This autumn, the famed Blue Lagoon in Iceland will open a subterranean spa, a 62-bedroom luxury hotel and a restaurant celebrating the country’s culinary heritage, all designed by Reykjavik-based Basalt Architects.

Blue Lagoon managing director Dagný Pétursdóttir called this is an “important milestone.”

“We are evolving and expanding our horizons,” said Pétursdóttir. “Our foundation is the unique geothermal seawater, our stunning environment, and the commitment of our employees to provide exceptional service and create unforgettable memories erasing the boundary between nature, wellness and hospitality.”

Built into an 800-year-old lava flow on the south shore of the Blue Lagoon, the spa – dubbed Lava Cove – is designed to be a convergence of nature, architecture and the power of geothermal seawater. Design Group Italia have worked on the experience, including the interiors, service and design.

The spa’s water is sourced from the same volcanic aquifer of geothermal seawater as the Blue Lagoon, and will feature open spaces, plateaus, waterfalls and lava corridors designed to invite discovery and enable serenity.

The Lava Cove spa journey moves through a ‘concourse of lava’ that encompasses dry heat, steam, massage, drip ceiling, a long fireplace, relaxation lounge, a panoramic viewing deck, a cold air well, and the Lava Lagoon.

The journey ends with the Blue Lagoon Ritual, where guests experience a wellbeing journey encompassing the mineral salt, silica and algae that are part of the geothermal seawater experience.

Additionally, the 62-bedroom Moss Hotel will be built into a moss-covered lava flow dating from the year 1226. Powered by sustainable energy and surrounded by the mineral-rich waters of Lava Lagoon, it will take full advantage of it surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces and balconies overlooking the waters.

The Blue Lagoon, which holds six million litres of geothermal seawater, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.

Sigridur Sigthorsdottir of Basalt Architects has been the architect at Blue Lagoon for almost 20 years, and her work in harmonising the man-made and natural environment has received international acclaim.

Blue Lagoon’s first phase of expansion, in 2016, included enlarging the main lagoon by half and introducing a new access control system designed to improve guest experience.

Exclusive: Blue Lagoon, Iceland, to undergo €40m expansion led by Basalt Architects