Amanyara vs The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Aman vs Independent — side-by-side hotel comparison
The Hotel Flock Verdict
Amanyara scores 9.2 overall; The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores 9.8. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores higher on our rubric, while Amanyara lists more room categories, while The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland lists more spa facilities.
Scores & Facts
| Metric | Amanyara | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Flock Score | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| Location | 9.5 | 9.9 |
| Service | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| Design | 9.3 | 9.9 |
| Dining | 8.7 | 9.7 |
| Value | 7.7 | 8.6 |
| Category | Beach | Countryside |
| Tier | Ultra-Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
| Opened | 2006 | 2018 |
| From | $1,800/night | €1,600/night |
| Rooms | ~40 pavilions and villas | 62 lava-view suites |
| Architect | Jean-Michel Gathy | Basalt Architects / Design Group Italia |
Dining
| Metric | Amanyara | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Venues | 2 | 2 |
Rooms
| Metric | Amanyara | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 2 |
| Suite / Villa Types | 3 | 2 |
Spa
| Metric | Amanyara | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Spa Programme | Yes | Yes |
| Spa Facilities Listed | 3 | 4 |
Good to Know
Amanyara
- The resort faces a protected marine reserve, not Grace Bay — it's quieter and more remote than most Providenciales hotels, which is either the appeal or the drawback depending on what you want.
- About 20 minutes from Providenciales International Airport.
- Snorkelling directly off the property's reef is genuinely good, not just a marketing claim — the reserve status protects it.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
- Private airport transfers, estate activities, and bespoke guided excursions can be pre-arranged via the concierge.
- Book private thermal spa sessions and Michelin-starred tasting tables well in advance.
- Pack warm layers and outdoor country footwear for estate walks and nature adventures.
Summary
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores higher on our rubric, while Amanyara lists more room categories, while The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland lists more spa facilities.