Overview
Always dreamed of a relaxing dip in Iceland's Blue Lagoon? How about bunkering down for the night next to the man-made series of geothermal pools, which happen to be in the middle of a lava field? Soon visitors to one of the Nordic nation's biggest attractions will be able to do just that when the Moss Hotel opens its doors.
Expected to launch later in 2017, the luxurious Moss Hotel will feature 62 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over its steamy setting, plus terraces allowing quick access into the warm waters, and balconies with views over the volcanic vista. A new subterranean day spa, Lava Cove, will boast a lagoon and waterfall sourced from the same seawater aquifer as the Blue Lagoon, and will be designed to take advantage of other natural aspects such as lava corridors. A viewing deck, a cold air well and the usual massages and other relaxation-inducing services, all with a killer vantage over the scenic surroundings, will also feature.
Those keen on eating with quite the backdrop can head to the Moss Restaurant, complete with a wine cellar in centuries-old lava, and a seven-course chef's table experience. Basically, there's plenty of soaking, sleeping, steaming, sipping and eating in or near lagoons created on a bed of lava on the agenda.
For anyone that hadn't already added a trip to the top of the globe to their bucket list — and therefore isn't up to speed on all things Blue Lagoon — the site has quite the history. The moss-covered lava flow dates back to 1226, but the mineral-rich pool itself was formed in 1976 as a result of the nearby geothermal power plant. People started having a dip in the silica- and sulphur-laden waters, which became popular for their supposed healing abilities. Come the late '80s and early '90s, the Blue Lagoon was officially established as a public spa and bathing facility.
And no, for anyone who loves '80s cinema, or just thought the name sounded familiar, it has nothing to do with the 1980 movie that helped make Brooke Shields famous.
Via inhabitat. Images: Blue Lagoon.