Weekend wellness programme based at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Iceland's oldest swimming pool (1891). Includes guided meditation, yoga, hiking, and evening geothermal soaking under the stars or Northern Lights.
The Secret Lagoon Retreat is based at Gamla Laugin in Flúðir, on Iceland's Golden Circle, home to a geothermal pool built in 1891 and generally regarded as the country's oldest swimming pool. The setting is a natural stone-edged lagoon fed directly by hot springs and small geysers around its perimeter, with a simple wooden bathhouse rather than a resort-style spa building, giving the retreat a rustic, unpolished character compared to purpose-built lagoons. Over its two-to-three-day programme, the retreat combines guided meditation and yoga sessions with daytime hiking around the Flúðir area and an evening geothermal soak in the lagoon itself, timed where possible for stargazing or a chance at the Northern Lights. There is no treatment menu or massage service; the wellness focus is mindfulness practice and soaking rather than bodywork, led by a retreat facilitator trained in guided meditation rather than spa therapy. Facilities are limited to the historic lagoon, a small changing house with showers, and nearby lodging used as the retreat base, reflecting the site's identity as a preserved piece of Icelandic bathing history rather than a modern wellness resort. Because the programme bundles meditation, hiking, and lagoon access into a fixed schedule, booking is by full retreat package rather than individual sessions, with limited weekend departures throughout the year.
| Price | $400-900 |
|---|---|
| Session length | 2-3 days |
Treatments
- Guided meditation
- Yoga
- Geothermal lagoon soaking
- Guided hiking
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Iceland's oldest swimming pool, in continuous use since 1891
- Natural stone-edged lagoon fed by small on-site geysers
- Evening geothermal soaks under the stars or Northern Lights
- Guided meditation and yoga sessions
- Golden Circle hiking included in the programme
Tips for visiting
- Book the weekend package ahead since departures are limited
- Bring warm layers for the walk between the changing house and lagoon in winter
- Evening soak sessions offer the best stargazing away from city light
- The lagoon has a shallower, warmer section suited to less confident swimmers
- Photography is welcome at the lagoon but keep phones away during meditation sessions
When to visit
Winter weekend departures pair the evening soak with a chance of the Northern Lights, while summer suits the daytime hiking better.
Accessibility
The changing house and main lagoon deck have level access, though the natural stone edges around parts of the pool are uneven; staff can point out the easiest entry point.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same site as the modern Blue Lagoon?
No, it is a separate historic pool at Flúðir dating to 1891, distinct from the Reykjanes peninsula's Blue Lagoon.
Are spa treatments part of the retreat?
No, the programme centers on meditation, yoga, hiking, and lagoon soaking rather than massage or spa treatments.
What is the water temperature in the lagoon?
It varies by area since it is fed by natural hot springs, with warmer pockets near the spring inlets and cooler areas further out.