Architecture
Stunning Blue Lagoon Retreat
This stunning property was built on an 800-year-old lava flow.
Image courtesy of: Town & Country
As a top travel destination, Iceland is hardly an undiscovered gem anymore. People have been flocking to this unique country for several years, and one reason is to visit the geothermal waters. The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most “famous” of all lagoons and at the top of most tourists’ “must do in Iceland” lists.
Until now, the most discerning travelers were not privy to a local five-star property. That recently changed with the opening of the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. This 62-suite hotel has its own private lagoon for their guests… surely that’s luxury enough!
The architects were very careful to make sure that the entire building process was minimally disruptive to the lagoon’s ecosystem.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
The design was a collaboration between Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia. The Reykjavik-based Basalt Architects’ founding partner, Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir was the one who dreamed up this spectacular design. A thorough analysis of the cracks and fissures that form this volcanic landscape helped facilitate the plan’s layout.
Each day, the retreat is open to a limited number of day guests.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
Flexibility in design was vital as the plan needed to be able to adapt to finding unexpected discoveries during the excavation process. The architects said, “We wanted the lava, the moss, the water to be omnipresent, resulting in architecture that is woven in with the natural elements.”
The palette perfectly compliments the natural landscape. That materials chosen- raw concrete, wood, and lava from the site, were all used to bring perfect harmony to the equation.
The wine cellar is carved into a cavern of lava which datesback to 1226.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
The lava rock was quarried onsite and used in various forms throughout the retreat’s interior. Subjects and objects that bring character to the building were built from lava. For example, the reception area’s service desks and a chef’s table at Moss Restaurant (a five-star restaurant featuring a seven-course tasting menu) are all made from local lava rock.
In addition, the restaurant’s subterranean wine cellar is carved directly into the lava underneath the hotel. Along with the exposed rock that is dramatically illuminated from below, the pendant lights add to the ambiance!
The hotel lobby lounge is outfitted with chairs by Antonio Citterio and the Icelandic ceramics on display are from the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Image courtesy of: Interior Design
A couple of things are especially unique to the hotel…
A tour through the spa includes an attendant who walks you through a three-part process using the minerals, silica, and algae that is found in the waters… and that is said to have powers to scrub and cleanse your skin in the most natural and organic way.
In addition, the lobby is decorated with a constantly rotating collection of ceramics from the Icelandic Museum of Design and Applied Art. The museum’s mission is to collect and preserve Icelandic cultural history which encompasses design from the beginning of the 20th century to present day.
