2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 20:04 Page 56
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness – Sweden’s Finest
Left and top middle: Ystad Saltsjöbad. Middle and right: Falkenberg Strandbad
Peas in a pod – Sweden’s top-two in luxurious spa experiences By Linnea Dunne | Photos: Ystad Saltsjöbad & Falkenberg Strandbad
In the 1800s, the aristocracy came here to drink sour well-water. Today, you can enjoy a bath in a hot tub under a moonlit sky, overlooking the sea – even in the middle of winter.
nation. And if you just want to make the most of relaxing luxury, try the Creek Experience with a two-hour full-body treatment in a tropical environment complete with Turkish baths, a dark lagoon and lianas hanging off the walls.
“Relaxing luxury is what Ystad Saltsjöbad is all about,” says CEO Anders Nilsson. “You’ll spend the majority of the day in a dressing gown, and watching the sunset through our panorama windows really is magical.” Ystad Saltsjöbad
The late 19th century hotel was renovated in 2007 to become a complete conference and spa destination decorated throughout in New England style. But its most important cornerstone, Nilsson insists, is the service. “We’ve worked extremely hard on getting the personal touch right. It perhaps sounds a bit vague, but it’s what everyone says when they leave: our service is second to none.” If you’re a foodie, come for the food trips, which bring you out to the producers to milk goats and press rapeseed oil, then back to prepare a luxurious dinner with the hotel chef. If Wallander is your latest obsession, Ystad is your must-see desti-
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Swapping New England for Hemingway, Falkenberg Strandbad takes all the luxury of its sister resort down south and adds a darker, wilder twist, resulting in the successful concept Nilsson calls the luxury feel of the west coast. “We want it to feel like Hemingway’s spirit is resting here,” the CEO says about the waterfront hotel on the white sandy beaches of Skrea strand, its renowned spa and conference facilities making it the most prestigious destination on the west coast. The hotel lobby doubles up as the living room of Mr. Hemingway himself, filled with
vintage books, handcrafted exotic animal sculptures, and large colonial seating arrangements. Many guests find themselves starting and ending their evenings with a glass of oak-aged rum while nibbling on dark chocolate in front of the open fire. The spa, named The Retreat Club, draws its inspiration from the ancient Kalahari desert in Africa and features some of the most well-kept secrets from the local Kalahari inhabitants, experienced in areas covered in marble, mosaic stone and golden details. “You have to be humble about these things,” says Nilsson, “but I can honestly say that these two resorts are leading the way, Ystad in terms of overall quality in Sweden and even on an international scale, and Falkenberg in that superior sense of luxury that’s simply unmatched among Swedish spas.” Sure enough, both destinations have won enough awards to prove it. Now only your own, personal verdict remains. For more information, please visit: www.ysb.se and www.strandbaden.se