Iceland is revered as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with a transcendental energy that presides over the whole island and keeps tourists coming back again and again.
Perhaps it’s the humbling sneaker waves that dominate the southern shores along Reynisfjara beach or the thundering volcanic life that exists just beneath Iceland’s surface. Maybe it’s the country’s otherworldly combination of elements, with towering waterfalls, crawling glaciers, and basalt sea stacks so monumental, they’ve been endlessly memorialized in Icelandic folklore.
While it’s impossible to bottle up the destination’s indisputable magic – let alone summarize it in only a few sentences – I’ve found that you can get the most authentic taste of Iceland’s unique culture at Sky Lagoon, where Nordic wellness philosophies and rituals are brought to life.
What Is Sky Lagoon?
Located near Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon is one of the island’s most famous spots for tapping into the world of Icelandic wellness with soothing geothermal pools, sweeping views, and a fraction of the influencer presence as Blue Lagoon. Beyond relaxing in the lagoon’s geothermal pools, visitors to Sky Lagoon are also able to try the Skjól ritual, a seven-step journey of traditional Icelandic wellness techniques.
I had the chance to visit the lagoon on a press trip with Play Airlines, and was granted enough time to immerse myself in the full ritual, starting with a relaxing dip in the geothermal pools, which offered a heated escape despite the brisk October temperatures. I then braved the cold pool for a quick cold plunge, warmed up in the sauna, and was eventually doused in a refreshing cold mist in a room inspired by Icelandic fish-drying houses.
After switching between hot and cold elements, I moved into the exfoliation step of the ritual (Mýkt), where I massaged Sky Lagoon’s signature sea salt scrub across the skin and then allowed it to fully saturate in the steam room. Finally, I capped off my soothing experience with a natural juice shot, made up of krækiber essence – aka the crowberries that are staples across Iceland’s lava fields.
How to Pack For Iceland’s Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon Iceland provided one of the most transformative wellness experiences I’ve ever tried – and living a few hours outside of Sedona, I’ve indulged in quite a few. It’s the ultimate way to decompress after a long travel day, and the property provides a one-stop shop for enjoying all that Iceland has to offer, from the cozy cuisine to the grounding ambience.
Regardless of when you visit Sky Lagoon, there are a few staple products you’ll want to pack for the excursion. The property provides everything from towels to flip flops on site, so you won’t have to worry about bringing any of those items with you. But packing certain products will greatly elevate your experience; keep reading for my full Iceland packing list, with a focus on what to bring to Sky Lagoon.
