Winter in Iceland is a season like no other. Black lava fields meet snow-covered plains, geothermal waters rise in misty veils, and the landscape itself seems to exhale frost-laden drama. Blue Lagoon Iceland has long embraced this contrast, designing properties that harmonise with the environment rather than oppose it. This season, its offering spans three distinct properties: the Retreat, Silica Hotel, and Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base, each interpreting luxury through a unique lens.

Situated across Iceland’s volcanic geography, the first two lie within the Blue Lagoon complex, while Highland Base rises 185 kilometres east in the mountains. Together, they offer a spectrum of winter experiences: immersive geothermal indulgence, Nordic design-led comfort, and authentic highland adventure. This season, cultural programming, seasonal cuisine, and Icelandic traditions define the offerings, providing a sense of place that feels deeply local rather than imported.

The Retreat: Folklore and Geothermal Grandeur

Built into the lava itself, The Retreat is more than a hotel, it is a sanctuary enhanced by architecture and natural surroundings. Suites emerge from the volcanic rock, offering expansive views over steaming lagoons that glow beneath winter skies. Every detail celebrates Icelandic heritage, from the thermal waters that weave through the property to subtle design cues that honor the surrounding landscape.

This winter, The Retreat brings Icelandic folklore to life. Guests can follow the journey of the 13 Yule Lads, traditional troll-like figures, as they “visit” over 13 days, delivering whimsical gifts and connecting guests to Iceland’s enchanting storytelling traditions. Seasonal lighting and decorations enhance the volcanic architecture, lending a quiet festive charm rather than overwrought spectacle.

The private lagoon invites leisurely soaks, while the subterranean spa offers in-water massages, float therapy, and treatments enriched by mineral-laden seawater. Moss Restaurant delivers Michelin-starred cuisine, where inventive dishes draw from the island’s ingredients and reflect the rhythms of the season. The Retreat is a retreat in every sense: private, elemental, and profoundly Icelandic.

Silica Hotel: Seasonal Dining in Design-Led Surroundings

Silica Hotel presents a quieter, design-focused experience. Its 35 minimalist rooms, each with private veranda overlooking rugged lava formations, offer a serene vantage point over Iceland’s volcanic terrain. Here, winter is framed by an authentic Nordic design of warm woods, soft textiles, and expansive windows that draw the landscape indoors.

Here dining takes centre stage. Lava Restaurant curates a festive menu that balances Icelandic ingredients with refined techniques from delicate carpaccio to rich, seasonal mains and classic desserts infused with spice and warmth. Guests can sip glühwein at the in-water bar, immersed in geothermal waters as snow falls softly on the surrounding lava fields. The hotel’s private lagoon offers intimate bathing, naturally sheltered by centuries-old lava flows, and pathways wind gently into the surrounding wilderness.

Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base: Adventure Amid the Volcanoes

For travellers seeking winter adventure, Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base is a mountain refuge unlike any other. Nestled within a protected highland nature reserve, lodges and panoramic rooms offer dramatic views of steaming geothermal vents and jagged peaks. The property celebrates Icelandic highland culture with curated experiences such as storytelling by the fireplace, stargazing in clear mountain skies, and guided explorations of volcanic slopes.

Geothermal baths dot the property, where the contrast between snow and hot water creates the quintessential Icelandic bathing experience. Daily guided walks and backcountry ski tours reveal a landscape largely untouched, while the volcanic slopes provide varied terrain for skiing, snowshoeing, and exploration. Highland Base balances ruggedness with comfort thanks to it’s cosy interiors, thoughtful amenities, and immersive programs that allow guests to experience Iceland’s wilderness with sophistication and care.

Reykjavík: Extending the Cultural Experience

Iceland’s capital, just a short drive from Blue Lagoon, extends the winter experience with its own festive offerings. From Christmas villages in Hafnarfjörður to installations inspired by Icelandic folklore, the city layers cultural immersion atop natural wonder. Harpa Concert Hall hosts orchestral concerts, theatre, and contemporary performances, allowing travellers to combine the serenity of the lagoon and highlands with the vibrant pulse of urban winter culture.