I have to be honest, in terms of a wish list of places to see, Iceland was hardly at the top.

My holidays are usually in warmer climates, especially as I live in rainy Britain.

However, my husband was keen to see the Northern Lights, and it was this natural phenomenon that drew us to the island. But after a few days stay, I’ve realised that Iceland has so much more to offer, and makes for a truly mind-blowing, if not a bit chilly, stay.

When travelling anywhere, food is always a priority for me. Not just because I’m a massive foodie and I love sampling local cuisine, but also because I have to take into special consideration what I eat as any meat needs to be halal and all dishes must be alcohol-free.

This can often mean missing out on some of the best regional specialties.

However this was not the case in Iceland, as their key specialty is fish, and most restaurants and cafes served up delicious seafood options which were alcohol free.

Of course, if you’re really missing meat, then there was also the odd kebab shop which served halal lamb, to fulfil any carnivorous tendencies.

My favourite excursion during our trip was to the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool situated in the heart of the rocky terrain of Iceland.

Nestled in the Icelandic landscape, the Blue Lagoon looks and feels like a Jacuzzi, but is purely heated by natural springs. Essentially, you’re in a heated outdoor pool, in freezing temperatures; warm as toast below the neck and freezing above.

However, the combination of hot and cold is amazing. And to be in such a climate is breathtaking.

Also, the pool has a spa-like effect, and it’s known to have healing and wellbeing advantages. I can’t vouch for the latter, but I can say that my skin, which had been slightly ravaged by the cold temperatures in Iceland, felt like it had a new lease of life.

However, the salt and sulphur in the pool did wreak havoc with my hair. But that’s nothing that a shampoo and intense condition couldn’t resolve.

Of course, as the blue lagoon is such a huge draw, a whole spa experience has been built around it, with a restaurant, treatment centre and massage room all available to you. But for me, the unique experience of the Blue Lagoon was enough, and I happily whiled away a few hours there.