Imagine the most relaxed you’ve ever felt, then multiply it by 100. That’s how you’ll feel after spending an afternoon in any of Iceland’s geothermal spas.  In all honesty it was the picturesque natural beauty and healing waters that inspired my travels to Iceland in the first place.

I’m a firm believer in the power of relaxation and nothing beats a little body pampering. As a business owner with a love of travel, I’ve enjoyed spa services across our great nation.  My most enjoyable experience was at Willow Stream Spa within the Banff Springs.  One of Canada’s premiere European Spas, it left a lasting memory of tranquility. 

Nestled just outside downtown Reykjavik, Laugar Spa is indeed “World Class”.  This luxury health club houses an Olympic-sized indoor/outdoor thermal pools, spacious fitness centre, spa, beauty and massage clinic, restaurant, salon and retail sports shop.  To a spa loving nutritionist it was heaven on earth.

After checking in at the front desk my travel mate and I headed to the beauty clinic to book in a treatment. We decided on booking the popular firming mud wrap and cellulite treatment which used the Comfort Zone product line. The clinicians’ weren’t able to book us in for 4 hours which gave us plenty of time to fully enjoy the aquatic center.  

We changed into our bathing suits, grabbed a complementary robe and headed to the adults only Spa. It consisted of six different saunas and steam rooms ranging from 65-105 degrees, each with its own fragrance and theme.  A Jacuzzi with hot sea water and powerful jets. A cooling water fall and full body cold water dunk tank. It was an oasis of sensations.

After 2 hours of pure bliss we decided a glass of wine was in order and headed to the bar.Alcohol is expensive in Iceland; a glass of red was around $16. I pretended not to care; I was on vacation after all.

Next we ventured outdoors to the Olympic sized outdoor aquatics facility. Icelanders take swimming very seriously and it’s a popular spectator sport. We found more Jacuzzis, swimming lanes, kiddy pools and a waterslide (which caught my attention). I ran up the stairs, waited for the green light then pushed off. Twisting and turning with psychedelic lights I ventured up those stairs several times.

By far Laugar Spa is the most relaxed I’ve ever been. SO much so that at supper that evening we told our travel group about our enjoyable experience. I wasn’t surprised to hear that some booked in the next day. My tour was arranged by travel agent George Stewart, and I hear he'll be organizing another tour in 2011. 

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Iceland now is the time! It’s a warm (lol) and welcoming country hosting some of the world’s most healing waters.  Our entire day at Laugar Spa cost $80 Canadian, a steal of a deal for 6 hours of pure bliss.

I love visiting Spas, and plan on visiting a few this year while See Results and I travel across Canada. So Canadian’s I’m wondering where your favorite Spa is and which treatments you enjoy the most? Help me relax while on the road, hotel beds usually aren’t that comfortable.