After several weeks
of being shutdown while under threat from volcanic activity nearby, the Blue Lagoon in South Iceland
has finally resumed operations fully. This world-renowned wellness retreat consists
of iridescent hotsprings pools, hotels, famous restaurants, a café, spa and a skincare
boutique.
The
property staged a phased comeback over the past week, once again welcoming
visitors to immerse themselves in the healing blue waters and bask in its starkly
stunning surroundings, the spa told Travel
+ Leisure.
The
staggered reopening initially commenced on Saturday, with the pools, Retreat Spa,
Blue Café, Lava restaurants and retail shop resuming operations, albeit with reduced
hours. The Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel followed suit on Tuesday, while the Michelin-starred
Moss restaurant completed the set on Wednesday.
“After
three wonderful days of welcoming back our staff and day guests at the Blue
Lagoon, we’re also thrilled to be able to reopen our hotels,” Helga Árnadóttir,
Chief Operator of Sales,
Operations, and Services at the Blue Lagoon, said in a statement. “We’re
very appreciative of our staff who worked tirelessly to reopen our
establishments, and we look forward to continuing to create moments of joy for
each person who walks through our doors.”
This geothermal oasis
first closed down in November of last year amid seismic activity and,
afterward, volcanic eruptions occurring in the Reykjanes Peninsula, located 43
miles outside of the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Although it briefly
reopened in December, a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula prompted
another closure just days later.
While
tremors began back in October, and the volcano was still spewing lava and smoke
two months later, overall, travel to Iceland continued relatively uninterrupted. Flights
to and from Keflavík International Airport, which also sits on the Reykjanes
Peninsula, continued as usual. After all, the Nordic nation isn’t nicknamed the
“Land of Fire and Ice” for nothing.
At this time, the
Blue Lagoon is operating from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. To fortify the
facility, protective barriers have been erected, designed to shield critical
infrastructure from potential lava flows.
The comprehensive
reopening marks the first time the entire Blue Lagoon facility has been
accessible since its initial closure on November 9. Visitors can now once again
indulge in the unique experience offered by one of Iceland's most cherished
attractions.
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