Norway is a country of cosmopolitan centers, snowcapped mountain villages, and hundreds of coastal towns along the Norwegian Sea.  There is a steady flow of Norwegian and international travelers to Larvik, a quaint port town a few hours south of Oslo. They migrate south for one reason, to spend a few days frolicking and reinvigorating at the Farris Bad resort and spa.

Since it opened in 2009, the Farris Bad has arguably become the sexiest resort in Norway.  The ultra-modern building oozes sensuality from the moment you enter with its tastefully erotic objects d’art on display in sculptures, photography, and artwork of the human form at every turn.  The clientele is mainly 30 something couples who gaze at each other over candlelit dinners or conoodle in Jacuzzi tubs.

The five-story building is Larvik’s most iconic structure as it juts over the fjord-like a pier.  The space-age structure is literally built over the beach and locals say that the resort has one foot on land and one in the water. From every room and common areas the water and beautiful fjords are within a glance. Inside the colors are monotone browns and cement gray in order to contrast with the natural beauty of the outdoors as well as the provocative art adorning the space. From the outside, the inimitable structure is ultra-modern industrial-chic architecture with concrete surfaces, and wood shutters covering the mainly glass exteriors.

The main reason that guests go to the Farris Bad is for the spa. It is the largest in Scandinavia with over 27,000 square feet in size and has the most advanced health facilities. There are also 18 specially designed treatment rooms, there is a well-equipped gym and a yoga and Pilates room. They have a team of highly talented therapists who give a range of traditional treatments from facial to couples massages to body wraps.

As the spa is built on a natural spring, the emphasis in on water and using water to heal the body.  The water at Farris Bad is special and it comes from 180 feet underground taking 20 years to travel through purifying moraine layers under the beech forest and as it does, it brings those salubrious minerals used in treating the body. This is the foundation of Farris Bad’s unique treatments and approach to health through water and why it has become the first Balneological health resort in the Nordic countries. For those unfamiliar, Balneology is the medical science dealing with the therapeutic effects of baths and bathing especially those taken with natural mineral waters.

At Farris Bad the facilities use of hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation, or stimulation. There is a tepidarium, mineral spa, herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, cold plunge bath, foot bath, tropical showers, shower cave, massage pool, fjord sauna, hot tub, and indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis.  The hydro pool has a waterfall, sunken chairs with massage function and several water jets the aim a harsh stream of water to where the sore muscles lie.  Their cave pool is a steamy pool room with warm water directly sourced from the mineral spring where guests languish letting the enriched water rejuvenate their warn bodies.

Guests can also sign up for group treatments such as the Sweat Sauna and Scrub. With this treatment 12 participants sit in the sauna room filled with heat, steam and invigorating herbal vapors. The heat is intense and the bodies begin to pour sweat at which point the leader begins to push more hot air by methodically waving the towel in gyrating patterns, swirling the intoxicating mix of heat, steam and vapor towards the participants. After 10 minutes of this treatment she supplies a scrub mix of sand, wood dust, and coffee. Participants rub in the mix on themselves and each other and then take another 10 minutes of steam, the skin sweats, dead skin is removed and the skin is left smooth and supple.

Another popular group treatment is the Argus Treatment. This takes place in the spa’s Fjord Sauna which overlooks the open sea. As the group sits and begins to sweat in the dry sauna, the leader puts aromatic ice onto the hot coals to intensify the heat.  Lounge music plays to keep the energy level at the right place as she begins to gyrate her towel pushing waves of heat at the participants. After 15 intense minutes the group departs to the outside and descends down steps and, one after one, plunges into the frigid waters of the fjord. In Scandinavia, it is customary to use intense heat and then intense cold to shock and invigorate the body. Guests will then swim for 15 minutes or longer and leave this treatment revived and feeling exuberant.

After these intense relaxation experiences, guests will look to retreat back to their rooms. At Farris Bad there are 176 room and suites that vary in size, configuration, and amenities. The Junior Suites are spacious at 400 square foot with a contemporary design, calm and neutral colors and a comfortable sitting.

There are floor to ceiling windows created to take in the exquisite views of the fjord. The bedrooms are comfortable as well with a balcony perfect for sitting outside for the unobstructed views.  There is a half bathroom in the living area as well as the full bath which features a separate shower and triangular bath perfect for two.

Farris Bad has several wine and dine outlets as well. Their main restaurant is quite large with tasteful décor and good service. The menu has a focus on Nordic and international dishes with seafood sourced daily basis from the area around Svenner, and game from the forests around Larvik.   Adjacent to the lobby there is a lounge serving imaginative cocktails by their talented mixologists. The venue is uber-sexy with a fire element and separated cozy seating areas perfect for hushed conversations.

Guest’s will also enjoy Lardvik which is a sleepy coastal town on Norway’s south coast. Summer is amazing time to visit with vibrant flowers in bloom in the town’s gardens and pots at every turn. Locals seem to enjoy every ray of sunshine and you’ll see them swimming everywhere along the fjords. No need for a beach, a rock or pier is just as good and they just jump in and get on with it.

Near the hotel, there is a waterfront district with several trendy restaurants and bars on the piers and a recently opened the arts and cultural center.  The town also has a historic nautical area and several beaches with locals and families spending the day.

Farris Bad Resort and Spa is an ideal place to get away from it all to rejuvenate your body through their array of unique wellness experiences. It’s ideal for a girlfriend’s getaway weekend or for couples to rekindle romance.