A room less ordinary
16 April, 2008
Try life as a hermit on Ingmar Bergman’s favourite island or maybe as a modern Eskimo in an aluminium igloo. Say good morning to the fish outside your window in an underwater hotel or explore the myths of a Medieval Castle. Whatever tickles your fancy, Scandinavia is a true gem for those who think outside the box.
Scandinavia offers a wide range of accommodation stretching beyond the traditional hotel scene. Hotel rooms have become more than just a place to sleep; where you stay is an important part of the whole experience.
DENMARK
Greenlandic splendour from an Igloo
From May to September Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat, northern Greenland, offers the unique experience of sleeping in a modern igloo. Featuring all mod cons and built for the traveller’s comfort, in shape and design the aluminium-clad huts are inspired by the traditional Eskimo igloo. Minutes away from restaurants and the main hotel building but when admiring the giant icebergs you still feel like you are the last person in the world.
In June 2008 the hotel will see the opening of a new three-storey wing with an additional 33 rooms featuring views of Disko Bay and Ilulissat town.
Address: Hotel Arctic Ilulissat, Box 1501, 3952 Ilulissat Greenland
www.greenland.com
www.greenland-guide.gl
Medieval myths at Kokkedal Castle
This castle is idyllically located in North Jutland by the North Sea with a grand view of the Liim Fiord. With a history dating back to the Middle-Ages this Danish castle has many stories to tell. Late at night you might hear the devil’s hearse driving through the gate. He is coming for the Norwegian noblewoman Karen Galde who dedicated her life to the devil so that in return she could eat delicacies and gourmet dishes for all she was worth. This is just one of the myths surrounding the castle and if you dare to find out the rest there are 18 rooms in the main building and eight apartments in the castle park waiting to host you.
Address: Kikkedalsvej 17, 9460 Brovst, Denmark
www.slotshotel.dk
NORWAY
The world’s most northern full service hotel
The open fire in the lobby welcomes you as you step into Radisson SAS Polar Hotel Spitsbergen. Located in the heart of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, just 1,333 kilometres from the North Pole, this hotel spoils you with a breathtaking view of one of the most exotic places in the world. Enjoy an excellent selection of wines and good food from the arctic menu in the hotel’s Brasseri Nansen. Trekking, horse riding and kayaking are only a few of the many ways to explore the uniqueness of this arctic island.
Address: Radisson SAS Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, Box 554, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
www.radissonsas.com
Design Hotel in historical settings
Hotel Grims Grenka successfully mixes cosmopolitan big city influences with the northern latitudes of Norway’s capital, and the innovative five-star hotel was a welcoming addition to the Oslo hotel scene when it opened its doors in January this year. Seasonal colours of wintry blues and summery greens together with ample space are the key elements in the design. The location by Akershus Castle in the historical and most urban part of Oslo is a nice contrast to the modern features of the hotel.
Address: Grims Grenka Kongens gate 5, 0153 Oslo, Norway
www.designhotels.com
www.firsthotels.com/grimsgrenka
SWEDEN
Guaranteed water view at Hotel Utter Inn
Mikael Genberg is the Swedish genius who is behind this quirky underwater hotel, Utter Inn (Otter Inn). Located one kilometre from Västerås, central Sweden, in Lake Mälaren, these little houses on water are only about 10 square metres and only fit two single beds and a table, but you are guaranteed a view of the water whether you are inside or outside your cabin. Your underwater window looks straight into Lake Mälaren and if you are lucky you might wake up to a fish swimming by.
www.mikaelgenberg.com ( in Swedish)
www.vasterasmalarstaden.se
Live like a hermit on Ingmar Bergman’s favourite island
What used to be workmen’s dressing rooms and the canteen at an old limestone quarry has within the past years turned into top notch Hotel Furillen. The restaurant proudly uses local produce and the design throughout is inspired by the unique surroundings that Gotland offers. Certain environmentally friendly features have been implemented so for example if you prefer a swim in the sea rather than using the shower you will get an offset from the hotel in return. If you feel the need to escape the stressful buzz of everyday life the hermit cabins which have no ‘mod cons’ offer a welcoming retreat. The island itself is a unique spot in the Baltic Sea. The rugged limestone terrain provides a quite extraordinary natural landscape, and it is not a coincidence that well known director Ingmar Bergman chose to spend most of his life here.
Address: Fabriken Furillen AB, 624 58 Lärbo, Gotland, Sweden
www.furillen.nu
www.gotland.info
-ENDS-
Amazing images are available for all stays, please contact
Carpe Diem PR & Events
Klara Leander
Email: Klara@carpediemevents.com
Phone: +61 (0) 2 9212 1332 Mobile: 0416 262 217