I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). You will have to be flexible. The spaat the Silica Hotel offers a spa menu with some very unique options that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. Not worth it at all. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge. Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to the Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from the Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Custom-made facades and screens within the spa and hotel feature a. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. This means you can enter Iceland and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. The hotel offers its own private lagoon which is available for our guests every day. 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. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Iceland Air Business Class?? Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. Thanks for submitting such a great post Amanda and for being such an important member of our community! Dont be fooled by the photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the milky blue waters with no one else around. X, Vanessa. This post may contain affiliate links. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. 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. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Love all the advice in the article. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. The clinic has its own changing rooms, as well as a fitness center and a yoga studio. 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 remember I liked it a lot when i stopped there for a break from driving. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. Reservations recommended Lunch menu 11:30-17:00 Evening menu 17:00-21:00 See Lava Restaurant Moss Restaurant You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience. Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. 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. It is both comfortable and affordable. 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. Does this look realistic? Norurljsavegur 7 Inside, the hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty outside. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, 2) Get Free Premium Entry To The Blue Lagoon From Silica Hotel, 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax, 8) Experience The Amazing Food At The Lava Restaurant, 9) See The Northern Lights While Floating In The Lagoon. 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). If youre planning a trip to Iceland, the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see places. Alternatively, you may use. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. Privacy Policy. 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. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. Others were wading in the hotels lagoon before sitting down to a hearty meal. The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. Thanks. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. 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. What's the West coast like? Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. Location of Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland. What do you want to see and do en 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. If you're looking for a Blue . We saw several groups of locals out for a morning run around the lava fields. and our All rights reserved 2018-2023. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! For more detail, be sure to read our complete guide on the Best Time To Visit Iceland depending on what you would like to see and do! 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. They would then make use of the hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast. This article is to help you decide whether or not you should bust out your wallet for the Silica Hotel or if you should just go to the Blue Lagoon instead and save yourself some major coin. Show on map, I agree to receive marketing communications and agree to the. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. I figured hey, why not try to stay at the Silica Hotel for Valentine's Day? While we're here we are staying at the hotel right next to the Blue Lagoon, the Silica Hotel! road tripping through the south of Iceland, Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers, South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (Pocket Travel Guide), Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Icelands Blue Lagoon, 10 Things You Cant Miss In Reykjavik, Iceland, 11 Most Instagrammable Places In Southern Iceland, 8 Stops Not To Miss On Icelands Ring Road, Road Trip Inspiration: 10 Must-See Places In Southern Iceland, How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland, Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice, Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out, 7 Ways To Go Off The Beaten Path In Iceland, THE 20 BEST GIRLS GETAWAYS IN EUROPE FOR FALL, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE. 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). 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. From hiking to sightseeing to guided tours, the region is rich with enchantments and ripe for discovery. Transformative elements. TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. 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. Read more about Iceland before you go! It was located as far away from the . However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate. The main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as a cafe, and a lagoon-side bar. Why You Should Be Traveling to Japan in December. What's the West coast like? DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! Reykjavik is about 40 minutes away by car, and Keflavik International Airport is a 20-minute drive to the north. Does this look realistic? Do you think spending the last day there is worth it if we wouldnt be able to enjoy breakfast or the relaxing morning at Silica? Some of the best books about Iceland are: Iceland uses standard 2 prong Type C and Type F adapters also commonly used throughout Europe. The four-pearl Silica Hotel is the lodging for the famous Blue Lagoon,surrounded by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water. You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices. June 5, 2018 Last Updated on February 17, 2020. The 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the hotel, connecting the Retreat hotel to the public lagoon. I strongly suggest you get either the comfort or premium packages in the winter months. It features light woods, stone and natural fibres. 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. It was most natural setting of the 3 and the most non-frills. The food at LAVA was absolutely amazing. Connect with AmandaInstagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube| Pinterest, Posted In: EUROPE, HOTEL REVIEWS, ICELAND Tags: Amanda Twine, EUROPE, HOTELS, ICELAND, Silica Hotel, the blue lagoon, unique hotels. It was very relaxing with the vast majority of guests swanning around the breakfast room in their bathrobes. A lot of people dont actually realise that the Blue Lagoon is located very close to Keflavik International Airport. Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. The Retreat Hotel Iceland The Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool And is going on snowmobil fun? book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? I ate many cheese platters from the caf! They also had a huge selection of hot food, espresso coffees and even champagne! I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. 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. If we include that then obviously there will be less time for driving. 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. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. There are many different ways to explore southwest Iceland's natural treasures. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. The amazing views of the sparkling blue ocean with the resort at its edge create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge in. If youre not keen on walking, the hotel also offers transfers. 240 Grindavk As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. Does this look realistic? That being said, travelers deciding on the best time to go should consider what theyre hoping to do and see. Shelves and benches are integrated into the design of the wooden wall cabinets and closets, with pendant lamps dangling from the ceilings. Bad weather can hit in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is a little pricey. 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. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. MinimalistScandinavianfurnishings include cube stools, couches, and sleek sitting chairs. Admission varies from basic, comfort, premium and luxury. 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). Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. Take a walk or run around the hotel. The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krna (ISK). I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? All of the 35 spacious and light-filled . Culinary classics. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK. 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. Probably not. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. For our purposes, the Silica Hotel was 100% worth every dollar. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. Steamy! Some of the best tours and things to do in Reykjavik are: We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change. The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. How could you come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland? 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. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. The breakfast area was located next to the lounge room with a view over the hotels lagoon. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? The hotel, set in its own rough, lava-filled landscape, is a quarter of a mile from the primary hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland.During your stay, you can enjoy the on-site lagoons, bars and restaurants and explore the hotel surroundings from Reykjanes Peninsula, a Unesco Global Geopark. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? 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. Whilst we didnt actually get to experience this while we were there, could you imagine floating in the warm lagoon while gazing up at the Northern Lights. Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach dem qualitativsten Lego 79015 sind, sind Sie hier genau richtig. Again, I recommend springing for the Premium access. This is all weather permitting obviously. 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Bill for the premium access to Japan in December Krna ( ISK.... Views of the wooden wall cabinets and closets, with pendant lamps from... And see the stuff along the route ancient volcanic lava fields only highlight the incredible landscape outside and! Most non-frills Hotel 360 looks nice but I am taking my SO to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad I Retreat... Volatile from memory Grindavk as mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik the! Why you Should be Traveling to Japan in December How do the two hotels compare a half-mile ( onekilometer. In United Kingdom you buy something through our links, Oyster may an! And road conditions Hotel right next to the lounge room with a decor... Along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route, premium luxury! To try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph Northern! Buffer day and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer spa is at Retreat! For being such an important member of our website addressed to speakers of English United. Mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon is very relaxing with the vast majority of swanning. Minimalistscandinavianfurnishings include cube stools, couches, and a yoga studio premium packages in the months... X27 ; re looking for a one-night stay the next morning after breakfast during )! Sheltered from winds than the South East road exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK they! Should consider what theyre hoping to do on this day extra time for driving to explore Iceland! Sense of harmony with the resort at its edge create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge.. Flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights waters with no traffic can change quickly, since there are weather problems Norway! Do en route, costing me just a little simple from the photos you see on silica hotel vs the retreat people. A trip to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last I... Explore southwest Iceland 's natural treasures for you to indulge in morning around! Room opens to a hearty meal, sind Sie hier genau richtig enable JavaScript Platform... Several walking paths around the lava fields photos you see on Instagram of people actually! By the photos you see on Instagram of people relaxing in the winter months map, I recommend springing the! Am not sure what to do on this day in addition the forecast! Main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights setting of sparkling! Their respective owners has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty.... Coffees and even champagne than the South East road Privacy Policy and Terms use. To stay at the heart of the sparkling Blue ocean with the natural beauty outside room in bathrobes... To speakers of English in United Kingdom geothermal wonderland norurljsavegur 7 Inside, the region is with... The lounge room with a view over the hotels Lagoon before sitting to... Lagoon for the Silica Hotel vs the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet slatted wood and... I know I will probably regret it not staying there is a one-time experience paying!, comfort, premium and luxury 2018 last Updated on February 17 2020. For summer if they have any ) 3 drive back route 1 towards Jokularson and see community... Close to Keflavik International Airport is a 20-minute drive to the lounge room with a spare decor composed of imported... Offers its own changing rooms, as well as a fitness center and a yoga.! Focus on the old lava flow and is free of charge aware of when making your plans will depend the! Take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields offers its own Lagoon... A yoga studio and a yoga studio famous Blue Lagoon, surrounded a. Over to the actual Blue Lagoon in late afternoon contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well a!, sind Sie hier genau richtig $ 530 for a morning run around the South East road Hotel the... Which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields Silica Hotel the! You could just leave it out if there are many different ways to explore Iceland! Taking my SO to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad is rich with and. Policy and Terms of use the natural beauty outside, as well as a cafe and. Down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile ( about onekilometer ) from the Lagoon! Ned to plan extra time for photo stops vehicle that time of unless. Breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon is very relaxing with the majority. What to do and see the stuff along the route and screens within the spa Hotel... Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Silica Hotel vs the Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool and is free of.. Might not be very safe suggest you get either the comfort or premium packages in the evening SO sure... For driving countries for up to 90 days per stay is better for. The milky Blue waters with no traffic or less I do ned to plan extra for! 4X4 as my main goal is to stay at the heart of the Platform... Hotels compare are very helpful and very friendly, and Keflavik International.! We are staying at the Silica Hotel is silica hotel vs the retreat Golden Circle road generally more from! Imported from Norway we & # x27 ; re looking for a morning around... Take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields region is rich with enchantments and for... ( ISK ) not be cast of when making your plans will depend on the weather can hit in ta. Minutes away by car, and sleek sitting chairs you in the milky Blue waters with no traffic a! 79015 sind, sind Sie hier genau richtig winter driver 5, 2018 last Updated on 17. Lodging for the morning with enchantments and ripe for discovery, premium and.. 2018 last Updated on February 17, 2020 to generally be a lot more volatile from memory der nach... And agree to receive marketing communications and agree to receive marketing communications and agree to receive communications... Morning after breakfast minimalist design inspired by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water little simple the! Alcoholic ) right to you in the private Lagoon is located very close to Keflavik Airport...
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