Reykjavik ICELAND

BY: STEVE DRAKE

WHAT TO DO

It wouldn’t be traveling without trying the local cuisine and the best way to taste the homegrown fare is on a food tour. We choose Wake Up Reykjavik food walks as our guide, so we would discovery the best of Reykjavik had to offer.

First stop was hidden gem called the Icelandic Bar or Íslenski Barinn that featured one of the most traditional Icelandic foods, the Kjötsúpa or Meat soup. This is a lamb soup with root vegetables that has been keeping Icelanders warm since the beginning of time.

Then to the Ostabúðin, or the Cheese shop for a little meat and cheese. From there we headed to Loki, one of the most popular cafe´s in Reykjavík for something that I have never ordered before, Rye Bread Ice Cream. This homemade ice cream with rye bread has chocolate and rhubarb syrup on top - it´s so delicious.

You cannot go to Iceland without trying the amazing Icelandic Hot dog and that was our next stop, the famous Hot Dog stand where Bill Clinton said he had the best hot dog in the world! Ein með öllu or one with everything is the Icelandic tradition, packed with ketchup, mustard and a mayobased relish called remúaði with both raw onions and then crispy deep-fried onions. This lamb hot dog is probably the one spot will remember the most.

We finish the tour off at Apótek, a high-end restaurant located in one of the oldest pharmacies in Reykjavík. They use the little apothecary bottles for both milk and sugar, very cute and the perfect way to finish this amazing culinary adventure around Reykjavík.

WHERE TO STAY

101hotel.is

We arrived in Reykjavik on a rather dull October day. As we entered the lobby of 101 Hotel we greeted by warmth of the lobby fireplace and a kind smile from the front desk staff. Occupying a historic 1930s building in downtown Reykjavik 101 Hotel boast great views of the harbor. Being in the heart of Reykjavik and directly across from the Ingólfur Arnarson memorial, you’ll find yourself close to many great restaurants and quaint village shops.

After a 5-hour flight we were happy to move in to our well-appointed room. The minimalist décor was refreshing and as I pulled open the blinds the room filled with the afternoon sun.

We had access to free high-speed wireless internet, a CD/DVD player, satellite TV, safe, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, a well-stocked minibar. There was also an inroom boutique with Blue Lagoon products. Bathroom amenities are by Aveda and bed linens are by Quagliotti. Very conformable and everything we needed.

Be sure to take advantage of the luxurious basement gym and spa with a steam bath and jacuzzi allows you to completely unwind and relax.

While waling throughout the hotel pay special attention to the art. 101 Hotel’s Icelandic art collection includes art work by many Icelandic leading artists.

WHAT TO DO

The Blue Lagoon – What can I say, this place was AMAZING, it’s no wonder Instagram is loaded with so many Blue Lagoon photos.

The Bláa lónið or Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (99–102 °F).

Once you’re in the lagoon head over to the Mud Bar for your silica mud mask. Used in tandem, silica and algae unlock the door to healthy, luminous, ageless skin.

Heat things up even more with a visit to the sauna or steam room. Now you will be ready to truly relax, I recommend the in-water massage. You are surrounded in the warm Blue Lagoon while receiving your massage - deep and relaxing – out of this world. Also, be sure to take home some of the Blue Lagoon skin care products.