Many of us have daydreamed of heading to the northern frontier in search of a  winter fantasy land. To live like the Vikings, surrounded by untouched nature, with crisp Nordic air filling our lungs. Exploring the frozen tundra, where towering pine forests are the norm and where elk and reindeer wander in abundance. A place with the preferred mode of transportation is by dog sled or snowmobile and where cooling off means jumping into a sub-zero water after sweating out the body’s toxins in a sweltering sauna. That arctic adventure awaits the brave of heart in Sweden’s Arctic Bath and Spa boutique hotel.

But this is far from living like those Vikings or the indigenous Saami people did thousands of years ago. In fact, it is the polar opposite in a sleek and deliciously remote exclusive luxury resort which encourages wellness, digital detox, and communing with nature and your loved one.

The Arctic Bath Spa Hotel opened in January 2020 and is an utter delight for the mind, body and eye. The architects managed to create buildings that transform according to the weather and light. Many of the key structures float, including the iconic circular nest-like building.  On land, the cabins and suites feature Avant-guard designs that embrace luxury, privacy and stunning views.

This Swedish Lapland is a magical place where winter is mostly night and summer has no sunset.  In winter, there are wondrous sunsets and at times offer the once in a lifetime sighting of the Aurora Borealis. It is a sensually intoxicating experience where one soon feels invigorated, detoxed and infused with the Arctic’s crystal-clear air and water.

One of the most memorable experiences is the arctic plunge. Guests leave the warm comfort of the gurgling jacuzzi under the stars for the spine-tingling sensation of submersion in below freezing water, kept from turning to ice by bubbles for it to remain fluid. After this mind-numbing jolt to the system, guest happily retreat back indoors or to the awaiting warmth of the jacuzzi to take in the beguiling views over the ice and brilliant stars in the Swedish sky.

The main building is the stunning Log Jam which reflects the logging history of Swede’s Lapland region. Inside the interiors are sleek and modern housing the  reception, restaurant and bar. Here is where you’ll find the saunas and spa rooms as well as two outdoor Jacuzzis with an unobstructed view of the river. This brave of heart will also find the diving port to jump into the frozen river.

When it comes time to retire, guests will enjoy the spacious and inviting accommodations. Rooms are in separate small houses with some located on the crystal-clear river and others on the vast, ice covered land side. Each room of this boutique spa hotel is constructed with wood, and the structures float on concrete pontoons.  The accommodations have all been developed to be environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, as well as completely safe as a paramount feature in the design. The beds are all Swedish Carpe Diem Beds designed by a chiropractor and a perfect sleep platform and are made from sustainable wood. Furthermore, the cozy furnishings of soft, warm blankets alongside long wooden beams ensure a truly comforting atmosphere. There is, of course, WI-FI and very good mobile connectivity, but thankfully there are no TVs allowing guests to relearn the pleasure of healthier connected lives.

The Arctic Bath is an exotic environment and sensual experience, with temperatures occasionally reaching extremes, but the hotel is well prepared to accommodate their guests. Each room provides a stylish snowsuit, thermal gloves, hat and boots as well as a complimentary swimsuit, bathrobe and long-handled brush.

Wellness is at the core of the holiday and 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 delicious smoothies focusing on clean, local ingredients. The restaurant’s expert team creates the most imaginative cuisine with Sámi flavors, featuring healthy local and sustainable forest produce, which include lean reindeer meat, moose heart, fresh fish of course and some exotic appetizers. Chefs prepare a daily changing five course menu including signature dishes such as lightly smoked capercaille and Gompa (a traditional Sami dish with Arctic Angelica and sour milk).

Wellness at the Artic Bath and Spa is a combination of proper nourishment, the ability to actually relax, detox and to focus on healing with massage and wet/dry saunas as well. The spa was founded on four principles which are sensually reinforced by the architectural verve that captures the area’s rich history, environment and landscape perfectly.

One signature treatment that guest will want to experience provides as full body Swedish massage using organic oils, a mindfulness massage and stone massage. It’s exactly what the doctor ordered for rejuvenating worn out bodies.

There’s so much to do in and around the resort guests will be spoiled for choice. Beyond that, there is arctic circle and the Ájtte, the Swedish Mountain and Sami Museum in Jokkmokk, there are many exciting activities from dog sledging to snowmobile, cross country skiing, skating and ice fishing. The Artic Bath makes and outstanding summer destination as well.

Sweden is known for being among the world’s leading nations for health and happiness and combating stress by promoting wellness, in all areas of our life.  Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa is a one of a kind wellness destination and a bold new statement in luxury travel and is sure to delight vacations for decades to come.