Wellness in Reykjavík

The baths around Reykjavík are sorted by distance from town. Closest is Sky Lagoon, twenty minutes from the centre: a pool whose edge drops away toward the Atlantic, and a seven-step ritual — hot water, cold plunge, a sauna with a window on the ocean, steam, rinse. A pass with return transfer costs 135 dollars for a two-hour slot. Entry is tied to a time slot, so it is booked ahead.

The Blue Lagoon lies forty minutes out, on the road to Keflavík airport, which is why it usually lands on an arrival or departure day. Entry is 94 dollars and two hours is the usual allowance. A private day around the Reykjanes peninsula finishing at the lagoon runs five hours at 1178 dollars for the group — the priciest in the category, but it includes the car and driver.

The third option folds bathing into a route: the Golden Circle with a stop at the Secret Lagoon in the village of Flúðir, the country's oldest pool, opened in 1891. Ten hours, 118 dollars. GetExperience lists 4 programmes in this category in Reykjavík, from 94 to 1178 dollars; towel and robe are usually charged separately, and you bring your own swimwear. Dates and party size are picked in the calendar.