A 20-minute drive out of Copenhagen and you’ll arrive in North Zealand. Tucked away on the borders of Dyrehaven, one of the most picturesque UNESCO Heritage nature reserves in Denmark, is Kurhotel Skodsborg. Framed by the crystal-clear Baltic Sea, with the Gribskov Forest as its backdrop – this hidden gem of a spa hotel dates back to 1898 and boasts a 360° holistic offering, based on the founder’s wellbeing principles.
THE ETHOS
Originally conceived by Dr Carl Ottosen nearly 120 years ago, the spa has reinvigorated his philosophy of ‘light, air, nutrition, water, rest and exercise’ in a minimalist mega-spa. Over 5,000 m2, it boasts a state-of-the-art gym, yoga rooms, beauty treatments by Kerstin Florian and BioEffect, plus 16 different cooling and heating experiences. A must is the signature SaunaGus. The extreme sauna experience is led by a SaunaGus Master followed by a dip in the Baltic. Not for the faint of heart.
THE STAY
The 85 rooms have a Scandi-cool aesthetic – white-on-white décor is warmed up with soft grey carpets, velvet textiles and down duvets. Attention to detail is everything: mini hot water bottles tucked into your bed at night, ginger shots presented at breakfast to set you up for the day and spa-themed toiletries in your room.
The light and airy lobby, meanwhile, has a library corner full of art books and stylish Vertigo pendant lamps by Constance Guisset. An imaginative afternoon tea – Tea with Georg, a collaboration with Danish homeware designer Georg Jensen – is served here. Forget the scones though, this is as healthy as it gets with paleo bread, raw cookie balls with nuts, smoked salmon and fresh cheese.
THE FOOD
As well as a third-floor brasserie offering modern takes on Danish classics, not to mention wonderful ocean views and a buzzy vibe, there is also Restaurant by Kroun. Expect a healthy interpretation of haute-cuisine, designed by head chef Eric Kroun – Pollack, Radishes, Lemon & Dill and Bresse Chicken and Danish Black Lobster were standout dishes. Pair with wines or, if you are being super-healthy, with non-alcoholic cocktails – such as Gooseberry Martini and Caramalised Apple Juice.
ASK ABOUT
There’s a huge range of inventive activities to book: from Mindful Power Training and Silent Retreats to CrossFit Bootcamps by the ocean and Running Workshops through the forest. Culinary buffs should ask about events run by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Rode. He is in residence at Villa Rex – a historic building in the grounds – where he offers bespoke ‘clean eating’ classes.
AND AFTER THAT…
You won’t get bored here: from live jazz in the lobby to Nordic Noir nights with famous Danish crime writers, such as Sara Blædel, there are tons of things to keep you amused.
TOP TIP
Take a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Housed in an architecturally-striking building on the shores of the Øresund Sound, it is the most visited museum in Denmark (en.louisiana.dk).
NEED TO KNOW
A double room at Kurhotel Skodsborg costs from £161 per night (based on two sharing). For more information, visit: skodsborg.dk/en or call +45 4558 5800.
This article was also published in City AM Newspaper on 19 June 2017 and can be read here
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