Stunning luxury hotel set to offer private access to Iceland's Blue Lagoon

And with the surge in visitors to Iceland over recent years - drawn by images of steaming hot springs, towering glaciers and the inimitable overhead spectacle of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) - the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, located less than an hour's drive from the capital, Reykjavik, is often swarmed by camera-wielding tourists. So much so that, two years ago, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates reserved the entire lagoon for a private midnight swim.

That’s why, this autumn, a new luxury hotel and spa complex will open on the shores of the electric-blue lagoon, offering a haven from the bustle of the ‘must-visit’ attraction and private access to the lagoon.

The Moss Hotel and Lava Cove spa - with interiors inspired by the geology of the Reykjanes lava plain - will sit on the south-west side, on a private extension of the lagoon called the Lava Lagoon. The property will also incorporate a subterranean spa and a restaurant, bringing the heights of luxury to this extreme environment.

The hotel’s 60 room are said to be spacious and luxurious, each with freestanding bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows boasting spectacular views over the unique natural wonder outside. Rooms on the ground floor will also offer direct access to the geothermal waters via private terraces, whilst upper floor rooms will have balconies.

Traditional Icelandic dishes and a seven-course tasting menu will be available at Moss Restaurant - which, needless to say, will also boast stunning views - along with a number of vintages from the wine cellar that has been hollowed out of the 800-year-old lava. There will also be a swanky bar with a terrace where drinks and hors d'oeuvres can be enjoyed in front of a wood-burning fireplace.

The underground spa, Lava Cove, will feature a lava-rock-heated steam room, a sauna and a selection of mineral-based treatments. For extra privacy, you can also rent out a private, self-contained spa called Hidden Cove, which comes with a personal butler, chef and masseuse. It also offers access to a private section of the lagoon, ideal for an intimate dip.

The Moss Hotel and Lava Cove spa are due to open this spring, with rooms priced around 109,000 ISK (approx’ £790) or 300,000 ISK (approx’ £2175) for a suite with private access to the Lava Lagoon.

If you’re heading to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and you require some space to swing your selfie stick, then The Moss Hotel is the place to stay.