Magical Winter Escape to Norway and Sweden

With enough avant-garde design to make the most discerning art collector turn green, impressive views steal your attention every way you turn at The Thief. From inspiring contemporary art gracing guestrooms to Julian Opie animations playing in the elevators and an Andy Warhol piece sitting in the restaurant – and not forgetting those fjord panoramas – this is Oslo’s exciting, cutting-edge design hotel. Facing the water’s edge in the Tjuvholmen district, now deemed a hotspot for innovative design, with the Astrup Fearnely Museum of Modern Art next door and superb restaurants scattered among pedestrianised streets and squares, this boutique bolt-hole fits perfectly into its creative environment. Closely tied to its Norwegian setting, The Thief is adorned with local designers’ furniture while the restaurant’s seasonal menu is peppered with regional accents. Drinks and views then come hand in hand up at the gorgeous roof terrace, though each room and suite also offers private vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies. Scenery isn’t the only thing your room provides either. Infused with gadgets, carefully chosen artwork and luxuries including rainforest showers, bespoke woollen blankets, slippers and bathrobes, the accommodation here is superb.

Hotel Continental Oslo’s location is as central as it gets, directly across from the National Theatre, and a stone’s throw from the parliamentary building and royal palace. A beacon of luxury since its opening in 1900, the hotel is the country’s only five-star hotel, with 155 individually designed rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Restaurant Eik Annen Etage while the historic Theatercaféen has been the Oslo’s most popular dining and meeting place for over 100 years. Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the maritime-style Steamen Café, or at the popular Dagligstuen bar which homes a privately owned collection of graphic works by Edvard Munch.

This proudly Norwegian hotel has always honoured the traditions and history of Røros, a town which has transformed over the decades from a mining town into an international destination. Even the decor in the 157 rooms and suites is inspired by Scandinavian colours, shapes and nature. There are three restaurants which ensure you won’t go hungry. Begin the day with a large breakfast buffet at Bergrosa, dine on fresh local fish, game and root crops at Brasseriet where the menu changes daily according to what is available, and enjoy light bites with evening drinks at lobby bar Vinterhagen. And there is a team of seven wine and two beer sommeliers on hand to help you choose the right beverages to complement your meals. The Røros Bad & Velvære area boasts a large swimming pool which has a separate section for younger guests to enjoy, as well as several smaller pools and a Jacuzzi. Unwind in the sauna, or book a massage or pedicure in one of the treatment rooms. The space has been built out of natural materials and decorated by local artists. Make use of the hotel’s fitness studio or find out about nearby jogging tracks, hiking trails and bike rentals.

Featuring natural materials and warm hues, this modern hotel, overlooking Mount Åreskutan, the lake, mountaintops, and forests, is based on the aesthetics of a classic ski lodge. The decor in the 112 rooms has been inspired by Sami culture, with a heavy emphasis on the region’s history as an important mining centre.  The walls are adorned with historic pictures from the Jämtland county museum, as well as international contemporary art. Dine on meals that incorporate local flavours and traditional specialities at Niesti Restaurant, and unwind in the evening in The Library and Fireside Lounge and Bar and order the Vaajese tasting menu. There are many activities to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy all year round, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter, to hiking and mountain biking in summer. Young guests can join the Copper Kids club and have fun in the crafts room, while adults can pamper themselves with custom spa treatments inspired by the mountains.

Built in 1910, this beautiful townhouse has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, full of personality and Scandinavian design elements. It has been lovingly crafted into a home away from home where guests are seen as family. The 12 rooms and suites combine beauty and functionality and feature a carefully curated collection of furniture and Scandinavian antiques. The rooms are comfortable and light in summer, and cast iron stoves turn them into cosy havens in the colder months. Enjoy breakfast or an evening glass of wine in the lush courtyard garden, and allow the chef’s team to surprise you with a meal created using fresh, locally-sourced produce. You can dine in the kitchen, in the library, or in the Greenhouse. In keeping with the family home feel of the hotel, you’re also welcome to help yourself to snacks and drinks from the kitchen as you like.

This luxury hotel in the heart of Stockholm offers guests a relaxed and elegant base from which to explore the city. There are 201 rooms and suites to choose from. Whether original panelling and stucco from the 1800s appeals to you, or you want to wake up to sunlight spilling through wide windows, Nobis seamlessly combines style and comfort. Some of the rooms offer views out over the city centre, the beautiful Berzelii Park or tranquil inner courtyard. Interior design is focussed on contemporary timelessness, and the aesthetics are refined, calming and discreet, to match the 19th century stone architecture of the building. The furniture and artworks were designed specifically for the hotel, incorporating natural materials like stone, ceramics, wood and natural textiles. Dine on dishes inspired by traditional Italian rustic cuisine at Caina’s Bakficka. The menu takes you on a journey through Italy from the mountains of Piedmont and the valleys of Tuscany, to the southern coast of Sicily. As the sun goes down, enjoy a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail at The Gold Bar. Fresh ingredients and hand-picked spirits make for inspired seasonal drinks.

Find yourself feeling truly welcome and at home at Hotel Kungsträdgården in central Stockholm. The team at the privately-owned family hotel not only cherishes their guests, but also the hotel’s history. The building dates back to the 18th century, and preserved woodwork and details combine beautifully with modern design touches. The 94 rooms are each individually decorated in classic Gustavian style. Sit down to a leisurely breakfast beneath one of Europe’s largest chandeliers – it is made up of more than 11,000 hand-bound prisms and weighs more than 400kg. The courtyard is also the ideal place to enjoy a glass of champagne, or you could choose to dine on French cuisine at Brasserie Makalös. Take some time off from exploring the busy city, and relax in the wine bar, study or private wine cellar. There is also a gym and sauna available for guests.