Luxe Beat Magazine JANUARY 2015 | Page 13

Travel Blue Lagoon Spa with Geothermal Plant in the background staff. hey are both members of the Icelandic culinary team, with Þráinn captaining the team. Furthermore, Viktor was selected Iceland’s Chef of the Year in 2013 and Nordic Chef of the Year in 2014. I enjoyed a sensational four course tasting menu, that began with a snappy shrimp appetizer, followed by a melt in your mouth scallop that was swimming in a foamy sauce. My entree was rack of lamb with Sunchoke, pickled red onion, grapes, almond, chives and finally, the ordic Chef of the year 2014 dessert: Cranberries and organic dark chocolate Marzipan, lemon, hazelnuts, meringue. This meal was a fitting way to end the iconic visit to the Blu e Lagoon. Mother Nature’s resources. Ninetyfive percent of Iceland s electricity is generated by geothermal and hydroelectric plants. The country has so much natural energy that pipes running under the streets in Reykjavik warmed them so snow doesn’t have to be plowed. While on my trip, I learned many things about geothermal energy. In Iceland, all heated water used in homes and business comes from The small country (about the size of entucky and only a hour ight from NY) is crammed with dramatic natural wonders and eco-adventures 13 such as hiking on volcanoes, lava fields and glaciers and viewing gushing waterfalls, boiling mud pots and steam vents. The people are friendly and thankfully speak English as the Icelandic language abounds with long words practically impossible to pronounce. And, the city and rural residents all seem to believe in “Hidden People” or elves passed down in stories from their ancient folklore. Truly, Iceland is irresistible, a must-see.