ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Iceland's Wellness Scene: A Creative Reboot for the Famous and Anonymous

other · 2026-09-02

A Vogue feature explores Iceland's unique appeal as a destination for creative and personal renewal, attracting celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Hunter Schafer, and Laufey. Kidman cruised the northern coast on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima, while Schafer attended Reykjavík Pride and Björk's Echolalia exhibition. Laufey, a two-time Grammy winner, recommends a visit to Vesturbæjarlaug pool and Kaffi Vest cafe. The article highlights new wellness venues: Reykjaböð Hot Springs, designed by Arnaldur Schram of Reykjavík Arkitektors, with interiors by Hálfdan Pedersen, opens near Hveragerði; Laugarás Lagoon, designed by T.ark Architects with interiors by Anthony Bacigalupo, sits on the Hvítá River; and Hvammsvík hot springs in Hvalfjörður. Swimslow founder Erna Bergmann leads gusa rituals at Sækot, while float therapy Flothetta, developed by Unnur Valdís Kristjánsdóttir, is offered at Reykjaböð. Chef Gísli Matt at Ylja extends the ritual with local cuisine. Former First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff shares her maximalist reset guide, including horse riding and Arctic Heli-Skiing with Jökull Bergmann. The article underscores Iceland's ability to foster presence and authenticity, as echoed by figures like Eliza Reid, JJ Julius Son, and Saga Sig.

Key facts

  • Nicole Kidman spent August in Iceland on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima.
  • Hunter Schafer attended Reykjavík Pride and Björk's Echolalia exhibition.
  • Laufey recommends Vesturbæjarlaug pool and Kaffi Vest cafe for restoration.
  • Reykjaböð Hot Springs, designed by Arnaldur Schram, opens near Hveragerði.
  • Laugarás Lagoon, designed by T.ark Architects, is located on the Hvítá River.
  • Hvammsvík hot springs in Hvalfjörður feature eight geothermal pools.
  • Swimslow founder Erna Bergmann leads gusa rituals at Sækot.
  • Dorrit Moussaieff recommends horse riding and Arctic Heli-Skiing.
  • Chef Gísli Matt at Ylja serves local cuisine as part of the wellness ritual.

Entities

Artists

  • Nicole Kidman
  • Hunter Schafer
  • Alexa Demie
  • Björk
  • Laufey
  • Eliza Reid
  • Erna Bergmann
  • JJ Julius Son
  • Brynjólfur J. Baldursson
  • Katherine Connolly
  • Arnaldur Schram
  • Hálfdan Pedersen
  • Anthony Bacigalupo
  • Gísli Matt
  • Saga Sig
  • Unnur Valdís Kristjánsdóttir
  • Unnur Eggertsdóttir
  • Dorrit Moussaieff
  • Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
  • Jökull Bergmann
  • Steinunn
  • Justin Bieber

Institutions

  • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Vogue
  • Reykjavík Pride
  • Iceland Writers Retreat
  • Swimslow
  • Reykjaböð Hot Springs
  • Greenhouse Hotel
  • Soho House
  • Cowshed
  • Reykjavík Arkitektar
  • T.ark Architects
  • Laugarás Lagoon
  • Hvammsvík
  • Flothetta
  • Noztra
  • Arctic Heli-Skiing
  • Tom Ford
  • Gucci
  • Deplar Farm

Locations

  • Iceland
  • Reykjavík
  • Hveragerði
  • Hvítá River
  • Hvalfjörður
  • Sækot
  • Vesturbæjarlaug
  • Kaffi Vest
  • Grandi
  • Eastfjords
  • Fljót Valley
  • Mykonos
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • Los Angeles

Sources