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Iceland’s largest and most famous geothermal spa lies around an hour outside Reykjavik, quite close to Keflavik Airport. With a dramatic setting amidst large black lava boulders, the steam-filled, creamy-blue pool area is a striking and surreal sight. The Blue Lagoon has been open since the 1980s and today draws some 700,000 visitors a year. The pools are actually created by heated seawater that flows from the adjacent geothermal power station. The waters allegedly cure all manner of skin-related ailments (eczema, psoriasis), but whether these claims are true or not, it’s certainly an atmospheric place to unwind, with very comfortable (99 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. The complex includes a small bar that dispenses healthy juices and beer, as well as a spa area for massages andbeauty treatments, and a very good restaurant; there’s also an upscale hotel if you wish to stay overnight.

If you want a more back-to-nature romantic sleep, head off the main island of Providenciales and onto the less resort oriented Grand Turk and stay at the historic Grand Turk Inn. A charming bed-and-breakfast in a 150-plus year old Caribbean clapboard inn, it doesn’t allow children under the age of 16, and has an old fashioned allure, where time still feels like it moves slowly. In a prime Front Street location, it was originally build as the Methodist Manse, but today has been converted into a stately B&B with just five elegant, sunny suites and overlooks the beach and turquoise waters of the Columbus Landfall National Park. Despite the historic style of the inn, rooms are modern and have satellite TV and air-con, as well as full kitchens and West Indies colonial era furnishings made from rattan and bamboo. Don’t skip the huge rooftop sundeck facing the ocean and historic waterfront. The included breakfast is delivered to your room each morning based on your menu selection from the night before. There is also an on-site restaurant serving an Asian influenced menu. Also take a stroll down Front Street to explore more restaurants and listen to local artists playing nightly on the street.

On this Unpacked Mini, writer Lisa Abend investigates Sicily’s viral one-euro houses—and shares what really happens after you buy.

Kayak the Danish capital’s canals and take spectacular day trips to Dragør and North Zealand with this summer itinerary.

Go beyond the highlights with archaeologist-led tours and time with Bedouin families.

Enjoy the slow life and serene surroundings of small towns like Winona and Lanesboro.

Cruise from Amsterdam to Strasbourg, passing castles, vineyards, and charming riverside towns along the way.

This six-day adventure is filled with epic diving, rainforest trails, and stunning island landscapes.

On this episode of Unpacked, we guide you through a year of astrology-inspired travel.

Read articles from this print issue of Afar Magazine.

On this special live episode of Unpacked, Aislyn Greene talks with acclaimed L.A.-based architect Barbara Bestor about the buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes that define California.

The best design the country has to offer is at the heart of this trip, from open-air art installations and a porcelain manufacturer to Bauhaus buildings.

Whether it’s bison steak in Casper, pancake feasts for Cheyenne’s most famous festival, or modern vegetarian cuisine in Laramie, Wyoming is a dynamic culinary destination that demands exploration.