Bathe in ICELAND’s BLUE LAGOON

Iceland's most popular visitor attraction, the Blue Lagoon is a giant bathtub that pools six million litres of geothermal seawater from 2000 metres beneath the earth's surface. By the time it reaches the lagoon, the mineral-rich milky, aqua blue waters simmer at temperatures between 37 and 39°C. In addition to the lagoon, there's a sauna, steam bath carved out of a lava cave and a massaging waterfall. A shop, caf? and viewing deck keeps spectators amused.
Where: In a lava field in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, on Iceland's south-west coast, 45 minutes from Reykjavik, the country's capital and 25 minutes from Keflavik Airport.

Why go? Because, even though the Blue Lagoon is an out-and-out tourist attraction, it manages to wow even the biggest cynics with its special brand of geothermal magic. Slow poaching your cares away and daubing on white-silica mud against a backdrop that is spectacularly lunar is enough to send your endorphins hurtling into a feel-good frenzy.
White Silica mud settles at the bottom of the lagoon and doubles up as a perfect mineral-rich face pack
Random fact: The lagoon is actually artificial and was created as an over-spill pool for the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. When heat and electricity has been generated from the water, it is pushed through to the lagoon.

Best bit: That first sublime dip into the warm, cloudy blue waters feels like you're taking the bath of your life. Watching the rising steam dance and swirl above the waters is a sight to behold, especially if you're there when the sun sets.

Downside: Thanks to the high sulphur content, there are certain smells wafting around the Blue Lagoon that are at best whiffy and at worst repugnant. Even worse, they tend to linger on bathers' skin for a few hours after. The high mineral content in the water may be working wonders on your skin but it will play havoc with your hair. If you want to maintain a glossy mane, lather conditioner through hair before you enter the lagoon – if you don't it will almost certainly feel like straw for a few days after.

When to go: At the height of the summer solstice in June when Iceland gets just a few hours of darkness a day and the skies are - fingers firmly crossed - often blue. Alternatively, brave the cold and visit during winter - the water's always warm but your hair might just freeze.
High sulphur content ensures the lagoon has a certain whiff about it... which lingers on after you leave

How to get there: Connections from both Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport are good and a handful of coach companies operate regular services. Among them, Reykjavik Excursions runs a Blue Lagoon Express Service from Reykjavik to the airport for 3,800 kronur including entrance to the Blue Lagoon, visit www.re.is to book in advance.
Source: dailymail.co.uk