Travel experts Off the Map Travel and the team behind the famous Treehotel in Sweden will launch a new floating hotel and spa that freezes into the ice of the Lule River in the winter and floats on top of the water in the summer. The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa experience includes a stay in the six-room hotel, plus an Arctic Bath inspired by the timber floating era, reminiscent of how felled trees were transported down the river for processing. The hotel and spa also sit in a prime location to experience the Northern Lights. Completion of the spa and hotel is expected for early 2018. Guests will be able to book a stay in advance of the opening of the Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa.
“You can experience the spa bath and stay overnight in a room that will float or be frozen into the ice, depending on the season.”
“The circular shape of spa and Arctic Bath creates a protected environment, sheltering guests and creating a haven to relax and soak up the local Arctic environment,” notes Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel and Arctic travel expert. “You can experience the spa bath and stay overnight in a room that will float or be frozen into the ice, depending on the season. This will be a one-of-a kind Arctic experience. Although all seven buildings will be securely anchored in place, they are freely floating in water or frozen into ice.”
A Little Bit of Background
The Arctic Bath project has been 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 created with the highest environmental standards in mind, using local materials and leaving a minimal to zero-impact on the environment.
The open center of the Arctic Bath is designed for sunbathing, ice bathing, and for those who wish to experience 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 it 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 building and the guest experience. To secure the first opportunity and inquire about dates and pricing, contact Off the Map Travel.