Combining two of our favourite pursuits in one luxury package, the Spa Boat – designed by Norway-based, Finnish architect Sami Rintala – brings an added dimension to the standard spa weekend.
Taking a stripped-down 1950s fishing boat as the skeleton of his project, Rintala adapted the bare woods and curving walls as integral design elements of his vision.
The depths of the hold, where tons of North Sea fish were once stored, now plays host to a wood-clad spa area - featuring a Turkish Hammam, (complete with the obligatory steambath, bath tub and hot tiles) Zen lounge with wood burning fireplace and a sauna surrounded by panoramic windows.
The Scandi-inspired luxury continues on deck, with a hot tub designed for mid-winter Aurora Borealis gazing, whilst a seven meter-high diving board provides release for those with more frenetic agendas.
Boasting three, well-proportioned guest bedrooms, the Spa Boat can play host to as many as twelve guests at a time, whilst the on-board kitchen – which brings to mind many a pared-down Scandinavian eatery – comes complete with a host of professional chefs.
Moored in the Arctic city of Tromsø and unveiled at the end of last year, the Spa Boat offers an authentic – if wintry - take on the spa experience.
The Spa Boat, Norway
The wide, open windows of the Spa Boat allow for panoramic views over the arctic landscape. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
The wide, open windows of the Spa Boat allow for panoramic views over the arctic landscape. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Wood-clad steps help traverse the sloping sides of the Spa Boat. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Wood-clad steps help traverse the sloping sides of the Spa Boat. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Belying the traditional fishing trawler exterior, the interior of the Boat Spa is all high-design luxury. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Belying the traditional fishing trawler exterior, the interior of the Boat Spa is all high-design luxury. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Wood burning stoves bring warmth in the Arctic climate. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Wood burning stoves bring warmth in the Arctic climate. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Architect Sami Rantala has spared no expense bringing all the expected spa luxuries on-board. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Architect Sami Rantala has spared no expense bringing all the expected spa luxuries on-board. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
The Hammam features a steambath, bath tub and hot tiles. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
The Hammam features a steambath, bath tub and hot tiles. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Once a hold used for the storing of fish, the belly of the Spa Boat has been transformed into a waterborne haven. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Once a hold used for the storing of fish, the belly of the Spa Boat has been transformed into a waterborne haven. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Brightening a little upstairs, the woodiness remains but comes complimented by pared-down fittings, rustic materials and blanched walls. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Brightening a little upstairs, the woodiness remains but comes complimented by pared-down fittings, rustic materials and blanched walls. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
The kitchen comes stocked with supplies a-plenty.
The kitchen comes stocked with supplies a-plenty.
Populated by a gaggle of professional chefs, the Spa Boat’s kitchen provides top-notch Scandinavian cuisine on the high seas. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Populated by a gaggle of professional chefs, the Spa Boat’s kitchen provides top-notch Scandinavian cuisine on the high seas. Photographed by Bent Raanes and Sarah Cameron Sorensen.
Abundant furs add to the sense of Arctic seclusion.
Abundant furs add to the sense of Arctic seclusion.
Sami Rintala has adapted the natural shape of the Spa Boat to suit his design vision.
Sami Rintala has adapted the natural shape of the Spa Boat to suit his design vision.
Transformed from a 60 year-old fishing trawler, the Spa Boat takes inspiration from its humble beginnings.
Transformed from a 60 year-old fishing trawler, the Spa Boat takes inspiration from its humble beginnings.