If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I recently embarked on a spontaneous trip to the breathtaking land of Iceland, specifically to its charming capital, Reykjavik. Iceland is a truly magical country, but let me warn you—it’s also one of the coldest places I’ve ever been! Nevertheless, the experience was nothing short of unforgettable, and I can’t wait to share the highlights of my journey with you.
A Last-Minute Escapade
The decision to travel to Iceland was made in the blink of an eye, adding an extra layer of excitement to the trip. Accompanied by my friend and sister-in-law Renata and her best friend Stephannie, we had a total of three nights in Reykjavik—a timeframe I found to be more than sufficient to explore the city and its surroundings.
Cozy Accommodation
Our home away from home was the Grand Hotel Reykjavik, a distinguished 4-star hotel known for its exceptional service and amenities. The atmosphere was inviting, and the breakfast spread was nothing short of delightful, offering an array of delectable options to suit all tastes. To our surprise and delight, the receptionist kindly upgraded our room from a family suite to a spacious junior suite at no extra cost, making our stay even more comfortable. The hotel even allowed us to check-in early, a much-needed relief after our long flight.
The bed was plush and cozy, and the duvet was delightfully warm—the perfect refuge from the freezing temperatures outside. Our room featured a whirlpool bath and an excellent shower, adding a touch of luxury to our stay. The hotel also offered a fitness room, where we squeezed in a quick workout during our stay. Although the hotel was not right in the city center, a 10-minute taxi ride was all it took to reach the heart of the action.
Also read: An Unforgettable Journey: Exploring the Charms of Barcelona
Culinary Delights
Arriving in Reykjavik on a Sunday morning, we were eager to find a restaurant for lunch. However, we soon discovered that many places in Reykjavik open later on Sundays, and finding a lunch-serving restaurant proved challenging. Eventually, we stumbled upon Café Paris, where I opted for a steak with fries (surprisingly the healthiest option on the menu), and a hot cocoa to warm up from the cold.
During our stay, we dined at the hotel’s restaurant one night, but I must confess that the experience didn’t live up to expectations—especially when the bill came, leaving us feeling a little disappointed. However, the highlight was our dinner at Apotek Restaurant. The ambiance was charming, the staff was friendly, and the menu offered a fantastic variety of delectable dishes. I savored a grilled salmon served with creamy potato puree and vegetables—an absolute delight!
Exploring Reykjavik
Although Reykjavik is relatively small, it offers a delightful city center to explore. We strolled through its quaint streets, marveling at the charming architecture and visiting some unique stores. As we traveled close to Christmas, the city had delightful attractions for children, including an ice-skating rink that exuded holiday cheer.
The next day, we embarked on an adventurous trip to some of the most famous tourist spots, including the awe-inspiring waterfalls, the enchanting thermal waters, and the legendary Golden Circle. Although the tickets were a bit pricey, the experience was undoubtedly worth it, and the 6-hour trip left us with unforgettable memories.
A Glimpse of Paradise: The Blue Lagoon
One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly the Blue Lagoon. The weather was not in our favor, but the warm waters of the lagoon provided much-needed respite from the cold. The lagoon even offered a sauna—a perfect treat for relaxation. We opted for the premium package, which included two face masks, a glass of wine, and a reservation at a nearby restaurant. Although the premium experience was enjoyable, I would recommend the basic package to keep things budget-friendly.
One crucial piece of advice: BEWARE of the salty water’s effect on your hair! My locks suffered greatly from the water’s impact, so I highly recommend bringing your own shampoo and conditioner to combat any post-lagoon hair woes.
Farewell, Iceland
Though my dreams of witnessing the Northern Lights remained unfulfilled due to the weather conditions, I cherished every moment of my time in Iceland. The trip provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different country, its culture, and its allure.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this travel blog post, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts and comments below. Don’t forget to give this post a like and stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
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