11 May 2020
World’s first energy-positive spa to open north of the Arctic Circle in 2022
BY Megan Whitby
The world’s first energy-positive hotel, Svart, Norway, has revealed its spa and wellness offering, due to open early 2022.
Designed by the Norwegian architect firm Snøhetta, the circular 99-room hotel will be situated on the Holandsfjorden fjord at the foot of the Svartisen glacier, raised up above the fjord on a wooden supporting structure.
Developed by Miris, Svart is located north of the Arctic Circle and is expected to use around 85 per cent less energy than the traditional hotel and to produce more energy than it uses. It aims to be fully off-grid, carbon-neutral and zero waste within the first five years of operation.
The Svart Spa, Health and Wellness Clinic will provide a personalised, outcome-focused wellness plan and invite guests to blend wellness with adventure.
Designed to pioneer a new-age of responsible wellness adventure travel, the 1,000sq m indoor-outdoor Nordic-inspired wellness centre will deliver guests a mind, body and skin overhaul.
In a location that’s home to some of the rarest flora and fauna species in the world, Svart guests will be offered a range of activities year-round, such as ice climbing on the glacier, practising yoga under the midnight sun, wildlife-spotting, diving, fishing and foraging.
On arrival, guests will have a one-to-one consultation with the spa team and resident health concierge to discuss and select a unique programme of services, therapies and supplements.
Each bespoke programme will be created around a three-part conditioning series – ‘Climatise, Condition and Evolve’ – individually tailored to support and enhance the outdoor activities guests wish to pursue during their stay.
The Climate stage will prepare their skin for the external conditions ahead, ready the body for the adventure that awaits and adjust the individual’s mental state to the current surroundings and environment.
The second stage – Condition – will monitor and aid skin changes with additional sustenance, relieve the body of new tensions resulting from the chosen adventures and enhance the guest’s mental wellbeing.
The final stage – Evolve – will focus on energising the skin, reward the body for its exertions and consolidating achievements in the mind.
Treatments and therapies will range from massages and facials using indigenous Nordic elements, to sound-healing, cryotherapy and transformative health and nutrition coaching incorporating wearables to help guests better understand their bodies and enhance goal-orientated efforts.
All therapies will use locally grown natural products made with herbs and marine ingredients.
“Our aim has been to create a truly immersive and purpose-driven experience for guests, enabling them to become more in tune with themselves as they take in the natural wonders of Norway’s incredible Svartisen,” said Felicity Leahy, Svart’s appointed spa and wellness consultant.
Facilities will also include outdoor bathing facilities, a relaxation lounge, swimming pool, yoga and sound-healing studio, steamrooms and a gym.
In addition to the wellness centre, the property will have four restaurants, a sustainable farm, education centre and design laboratory.
Amenities will be open to overnight guests, day visitors and the local community.
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