A floating spa and wellness hotel called Arctic Bath has opened in Swedish Lapland on the Lule River, built around Scandinavia’s coldbath culture. Emily Eastman reports
Designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, the Arctic Bath hotel generated a storm of media interest when it was first announced a few years ago, featuring in more than a hundred newspaper articles and catalysing a hotly anticipated launch.
The idea itself was born in 2010 at the opening of the four-star Treehotel, also located in the small municipality of Harads in Swedish Lapland. Owners Kent and Britta Lindval became the stuff of industry legend when they employed Harström to reimagine their struggling hotel among the trees – and transformed it into an enchanting luxe resort.
During the inaugural Treehotel dinner, someone suggested that next on Sweden’s list should be a floating sauna. Harström went away to think about it and returned a year later with the blueprint for Arctic Bath.
The Arctic Bath is also perfectly positioned for guests to witness the Northern Lights in winter and experience the Midnight Sun during summer.
When it’s time to refuel, guests can choose from options created by Arctic Bath’s two head chefs, Maarten de Wilde, who’s worked Belgium’s Michelin-starred restaurants, and Kristoffer Åström, who’s bringing Sámi flavours from Northern Sweden to the table.
Signature Arctic Bath dishes include gahkku (Sámi flatbread), gompa (a Sámi dish featuring the herb Arctic Angelica and sour milk) and lightly smoked capercaillie bird. To wash it down, guests can choose from a hand-picked selection of local craft beer and pairing wines – or a fruit, berry or vegetable smoothie.
Emphasis is placed on using local products and Arctic Bath buys local dairy products, honey, beef and fresh herbs from nearby Vollerim, chicken and lamb from Strömnäsgården, just 10km from the hotel, and oil and mustard from nearby Tornedalen. The surrounding wilderness provides all meat and fish served in the restaurant, and berries and herbs are also foraged from close by.
The restaurant itself seats up to 24 diners and continues the Scandi vibe with pine walls, Baltic grey limestone floors and carefully chosen furniture from designer brands including Stolab, Blå station and Norrgavel.
Private transfers from Luleå Airport take around an hour and 15 minutes and can be arranged directly with the hotel. Transfers to numerous other destinations by car and helicopter can be arranged depending on weather and season.
Rooms start from around £750 a night for half board, which includes breakfast and a set menu five-course dinner for two people.
What’s coming next? Trend reports available to download HERE