The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa

The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa, designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kaupp, freezes into the Lule River in the winter and floats on top of the water in the summer. The Arctic Bath and Spa offers wellness, mindfulness and cleansing treatments through spa partners Kerstin Florian. The new hotel and spa is located in Lulea in Swedish Lapland.

The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa offers a distinctive experience with a stay in the Hotel, comprised of six detached floating "cabins" and six additional cabins on land, plus the Arctic Bath inspired by the timber floating era which recalls how felled trees were transported downriver for processing. Both the spa and the rooms float on or are frozen into the water, depending on the season. The spa complex and cabins float on waters ranging from 6.5 to 14 feet deep and are connected by floating walkways. With an eye to sustainability, the Arctic Bath leaves a minimal environmental footprint.

The Arctic Bath's approach to wellness is based on four elements: proper nutrition, regular exercise, peace of mind, and the care of face and body. These are reflected through menus, snacks and smoothies focusing on clean, local ingredients; the encouragement of exercise through a variety of activities; working with affirmation cards, mindfulness and meditation; and the Arctic Bath's proprietary spa treatments. Guests at the floating hotel and spa will experience the wellness benefits of alternating cold-water and hot-water dips and sauna, yoga, meditation, and cleansing sessions such as crystal healing. Each moment is designed to bring relaxation, refreshment and clarity. There are no ambient distractions or light pollution. Colors are chosen for their color therapy benefits, and surrounding materials are organic and local. Both summer and winter spa experiences will be offered.

The circular-shaped Arctic Bath houses one spa treatment room, four saunas, an outside cold bath, a hot bath, outdoor and indoor showers, and two dressing rooms. The open center of the bath invites guests to sunbathe, ice bathe or sit back to view the Northern Lights or star-filled skies. A dip in the bath itself is consistent with the Arctic tradition of a cold-water plunge with the water maintained at 39 degrees Fahrenheit and combines well with the warmth of a sauna and spa. A special technique has been developed to keep the center of the bath open during wintertime, adding to the drama of the setting and the guest experience.

Background

The Arctic Bath project was developed by Kent Lindvall, Per Anders Eriksson, Robert Lundqvist, Patrik Jonsson and AnnKathrin Lundqvist. The project grew out of the opening days of the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden when developers envisioned taking the wood concept from the air to the water as well. Specialist design architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, both of Sweden, translated the concept into design, utilizing their background of minimalist furniture and building design. The design of the spa and hotel is not only striking in its look but also in its creation with the highest environmental standards in mind, using local materials and leaving a minimal to zero-impact on the environment.

Hotel website