Part 2

‘Snapshot of Reykjavik’s architecture’

Following a brief break agents were treated to a tasty Icelandic luncheon, consisting of an array of fresh seafood, in one of the Hilton’s meeting rooms.  Throughout lunch, agents were educated on some of the many offerings found in Iceland.

Jonina Ben, founder of Detox ltd gave the first presentation.  Jonina, a sport and exercise Physiologist from Mc Gill University, explained to the agents why it is personally important to her to offer their unique therapy program to people.  The program is designed to help treat life style diseases, such as, obesity, anxiety, skin ailments, drug and alcohol abuse, to name a few.   The therapy consists of a special diet of vegetables and fruit, light exercise, lectures and counseling, Hydro Colon Therapy and relaxation techniques.  Guests can also enjoy special tours of Iceland and visits to the Blue Lagoon.  Their all-inclusive package which includes a 2 week stay in their 4 star Health Hotel is commissionable to travel agents.  Agents can find more information on their website at http://www.detox.is/.

 Hjordis Erlingsdottir, Sales Executive for Reykjavik Excursions presented an overview of the company’s three unique divisions; Iceland on Your own, Reykjavik Day Tours and Reykjavik Incentives.  Agents with clients looking for adventure can recommend one of their hiking tours to Thorsmork, one of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders, accessible only by specially equipped vehicles.  Clients can choose from an array of hiking trails and stay in remote mountain huts and tents.

Our final presenter was Edda Gisladottir who gave us an overview of the Blue Lagoon’s history and world-renowned spa facilities.   I will detail our visit to the Blue Lagoon in Thursday’s blog, but for now just know that no trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to this world-class facility and geothermal lagoon!

We had a few hours after our lunch.  It was difficult to decide how to spend our time, should we visit the hotel’s Nordica Spa, take a walk through Laugardalur Park, or stroll into town for sightseeing and shopping.  We decided to walk into town to get a better feel for the town of Reykjavik.  We stopped at the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral along the way and rode the elevator to the top of the tower, which afforded breathtaking views of the city, harbor and outlying mountains.

‘View of Reykjavik Harbor’ 

Although we did not have time to fully explore Reykjavik, we left with the longing to return one day and fully explore this wonderful city.   In my pre-Trip research, I stumbled across a couple that offers daily, complimentary bike tours of the city.  Agents who have active clients visiting Reykjavik, the bike tour would be an excellent way to get an overview of the city, as well as, a bit of history and exercise!  You can find more information on the bike tours by visiting their website at http://www.icelandbike.com/.

We ended our day with a site inspection of the Hotel Borg.  The hotel was built in 1930 and designed by Gudjon Samuelson (who also designed the city’s landmark Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral).  This hotel, centrally located in Austurvollur Square, combines old time elegance with modern, Art Deco style.  The hotel was completely renovated in 2006 and the owners were careful to recreate every detail from the original hotel.  During the renovation, many pictures and artifacts were uncovered and are currently on display in a small exhibit adjacent to the hotel lobby.

Here are a few pictures taken during our site inspection.

 
‘Judy Duke, Judy Duke Travels, in front of the hotel bar’s unique lava fireplace’ 

‘Restaurant Silfur, a romantic restaurant offering Icelandic cuisine’

‘Café, Kaffibrennslan, offering casual cuisine in a pub atmosphere’ 

Next, Grand Circle Tour…..