Blue Lagoon: Red Lips Suggested — Wildflower of the Wilderness

Many of us have the Blue Lagoon on our bucket list for its icy-blue steaming waters, but there's so much more the Iceland hot spot has to offer. Guests are promised a memorable and unique experience complete with food and drinks, spa services, and cool facilities. It is only 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport (50 minutes from Reykjavik), so it's best to stop by first thing or before your flight back.

Easily the most photographed site in all of Iceland, The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most supernatural looking body of water on Earth. Descriptions of its waters range everywhere from “the same color as the new Gatorade drink” (my favorite, btw) to “frosty blue.” Though the latter term may sound good, the water in the lagoon is anything but “frosty.” The temperature in the swimmable area averages about 40C (104F), and the soothing, mineral-rich water is rumored to have curative powers.

Though the lagoon looks like something born from Iceland’s otherworldly landscape, it is actually man made. It was created by run-off from the Svartsengi power plant, which pumps up the geothermally heated water from a full mile below the surface. After being used to generate both heat and electricity, the excess (which is absolutely clean) is ejected into the lagoon.

The geothermal water has a natural abundance of silica, which is a mineral that is simply a combination of silicon and oxygen. Silica is the primary cause of the water’s milky blue shade. It has a number of benefits for your skin that help with certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and rejuvenating effects.

Click on the Blue Lagoon link above to learn more about ticket prices and availability. Be sure to reserve your spot whenever you to decide to visit as they tend to book up fast (months in advance in most cases).