Located in the heart of a rugged lava field, Iceland’s world-renowned Blue Lagoon stands as a shining example of sustainable innovation in wellness tourism.

Harnessing the power of renewable geothermal energy and seamlessly integrating with the natural environment, the Blue Lagoon offers a unique spa experience with sustainability at its heart. From its mineral-rich, naturally filtered waters to its eco-conscious infrastructure and waste-reducing operations, Blue Lagoon is committed to a greener future.

Blue Lagoon

Energy: Blue Lagoon uses 100% renewable energy from HS Orka’s geothermal plant. Numerous projects have been launched in recent years to improve energy efficiency in equipment and buildings

Offsetting: The Company has been managing its carbon accounting since 2015 and has been collaborating with Kolviður regarding the carbon offset of all emissions from Blue Lagoon since 2019. Through that partnership, the Company has planted 52,700 trees in five years

Water: The lagoon’s signature milky-blue colour comes from silica and blue-green algae, which are naturally occurring. No added chemicals are used to maintain the water, minimising environmental impact. These components have skin-healing and rejuvenating properties, distinguishing the Blue Lagoon from any other spa in the world

Sustainable operations: Blue Lagoon’s operations are based on the ecological cycle of the geothermal seawater on the Reykjanes peninsula. Blue Lagoon actively participates in initiatives in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark to improve sustainable infrastructure and support activities in its local environment. The geothermal seawater is first used to produce green energy for the local community, and then it is used for many purposes in the Company’s operations. Finally, it is returned down to the strata and thus back into the circular system. Steam from the geothermal plant is used to produce sea salt from the geothermal seawater, and carbon dioxide from the geothermal plant is used to feed blue-green microalgae that have been isolated from the lagoon’s unique ecosystem and cultivated in the Company’s Research and Development Centre

Local community and supplier chain: Blue Lagoon promotes responsible business practices and procurement of goods and services. When choosing suppliers and contractors, the emphasis is on cost effective and ecological business relationships in the local community. 90% of Blue Lagoon’s suppliers in terms of goods and services are Icelandic and most of them within a 80km radius from the Blue Lagoon

Bcorp certification: Following extensive analytical work, B LabTM’s audit process was completed and in 2023, Blue Lagoon, Blue Lagoon Skincare and The Retreat received B CorpTM’s international quality certification. Blue Lagoon is the second company in Iceland to receive the certification

R&D and Blue Lagoon Skincare

For more than three decades, research and development has been at the heart of Blue Lagoon’s quest for a wellbeing for people and planet, which is one of its aspirational mandates. Powered by geothermal energy, the R&D center is a thriving scientific establishment—a place where inspiration and intellect have unlocked groundbreaking ways to recycle CO2. Likewise, green production methods—pioneered at the R&D center—are used for harvesting the beneficial elements of Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater: silica, minerals, and microalgae. These three natural wonders are the fulcrum of Blue Lagoon Skincare that adheres to the highest standards of eco-conscious formulation and environmental responsibility.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Architecture and design: From the moment ground was broken for the Retreat in 2014, the enduring principle was: harmony, not contrast. Materials were chosen for their durability, their repairability, their green production standards, and the manner that they harmonize with the environment. Wherever possible, lava quarried onsite was integrated into the structure

Electricity, heating, and hot water: Geothermal energy harnessed and produced at the Svartsengi Resource Park is the sole source of electricity, heating, and hot water at the Retreat, providing 100% of its needs in these three areas. The mechanisms for circulating these resources are also highly advanced, with the Retreat’s heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems conforming to, or surpassing, Iceland’s strict protocols of energy efficiency

Lighting: The Retreat’s lighting is calibrated to fulfil the cyclical human need for natural light—the circadian rhythm. Created from highly efficient, technologically advanced light-emitting diode (LED), the lighting is energizing, nourishing, and engaging, bringing forth sensations of profound wellbeing. In the realm of artificial illumination, this convergence of comfort and energy efficiency is known as human centric lighting

Dining: Culinary sustainability extends throughout the sourcing of Moss Restaurant, the Retreat’s Michelin-starred dining establishment. Most ingredients are locally supplied, and the energy that powers the organic farms and lights the greenhouses where fruits and vegetables are grown is of geothermal origin

Rooms at The Retreat start at £1,339 per night for a Lava Junior Suite – with breakfast, lagoon and spa access included.

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