The moment you land in Reykjavík, you know you’re somewhere special. The stark, volcanic landscape looks so much like the moon that astronauts have trained here to prepare for lunar landings. Iceland has been shaped by fire, ice, and the slow collision of tectonic plates for millennia, but its dramatic geology does more than shape the landscape. Iceland’s geothermal energy powers homes and greenhouses, and fuels a wellness culture rooted in water. It also drives creativity and a distinct architectural aesthetic inspired by simplicity and sustainability. Here’s how to experience Iceland through a design and wellness-focused stay.
Torfhús Retreat
Located in the Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat is a modern take on a Viking village. A member of Small Luxury Hotels, the property’s black cottages reference traditional Icelandic turf-roof homes. As timber is scarce in Iceland, the cottages use wood sparingly. Interiors balance rustic warmth with minimalism, and cottages come with kitchens and geothermally heated hot tubs (known locally as “hot pots”) bordered in basalt for wind protection and privacy. Details subtly reference Viking roots, from a villa shower door depicting an ancient rune to a boat repurposed into a couch. Savoring local, sustainable cuisine is a key part of the Torfhús experience. The breakfast buffet features rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat, along with shots of cod liver oil.
Golden Circle
To witness beauty and energy intertwined, explore the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous scenic route. Book a guided tour with Icelandia if you’re short on time. Standouts include Thingvellir National Park, the site of Alþingi, Iceland’s first parliament, as well as the Silfra Fissure, where the North American tectonic plate meets the Eurasian plate. You can put on a drysuit and snorkel between continents, or just take a sip of the water that is naturally filtered through lava. Round out the day by seeing the explosive energy at Haukadalur Geothermal Area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts like clockwork, before heading to Gullfoss Waterfall.
Laugarás Lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon is Iceland’s newest thermal spring spa, which opened in October 2025 on the banks of the Hvítá River in the Golden Circle. Designed by T.ark Architects with interiors in collaboration with Anthony Bacigalupo, the lagoon is inspired by Iceland’s ancient Caves of Hella and turf houses reimagined with modern materials. Spend an afternoon soaking in the two-story lagoon, which is linked by a waterfall, and unwind with a circuit of hot tubs, saunas, and a cold plunge. The experience is designed to connect guests with nature, and this ethos extends to the spa products whose scents are inspired by the surrounding land, including Sitka spruce, birch, poplar, and Angelica.
What makes Laugarás stand out is the focus on food. Its restaurant, Ylja (which means warmth), is helmed by acclaimed Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, who specializes in hyper-seasonal Icelandic cuisine. He highlights ingredients other chefs may dismiss, like rutabaga skin. Linger for the multi-course dinner, which changes seasonally but may feature forest broth of mushrooms and pine served with a birch cracker, cod with rutabaga skin, or skyr mousse paired with local strawberries, caramelized white chocolate, and basil granita.
Reykjavík
In Reykjavík, base yourself at Exeter Hotel (partly owned by the owners of Laugarás), an industrial chic spot with a buzzing lobby. Book a food tour with Nordic Nonsense to discover some of the city’s unique culinary addresses, such as the historic Baka Baka Bakery (next to the Icelandic Punk Museum) and Jungle for craft cocktails in a lush setting. If dinner at Laugarás Lagoon left you wanting more, book a table at Gísli Matt’s Skál.
This creative capital is home to the Reykjavík Art Museum, which has the most extensive collection of works by Icelandic artist Erró, as well as Hallgrímskirkja, the striking Church of Iceland with its soaring, basalt-inspired exterior. Some of the best buys are handmade jewelry and Icelandic sweaters. Try the Hand-Knitting Association of Iceland for a sweater; each tag includes the name of the knitter. Aurum showcases sculptural jewelry based on the swirls of geysers. Try Farmers & Friends for a modern take on Icelandic fashion, while the nearby AFF Concept store showcases whimsical housewares.
Special thank you to Icelandair for providing flights.
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