Spa & wellness
For fine-dining, there is Moss, one of only three Michelin-starred in Iceland. Guests can enjoy a scenic view of the lava fields and the wine cellar is built into 800-year-old volcanic rock, which can be toured before dinner.
The seven-course tasting menu, although updated regularly, consistently draws on elements from the surroundings while incorporating ingredients from further afield. The butter is made with whipped skyr (Icelandic yoghurt) made by local farmers that is sprinkled with sea salt sourced on-site at the Blue Lagoon research and development centre. The Sicilian tomatoes come on a pistou sauce, topped with black olives and hazelnuts and served with a tomato essence on the side, to be sipped after each mouthful. From Norway comes the langoustine served with cauliflower and sesame and the king crab served with Asian style flavours such as lemongrass and ginger. Then the menu comes full circle back to local, culminating in Icelandic lamb, which arrives at the table on a hollowed log with hot coals – deliciously tender and served with a traditional mint pea puree.
After dinner at any of the restaurants, guests can enjoy a nightcap in the open-plan hotel lobby, with a view of the moonlit lagoon. Or, for a more cosy, at-home experience, in the fire-lit library that operates an honesty bar policy.
Amenities and experiences The Blue Lagoon ritual is like no other spa experience. Although you’re guided through the process by skilled therapists, it’s a refreshingly independent spa visit as you move through the elements. It consists of three stages with the products made from the resource-rich lagoon. Following exfoliation prep with salts and minerals, the first step is deep-cleansing using a full body silica mask, followed by nourishment from an algae skin wrap, finishing with hydration using oils from the Blue Lagoon skincare range. Although there are indoor treatment rooms, the spa skilfully uses the natural resources available for in-water massages and float therapy. Despite being exposed to the elements, float therapy creates complete serenity and comfort as the therapist gently leads you around the lagoon covered in hot towels, intuitively moving your body with the water. Relaxing safety ripples throughout the spa, both through ambience and privacy. There is a strict no phones policy, although therapists can take a picture on the dedicated hotel phone if guests want to capture the moment. For guests who would like complete seclusion, the Lava Cove, with its own separate entrance and lagoon, can be booked for the day.
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
Emerging trends in the hotel spa industry
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, so too does the hotel spa sector. Here are some emerging trends that are reshaping the guest experience: ■ Sustainability focus: With growing awareness of environmental issues, hotel spas are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. This includes using eco-friendly products, implementing energy- saving measures, and even offering wellness programmes centred around eco-conscious living.
■ Technology integration: While spa treatments are often associated with relaxation and disconnecting from technology, there’s a rising trend of integrating technology into spa experiences. This may include high-tech treatments such as virtual reality meditation, digital detox packages or using wearable devices to track wellness progress.
■ Customisation and personalisation: Guests are seeking more personalised spa experiences tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Hotels are responding by offering customisable spa menus, personalised skincare consultations, and wellness programmes designed for specific goals such as stress relief, detoxification or sleep improvement.
■ Wellness immersions: Beyond traditional spa services, there’s a growing demand for holistic wellness immersions that encompass physical, mental and emotional well-being. Hotels are expanding their offerings to include wellness retreats, mindfulness workshops, nutritional counselling and holistic healing therapies.
■ Cultural immersion: In an effort to provide authentic and unique experiences, hotel spas are incorporating elements of local culture into their offerings. This may include indigenous healing rituals, traditional herbal remedies, or locally sourced ingredients in spa treatments and cuisine.
■ Wellness technology: Advancements in wellness technology are revolutionising the spa industry, with innovations such as cryotherapy chambers, infrared saunas, hydrotherapy pools and biofeedback devices. These cutting-edge technologies enhance the efficacy of treatments and offer guests new avenues for relaxation and rejuvenation.
■ Wellness travel packages: Recognising the growing trend of wellness- focused travel, hotels are creating specialised packages that combine accommodation with curated wellness experiences. These packages often include spa treatments, fitness activities, healthy dining options and mindfulness classes, catering to guests seeking a wellness-oriented getaway.
The Retreat also has a fitness suite with complimentary morning yoga sessions. And for guests seeking a bit more adrenaline from their trip, the hotel provides ATV landscape tours and guided hikes. ●
This article originally appeared on
www.spearswms.com.
The Blue Lagoon ritual is a unique spa experience, leading guests through
cleansing, nourishment and hydration with skincare made on-site.
27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37
