Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We didn't have an option for Silica as it was completely booked, but I can definitely recommend the retreat hotel and it gave us access to the retreat spa. 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. 426. The Luxury admission is very much not worth the money, you can save yourself a few hundred dollars on that right off the bat, in case you were considering it. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Make sure you check the bus schedule and plan accordingly, otherwise you'll get out of the lagoon, shower, get your things and walk out only to see a license plate driving away into the distance, and have to wait around for the next one, losing precious time in the beautiful country. We noticed that most hotel guests visited The Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after they checked in. We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. Explore the volcanic phenomena at Blue Lagoon's doorstep. Its quite expensive so you want to allow plenty of time to enjoy yourself. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. 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. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link. 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. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Its not just for the elite, either. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below. The amazing views of the sparkling blue ocean with the resort at its edge create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge in. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Privacy Policy. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it 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 am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? 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. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. 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. 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Iceland It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. The Blue Lagoon is on just about every person who visits Icelands wish list. Any recommendations for caves/glacier tours? However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are keener on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at the Silica Hotel. Does this look realistic? Read more about the Lagoon's history and healing here. The caf offers a complimentary breakfast and take away meals. 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. Complete with a tranquil vibe in both atmosphere and design, this spa-like retreat is an ideal base from which to explore the active volcanoes, geothermal mud pools, rock formations, and rugged landscape of the UNESCO-protected Reykjanes Peninsula and to enjoy direct Blue Lagoon access. The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. 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. Also, how many nights would you recommend? The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. Take a walk or run around the hotel. Admission varies from basic, comfort, premium and luxury. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. The atmosphere at the Silica Hotel is very calm and serene and from the moment we arrived, we felt like we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. X, Vanessa. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. 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. "Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Iceland's Blue Lagoon Hotel -#iceland #bluelagoonmocktail #hotel #nature #top10 Audio Credits: Song: 'Miguel Johnson -. What's the West coast like? The lagoon is in fact not natural, and was caused by a man-made structure for excess water from the power . I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. (aside from their price difference). The Retreat Hotel Iceland The Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105382267', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');The Retreat could provide a comparison. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. It was located as far away from the . Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. 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. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. If you are seeking a one-time romantic gesture with your significant other, or you simply can't bear the idea of being surrounded by hundreds of people in the larger Blue Lagoon, then you should definitely consider a one-night stay at the Silica Hotel. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. The same company offers both tickets, so be sure to ask them if that is also your plan! See all 17 articles. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. Dining options at Silica Hotel and Blue Lagoon Iceland. Love all the advice in the article. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. 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 Would it not be worth it renting a small 4WD camper thingy just in case the weather might be reasonable (and book hotels along the route in case it is not). (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Thank you We Are Travel Girls for featuring my article! Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The mineral-rich blue waters of the lagoon and Iceland's beautiful landscape are an attractive combination you cannot miss. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. Get answers to your questions about Iceland, Wild camping with a vehicle is illegal in Iceland, What ,,not to do when traveling in Iceland", Taxi/Bus costs from KEF Airport to Reykjavik. The style of the hotel is modern simplicity. 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. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I did the South East route a few years back by myself and it was very memorable (also in March but it may have been later in March). 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. What do you want to see and do en route? The landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before. Transformative elements. Hotel guests are given premium entry, which means you dont have to wait in line with all the other tourists. Why You Should Be Traveling to Japan in December. You. 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. 11 Shares. I made it to the hotel that looks like a shelf of books (forgot the name). We even woke up early and used the private lagoon one more time before heading to the airport. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. 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. When I turned up for breakfast the next morning, there were a lot of people in the hotels lagoon. 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. Alternatively, you may use. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I managed to secure a last-minute reservation (which basically came down to me refreshing their website on my cellphone every 1520 minutes for about two weeks, haha). 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. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. The hotel's 35 rooms come in single or double varieties, with hardwood floors and a simple decor in shades of light blue and gray. Combining sublime comfort at Silica Hotel and classic Icelandic cuisine at Lava Restaurant, this overnight experience opens a world of radiant wellbeing. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. One of the Blue Lagoon Iceland hotel is named Silica Hotel and the other one is a highly recommended hotel, brand new, opened in 2018 and is named The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. This is hands down your best option if you have not rented a car. 240 Grindavk This is a country bordering the Arctic Circle in winter. 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. All rights reserved 2018-2023. 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. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. That HAS to score some points, right? Golden circle or part of it, seemed like an obvious/safe choice to start with. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. 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. 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. I ate many cheese platters from the caf! You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! It features its very own private lagoon for hotel guests only. Hilton Munich Airport is the nearest with a distance of 0.1 mi from this airport. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. But from photos, Silica looks a lot simpler with its interior (but very nice also). What do you want to see and do en route? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Many travellers stopover in Iceland for a night when travelling between Europe and North America, just to spend the night at the Blue Lagoon! It was made up of massive black bubbles of lava that have hardened and in some cases, hollowed over thousands of years and are now covered in green moss and snow. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Are treatments offered at Silica Hotel? Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). As I mentioned before, there are two different places to stay on site while at The Blue Lagoon: The Retreat or Silica Hotel. The four-pearl Silica Hotel is the lodging for the famous Blue Lagoon,surrounded by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water. From black sand beaches to natural hot springs, from lava fields to Icelandic ponies, this country offers a huge variety as far as what to, Grindavik, Southern Peninsula 240, Iceland, http://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/silica-hotel. How do the two hotels compare? DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! The clinic has its own changing rooms, as well as a fitness center and a yoga studio. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. 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. Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). So timing your stay when you first arrive or on the last night before you fly out is a great option. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Thanks. Is it worth it. 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