Guests at Laugarás Lagoon, a new bathing lagoon opening yesterday, will be greeted by beautiful views over the river Hvítá and the surrounding countryside. The lagoon covers about one thousand square meters and is spread over two levels, connected by a striking waterfall. The outdoor area features two saunas, outdoor showers, a cold plunge, and a hot pool nestled in a grove.
Bryndís Björnsdóttir, managing director of Laugarás Lagoon, says the design and concept development focused on keeping everything as natural as possible. The building is low-profile and blends harmoniously with the landscape. The roof is covered with native grass, and the building’s arches are inspired by the lava caves of South Iceland.
Plenty of opportunities
She notes that Laugarás is in a fantastic location with great potential. “There are many people around here doing wonderful things, but the area still offers plenty of opportunities for further development.”
The owners of the lagoon acquired the land about a decade ago, originally intending to build a hotel. Later, their plans evolved toward opening a geothermal lagoon, which has now become a reality. However, there are still plans to open a hotel next to Laugarás Lagoon in the future.
Part of the guest experience includes a visit to the restaurant Ylja, led by chef Gísli Matthías Auðunsson. The owners first approached him ten years ago to collaborate on a restaurant for the planned hotel. Today, Gísli welcomes guests with a diverse and wholesome menu, largely made from produce sourced from nearby farms.
Source: Mbl.is