On our way to breakfast, we encountered a Crystal Cruises rep, Kris. She gave us information regarding Covid testing and our transfer to the ship on Saturday. Meeting her set off waves of happiness.
Hotel Borg’s breakfast offerings are typical for a fine European hotel. Tim enjoyed his eggs and pastries, but really loves the bread. Apparently bread is now a thing in Iceland…at least for Timmy. I had one (I know, hard to believe, just one) pancake and skyr- Iceland’s version of yogurt…it’s yummy.
After breakfast we headed to the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is pretty much indescribable. To say that it’s a collection of geothermal pools set in a volcanic landscape is inadequate at best and definitely an understatement. When we’d visited in 2015 we’d booked the enhanced experience package and throughly enjoyed it. When I went online to set up our return visit, I was offered three options at three price points: Comfort, Premium and the Retreat Spa experience.
The Retreat took two years to build and opened in 2018, carved from the volcanic rocks, there are amazing subterranean and outdoor spaces. It is magnificent. The lava canyons are spectacular. Too many superlatives? I don’t think so, you really have to experience it.
The Retreat Spa is pure luxury…from the minute you arrive, you are greeted by an attendant who escorts you to your changing suite – it’s equipped with a double walk-in rain shower, the signature Blue Lagoon bath and skin care products, robes, slippers and flip flops.
There are numerous outdoor spaces, all so inviting…it took us quite a while to explore them all.
The indoor relaxing rooms are beyond romantic. I failed to take photos of the saunas, steam rooms and another super cool relaxing room…the lava spring…hard to describe…it’s subterranean and the ceiling features a waterfall…soft seating…just amazing. We really did love our time in the fire room…perfect after lunch.
The Retreat restaurant is cozy, its menu offerings feature small plates, guests may also order from the wonderful Lava restaurant menu as well. My cod with fennel and cauliflower was delicious. I enjoyed a glass of Sancerre and I forget what Tim was drinking.
One absolute highlight of our day long stay was experiencing the Blue Lagoon Ritual. The lighting is subdued, so I only have one really usable photo. The ritual takes place in the sanctuary- in a series of interconnecting chambers you cover your body with silica, algae and minerals whose names I cannot remember…so you apply the silica…relax for a while…rinse off under a rain shower…go to the next space, apply the algae, relax, rinse off…repeat. After you’ve experienced all the elements, a spa attendant supplies you with oils for your face and body. An outstanding spa treatment.
Arriving back to Hotel Borg, we were greeted with music and dancing in the park across the street. It brought huge smiles to our faces, including Ingvar, our driver- a delightful person.
Timmy had been tracking Endeavor’s movements since she left Germany, she arrived in Reykjavik while we were at the lagoon. Arriving back in Reykjavik, we dropped our things in the room and walked down to the port to meet her. Oh my goodness! She is spectacular. I can’t express my excitement when we rounded the corner and first laid eyes on her.
We spent about a half an hour hanging around taking photos and hoping to see some of the crew (none in view 🥲), then walked to the Duck&Rose restaurant…it’s across from our hotel.
Another wonderful day in the books. Every day with Timmy is wonderful, but this was extra.
