|
Nordica Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland
Julie Register visited this hotel spa in Iceland in May 2003
 I
had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the 10-story Nordica
Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland on May 6, 2003 amid ice sculptures, videos
and speeches, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Formerly known as Hotel Esja,
the hotel's extensive 18-month, $20 million renovation and refurbishment
has been primarily geared to the conference and meeting business with
the addition of 58 business and executive rooms, the Presidential Suite,
a Business Suite, Executive Lounge, a business center, 11 meeting rooms,
a Grand Ballroom with seating for 650 and an Exclusive Boardroom - all
equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technical and lighting facilities
and audio-visual equipment. The hotel has also added items of interest
for the leisure traveler - Vox, a gourmet restaurant, run by internationally
acclaimed chef Hákon Már Örvarsson, recipient of the
bronze medal from the gastronomical contest Bocuse d'Or and a lovely,
new fitness center and spa.
 Spa
I had an appointment for a massage at 8am, but I wanted to use the fitness
center first. I woke up early, got dressed, ran down the three of the
nine flights of the central spiral staircase to the second floor, and
was in the spa by 6:30am. I checked in at the reception desk and was led
down a long hall that led to the fitness center and outdoor log cabin
sauna on the left and the locker rooms, wet area and treatment rooms to
the right. I walked down another hall past the wet area that led to the
treatment rooms on the left and the Ladies (Konur) Locker Room to the
right.  I
put my things in my locker and returned to the Fitness Center to use the
treadmill for a while and then did a little circuit. Classes are offered
throughout the week in spinning, yoga etc.. I had time to use the wet
area before my massage, so I headed to the showers. In Iceland, the custom
is to shower completely before putting on a bathing suit (as opposed to
putting on your suit then stepping into the shower), so I left my clothes
in my locker and took my towel and bathing suit with me to the showers.
I left them in the rack, got in the shower and soaped up and shampooed
my hair. I then put my bathing suit on and went to the the wet area. (The
showering custom did not seem unusual in the spa since I was alone, but
at the public pools, you are usually in a crowd of other naked bathers
- a challenge if you are modest.) The wet area is the core of the spa.
Its atmosphere is subdued and quiet. The area is lined with a stone wall,
blue tiled columns and wood on the ceiling. It has two steam rooms, a
shallow pool, a warm whirlpool and a hot whirlpool. I stepped into the
steam room for a short while, then got into the warm whirlpool. While
I was there, a massage therapist (who would later give me my massage),
asked if I would like a neck and shoulder massage while I soaked.  Silly
question...of course, I would! As she massaged my shoulders, she asked
if it was sore. It has been for months - ever since I got my wireless
internet connection and type on my computer where ever I feel like it
- the living room sofa, lounge chair or glider on the deck, the kitchen
table, etc.. I hardly ever work at my desk anymore. However, when I worked
at my desk, I sat in an ergonomically correct position. Now I am paying
the price - an extremely sore shoulder - "computer arm." Having
a massage while in the whirlpool was really relaxing! I soaked for a while
longer and Þorhildur (pronounced Thorhildur) said she could take
me early for my massage if I would like. She left to set up the room and
I showered, dried off and got into my robe. I entered the treatment area
and followed Þorhildur to a treatment room. She asked me to select
which aroma of Aldo Vandini oil I preferred. I selected Balance. Þorhildur
gave an excellent massage and read my body as she went along. She asked
if I ever have pain running down my leg. I told her I had sciatica a number
of years ago, but it went away after I left my job (to do this one full
time). She asked if I walked a lot. I replied that I took long walks sporadically
and told her I had just been on the treadmill before coming to the spa.
 She
massaged me and stretched me and joked I would probably be taller after
the treatment. I left relaxed and much less sore than when I had come
in. (Side note: I went to the doctor for a regular check up 2 weeks after
my visit to the Nordica Spa. When the nurse measured my height, it was
5'4". She measured twice. I have never been more than 5'3".
Coincidence? I think not!)
Click HERE to See
The Spa Treatment Menu
 Guest
Rooms
There are 284 guest rooms in the Nordica Hotel - standard, deluxe, business
and suites. I stayed in a deluxe room which was furnished in a contemporary
style with wood floors, a queen-size bed covered by two down-filled feather
beds, bath robe, desk, safe, mini bar, telephone with voice mail, high
speed internet access, TV, and bathroom with a deep tub. There are a few
environmental conservation aspects to the rooms that many US visitors
may not be familiar with. The first, which is fairly common, is the reuse
of bath towels.  Hang
the towel up after you use it, and room service will not take it to be
washed. The second, which is something I first saw in Thailand is the
main switch for the room's electricity. When you enter the room, you insert
your room card into the slot and leave it there while you are in the room.
The electricity in the room will only come on if the key is in the slot.
When you leave the room, you take the key with you. The lights stay on
for a few minutes after the card is removed, but then go out so no lights
will be left on when no one is in the room. The final item is one I first
saw in New Zealand - the flush mechanism on the toilet. The left side
is for a full flush, the right is for one that uses less water.
Spatip: Request a room with
an even number. Even numbered rooms have a view of the water and mountains.
Odd numbered rooms have a view of a parking lot.
|
Helpful
Information About Iceland
|
•
Electricity: The voltage is 220, 50 HZ AC (like Europe)
• Driving: Foreign drivers licenses are valid in Iceland.
Use of safety belts are mandatory for all passengers and headlights
must be always be turned on. Icelanders drive on the right (like
the US). Taxis are readily available in Reykjavik.
• Time: Greenwich Mean Time
• Language: Icelandic is the national language and it has
changed very little from the original tongue spoken by the Norse
settlers. English and Danish are widely spoken and understood. Icelandic
has two letters of its own, Þ/þ and Ð/ð, which were used in old
English. "Þ" is pronounced "th" as in "thing"
and "Ð" is pronounced "th" as in "them".
• Names: Icelanders follow the ancient tradition of deriving
their last name from the first name of their father (patronymic
system). For example, if a man named Erik names his son Leif, his
last name will be Eriksson (the son of Erik). His daughter Thordis
would be named Thordis Eiríksdóttir (the daughter of Erik). She
would keep her own name even if she marries. For this reason, Icelanders
always have to be referred to by their first names. Last names are
never used alone. Phone books are organized by first name.
• Currency: Icelandic Kronur (ISK) about 80 to the US dollar
during my visit.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Iceland.
• Reykjavik
Discount Card: For use on the bus, 7 public thermal swimming
pools, art galleries, museums and more. Available at the City Hall
Information Centre, the main bus stations, Reykjavik Art Museum,
Icelandair Hotel Loftleider and other locations. |
|
Information and Photos
|
|
Nordica
Spa Treatment Menu
(This menu was current at the time of my visit. Please
contact the spa for the latest menu)
|
|
Aromatherapy
The
secret of aromatherapy lies in the coordinated effects
of hundreds of excellent volatile ingredients. Active
ingredients include distilled flowers or cold-pressed
fruit pulp; each with its own aroma which we know
so well under the names of jasmine, lavender, vanilla,
neroli and others. These aromatic essential oils achieve
their best action through the skin or by inhalation.
The right blend and dosage will provide positive
stimulation to the consciousness, calming, enlivening,
nourishing, cooling and helping us to be more cheerful,
always a sure way to improve health.
The usual duration of aromatherapy is 90 min. It is
possible to include massage in the therapy which will
then last 120 min.
Equilibrium therapy - balance of body and mind
An especially effective therapy for those under stress
seeking to attain calm and inner peace. Neroli and
mandarin bring forth the balance we all aim for.
Relaxing therapy - relaxation for body, mind
and soul
A very soft and delightful therapy with lavender and
vanilla to help us regain the relaxation and balance
that we all possess within ourselves but is so difficult
to put to use in our daily tasks.
Power therapy - the way to power, strength
and joy
Grapefruit and menthol together encourage deeper breathing,
bring us inspiration, energy and lightheartedness.
Well-being therapy - experience rest and peace
and quiet
The effects of rosewood and jasmine convey a warm
and caring message, a unique blend of flowers bringing
us closer to our hearts.
Sun therapy - joy and happiness
What better remedy to pick up your soul than the sun?
Allow yourself to enjoy the sun, joy and happiness.
The active ingredients here are lemon and ginger.
Skin
treatments
How about giving yourself a treat by taking a break
from daily chores, a few precious moments to nourish
and please yourself. Our skin treatments convey a
harmony of beauty and health. The soothing properties
of Aldo Vandini skin products dramatically bring forth
the skin's health, beauty and equilibrium. Most of
them are composed so that they are suitable for both
sexes. Please ask us for guidance and we will help
you find the appropriate treatment for you. Skin treatments
are unique and everyone should be able to find their
proper treatments.
Nourishing and reconstructing - A treatment
especially suited for sensitive and cracked skin.
The body is exfoliated with a special exfoliating
scrub mask, essential oil and body lotion are applied
to the body. There is a special mask for the face.
The substances are composed of vanilla extract, shea
butter and selected vegetable oils which provide the
skin with softness, protection and balance. The treatment's
duration is 90 min using the active properties of
vanilla and shea butter
Moisturizing - A sensational and refreshing
treatment with the unique blend of sea salts, algae
and E-vitamin endowing the skin with moisturizing
and cooling effects. The body is exfoliated with a
scrub mask, wrapped in cloth and left to rest for
10-15 min. Two kinds of facial masks are used in this
treatment and finally moisturizing cream and a special
cream for the hands. This treatment is very effective
for dry skin as well as all other skin types. It fortifies
the skin and preserves its moisture balance. The treatment's
duration is 100 min and contains sea salts and algae.
Softening and purifying clay treatment - A
pleasurable treatment of sensitive and all skin types.
The hot and mineral rich clay has various effects
such as to stimulate the skin's purification and nourishment.
After the body has been wrapped with clay, essential
oils and a body lotion with a mild rose scent are
applied to the body. Active ingredients such as the
softening zzhamamelis provide comfort and soothing.
It is rapidly absorbed by the skin enhancing its softness
and elasticity. The duration of the treatment is 90
min and the active ingredients are hamamelis and rosewood.
Pampering
cellulite treatment - A very efficient product
is applied to teh problem areas and the customer chooses
another product to be applied on the rest of the body.
A real treat in which the treated problem is eclipsed
by a wonderful experience. The cellulite products
contains i.a. escina, caffeine, centella asiatica
and panthenol. come and enjoy. The treatment's duration
is 120 min and the ingredients used are escina, caffeine,
centella asiatica and panthenol.
Sauna
Treatments
A worthwhile experience for sauna lovers. Here time
is taken to prepare the body for the treatment ahead
and the sauna maximizes its results. Two ways for
preparation are offered, both include body exfoliating
and the choice between application of body lotion
or a deep massage with essential oils especially suitable
after the sauna. a unique product is used containing
i.a. milk proteins easily absorbed by the skin improving
and nourishing it. These treatments are suitable for
anyone enjoying sauna baths.
Relaxing
- Very purifying., soft and relaxing treatment after
daily activities. Improves your well-being and state
of mind. Duration 60 min. It is recommended to allow
extra time both before and after the treatment in
order to use the sauna before and to rest afterwards.
The treatment's duration is 60 min with optional time
for sauna and rest.
Regenerating
- This treatment gives you the opportunity to
get rid of built up stress which may even have numbed
and bent you. This is a compete purification and regeneration
for body and soul. You enjoy ample time in the sauna
and the jacuzzis before you are treated with an exfoliating
scrub and mask. Finally, a deep and nourishing massage
will help your body muscles recover their essential
flexibility. This is a way to regain your physical
vigor and treated with lighter steps into your day.
Duration 100 min. which is the actual treatment time
but you should reserve another 60 min for the sauna
before and rest afterwards.
|
Message
treatments
A good massage by professionals enhances the connection
between your consciousness and inner self. It strengthens
the coordination of mind, body, and soul and you experience
relaxation and better equilibrium. It is recognized
that massage improves general well-being, it stimulates
blood circulation, strengthens the lymphatic system
and loosens stress that builds up in muscles and joints.
Massage also balances the body's energy flow and supply.
Classical muscle massage - Common name for different
kinds of muscle massage. The aim is to soften the
muscles, stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic
fluids. Duration: 40 min / 60 min.
Zone massage - The reflex zones of the feet
are treated. Zone massage is an enjoyable treatment
to diminish tension, stimulate blood circulation and
help renew stamina. Duration: 45 min.
Aromatic and lymphatic massage - A light and
delightful massage where the appropriate essential
oils that suit you best are chosen and used in a systematic
manner with the aim to stimulate the body's lymphatic
fluids and facilitate the elimination of toxins from
the body. Duration: 70 min.
Sauna massage - A good complete and regenerating
massage after the body has been warmed and softened
in the sauna. A special essential oil for sauna is
used. Duration: 70 min.
Pregnancy massage - Pregnant women and women
who have recently given birth are especially welcome
to the mother-bench. There are few things that facilitate
pregnancy and make it more enjoyable as a good massage.
Enjoy lying on your stomach on a specially formed
pregnancy bench. Duration: 70 min.
Back, shoulders, arms and neck - Excellent
after long hours at the desk or even after a flight.
A wholesome and refreshing massage for those zones
often under much pressure. You can choose to sit in
a massage chair by the jacuzzis if you are in a hurry
or lie down on a bench in a treatment room. In the
chair: 20-30 min. On the bench: 45 min.
Head and foot massage - Delightful pampering
of feet and head, opens the flux between head and
feet. Equalizes your energy and connects you with
sky and earth. Duration: 45 min.
Indian head massage - The key words of this
experience are "peace and quiet." Our mind
is so often racing way ahead of our body and soul.
This is a good method to bring it to the pace that
gives you equilibrium. Duration: 30 min.
Thai massage - Wearing your own sports outfit,
you lie on a mattress on the floor. The therapist
works with pressure points on the energy channels,
moving joints and stretching muscles. An extraordinary
experience which loosens all tension and encourages
deeper breathing. Duration: 60 min.
Chair massage - An alternative to massage in
the jacuzzi, you receive a massage where the emphasis
is on the back. Duration 15 min.
Holistic massage - The masseur endeavors to
meet the client's individual needs. With a combination
of every technique known to the masseur, maximum results
are achieved and often a new conscious awareness and
extraordinary well-being. Breathing and energy are
focal points. Duration 70 min. / 90 min.
Nordica "Well-Being" massage - This
is a totally new experience and you discover a wholly
new inner awareness. Two therapists work with you
at the same time. You are master of the proceedings,
whether you want a good flowing body massage or to
work more in depth on special areas, giving you the
occasion to gain a wider understanding of yourself
and an absolute "WELL-BEING" A new dimension
of you. Duration 70 min. / 90 min.
Cranio massage - The skeletal system is an
independent part of the body as the circulatory and
respiratory systems. It consists of the cranium, vertebral
column, sacrum and hip bones, all membranes of the
brain and spinal cord as well as the organs producing
and conveying the spinal fluid. The skeletal system
is the biological framework necessary for the development
and maintenance of the central nervous system. Both
animals and humans have this system which forms at
the embryonic stage and operates during our entire
lifetime. This treatment is suitable for everyone,
the client is fully clothed and light pressure is
applied. The massage is on a bench with one or two
therapists. This can also be done in water and the
usually with two therapists. You choose between one
therapist for 60 min or two therapists for 45 min.
Chi - stomach massage - Stress and stimuli
in our daily lives often cause negative effects on
our energy. This energy may be blocked in the abdominal
area where it can cause various adverse effects and
pain throughout the body. The symptoms may appear
as a back or headache as well as digestive troubles.
a deep massaging method releases blocks, stimulates
purification and balances the energy flow. Duration:
40 min.
Ma-uri® massage - The work ma-uri
means "to be free of inner constrictions"
or child of the white light." Ma-uri holistic
technique is a centuries-old method originally from
Polynesia. The natives used a massage technique in
which they involved the power of the sun and dancing.
The massage gives a great sensation of well-being,
deep relaxation and openness. The ideology of ma-uri
is the Huna philosophy stating, "the human power
comes from within, everything is power and power flows
to where the awareness is." Duration: 70min.
LaStone therapy - The LaStone-trained therapist
brings you to a state of deep relaxation using heated
smooth Icelandic stones followed by cool white marble
stones. It provides a number of therapeutic benefits
such as the increase of blood circulation and stimulation
of the body's metabolism and at the same time a decrease
of pain, tension, inflammation or swelling. The Lava
Stones are picked up and hand selected from the famous
Snaefellsnes glacier - The Icelandic Energy Center.
Naturally, they are shaped by the four elements: earth,
wind, water and fire.
LaStone Ice & Fire massage - the warmth
and energy from the "hot" Icelandic lava
stones along with the cool and clearing influence
of the "frozen" marble stones assist the
body in self-healing. The combination of pressure,
heat, and coolness makes this a powerful treatment.
Duration: 50 or 80 min.
LaStone Aroma massage - The stones will glide
on your body, combined with your choice of an aromatherapy
blend of essential oils, giving a silky sand smooth
feeling and facilitating relaxation. Duration: 50
or 80 min.
LaStone Deep Tissue massage - Deep Tissue healing
with the use of heat and cold stones is an advanced
technique for treating injuries to soft tissue, muscles,
tendons and ligaments. Duration: 50 min.
|
|
|
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=*EJTVpauQ/0&offerid=61746.10000013&subid=0&type=4
|
Class area in Fitness Center 
Spinning area in Fitness Center 
$50-
