Welcome to the Blue Lagoon. Not the Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins Blue Lagoon of the tropical island variety but rather the chillier Iceland version set amongst black volcanic rock.

While one would think the latter location would deter even the die-hardiest of Speedo wearers, the lagoon – the country’s top tourist attraction – is a magnet for minimally attired bodies from all over the world.

The Blue Lagoon is after all the world’s most famous geothermal pool and actually has to be cooled for visitor comfort. And even though the water appears milky blue, it is in fact über-green, hypothetically of course. This is an extraordinary example of humankind’s ability to use nature for energy.

You see the Lagoon rests beside a power plant, one that generates energy by pumping seawater into the ground using the steam to turn the turbines and then sending the resulting electricity out to inhabitants of Iceland. The only waste in this process is hot water, which – ta-da! – ends up in the lagoon and, voilà, is now a major tourist attraction.

Not only is the lagoon a kind of a novelty and quite attractive too, it is also really good for you. The high silica and mineral content of the water does amazing things for your skin – so much so that they have actually created a range of beauty products from it too.
So while bobbing about in the steam, enjoying a massage, why not reflect on how astute Iceland is? Any country that takes money off tourists so that they can wallow in your power plant waste is a country worth reckoning with.

Rather disappointing then that Iceland’s economy is actually in the loo... or maybe not so disappointing! What was once the most expensive city in the world to visit is now, dare we say it, affordable. The Icelandic kroná radically dropped in value recently, which experts say is a result of “over-reaching”. For instance, the once-tiny fishing country now owns as many cars per capita as the Americans.

They have also moved away from quaint village life to more OTT suburban estates. Whatever the reason for the economic nose-dive, the bottom line is there is no better time to pack your thermals, and swimwear, and book yourself a flight to Reykjavík. And if Grimsvotn Volcano refrains from spewing tons of ash into the sky, you may even be able to go.

There is only one airport in Iceland, so there is no way to enter this arctic paradise without visiting the capital. But that’s not a bad thing.
Reykjavík is the cultural and entertainment hub of the Arctic Circle and has also been dubbed the trendiest city in the world – yes, world! This is largely due to the Icelanders’ obsession with technology, architecture and design.

The city, also known as a giant small town, has a main road called Laugavegur, which is home to some of the swankiest cafés, bars and clubs on the planet. The unbelievable nightlife is legendary, and given that in the winter the night can last for 24 hours, that’s quite a jol…

But the true treasure of this slice of volcanic rock is its people, often referred to as the friendliest people on earth. The Icelanders are a very jovial and welcoming nation (despite financial woes), and their zest for life can be attributed to their appreciation of art, theatre and music (they brought the world Björk) and their national pride.

Having banned armed forces more than 700 years ago, Iceland is also the only Nato country with no arms or soldiers. Life expectancy for both men and women is the highest in the world, and then there’s also always the crystal-clear air.

And if you think we’re being over-optimistic about the optimism of the Icelanders, then it would be interesting to note that their motto is: Þetta reddast!, which loosely translated means, “it’ll work out in one way or another!”

Other things to do in Iceland

Puffin Paradise

If you thought “puffin” was Hugh Hefner’s nickname, then you’ve got to stop watching the E! channel and get yourself to Iceland. Puffins are extraordinarily beautiful birds, and Iceland is home to more than eight million of them – for part of the year anyway. Puffins arrive in Iceland between April and August, where they teach the Icelanders something about being good parents and faithfulness. Not only do Puffins stick with the same mate their entire lives, when their one egg a year hatches, both parents take care of the chick in equal measures.

Puffins nest in underground tunnels on cliff faces. It’s a real experience to sit quietly on the grassy cliff top and listen to the deep growling chatter of a puffin colony beneath you.

There are a number of places in Iceland where you can visit the Atlantic Puffin. Látrabjarg is one of three largest bird cliffs in the west of Iceland, and near Reykjavik you can find Akurey and Lundey.

Where to stay

Did you know the Islanders believe in “hidden people” – little elves that hide in the countryside? Locals say if you open your mind, you may feel them around you when you go for a walk.

Hasina is the owner of the Glymur Hotel beside Hvalfjordur (the Whale Fjord). Up until recently, Hasina struggled with a failing business on a plot of land that has a history of failed businesses.

One day a neighbour suggested Hasina explain to the “hidden people” what she was doing there. So she began to hike the hills each day, babbling into the wind.

Soon business turned around, and the Glymur was booked to capacity. Within a couple of years, Glymur has built a reputation as one of the best hotels in the country!

www.hotelglymur.is