Escape to Blonduos: Iceland's Secret Oasis of Peace and Quiet
Escape to Blonduos: Iceland's Secret Oasis of Peace and Quiet
Escape to Blonduos: Iceland's Secret Oasis… or Just a Really Nice Place to Take a Nap? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, here goes. I'm back from Blonduos, Iceland. This place, they call it an "oasis of peace and quiet." And, honestly, after the hellscape that is trying to book a flight these days, I needed some damn peace and quiet. So, did it deliver? Well… let's untangle this Icelandic yarn ball of an experience.
Metadata & SEO stuff (Gotta Play the Game, Right?):
- Keywords: Blonduos, Iceland, hotel review, spa, wellness, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool, sauna, restaurant, free wifi, Iceland travel, North Iceland, peaceful getaway, family friendly, couple's retreat, sustainable travel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Escape to Blonduos, Iceland. From accessible rooms to the shockingly good Asian cuisine, I spill the tea (and maybe some coffee) on the hotel's highs, lows, and everything in between. Prepare for a messy, opinionated, and hopefully helpful account!
The Arrival & First Impressions (aka: Where Did I Park My Car?)
First off, getting to Blonduos is an adventure in itself. Beautiful, sure, but you'll be driving. So, accessibility became a key thing for me. Good news! I was able to smoothly unload the car.
They mention car park for free, and yes, you can park your car on-site! Car park on-site, too… and it's free! Score! I arrived after a long day of driving. The front desk is 24-hour, so that was a relief. The lobby, though, was a bit… sterile. Like a really clean hospital waiting room. But hey, check-in/out is express, which, at that point, felt like a godsend.
The Room: My Cozy Little Fortress (or, the Saga of the Slippers)
My room, let's call it "Room 214." Immediately, I had a question for my team. Are they really giving me slippers?! (Because those are the best things in life!) Yes they are! They had air conditioning. Well, that's a lie, I'm being nice, it did not work and it was a bit hot. I will talk to someone one day about this, but not today.
Okay, let's keep it coming. There's a desk! And internet access - wireless AND Internet access – LAN. I am a bit of a digital nomad, so this is a great thing. And, I got free Wi-Fi!
There were blackout curtains. Bless them, because the midnight sun is REAL. And complimentary bottled water which I always appreciate. Tea and coffee maker? Check. And it all had daily housekeeping.
Oh yes, the bathtub! And a separate shower/bathtub! I could live here.
The Food: From Shockingly Good to "Meh" (with a Side of Rambling)
This is where things get interesting. They had a restaurant. And a coffee shop. But more importantly, they had Asian cuisine in restaurant. I am a sucker for international cuisine, so I gave that baby a whirl.
The breakfast buffet was fairly standard. I like a simple breakfast, and it worked for me.
The real star was the Asian themed restaurant. I went in with low expectations. Hello! Iceland! I was wrong. The food was genuinely tasty. I had a spicy chicken thing that I could eat for days. I wanted to go back and order another, and another, and another.
The Wellness & Relaxation: Chasing the Elusive Chill (and the Sauna)
Okay, so, Pool with a view - and I had a good time in the pool. Saunas? Yep. Spa/Sauna? Check, check check. The Gym/Fitness was ok, but I didn't spend a lot of time there.
The massage was amazing!
Safety & Cleanliness: Because Let's Face It, We're Living in a Pandemic
- They were super serious about cleanliness. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Hand sanitizer everywhere like it's going out of style. Rooms sanitized between stays? Apparently. It felt safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? I'm assuming so… I didn't exactly ask for the cleaning supplies' ingredients list.
- They had safe dining setup.
I always feel a little paranoid in large hotels, but this was all done well.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
Look, no place is perfect. The place is a bit quiet…too quiet. The lack of staff in some of the areas and the lack of a bar (although there is a poolside bar) were a bit annoying.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the awkwardness, the "meh" food, and the lack of much going on in the social arena, this oasis is a good idea. The spa and pool with a view were amazing.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly-planned Instagram-worthy itinerary. This is a descent into Blonduos with a soul needing a serious recharge, fueled by instant coffee and a healthy dose of "maybe I'll accidentally get lost and stay forever." Let's get messy, let's get real, and let's see if this Icelandic oasis manages to actually, you know, recharge me.
The Chaos Chronicles: Blonduos & Beyond (For the Soul That's About to Explode)
Day 1: The Great Escape (From Myself)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Alarm clock is a liar. Snooze button becomes my frenemy. Finally drag myself out of bed, fueled by a guilty pleasure: a giant mug of instant coffee. Packing feels like a chaotic ballet of "do I really need three pairs of hiking socks?" Question mark: yes. Question mark: no. Question mark: probably yes.
- Late Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Reykjavik Airport. Ugh. Airports. The symphony of rolling suitcases, delayed flights, and existential dread. Managed to navigate the baggage claim without losing my mind (a small victory!). Pick up the rental car. A tiny, boxy thing, the color of a grumpy cloud, but hey, it’s got four wheels. That's progress, right?
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Fuel stop: A cafe in Borgarnes. Ordered a soup that was mostly…soup-colored. Delicious, though. The Icelandic language is a beautiful, baffling noise. Trying to order "coffee" felt like a linguistic Olympic sport. Almost ended up with a plate of fermented shark. Dodged a bullet there, I think.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The drive. Freedom! The landscape starts opening up. Rolling green hills morph into stark, rugged mountains. The air smells clean. Seriously clean. I feel that moment where I let the noise and the world just, wash off of me. It's like a mini-reset. The kind you get, when you get to the top of some mountain. Driving and driving. Music on. Windows down. The world gets smaller.
- Early Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Arrive in Blonduos. Check into my little guesthouse. It feels like a hug. The view from my window? The Blanda River, a silvery ribbon winding through the landscape. Unpack. The world outside my window. This is a good sign.
Day 2: The Hunt for Silence (and a Decent Latte)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. No alarm today! Breathe the freshness and quiet is everywhere. I love it! The breakfast at the guesthouse is…basic, but the coffee is surprisingly good. Actually good. A small miracle.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explore the town. Blonduos is tiny. A church shaped like a basalt column. The harbor. Feeling the gentle peace of a new day. Find a cafe, sip coffee, and people watch. Watching the locals. How do they do it? Living life. Simple.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Picnic by the Blanda River. Pack a sandwich and some fruit, and sitting on the riverbank, eating. Let my eyes just drift along the water, letting the energy of the place just roll over me.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Hiking. The first hike is a disaster. Get lost. Swear at the wind. (The wind is a giant, relentless bully.) Eventually find my way back, humbled. Maybe I am not as invincible as I thought.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Relax. The hot tub time. Soak in the hot tub, staring at the stars. The northern lights do a little dance in the sky. I am not entirely sure what's going on, but I am enjoying it. This is what peace feels like. Bliss.
Day 3: Single Handed Adventure and Embracing Imperfection
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): After a much-needed sleep, and a hearty breakfast, the plan for the day is simple: kayaking on the river.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Kayaking. Getting out on the water. And the quiet, the wind. The sheer raw beauty of it all. A moment of pure, unadulterated joy. And then… I tip over. My kayak flips. Soaked from head to toe. My dignity, completely abandoned. Laughing at myself, I push the kayak to shore.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Hot soup to warm up. It is so weird, that I feel like I am reborn again.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Driving for the next village, to look at the church. The road, full of beautiful views.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. And then back to the guesthouse. And more time in the hot tub.
Day 4: The Great Return (and a Touch of Regret)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): One last breakfast, one last look at the view. The decision to leave. Packing. It feels like I am leaving a friend.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Driving back to Reykjavik. The radio is on, and I am singing.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Last look at the cafe in Borgarnes.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Checking the airport. The flight is on time.
- Evening (4:00 PM - on): Flight home… or, as I like to call it, the re-entry into the real world.
Final Thoughts (aka The Emotional Vomit)
Iceland, you glorious, windswept, slightly-smelly, utterly-magical place. Did I "find myself"? Maybe not. Did I escape? Absolutely. Did I recharge? I think so. Blonduos, you little haven of serenity, you made me. I found peace in chaos, beauty in imperfection, and maybe, just maybe, a tiny bit of sanity in the overwhelming mess of life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to plan my return. And buy a better hiking map. And maybe a few lessons in Icelandic.
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Escape to Blonduos: Iceland's Secret Oasis of Peace and Quiet ...Maybe? Frequently Asked Questions (and My Own Ramblings)
Okay, Blonduos... Sounds idyllic. Is it *actually* peaceful? Like, no screaming kids, no construction noise, just pure zen bliss?
Hah! Idyllic. Let's be real. Iceland *tries* to be idyllic. Blonduos... well, it depends on the day, the wind, and if the sheep are feeling particularly rowdy. Look, I went there hoping for zen. I got... a good dose of wind, that's for sure. And the occasional squeal from a particularly happy (or perhaps slightly frantic) Icelandic sheep. The silence? It's there, but it’s not the deafening silence of a meditation retreat. It's the kind of quiet where you can *hear* your own thoughts, which, as it turns out, isn't always a good thing for someone like me who overthinks everything. You do get a much better slice of quiet in Blonduos than in Reykjavik or at least in a better way than in Reykjavik.
My Experience: I spent an entire afternoon just sitting by the river, hoping to, like, *feel* something deep and meaningful. Instead, I spent the whole time battling a swarm of gnats. The river was lovely, though. Very reflective. Of the gnats.
What is there *to do* in Blonduos? Besides, y'know, just *being*? (Because I'm not good at just *being*.)
Right, so "just being" is not for everyone. Blonduos isn't exactly bursting with amusement parks or nightclubs. But that's kinda the point, isn't it? You've gotta embrace the slower pace. Blonduos is a spot for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary.
You can hike. There are trails, some easy, some that will make you question your life choices. I attempted one - let's just say my hiking boots are now covered in…interesting things. The hiking trails are scenic, or, at the very least, a good way to get some exercise. You can visit the Textile Museum (surprisingly fascinating!), the church (pretty impressive), or the seal colony (if you're lucky - I saw a few distant blobs that may or may not have been seals). There is the best hotel on the island.
My Experience: I really wanted to go kayaking. Like, *really* wanted to. It looked so peaceful! Except, the wind. Oh, the wind. Let's just say I spent most of the time fighting to stay upright and less time enjoying the scenery. Still, it was an adventure! (Or a near-disaster.)
Is it expensive? Because Iceland, you know…
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Iceland is not cheap. Blonduos is *slightly* less eye-watering than Reykjavik or the Blue Lagoon, but don't go expecting bargains. Groceries are pricey, eating out is... an experience for the wallet, and accommodations vary, but on the whole, Blonduos is still rather expensive.
My Experience: I think I paid more for a single Icelandic hot dog than I usually would for a good meal. But hey, I was on vacation!
What's the food like? I mean, are we talking just fish and... well, *fish*?
Icelandic food is a *thing*. You've got your fish, of course, and it's generally good. But you also have your lamb, your Skyr (a delicious yogurt-like dairy product!), and, if you're brave, some slightly… challenging Icelandic specialties (fermented shark, anyone?). My advice: be open-minded.
My Experience: I tried the fish. It was delicious. And the Skyr? I'm now addicted. The fermented shark? I'll politely decline next time. Let's just say it was an… acquired taste.
I'm a photographer. Is Blonduos photogenic? Does it have "Instagrammable" spots?
Oh, absolutely. Blonduos is screaming for photos. Dramatic landscapes, the adorable church, the harbor, even the mundane stuff takes on a certain beauty in that Icelandic light. You'll be swarmed with chances.
My Experience: I was there to capture the northern lights, and on a good night, they are a beautiful thing. No, I didn’t have the patience for that, sadly. It's a photographer's dream, as long as you're prepared for the weather and the crowds (which, thankfully, are minimal in Blonduos).
Can I see the Northern Lights from Blonduos?
Yes! You absolutely can. Blonduos is far enough from the light pollution of major cities that you have a great chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis during the right season (winter). The key is a clear night and some luck. And warm clothes. Seriously, pack warm clothes!
My Experience: I tried and tried and tried. I checked the aurora forecast religiously. I stood outside in freezing temperatures, my camera ready. And then... clouds. Always clouds. I saw a few flashes of green, but nothing spectacular. But you know what? The anticipation and the effort were still worth it. There's something magical about waiting for the Northern Lights, even if they don't always cooperate.
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be warned about?
Yes! Besides the obvious (price, the wind, the potential for gnats)? Well, it's isolated. Don't expect to pop over to another town for a quick day trip. You are pretty much in Blonduos, and for a small town the attractions are a bit limited. Also, the weather can be… unpredictable. Pack for all four seasons, even in summer. And the roads can be challenging, especially in winter.
My Experience: I once got stuck in a snowdrift. I was not prepared for the Iceland's winter snow. So, always check the weather forecast before venturing out. And maybe learn how to assemble snow chains. Or, maybe, just stay inside.
What's the best time to visit Blonduos?
This is a tricky one. It depends what you're after. Summer (June-August) is the easiest for travel, with long daylight hours, but it can also be crowded and you won't see the Northern Lights. Winter (November-March) is primeEscape to Paradise: Le Veillon Beach, Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, France — You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
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