It is an otherworldly scene: a vista of milky blue waters stretching over black lava fields in a “Land of Ice and Fire”. Mist drifts over water and in the distance craggy peaks meet the sky which, when conditions align from September through to March, is ignited by the Aurora Borealis – a spectacle of the gods. National Geographic arrived here in 2012. It described Iceland’s Blue Lagoon as one of the 25 modern wonders of the world.

People come here in their droves to take in this alien landscape and take of its waters. Drawn through geothermal extraction wells, the water (which is 70% sea water and 30% fresh water) emerges into the lagoon enriched with silica, algae and minerals – bioactive elements, which are thought to have healing properties. But herein lies the problem. During the summer months, the lagoon, which is a short drive from the airport, is a buzzy tourist mecca. If a trip here is on your wish list, taking a winter break when there are fewer crowds, and when the Aurora Borealis is at its zenith, might offer the best chance of experiencing the Blue Lagoon the way one imagined.

WHAT TO DO AT THE LAGOON
Firstly, book in advance on the website. You can’t obtain a ticket simply by turning up at the venue, which sells out frequently, even in the winter months. It's also worth avoiding peak times, from 10am to 2pm, and aiming for early mornings or evenings when the lagoon is less busy, or there's a possibility of catching the Northern Lights at night. Before you step into the lagoon you must shower – this is to be done nude (there are private cubicles for the prudish) – a necessary measure which prevents water contamination. It's also an Icelandic tradition, which those in charge check you have observed, so don’t skip this step. If you have longer hair, tie it up and apply conditioner before entering the water as the silica will dry it out.

The water enters the lagoon at a piping 38°C. It's essentially a giant bath, but there are hot and cold pockets as you wade around, which makes the experience much more interesting – you can spend hours bathing without noticing the time. The lagoon stretches 8,700sq m, and most have fun finding a quiet cave or cove to make their own – no matter how crowded the lagoon seems, it's relatively easy to escape others. The lagoon naturally regenerates itself in 48 hours and, because of this, the water remains clean and rich in minerals and silica.

The experience costs £69 for a basic “Comfort” ticket, which includes a free silica mud mask and one free drink, but there are alternative packages if you want to add extras. Once in the water your mask is obtained at a "station point” and applied in the lagoon. The natural clay draws out pores and clarifies the skin leaving it soft and supple. Swim up to the bar for your free drink; they offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations. There’s also a plethora of free wet and dry saunas to try within the complex.

If peckish, there are a number of restaurants around the lagoon. The Lava Restaurant, which offers a dining experience set to spectacular views, is perhaps the most popular. Expect dishes of langoustine soup and lamb fillet with potatoes, chimichurri and carrots (vegan options include grilled cauliflower), which can be enjoyed wrapped in your robe until 3pm each day (the two-course lunch menu is around £59). You can also do a spot of shopping within the complex to stock up on beauty essentials. Those who prefer to explore, can stroll around the walking paths, which guide you around the scenic landscape – and you don’t need to buy a ticket for this. Is the lagoon worth the visit? Most people will tell you yes. Despite the touristy vibes, it’s an unforgettable experience.

GETTING THERE
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, 12 miles from Keflavik International Airport, and 30 miles from Reykjavik. Multiple daily flights are operated by Iceland Air, Play Airlines, and more from London to Keflavik Airport. Most people drive to the Blue Lagoon, or take public transport: Destination Blue Lagoon offers a bus transfer service that runs hourly between Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, and Keflavík International Airport. 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
Sky Lagoon: A modern cliffside spa with a seven-step ritual and a swim-up bar, located near Reykjavík. Prices start at around £84 for the standard "Saman" (or "Pure") package which includes the seven-step ritual, with a more premium "Sér" (or "Private") package costing about £101

Brimketill: A free to visit natural pool carved into the sea cliffs by the Atlantic Ocean. This is a clear seawater pool, not a thermal one

Geothermal areas: Visit nearby geothermal areas like Seltún or Gunnuhver to see bubbling mud pools and hot springs, though these are not for swimming

Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel: 60km from the Blue Lagoon, the rock formations of this spectacular  cave shift with colour and in winter ice sculptures form inside creating a magical scene. Priced from £46 per adult for a basic tour

WHERE TO STAY
At the airport: Hotels around the airport are well-situated for a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Try the
Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, a four-star hotel in the heart of Keflavik, just 13 miles from the Blue Lagoon, from around £163 per night. 

In Reykjavík:  If you are exploring more of Iceland, make the capital Reykjavík your base. The Reykjavik Edition hotel, from around £345 per night is a popular address, as is the more affordable Hotel Von, from around £148 per night and The Exeter Hotel, from around £138 per night.

At the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon’s two luxury hotels The Retreat and Silica Hotel, as well as the off-grid Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base, are operated by the same parent group. Book at any of the trio to take advantage of special activity packages,  including a Highland Helicopter Journey above the Golden Circle with a landing on the Langjökull glacier (from £9,350 for up to 5 people); a two- or three-four-hour ATV Adventure across lava plains, black sands and mountainscape (from £145 per person), Snowmobiling at Highland Base (from £180 per person) and an introduction to Icelandic mountaineering (£332 per person with a two-guest minimum). For a look inside all three hotels, see our slide show below: