Set amid a lava field formed in the 13th century, the lagoon's rugged setting affords guests breathtaking vistas to soak in during their visit.

It is safe to say that there is definitely something in the water in Iceland. This would be the easiest explanation as to why Icelanders are often touted as being the happiest people on earth or why their average life expectancy is among the highest in the world. While a direct correlation can't be assumed, we do know something about the water that bubbles in Iceland's beloved Blue Lagoon—the geothermal bath contains lodes of skin-healthy elements that make this site a must-see when visiting, especially for the spa-savvy traveler.

The modern building that flanks the Blue Lagoon and houses relaxation rooms, fully equipped locker rooms, and an indoor treatment room has been recognized with design awards.

With everything from charming seaside towns to larger-than-life glaciers to serene fjords, Iceland—which is about the size of Kentucky—has a truly diverse landscape that appears utterly other-worldy. As soon as visitors leave the airport, they encounter a snaking route to Reykjavik that leads them through a 13th-century lava field, which boasts an uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon. After spending 20 minutes on the road, thick white smoke billowing ferociously toward the sky can be seen in the distance. This result of warm water meeting with cool air serves as nature's guidepost to alert people that they have reached Grindavik and found the Blue Lagoon.

WATER WORKS

Silica mud is available around the lagoon for guests to apply liberally.

Each year, 400,000 visitors take a plunge in the Blue Lagoon, rain or shine—an astounding figure when compared to the fact that only 300,000 people live in Iceland. While the lagoon's much-lauded healing power is a major part of its allure, the unmatched bathing experience it offers can't be ignored. Uncommon with other thermal-water destinations around the world, a visit to the Blue Lagoon offers visitors the extraordinary opportunity to bathe while breathing in fresh air and soaking in the unspoiled natural setting. Just seeing the striking contrast of the lagoon's celebrated milky blue water against the surrounding sea of dark lava rock leaves a lasting impression.

The lagoon's waterfall offers a therapeutic break for swimmers

Another thing that stays with visitors is the health benefit of spending time in the Blue Lagoon, which is a trove of skin-friendly ingredients. Considering the hydrotherapeutic foundation of spa (which comes from the Latin phrase sanitas per aqua, meaning healing with water), a true wellness experience can be had at the lagoon, which holds 1.6 million gallons of geothermal water that is renewed every 40 hours. Originating 6,560 feet beneath the ground's surface, the water's initial temperature is a scalding 464 F. Thanks to close monitoring and careful regulating, bathers actually relish a soothing 98 F to 100 F in the basin.

People enjoy an average temperature of 99 F in the lagoon year-round

While a warm dip is enough to invigorate visitors, the harmonious combination of skin-saving elements is truly revitalizing. The most active ingredients found in the Blue Lagoon are nourishing minerals, skin-strengthening silica, and collagen-boosting algae. This trifecta is the foundation of the Blue Lagoon signature skincare products, which are featured in a host of spa services offered both in the lagoon and in the lone indoor treatment room located on-site.