Slow down at the top 5 Scanian wellness retreats
Every year, visitors flock to Skåne to get a piece of that slight bohemian, ‘slow living’ way of life that the region is known for. Here, the slower pace lets you explore the beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, culinary highlights and cultural sights at your own pace.
What better way to get into that tranquil state of mind than to visit one of the region’s spas? We have listed 5 of Skåne’s most stunning wellness retreats.
01
Andrum Spa
Höör
Skåne’s most beautiful spa is quite unexpectedly found in Höör, a town that seldom makes the cut when recommending places to visit around Skåne. Run by the former state church of Sweden and designed by Lund-based architect Johan Sundberg, Andrum Spa reminds us of Peter Zumthor’s breathtaking Therme Vals.
The healing properties of water play a central role in Andrum Spa’s facilities, inspired by Nordic wellness rituals such as Finish sauna bathing and bathing in hot springs in Iceland. Try the 50 minute hot stone massage for the ultimate picker-upper.
02
Ystad Saltsjöbad
Ystad
In 1896, pharmacist and local politician Salomon Smith put in a motion to build a hotel along the sandy beaches on the outskirts of Ystad. Aside from the possibility to enjoy a dip in the Baltic Sea, the hotel would also come to offer indoor and outdoor pools in varying temperatures.
Today, Ystad Saltsjöbad has grown into one of Sweden’s most popular wellness destinations. The property boasts 139 rooms and suites, a spa area named Lido, several treatment facilities, a lounge area, the Nero bar and restaurants Port and Gildas.
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03
Torekov Hotell
Torekov
The pier, the fishing huts in the harbour and the maritime museum all testify of Torekov’s past as a fishing village. A couple of kilometres south of the harbour is Torekov Hotell, a hotel and spa that reflects the intimate and casual ambience of the town.
In 2020, Torekov Hotell underwent a major revamp. The revamp resulted in an extended spa area which now offers a wide variety of pools – two Japanese outdoor pools, a massage pool, a large outdoor heated pool and an ice bath, to name but a few. One of the hotel’s signature treatments is the magnesium wrap anti-stress full body treatment.
04
Hotel Skansen
Båstad
Båstad, known as the tennis capital of Sweden as it hosts the yearly tennis tournament Swedish Open, draws lovers of the good life. The town is also known for its cold bathhouse that has attracted health-conscious visitors since the 1800s.
When the former bathhouse was destroyed by storms, a new one was built in its place in 2009, and now belongs to the Skansen spa hotel. Here, old meets new – we adore how the stilted timber bathhouse on the sea is juxtaposed by the hotel’s sleek infinity pool. Make sure to try Sand, the hotel’s popular restaurant, to enjoy a luxurious seafood platter.
05
The Lodge
Genarp
High above the dense woodlands and rocky heights of Skåne’s Romeleåsen, The Lodge looks out over the landscape below. This New England-style property, complete with the weathered wood finishes, handwritten beach signs and cast iron stoves, is described as a Swedish take on an American getaway.
The 1,000 square metre Honulele spa has several treatment rooms, a spot for yoga and a 12 metre-long infinity pool. A 4-course dinner is enjoyed at on-site restaurant Heaven – we recommend booking your table a few weeks in advance.
