Iceland holidays: Stepping into Sky Lagoon, a blockbuster new geothermal infinity pool in Reykjavik

There’s magic in the air as I step into Iceland’s gloriously heat geothermal waters. Stars shine in the early night sky and clouds of steam momentarily lower me off from the opposite company.

Feeling splendidly alone, I float effortlessly previous jet-black volcanic rocks as snow begins to fall.

It’s an expertise you’ll be able to actually solely have in Iceland. But I’m not in the geothermal waters of its world-famous Blue Lagoon. Instead, I’m in Sky Lagoon – a new, extra intimate pool set in a rocky headland on the very fringe of Reykjavik.

Heat remedy: Sky Lagoon options a dramatic 250ft-wide infinity-style edge with views over the North Atlantic

Neil describes Sky Lagoon, pictured, as an ‘intimate pool set in a rocky headland on the very fringe of Reykjavik’

Less than a yr outdated, it doesn’t make a nice first impression. On your manner there you’ll move a lot of ugly warehouses, however flip the ultimate nook and the whole lot adjustments. 

On a promontory that appears like the sting of the world, there’s a darkish, hulking, low-slung reception constructing. The partitions are made from blackened timber and volcanic bricks. The angular roof is roofed in hardy, snow-topped turf.

Inside is a heat however shadowy world with the sort of top-notch spa a Bond villain would possibly be part of. 

Neil says that ‘you’ll move a lot of ugly warehouses’ on the method to the lagoon, ‘however flip the ultimate nook and the whole lot adjustments’

 The lagoon is accessible to all ages, although the over-12s-only rule places it off-limits for younger households, says Neil

The partitions of the reception space are ‘made from blackened timber and volcanic bricks’, in line with Neil

According to Neil, the underfloor heating in the Sky Lagoon locker rooms provides a contact of luxurious

In the ‘enchanted cove’ of Sky Lagoon, ‘jagged black volcanic rocks stand up on all sides’

‘Feeling splendidly alone, I float effortlessly previous jet-black volcanic rocks as snow begins to fall,’ writes Neil

Underfloor heating in the locker rooms provides an early contact of luxurious, however doubts stay as I go away the zen-like bathe space – can Sky Lagoon actually beat the outdated trustworthy Blue Lagoon?

The reply comes shortly. Walk by way of clouds of steam and step into its heat, silky waters. Glide ahead, leaving the constructing behind and put together on your jaw to drop.

You’ll end up misplaced in an enchanted cove. Jagged black volcanic rocks stand up on all sides. 

Step or swim by way of waters that twist spherical a sequence of darkish corners and also you’ll quickly hear the low buzz of voices. Head in the direction of them for the subsequent massive reveal.

It’s right here that Sky Lagoon’s most important pool opens out. The waters stretch away on each side, whereas in entrance is the lagoon’s 250ft-wide, infinity-style edge. Ahead of that’s solely the ocean and sky. Stand on the wall and also you’ll really feel as should you’re suspended over the very fringe of the Atlantic. 

 Describing the primary pool, pictured, Neil writes: ‘Stand on the wall and also you’ll really feel as should you’re suspended over the very fringe of the Atlantic’

Pictured is the glass-walled sauna that appears straight out to sea at Sky Lagoon

Indulgence: A lady enjoys a physique scrub at Sky Lagoon’s spa, the Sky Ritual

The wow-factor beats something I felt on the larger, land-locked Blue Lagoon. All round me listed below are faces as excited as mine. And by way of the steam I see one thing else: completely satisfied {couples} ingesting champagne. For Sky Lagoon has one of many world’s most trendy swim-up bars. Tucked away in the doorway to a darkish cave, you pay for drinks utilizing the high-tech wristband that secures your locker and acts as your entry ticket.

Toasting a terrific vacation amid a new flurry of snow made Sky Lagoon really feel much more magical. And I hadn’t even paid further for the Sky Ritual ticket that features a physique rub, steam room and a glass-walled sauna wanting straight out to sea.

Missing out on these was a mistake, a proud Icelandic grandmother informed me later as I sat by the fireplace and layered as much as go away the foyer. She proved the lagoon is accessible to all ages, although the over-12s-only rule places it off-limits for younger households. She additionally mentioned that after taking the waters I’d have a unbelievable evening’s sleep – and he or she couldn’t have been extra proper.

Comparing Sky Lagoon with the Blue Lagoon, pictured, Neil says: ‘The wow-factor beats something I felt on the larger, land-locked Blue Lagoon’

Neil recommends mountain climbing to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which affords guests a uncommon likelihood to see newly shaped lava fields

TRAVEL FACTS 

Entry to Sky Lagoon begins at £40 (skylagoon.com) and guided excursions to the Fagradalsfjall volcano value from £48 (re.is). British Airways, easyJet, Icelandair and Wizz have direct flights to Iceland from £120. Get extra inspiration at visiticeland.com.

Head to Iceland quickly and Sky Lagoon isn’t the one new attraction to attempt. Last spring the massive Fagradalsfjall volcano started to erupt for the primary time in 800 years.

Hiking to the crater affords a uncommon likelihood to see (and odor) newly shaped lava fields.

Tour teams and personal guides are dashing to make the most of the sight, figuring out the volcano may develop into dormant once more at any time. 

Sign up for an hour-long drive in the direction of the volcano, then stroll some 90 minutes to the very best viewpoints.

I wasn’t fortunate sufficient to see fiery lava, though I did face horizontal sleet from the second I left the coach. 

Fortunately, I’d taken the lodge’s recommendation on boots, hats and heat, waterproof clothes. And the landscapes I hiked by way of, even when moist, have been price any discomfort.

Better nonetheless, the free-flowing geothermal waters that fill the Sky and Blue lagoons additionally assist fill Iceland’s radiators and hot-water tanks, so that you don’t must really feel responsible about turning up the warmth at your lodge and taking a lengthy, scorching bathe earlier than diving below a thick quilt for the proper evening’s sleep.