{"id":189883,"date":"2023-12-17T00:13:42","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T00:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsneednews.com\/?p=189883"},"modified":"2023-12-17T00:13:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-17T00:13:42","slug":"the-magical-winter-wonderland-with-world-famous-heated-pools-and-breathtaking-views-just-three-hours-away-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsneednews.com\/travel\/the-magical-winter-wonderland-with-world-famous-heated-pools-and-breathtaking-views-just-three-hours-away-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"The magical winter wonderland with world-famous heated pools and breathtaking views just three hours away | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>MY horse starts to gallop into the hills, and even though the air is getting colder and crisper, I\u2019m too distracted by the views to notice.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s until our guide rides up beside me to instruct cheeky Sykur to slow down to a canter and return to the group.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ICELAND001.jpeg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Alamy-ICELAND.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m on a two-hour ride through stunning lava fields, grassy hillsides and small rivers on an Icelandic horse \u2013 one of the purest breeds in the world \u2013 which are both breathtakingly beautiful and gentle.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re only 25 minutes from Reykjav\u00edk, but it feels a world away from Iceland\u2019s tourist hot-spot capital. <\/p>\n<p>Riding tours start from \u00a377 per person (Ishestar.is).<\/p>\n<h2>Lucky dip<\/h2>\n<p>For years I\u2019ve wanted to dip my toe into one of Iceland\u2019s most famous attractions, the Blue Lagoon. <\/p>\n<h2>READ MORE ON WINTER TRAVEL<\/h2>\n<p><source media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.5)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/louise-roberts-trip-lapland-children-864206929.jpg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/louise-roberts-trip-lapland-children-864206929.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/louise-roberts-trip-lapland-children-864206929.jpg\"><\/picture><span>STARRY EYED <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Inside UK&#x27;s top Xmas attraction where getting tickets is hard as Glastonbury<\/h3>\n<p><source media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.5)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tp-composite-travel-mauritus-1.jpg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tp-composite-travel-mauritus-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tp-composite-travel-mauritus-1.jpg\"><\/picture><span>ISLE SAY! <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Exotic winter sun island with giant tortoises, crystal clear sea &amp;amp;\u00a0little jet lag<\/h3>\n<p>So, the next day, I hit the famous milky blue geothermal pools, which are rich in minerals and naturally heated to around 38\u00b0C, and relax with a glass of champagne at the swim-up bar as I enjoy a leisurely soak \u2013 and a selfie!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SMF03DECTRAVELICELAND003.jpeg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Getty-Images-ICELAND002.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m also lucky enough to bag a table at Lava restaurant, where the lamb served with pak choi, carrots and celeriac, \u00a338, is divine. <\/p>\n<p>Entry to the Blue Lagoon costs from \u00a351 per person (Bluelagoon.com).<\/p>\n<p>A two-hour walking tour, where you pay the guide whatever you think the tour is worth at the end, also takes my fancy. <\/p>\n<h2>Most read in News Travel<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/jr-airplane-toilet-tiktok.jpg\"><\/picture><span>NOTHING TO LOO-SE <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Little-known bathroom activity even flight attendants don&#8217;t know about<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/geological-formations-famous-nerja-cave-863121978.jpg\"><\/picture><span>CAVE IN <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Europe&#8217;s oldest tourist site that&#8217;s been attracting visitors for 40,000 years<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/TM-comp-Skiing-1.jpg\"><\/picture><span>PISTE OF ACTION <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How I skied from France to Italy in one morning \u2014 even beginner could do it<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tp-composite-travel-el-gouna.jpg\"><\/picture><span>JOB DUNE <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>A lesser-known winter sun hotspot with 32C heat, cheap 5* hotels and fewer crowds<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We drink in sights like the Harpa concert hall, Reykjav\u00edk Harbour and Sk\u00f3lav\u00f6r\u00f0ust\u00edgur, now better known as Rainbow Street thanks to its colourful, painted tarmac (Citywalk.is). <\/p>\n<p>The panoramic views from the top of the Hallgr\u00edmskirkja Tower at the city\u2019s iconic church are breathtaking. <\/p>\n<p>Entry costs \u00a35.50 per person (Hallgrimskirkja.is).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m now hooked on the idea of taking a soak surrounded by stunning backdrops, so book into the Sky Lagoon, a swish spa just outside Reykjav\u00edk. <\/p>\n<p>Handily, it\u2019s less of a trek than the Blue Lagoon and, from the infinity pool, there are incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. <\/p>\n<p>The Pure package takes you through seven steps of hot and cold healing rituals and costs from \u00a356 (Skylagoon.com).<\/p>\n<h2>Dine like a Kardashian<\/h2>\n<p>There is no shortage of places to eat, but I join a quirky foodie tour to get some insider tips (Magicaliceland.is). <\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a four-hour trail of some of Reykjav\u00edk\u2019s finest eateries and the standout is Food Cellar, with delicious treats like pan-fried scallops, \u00a323, on the menu (Matarkjallarinn.is).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Uppi is a hidden gem, too, and offers tasty Japanese dishes such as tuna tataki, \u00a320, and miso black cod, \u00a340 (Uppi.is), while nearby Sk\u00fali Craft bar has more than 14 craft beers on tap and around 130 bottled beers (Instagram.com\/skulicraftbar).<\/p>\n<p>On my last day, I visit the legendary B\u00e6jarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand in Reykjav\u00edk\u2019s centre \u2013 and, yes, these guys have served everyone from Madonna to Bill Clinton and Kourtney Kardashian. <\/p>\n<h2>Read more on The Sun<\/h2>\n<p><source media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.5)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/comp-ebay.jpg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/comp-ebay.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/comp-ebay.jpg\"><\/picture><span>SELLER HELL <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>I lost \u00a3635 by selling an iPhone on eBay after buyer claimed device was fake <\/h3>\n<p><source media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.5)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/newspress-collage-4vfth8bd9-1702724611446.jpg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/newspress-collage-4vfth8bd9-1702724611446.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/newspress-collage-4vfth8bd9-1702724611446.jpg\"><\/picture><span>REAL DEAL <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Asda trick to get discounts revealed as customer bags \u00a310 of shopping for 10p<\/h3>\n<p>The queue winds down the road, but they only cost \u00a34 and are well worth the wait (Bbp.is). <\/p>\n<p>A bit like Iceland itself\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Matarkjallarinn_Instagram-.jpeg\"><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<h3>BTW<\/h3>\n<p>Plan your trip at Visiticeland.com.<\/p>\n<p>Apartments at the Reykjav\u00edk Residence cost from \u00a3220 a night (Reykjavikresidence.is).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Return flights from the UK to Keflav\u00edk Airport cost from \u00a3135 per person (Icelandair.com).<\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/travel\/25020601\/iceland-geothermal-pools-views-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MY horse starts to gallop into the hills, and even though the air is getting colder and crisper, I\u2019m too<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":189882,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The magical winter wonderland with world-famous heated pools and breathtaking views just three hours away | The Sun - News Need News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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