with walk-in shower, freestanding tub, robes and slippers, hairdryer and straightener, and Blue Lagoon Skin Science products.
Lava Junior Suite King
A lower-level suite with a king-size bed and a private terrace where the ancient lava wall is close enough to touch; its shapes and colours carry through the interior. For two adults.
Lava View Junior Twin
The same lower-level suite facing the lava wall, with a private terrace, set up with two single beds. For two adults.
Moss Junior Suite King
An upper-level suite with a king-size bed, glass walls framing moss-covered lava fields and mountains, and a private terrace. For two adults.
Moss Junior Suite Twin
An upper-level suite with the same moss and mountain views and a private terrace, set up with two single beds. For two adults.
Lagoon View Junior Suite King
A lower-level suite with a king-size bed, a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows onto the blue water of the lagoon. For two adults.
Moss Suite
An upper-level suite with separate living and sleeping areas, a king-size bed and a private balcony overlooking lava fields that run to the horizon. For two adults.
Lagoon Suite
A two-room lower-level suite with a king-size bed and its own private geothermal lagoon a step from the door. For two adults.
The Blue Lagoon Suite
A two-storey residence with windows spanning both levels, a private lagoon, its own spa with fireplace, sauna and steam bath, a full kitchen, dining area and living room with fireplace. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and walk-in wardrobe, the second a twin or king set-up, each with rain shower and bath; a butler and a personal bar with Champagne are included.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.