Iceland’s latest updates include new hotels, wellness experiences

A perpetually popular destination in recent years, Iceland is well-known for its glaciers and geothermal lagoons. But the country has far more to offer travelers, and Visit Iceland just released a slate of interesting destination news, covering everything from new wellness retreats and hotel openings to wildlife adventures and museum exhibits. Here are some of the highlights (Read: additional reasons to put an Iceland trip on your to-do list). Wellness offerings Laugarás Lagoon Set to open this month, Laugarás Lagoon is the latest addition to The Golden Circle, Iceland’s famous tourism route. The lagoon is a two-level luxury retreat offering relaxation set against Iceland’s stunning natural landscape. There’s a variety of bathing experiences available on-site, including a cascading waterfall. Or for a more tranquil setting, a grotto is tucked into the corner of the lagoon. The two forest saunas, offering health benefits and views over the Hvíta River and its surroundings, are another not-to-miss feature. Ylja Restaurant will be a signature dining experience curated by renowned Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, highlighting seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths The Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn was founded in 1929, but a recent refurbishment has enhanced the experience with contemporary comforts. Located on the Golden Circle route, the baths offer an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the serenity of the landscape. Guests are invited to soak in natural pools, bubbling hot springs, and a lake that stretches as far as the eye can see. A particular highlight is the region’s geothermal bread, which uses a traditional recipe and is baked in the hot ground. Sky Lagoon Sky Lagoon, Reykjavík’s oceanfront geothermal lagoon, has taken its seven-step Skjól wellness ritual to the next level. The property’s recent expansion offers a transformative wellness journey with a second sauna that features Iceland’s largest single-pane glass window, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors finish their ritual with a shot of antioxidant-rich crowberry juice, for a healthy taste of the local landscape. Hotel openings and refurbishments Höfði Lodge Höfði Lodge is a luxury adventure lodge in northern Iceland, located just 25 minutes from Akureyri. The property offers 40 rooms with spectacular views of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. On-site facilities include a restaurant, rooftop bar, spa, and a gym. Further afield, guests can also enjoy activities such as heliskiing, whale watching, hiking, and horse riding, with the lodge also offering customizable tour packages and transportation options, including a 10-minute helicopter transfer from Akureyri Airport. Hotel Akureyri Hotel Akureyri is a charming micro-hotel located in the heart of the city of the same name. With a four-story extension added in summer 2024 — including a new lobby, bar, lounge, and 52 rooms — the boutique bolthole offers modern comforts, top-of-the-range facilities, personalized experiences and excellent value. Hotel Akureyri is also home to the popular North restaurant, which focuses on sustainable, local ingredients sourced from the region. Skáld Hotel Opening in summer 2025 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the Skáld Hotel will be the first internationally branded countryside property in North Iceland, bringing elevated luxury to the heart of Akureyri. Designed to emphasize Iceland’s history and culture, the 70-room hotel will offer a base for a tranquil escape amid the region’s natural beauty. The property’s serene fjord-side setting and intimate scale promise a restorative retreat for travelers to the north. New accommodations Heiðin Houses Heiðin is a new accommodation option just outside Akureyri in North Iceland, offering modern, well-designed houses in the peaceful surroundings of Vaðlaheiði. Each 125-square-meter house has four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight guests, making them ideal for families, groups, or anyone seeking a quiet stay with fjord views but needing the convenience of being a six-minute drive from Akureyri. Currently, seven houses are available. Openings will continually periodically through until 2026, where once finished – 12 houses will be available. Bookings can be made via the Heiðin website, Airbnb, and Booking.com. New tours and attractions Whale watching The family-run business Friends of Moby Dick now offers whale watching tours in Húsavík, a vibrant town on the northeast coast of Iceland. Boats are equipped with the latest technology and safety equipment, and passionate guides are on hand to share their knowledge and love of the whales in Skjálfandi Bay. Gentle Giants, North Sailing, and Húsavík Adventures also offer tours to the protected Skjálfandi Bay. Heli-rafting Arctic Rafting recently launched its first heli-rafting tour on the Markarfljót River in collaboration with Asgard Beyond. Adrenaline seekers take a scenic helicopter ride up the Markarfljót canyon, which was carved out by glacier water and is up to a staggering 160 meters deep in parts. The helicopter then lands inside the canyon, where participants start their epic journey on the river to the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, past glaciers, waterfalls, and basalt columns. This is a sightseeing adventure like no other. Water safaris Ribsafari in Vestmannaeyjar offers tours of the puffin colonies on Elliðaey and Bjarnaey, where visitors can observe the impressive seabirds in their natural habitat. The tour also visits Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar’s only inhabited island, and the lava fields created by the 1973 volcanic eruption. A particular highlight is the stop at a sea cave, where guests can experience the unique acoustics with music. Local guides offer insight into the islands’ history, volcanic activity, and wildlife for a fun yet informative adventure. Visit at travelpulse.com/Tribune News Service A whale near Husavik, Iceland. (Tatonka/Dreamstime/TNS) Ribsafari in Vestmannaeyjar offers tours of puffin colonies. (Photo pixabay.com)