Whole Life Magazine

June/July 2013

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continued from page 28 "Most of the people I know who come here want to reconnect with nature and see things they can't see anywhere else—the Northern Lights, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers and lava fields." Photo: Elyse Glickman to keep local construction projects in check, but saw nary a one. A True Breath of Fresh Air The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks Iceland a world leader in pollution control, renewable energy, natural resource management, environmental public health, greenhouse gas emissions and reforestation, making this destination a model for sustainable living. It is the first country in the world to create an economy generated through renewable energy industries. Iceland's many volcanoes provide an abundance of geothermal power, which, along with hydropower, supplies all of the nation's electricity and around 80 percent of its total energy, making Reykjavik, with its almost nonexistent carbon footprint, one of the cleanest cities on earth. While Iceland's modest oil needs still depend on imports, the government has launched a number of initiatives in the past decade—including a network of hydrogen fuel stations and specialized power plants—to steer Reykjavik toward becoming oil-free by 2050. Geothermal energy also powers Iceland's premium tourist draw, the Blue Lagoon Spa. While Icelanders have taken advantage of their hot springs for generations, Blue Lagoon's storied history dates to 1976. Turquoise pools formed as a result of operations at the Svartsengi Power Plant, 30 minutes outside Reykjavik. When rumors started spreading about the water's healing effects, founder Dr. Grimur Saemundsen (a psoriasis suffer) realized this happy accident could be harnessed into something of benefit. Icelandic architect Sigrídur Sigthórsdóttir was commissioned to design a complex that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, sublimely achieved with lava, natural hardwoods and stone. Even with world-class-spa amen- 30 IF YOU GO ities, Blue Lagoon's real magic is the actual lagoon. Against a heavenly pink and purple sunset, we basked in the soft waters, enveloped by aromatic steam, and enjoyed nourishing mud and silica facials. Our afterglow was further enhanced by the timing of our dinner, when the magnificent Northern Lights made their appearance between the main course and dessert. Teased by a tiny taste of the frozen wilderness, not to mention an extraordinary spa experience, this is one visitor who is determined to return and explore beyond Reykjavik's environs into what locals call "the real Iceland." The Icelandair Marina Hotel facing the harbor is modern with clean lines. Dramatic seating and hardwood tables are softened by funky light fixtures, children's toys, books and irreverent wood-scrap sculptures. The more sophisticated Hotel 101 sports a black and neutral color palette, art deco accents, and a mix of modern and antique furniture. For travelers on a budget, Kex (www.kexhostel.is) is considered the hippest youth hostel in the European Union. The former industrial bakery (kex is Icelandic for "biscuit") is located right above the Living Art Museum, which features performance art space and visual art installations. Alaska Air connects Los Angeles to Icelandair hub cities Seattle, Denver, Boston and New York. wholelifetimesmagazine.com FINAL REDESIGN WLT-5-27-11pm.indd 30 5/28/13 11:12 AM

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