The Retreat Spa
The Retreat Spa
4.7
About
Carved into the volcanic earth, the spa brings you into harmony with nature. Transporting the mind and body to new dimensions of peace and rejuvenation, the spa journey takes you through an underground realm of inspiring design, enchanting geology, and radiant wellness.
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- DMarieValencia, Spain80 contributionsWow! this was phenomenal. I was a little hesitant to go on a day with wind and rain but it was enjoyable with the warm water. The in-water massage was very unique and very worth it. I vacillated at the price for the retreat spa side, but it was worth it. I also spent time on the larger general side and it was a little less windy but of course, more crowded. The changing room/shower was also luxurious .But a note: I would never take the Destination Blue Lagoon transport, never had a more rude and unsafe driver ever (but that isn't the spa/blue lagoon itself).Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 4, 2024
- AniTMGSan Juan, Puerto Rico290 contributionsThe Retreat Spa experience is amazing. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff is attentive and you are able to experience this wonderful place at your own pace. Through the spa you have access to a separate area of the lagoon (smaller and quieter), sauna, steam room and quiet areas. The final ritual with different scrubs and masks is the perfect way to end the day at the Blue Lagoon.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 3, 2025
- Eddy22 contributionsAlthough we had to cut our visit short to under 2 hours this place is phenomenal. You pay for it but what a facility and experience Lovely private changing rooms, super warm natural lagoon, sauna, fire room and a private photo in the pool Staff were very friendly and happy to cater our requests Hope to have better luck with the weather next time and experience the full 5 hoursVisited February 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 27, 2025
- ReneeNew York City, New York946 contributionsI’m so happy I booked the retreat! My dad had such a great experience! 5 hours is plenty ! Absolutely loved All the facilities and the spa restaurant! The staff is wonderful. Wish I lived close by I would be daily ! The viewing spot from the top is amazing. Looking at the whole blue Lagoon. I’m happy that I did not book the general population. It looks so crowded and basic facilities. If you’re looking for unique experience with all of the amazing rooms, they have to offer. I suggest booking this experience. It’s well worth it!Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.7
67 reviews
Excellent
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Traveler5280
Denver107 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
4 stars vs 5 because of the price tag. I would do it again, but not sure it’s worth that much money!
I did debate the cost, but ultimately went for it and didn’t regret it. I took the bus from the airport which was easy to find. When you arrive at Blue Lagoon, the first building is just for luggage drop off. I opted not to do that since I knew I’d have a changing room, but it was kind of a long walk with my luggage. Might’ve been easier to store it.
I got there a little earlier than my reservation time, but they got me in. The changing room was plenty big for my luggage and had a shower, sink, hair straightener, robe, slippers, and outlets. The toilets were right outside the door. I liked having a place to go throughout the 5 hours.
After you change and put on your robe, they give you a tour. I got reprimanded for taking a picture, but they didn’t say it was allowed. Actually, if I had been able to see more pictures beforehand, I might’ve booked it a little easier. They have a sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms, and a restaurant.
I got there at 830 AM and the retreat lagoon was very quiet. It got busier as the day went on, but still seemed private. The retreat lagoon was bigger than I expected and easy to find a private space.
When I booked online, there was only a half hour water massage available, but I was able to upgrade to an hour massage when I arrived and it was heavenly. So relaxing! They do the next hour’s massages in a different section, so you can stay and relax after your massage as long as you like.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the ritual. They want you to steam or sauna first to open up your pores. Then there are different stations you go to for scrubs and masks and they walk you through it, but it’s self service. I was right behind a big group and did get a little forgotten, but I figured it out. It takes about 45 minutes, so plan ahead for that.
After my 5 hours, I had lunch reservations at LAVA which was great (will review separately). I was hoping the spa would hold my luggage and I asked, but they didn’t, so I had to schlep it to the restaurant and find a place to store it there. They could’ve been a little more helpful.
Overall, I thought you paid a lot for what you got, but no regrets and if you have the money, I’d recommend it!
I did debate the cost, but ultimately went for it and didn’t regret it. I took the bus from the airport which was easy to find. When you arrive at Blue Lagoon, the first building is just for luggage drop off. I opted not to do that since I knew I’d have a changing room, but it was kind of a long walk with my luggage. Might’ve been easier to store it.
I got there a little earlier than my reservation time, but they got me in. The changing room was plenty big for my luggage and had a shower, sink, hair straightener, robe, slippers, and outlets. The toilets were right outside the door. I liked having a place to go throughout the 5 hours.
After you change and put on your robe, they give you a tour. I got reprimanded for taking a picture, but they didn’t say it was allowed. Actually, if I had been able to see more pictures beforehand, I might’ve booked it a little easier. They have a sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms, and a restaurant.
I got there at 830 AM and the retreat lagoon was very quiet. It got busier as the day went on, but still seemed private. The retreat lagoon was bigger than I expected and easy to find a private space.
When I booked online, there was only a half hour water massage available, but I was able to upgrade to an hour massage when I arrived and it was heavenly. So relaxing! They do the next hour’s massages in a different section, so you can stay and relax after your massage as long as you like.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the ritual. They want you to steam or sauna first to open up your pores. Then there are different stations you go to for scrubs and masks and they walk you through it, but it’s self service. I was right behind a big group and did get a little forgotten, but I figured it out. It takes about 45 minutes, so plan ahead for that.
After my 5 hours, I had lunch reservations at LAVA which was great (will review separately). I was hoping the spa would hold my luggage and I asked, but they didn’t, so I had to schlep it to the restaurant and find a place to store it there. They could’ve been a little more helpful.
Overall, I thought you paid a lot for what you got, but no regrets and if you have the money, I’d recommend it!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edward r
Omaha, NE6 contributions
We actually stayed at Silica Hotel, a sister of Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. But we did purchase a day pass at the Retreat Spa. It was an additional $200 per person to the entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon. We did a facial and were supposed to have two water massages at the Retreat Spa. The facial was average and the one water massage was very good. I paid for a 2nd water massage that never happened. I had asked, upon entrance to the spa, for a female masseuse and was not unformed none were available. When my time came I was informed I had a male masseuse. I tried to cancel and was told it was too late. So I declined the massage and paid the $200.
Strict regulation or poor customer service, you can decide.
Strict regulation or poor customer service, you can decide.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eve B
London, UK11 contributions
Feb 2020
First, I think it’s important to be clear. Lots of people are waxing lyrical about this spa, and as you can see ive given 5 points so I also rate it. But it is very hotely. There are security cameras everywhere, rules on big signs. More staff than guests. This spa is as good as many other luxury hotel spas around the world. As a spa goer, this is one of the best. However, it is just a spa. A very lovely spa. Value for money however is better than most luxury spas. You get your own large, luxury changing room. In this room you get shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser, moisturiser and body cream. All in the same bottles as the shop, not sample size. Also very comfortable flip flops. All of which you take home with you. 1 complimentary drink per guest which you can have in the lagoon. You get 4hrs but we had a bonus hour. You get all the standard spa experiences as well as the silica lagoon which is like a mini expedition in the lava fields. The spa is steam, sauna, cold pool and a room to apply exfoliator, silica body mask, algae and oils. There are several relaxing areas such as comfortable cafe (lunch for 2 - water, Caesar salad, gravilax £50), fire pit (far too hot generally in the spa to add fire to the equation) and lounge with water and cold flannels). You can also access the public blue lagoon if you wish although I’m not sure why you would. Staff will take photos of you and email them across.
We stayed at the Silica hotel with its own lagoon and I would very much recommend staying there as it’s lagoon is more natural and intimate. We always had it to ourselves morning and night. The Retreat is like a luxury spa at the end of the day and you don’t get the natural terrain and long views. You don’t get the lagoon thick with silica that your toes squelch in like you do at Silica. However, at the Silica you can trade in your free public blue lagoon premium pass for discount off a day at the Retreat spa and this is well worth doing to get both the relaxed, natural intimacy of Silica and the high brow, sleek spa at the Retreat.
We stayed at the Silica hotel with its own lagoon and I would very much recommend staying there as it’s lagoon is more natural and intimate. We always had it to ourselves morning and night. The Retreat is like a luxury spa at the end of the day and you don’t get the natural terrain and long views. You don’t get the lagoon thick with silica that your toes squelch in like you do at Silica. However, at the Silica you can trade in your free public blue lagoon premium pass for discount off a day at the Retreat spa and this is well worth doing to get both the relaxed, natural intimacy of Silica and the high brow, sleek spa at the Retreat.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie W
Yardley, PA144 contributions
Dec 2021
Definitely worth the splurge and "upgrade" from the Blue Lagoon if you're so inclined. Looking out on the packed Blue Lagoon we were happy to be in the quiet, relatively empty Retreat Spa side of the action. Having access to the various lounging rooms and the lava/silica/algae ritual was so relaxing. My only complaint is that the Retreat Spa package comes with a complimentary welcome drink and getting it was like pulling teeth. We couldn't get service inside, so we went to the service lagoon, which seemed to be the only way to get help. When we were ready to leave we were told that we had a charge for our welcome drinks. As soon as I said they were included they removed them without question. Seems a sneaky way to get people to pay for their included drink if they're not inclined to push back.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LesleyYang
New York City, NY206 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
The place is perfect but the price is steep. This is pretty much the idea. Great aesthetic for the whole design. The lagoon is nice with fun treatment ritual: exfoliating with salt and then muds and ice towel. Steam room cold pool sauna viewing platform fire room and a nice nest area. I feel it’s less well known largely due to the strict no photo no phone policy but I LOVE it. I also did the floating massage which is nice to have but given the price I probably will not do again.
Overall the place is very well designed and worthy as a treat. I feel this gives a more private thus relaxing vibe as compared to the super lively big lagoon. So just comes down to taste.
Overall the place is very well designed and worthy as a treat. I feel this gives a more private thus relaxing vibe as compared to the super lively big lagoon. So just comes down to taste.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FAY E
153 contributions
Jan 2023
This is a very upscale hotel with more amenities than you can imagine. Spacious, clean rooms. Very large lobby. Friendly staff. Blue Lagoon. Spa services. In-room bar. The restaurant (Lava) offers very good food though the menu isn't as varied as expected. Another restaurant (Moss) onsite but closed. 2 bars as well.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelwhippet
Princeton, NJ51 contributions
May 2022 • Family
This place is not family friendly. I wanted to take my wife and 12-year-old daughter, but in order for my daughter to go I’d have to purchase another changing room ($600) only for her at double the cost of what it would be for me and my wife ($300 each)) to get in. Customer service not willing to work with you at all.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike62MB
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK506 contributions
Dec 2021
We stayed here for one night in a junior lagoon view suite, which was very luxurious and had the best shower system in the room I have ever used. The bath by the window looking out the lagoon was a nice touch.
From checking in you were set at ease, with wristbands and NFC tags acting as your room key and charge cards for meals and access around the facility. Towels and robes are the attire and spare ones are at 50m intervals around the spa.
We would strongly recommend anyone looking for a chill-out break to consider here.
From checking in you were set at ease, with wristbands and NFC tags acting as your room key and charge cards for meals and access around the facility. Towels and robes are the attire and spare ones are at 50m intervals around the spa.
We would strongly recommend anyone looking for a chill-out break to consider here.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLS
68 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
From the moment you walk into the hotel you know you are somewhere special. The hotel is modern and minimalist and has a fabulous ambience. The staff are amazing and can’t do enough for you.
The rooms are beautifully furnished. Our room had a private deck overlooking a small lagoon. It was stocked with lovely extras, including a complimentary bar and face creams and oils. We even had hair straighteners which was a nice touch.
The beds and pillows are like sleeping on clouds! Absolute bliss!
The private lagoon is heaven! At one point we were the only ones in there.
I had a fabulous facial in the spa and we had a couples floatation therapy which was a unique experience. It was so relaxing and our therapist was wonderful.
The food was amazing. We ate in the Lava restaurant on our first night and Moss on the second night where we had the seven course tasting menu. It was a great experience but hugely expensive, so not sure I would do Moss again if I returned.
Breakfast on both days was lovely.
We were lucky to see the Aurora and had a call from reception when they appeared around 11pm.
It was a fabulous stay and we will definitely come back.
The rooms are beautifully furnished. Our room had a private deck overlooking a small lagoon. It was stocked with lovely extras, including a complimentary bar and face creams and oils. We even had hair straighteners which was a nice touch.
The beds and pillows are like sleeping on clouds! Absolute bliss!
The private lagoon is heaven! At one point we were the only ones in there.
I had a fabulous facial in the spa and we had a couples floatation therapy which was a unique experience. It was so relaxing and our therapist was wonderful.
The food was amazing. We ate in the Lava restaurant on our first night and Moss on the second night where we had the seven course tasting menu. It was a great experience but hugely expensive, so not sure I would do Moss again if I returned.
Breakfast on both days was lovely.
We were lucky to see the Aurora and had a call from reception when they appeared around 11pm.
It was a fabulous stay and we will definitely come back.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa
Melbourne, Australia27 contributions
Dec 2019
Stayed at the Retreat hotel and I booked an “in water” massage and a hot stone massage about 8 months in advance. Book early people, the “in water” massage is NOT to be missed! As a guest at the hotel my visit was included as part of the tariff, but the massages were additional. With check out, the staff stored my bags while I enjoyed the facilities and I even had a shower suite so I could bathe and wash my hair before going to Reykjavík. I was travelling on my own but as a huge sauna buff I appreciated the ritual created with all the areas to ensure relaxation. Water spouts flowing pristine, high quality Icelandic water from the rock walls will forever be a wonderful memory, as well as the cave like room to exfoliate all over my body. This place is exceptional!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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