On my way home via Reykjavik, Iceland

Every time I spot a red fox on my travels I think of another redheaded traveler, my Dad.

I’ll spend a few days in Reykjavik then I’ll take a direct flight to Denver International Airport. I should be back in the “Land of Enchantment” by this upcoming weekend.

First things first:

I know even before landing in Reykjavik that I’m going to stand on business and eat as much phở as I can pour into my 5 foot frame. Soup here is top-tier.

Seconds:

An Icelandic-style frankfurter with crispy onions and covered in a brown mustard called pylsusinnep that comes from a place called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur which translates to “the best hot dogs in town” does not disappoint. I know that was a mouthful… ; ) p.i.

Third place:

Sundhöll Geothermal Pools

Fourth (for the win):

Sky Lagoon

Skjol!

Skjól at Sky Lagoon means experiencing the traditions of Icelandic bathing culture.

Skjól is seven bathing steps, starting with the oceanside lagoon & cold plunge and continuing through the steps in an Icelandic turf house.

1st Step: Laug

Feel the warmth of the geothermal lagoon, complete with seemingly endless North Atlantic Ocean views at the edge of Iceland.

2nd Step: Kuldi

Immerse yourself in the coldest cold plunge, IMO the best of the best of traditional Icelandic practices.

TBH I plunged way too many times in this lil pool ; )

3rd Step: Ylur

This gorgeous sauna overlooks the horizon through a vast seaside window that is the definition of warmth and relaxation.

4th Step: Súld

A refreshing, cold mist rains down on you during this step.

5th Step: Mýkt

Next, apply Sky Lagoon’s signature body scrub (made to detoxify) which leaves you clean and glowing.

6th Step: Gufa

Let’s just say that things got steamy during this step.

7th Step: Saft

The Skjól journey concludes with a taste of Iceland, a krækiber berry elixir. Krækiberelixir is made from berries grown on the nearby lava fields, that are then turned into a drink that Icelanders have enjoyed for centuries.

The infinity pool here blends seamlessly with the ocean. All I could think about while in this luxurious spa was how surreal it would be to see the Aurora Borealis in the winter from this viewpoint; so essentially while here, I’m longing to be here again.

While this lagoon is completely man-made it feels completely the opposite; surrounded by mist from the hot water, it feels dreamlike.

Keimur Café inside of Sky Lagoon

Rhonda’s Travel Blog