Silica Hotel, South Coast

Walk to the Blue Lagoon in just 10 minutes when you stay at the Silica Hotel, a stylish modern hotel located 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Reach Selfoss, the nearest starting point of the Golden Circle, in just over an hour. Sites like the massive Gullfoss Waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park are all between one to two hours away by car. If you'd rather discover the area on foot, there are various paths along the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you'll find mud pools, hot springs, and lava fields, and you can hike up the extinct Þorbjörn Volcano, a 5-minute drive or hour hike.

The lagoon-filled landscape is the focus of this hotel, whose Scandinavian-style minimalist rooms highlight the volcanic and geological features that surround the building. Neutral tones, warm wood, and straight lines and angles create a calming atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies bring the fantastic outside in. Book your room based on whichever sight moves you: lava formations, mountain views, or mineral-rich lagoon waters. All have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and there are accessible options for those with mobility needs.

Decompress in the hotel's private lagoon or make use of the complimentary entrance to the more popular Blue Lagoon. You can indulge in different treatments in the hotel's lagoon, including the in-water massage that is characteristic of the area. While there's no on-site restaurant, you can take your pick from the options surrounding the Blue Lagoon, like Lava, built directly into a lava cliff, or the Michelin-rated Moss. Other facilities include a small gym, breakfast area, and free parking for guests, while families can enjoy amenities like robes and floats for the kids.