THE RETREAT HOTEL AT BLUE LAGOON ICELAND

Set amidst a sweeping volcanic landscape of fissures and solid lava formations is the Retreat Hotel, which overlooks the turquoise geothermal pools of the Blue Lagoon. Its spa is the draw here – the mineral-rich waters fill indoor and outdoor baths, and the milky-blue hue is a result of its high silica content. What the hotel offers city dwellers is an experience of tranquillity and well-being in an otherworldly environment that seems to segue into the surrounding igneous rock. Its 62 suites overlook the lagoon, which is situated in a Unesco Global Geopark – these are sites of geological significance. Just last year, it emerged first in the Resort Hotel category of the AHEAD Europe hospitality awards.