SPA: Nordica Spa, Reykavik, Iceland
TYPE: Hotel Spa
PRICING: Facials $66-$124; Massages $90-$137; Body Treatments $103-$155
TREATMENTS RECEIVED: Ice & Fire Deluxe, Butterfly Therapy, Volcano Treatment
SUMMARY: This compact but well-equipped spa is tucked away on the second floor of ultra-trendy Nordica Hotel in Iceland’s capital city of Reykavik. The clean and uncluttered Scandinavian design gives the spa a serene and organic ambience with extensive use of indigenous woods for flooring and paneling, and Icelandic lava rocks used as design accents around the indoor Jacuzzi tubs. The softly lit treatment rooms were pristine and treatment beds cozy with heating pads and sheepskins tucked under super soft sheets for extra cushioning and warmth.
The facility includes a spacious relaxation room that you can easily miss because no one points it out, and a coed wet area with saunas, steam room and a series of hot tubs and a small pool filled with varying temperatures of thermal mineral water. A roaming massage therapist offers complimentary head and shoulder massages to guests while they soak. Bliss! Soaking is a popular pastime here. Many of the soakers are actually business people who are members of the attached fitness center. That makes for cramped quarters in the narrow ladies’ dressing area when the business crowd shows up either before or after work. The best time to visit the spa is between 9-3 to avoid the crush.
The therapists were an international bunch hailing from all over the world including Lithuania, Ukraine and the United States. All spoke English and were top notch in their friendly demeanor, execution of the treatments, and constant vigilance about our comfort and hydration levels. Lemon water, tea and fruit smoothies were always available. The Ice and Fire treatment, Butterfly Therapy and Volcano Treatment were all uniquely Icelandic and thoroughly enjoyable.
The weak link in the experience was at the reception desk. This is a country that thrives on a culture of self-sufficiency which can have a negative impact on customer service. While everyone was coolly polite, no one offered any information, pleasantries or smiles at check-in or check out. It definitely put a chill on an otherwise pleasant experience.
TYPE: Hotel Spa
PRICING: Facials $66-$124; Massages $90-$137; Body Treatments $103-$155
TREATMENTS RECEIVED: Ice & Fire Deluxe, Butterfly Therapy, Volcano Treatment
SUMMARY: This compact but well-equipped spa is tucked away on the second floor of ultra-trendy Nordica Hotel in Iceland’s capital city of Reykavik. The clean and uncluttered Scandinavian design gives the spa a serene and organic ambience with extensive use of indigenous woods for flooring and paneling, and Icelandic lava rocks used as design accents around the indoor Jacuzzi tubs. The softly lit treatment rooms were pristine and treatment beds cozy with heating pads and sheepskins tucked under super soft sheets for extra cushioning and warmth.
The facility includes a spacious relaxation room that you can easily miss because no one points it out, and a coed wet area with saunas, steam room and a series of hot tubs and a small pool filled with varying temperatures of thermal mineral water. A roaming massage therapist offers complimentary head and shoulder massages to guests while they soak. Bliss! Soaking is a popular pastime here. Many of the soakers are actually business people who are members of the attached fitness center. That makes for cramped quarters in the narrow ladies’ dressing area when the business crowd shows up either before or after work. The best time to visit the spa is between 9-3 to avoid the crush.
The therapists were an international bunch hailing from all over the world including Lithuania, Ukraine and the United States. All spoke English and were top notch in their friendly demeanor, execution of the treatments, and constant vigilance about our comfort and hydration levels. Lemon water, tea and fruit smoothies were always available. The Ice and Fire treatment, Butterfly Therapy and Volcano Treatment were all uniquely Icelandic and thoroughly enjoyable.
The weak link in the experience was at the reception desk. This is a country that thrives on a culture of self-sufficiency which can have a negative impact on customer service. While everyone was coolly polite, no one offered any information, pleasantries or smiles at check-in or check out. It definitely put a chill on an otherwise pleasant experience.
Facility: 4 Services: 4 Staff: 4
Highs:
- Complimentary head and shoulder massages given during hot tub soak
- No tipping
- Good variety of massage, face and body treatments
- Reception and dressing areas cramped
- Traffic noise bleeds into treatment rooms
- No slippers provided during spa visit