image. Sky Lagoon. Courtesy of Pursuit | LOB Name
Imagine a place where vibrant creativity meets natural wonders and where ancient traditions are interwoven with innovative modern practices. As well as being Iceland’s business and cultural hub, Reykjavik is the perfect spot to discover a dynamic array of unforgettable wellness experiences, either within the picturesque city streets or just a stone’s throw from town.
the treatment | BIOEFFECT Glacier Glow
Step into a world where Icelandic science meets pure indulgence. BIOEFFECT, the brainchild of three visionary scientists, began with a breakthrough: bioengineering a plant-based replica of human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). This patented process, using barley grown in geothermal greenhouses, creates potent cellular activators that trigger your skin’s renewal. The result? A brand whose science is as extraordinary as its luxury.
Situated in the serene embrace of The Reykjavik EDITION hotel, the BIOEFFECT Glacier Glow facial is more than a treatment – it’s a rejuvenating ritual. Targeting the five core causes of skin aging, it leaves you glowing, restored and visibly renewed.
Afterwards, wander to the BIOEFFECT store on Hafnarstræti for a state-of-the-art Skin Analysis and to stock up on the award-winning EGF Serum. It’s a must for anyone seeking to boost collagen and elastin for skin that looks – and feels – healthier than ever.
image. BIOEFFECT Glacier Glow facial
the restaurant | Matur og Drykkur
Nestled alongside the Saga Museum, this vibrant yet unpretentious restaurant promises to redefine your expectations of Icelandic fare. Here, visionary chefs transform the timeless heritage of traditional cuisine by infusing it with bold modern techniques and unexpected flavours, crafting unforgettable menus that mirror the rhythm of the seasons. Passionate about sustainability, they collaborate closely with local farmers to source the freshest, most exceptional ingredients the country has to offer. Renowned chef Gísli Matthías Auðunsson draws on the wisdom of historians and farmers, breathing new life into ancient recipes, many once thought lost to time.
Matur og Drykkur’s commitment to tradition – whether foraging wild seaweed and Arctic herbs or championing ethical, seasonal eating – embodies a progressive, deeply meaningful response to the challenges of the modern food world.
image. Matur og Drykkur
the scent | Fischersund
Fischersund is a family-run art collective with an exceptional perfumery attached, offering immersive experiences that include addictive perfumes, scented concerts and visual arts to facilitate its creative storytelling.
Fragrance invokes such nostalgic memories in all of us, and the brand’s six perfumes are created by one of the four self-taught siblings who started it. No.23 was the first of these and bottles the scent memory of their father working in the harbour, from the tobacco to the salty air. The latest addition to the range is No.8, a beautifully balanced scent of flower stalks, tart rhubarb, bergamot, orange cake, asphalt and Sitka spruce, evoking the freedom of childhood summers. Its warmth and happiness will transport you back to your youth. It’s no wonder this brand has garnered a cult following.
image. Fischersund
the installation | Höfuðstöðin
Höfuðstöðin is described as Reykjavik’s living home of imagination and with the permanent, multi-sensory art installation ‘Chromo Sapiens’ by Shoplifter, you can see why. The rooms of this exhibit seem womb-like and start with what could be described as an open-eyed meditation. The visceral, riot of an art piece is an astonishing experience that triggers emotional reactions, but ones that leave you joyous and at peace when you emerge. Afterwards, you can paint your own version of ‘Chromo Sapiens’ before enjoying a moment of contemplation in the beautiful café.
image. Chromo Sapiens by Shoplifter at Höfuðstöðin
the skincare | Villimey
Villimey is a certified organic skincare range which is deep-rooted in Icelandic healing traditions that have been passed down through generations. The mineral-rich soils of the untainted Westfjords produce wild herbs that are hand-picked for use in the brand’s small batch balms. From a young age, founder Adalbjörg Thorsteinsdóttir was fascinated by the nature that she grew up surrounded by and the healing abilities of plants. She created her first balm – the Muscle and Joint Healing Salve – from her kitchen table in 1990. It’s effective on sore muscles, tired legs and inflammation, and even growing pains for teens, and was the start of a thriving range of balms, ointments and apple cider vinegars infused with herbs.
image. Villimey
the spa | Sky Lagoon
With its noteworthy architecture nestled against the wild North Atlantic Ocean, Sky Lagoon is bound to make an impression, and yet this geothermal spa is just moments away from downtown Reykjavik. The philosophy it carries at its core is to take guests on a journey through the fascinating and ancient Icelandic bathing culture. There are options to suit all budgets, but the ultimate experience is The Ritual. While repeated transitions from warmth to cold leave your mind calmed and refreshed and your skin glowing, these are greatly helped by cocktails from the Gelmir Cave bar next to the lagoon. If you can, try to visit around sunset as the experience of watching this from the comforting cocoon of the thermal waters is something you do not want to miss.
image. Sky Lagoon. Courtesy of Pursuit | LOB Name
words. Emma White Turle + Amy Irving
