Climbing into a giant vat of beer might be some people’s idea of heaven.
Add in an awe-inspiring view and surprising health benefits that include glossier hair and softer skin and you’ll wonder why the rest of the world isn’t bathing in pale ale.
The first beer bath in Northern Iceland blends geothermic water and the amber nectar and is being billed as a unique luxury pampering experience.
From the moment you arrive, the country air instills a sense of peace and tranquility and the views – Iceland’s snow-capped peaks – lets you really breathe out.
At Bjordbodin, an intimate, friendly spa dedicated entirely to slow-poaching in beer, there are seven spa tubs bubbling away plus individual rooms that come with drinks literally on tap.
At Bjordbodin there are 7 beer spa tubs each complete with unlimited beer on-tap which Connie says is surprisingly light and tasty
The science behind the soaking! Beer conditioning tanks at Bjordbodin, which filters through the ale direct to the tubs. Right: Connie prepares to dive in and enjoy a rather unusual pampering experience
The beer used in the baths are in the early stages of fermentation and have a very low PH
For those wanting a tub with a view, there’s a pair of beer baths in the open air, surrounded by epic views of the Hrisey island and the breathtaking Porvalds Valley mountains.
The bath tubs are made from beautiful Kambala wood and the beer used is in its earliest stages of fermentation, meaning it has a very low PH.
Soaking in the ale can tighten and soften hair folliciles and is both cleansing for hair and skin.
There’s novelty in putting a big toe into such a unique bath and the initial hit is one of pure warmth.
Immersed in beer and relaxed, being the millennial that I am, my snapchat was soon in full throttle.
Me in the beer bath, me pouring a beer bath, me beside the beer bath and soon the replies of ‘OMG where are you?’ started to fill my inbox and from that moment I begin to sit back relax and enjoy the bath.
Being the millennial that I am, my snapchat was soon in full throttle. Me in the beer bath, me pouring a beer…
There’s nutrients galore in it too; brewers yeast is a great source of nearly the whole vitamin-B scale, which has very revitalising effects on the skin and hair and is also a strong source of protein, potassium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
And beer hops are jam-packed with antioxidants, which help fight damaged skin cells.
They exfoliate the skin, increase elasticity and even reduce blemishes and wrinkles whilst also hydrating the skin.
The oils and minerals from the plants have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, with hops also proven to have a soothing – and relaxing – effect on muscles.
During the 30-minute beer bath session, you can imbibe as much as you like. Despite not being a beer fan, I found it light and easy to drink.
Each beer bath session which is available to both couples and individuals lasts 30 minutes and aims to treat damaged skin cells
After the 30 minutes beer bath Connie was able to sleep in the spa’s luxury relaxation room
To complete the luxury experience Connie finished her session with a rejuvenating steam
Connie believes the views throughout the facility are perfect for posting on Social Media
Having soaked myself in beer for 30 minutes, I was then escorted to the relaxation room, situated in the attic, where a host tucked me in for a nap.
Perhaps it was the brief foray into beer-drinking but I passed out into a deep sleep, undisturbed even by a fellow spa fan snoring next to me.
Having woken up totally relaxed – and with no trace of a hangover – I made for the steam room and sauna to finish the experience. Lunch beckoned on the ground floor, served up good food and stunning views through floor to ceiling windows.
Spas are ten-a-penny but to find a truly quirky experience is still rare; if you’re looking to slow-poach your cares away in an otherworldly setting, with drinks on tap, then a beer bath ticks all the boxes.