Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

WINTER/SPRING 2023 DREAMSCAPES 67 Rejuvenate at Sky Lagoon Like most travellers to Iceland, we began our trip in Reykjavík. We headed straight for the Sky Lagoon, a new thermal spa near downtown that's operated by Canadian company Pursuit. The showstopper here is the 70-metre-long infinity lagoon that makes it look like you can swim right into the North Atlantic Ocean. Flute of bubbles in hand, courtesy of the swim-up bar, I stared out into the twilight and listened to the crashing waves below. Unwinding in the lagoon's warm waters is the first step in The Ritual, the spa's signature seven-step wellness program. It continues with a cold plunge, cedar sauna bake, cool mist spritz, body scrub, steam room sweat and, finally, a cleansing rinse. I ended the evening with baby-soft skin and revived mus- cles ready to hike to the country's natural wonders. Chase adventure around the Golden Circle The next day we began a popular driving route called the Golden Circle that passes some of the country's impressive geo- logical sights. Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park, the historic site of Iceland's first parliament. It also marks a spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. This rift is responsible for the country's geothermal activity, which we see first-hand at Geysir. Here, Strokkur geyser erupts faithfully every four to 10 minutes, spraying the crowd with sul- phurous water heated from the earth. After getting wet by accident, we sought out an intentional soaking at Hrunalaug Hot Spring. Located on a farmer's land, it's a short hike to this natural pool, which has a small, turf-roofed croft adjacent to it that doubles as a change room. We soaked away the day's cares while chatting with other bathers and watching golden hour light up the sur- rounding hills. PHOTOS: STEFAN LIEBERMANN | MILAN & SEILA | BLAKE FORD | SHUTTERSTOCK/BARNES IAN | SHUTTERSTOCK/PURIPAT LERTPUNYAROJ | LISA KADANE | PURSUIT TRAVEL PLANNER For travel ideas and inspiration, visiticeland.com i Be awestruck by the Northern Lights We based ourselves at Hotel Rangá to explore the region's hot springs, hikes and waterfalls, including spectacular Seljalandsfoss, whose curtain of water you can hike behind. The boutique hotel is also famous for the aurora borealis, thanks to its location far from any light pollution. We were enjoying a welcome drink in the bar when a hotel employee announced that the Northern Lights were already on display. Everyone rushed outside and saw what appeared to be a white, ghostly shroud over- head. Along its edges, the trademark green palette shimmered and danced like a solar shapeshifter. It was mesmerizing. Thrust into the moment, my mind was instantly cleared of clutter as I watched the curtain of lights swirl and change. The next day, after hiking to Sólheimajökull Glacier and its emerald lagoon bobbing with ancient icebergs, we returned to Hotel Rangá where a geothermal hot tub was just the ticket after more active adventures in the fresh air. We watched the sky fade to pink and orange before the Northern Lights appeared after dark, as if on cue. Now, soaking in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs on our final day in Iceland, I'm convinced the land of volcanoes and glaciers knows how to do wellness. Bracing waterfalls, invigorating hikes, warm soaks, and the dancing Northern Lights have completely topped up my tank. DS

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