[Photo Credit: Tree Hotel]
Seattle recently got its first snow of the year and the city was immediately transformed into somewhat of a winter wonderland, if only for an evening. Here at BUILD World Headquarters, it brought about thoughts of snowy destinations and some of our previous journeys to places that are sought out precisely for their winter splendor. Our list includes a handful of spectacularly icy destinations that also possess qualities that resonate with the modern, design-minded traveler. It’s worth noting that this list is unapologetically heavy on the Scandinavian destinations—probably because they simply excel at making the most out of the cold and design spaces to truly enjoy it.
Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland
Designed by Risto Eräpohja and Jussi Eiramo
Attraction: Northern lights
[Photo Credit: Visit Finland]
The two- and four-person glass roof igloos, and log chalets that accommodate six to ten people, provide warm accommodations to enjoy the northern lights of the Lapland wilderness. Saunas and restaurants serving Lappish cuisine are also onsite. And, of course, there’s an igloo bar.
Faviken, Järpen, Sweden
Designed by Swedish Farmers
Attraction: Cuisine
[Photo Credit: Spanish Hipster]
Five rooms are available for dinner guests of the restaurant, located on the 20,000 acre Fäviken Egendom estate. Chef Magnus Nilsson serves local, seasonal variations based on Swedish traditions.
Ion Hotel, near Reykjavik, Iceland
Designed by Minarc
Attraction: Northern Lights
[Photo Credit: Amber Lair]
With 24 deluxe rooms and 21 standard rooms, the Ion Hotel is the only hotel in the Pingvellir National Park, about an hour outside of Reykjavik. The structure is a renovation of the old worker’s quarters of the Nesjavellir geothermal station and includes the Silfra restaurant and bar.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada
Designed by Saunders Architecture
Attraction: Northern Lights
[Photo Credit: The Independent]
The structure is a distinct nod to the traditional outport fishing stages of Newfoundland and includes 29 suites with floor to ceiling views of the sea and sky. The facility includes a dining room, bar, library, cinema, gym, hot tubs and wood-fired saunas.
Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Ă…re, Sweden
Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Attraction: Winter Sports
[Photo Credit: Room Reporter]
With 112 rooms, the hotel has a direct lift connection to the Ă…re ski area. The facilities include a host of restaurants and a full spa.
Juvet Landscape Hotel, Valldal, Norway
Designed by Jensen & Skodvin
Attraction: Nature and Nudity
[Photo Credit: Jensen & Skodvin]
Nine detached rooms are each sited with their own perspective of the rugged Burtigarden farmstead landscape. Two of the rooms are in the old farm buildings on the site, and meals are served communally in the old barn.
Tree Hotel, Harads, Harads, Sweden
Designed by Tham & VidegĂĄrd Arkitekter, Rintala Eggertsson
Attraction: Nature and Playfulness
[Photo Credit: Panduan Wisata]
The seven unique treehouses each have a view of the unspoiled nature of the Lule River Valley. A treehouse conference room is available, and the nearby Harads Village hosts a restaurant and shop.
Black Butte Ranch, near Sisters, Oregon
Recreation center designed by Hacker Architects
Attraction: Winter sports
[Photo Credit: Hacker Architects]
The 1,800-acre ranch offers 120 rentals including private lodge rooms, two- and three-bedroom condos, cabins, and custom homes. Accommodations include a restaurant, bistro, pub, spa, and pool.
InterContinental Davos, Davos, Switzerland
Designed by OIKIOS
Attraction: Skiing
[Photo Credit: Archilovers]
Each of the 216 rooms and suites is designed with a private balcony offering views on Davos and the mountains beyond. The hotel includes three restaurants, a bar, and spa.
Rabothytta, Okstindan, Norway
Designed by Jarmund / Vigsnæs Architecture
Activity: Hiking
[Photo Credit: Svein Arne Brygfjeld]
The most northern cabin of the Norwegian Tourist Association, the structure is located at the foot of Okstindan Glacier in northern Norway. Offering lodging for up to 30 people, the structure includes six bedrooms and an attic bunkhouse. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and food.
Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland
Designed by basalt
Activity: Bathing and Mud Masks
[Photo Credit: Uniq Hotels]
About an hour from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from the Keflavik airport, the Silica Hotel offer 35 rooms, each with a view of the surrounding lava fields. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and additional amenities include a restaurant, café, and bar.
Cheers from Team BUILD