Welcome to Happy Land

Lush, Lovely, Lanai

Sweet dreams are inevitable when you’re staying at five-star hotels in the capital cities of Scandinavia, three countries where an aura of contentment is pervasive.

BY ANGELA FAIRHURST

According to the United Nations World Happiness Report—an annual survey that ranks the happiest countries in the world—the Scandinavian nations of Denmark, Sweden and Norway are among the most delightful places on the planet. Why?

Experts cite the extraordinary freedoms that are enjoyed in these three democratic societies. Residents can choose to climb the tallest corporate ladder or live a modest life as a painter or philosopher, knowing their healthcare, education and some basic income will be provided. (Of course, taxes are high to provide this cradle-to-grave assistance.)

But ask the locals what they love most about where they live, and nearly everyone will tell you the same two things: the incredibly beautiful natural surroundings and the joyful spirit of the people, who are hearty enough to not only endure, but actually relish the extreme climate. And they’re kind and generous, too.

The same warm and wonderful characteristics abound in the region’s luxury hotels, which offer a respite from bitterly cold winters and a refuge during some of the longest summer days on the planet. And the level of hospitality makes you want to extend your stay… indefinitely. Here, top accommodations in each country’s capital city.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

In this livable city, large enough for diverse lifestyles but small enough to bicycle from one end to the other in 20 minutes, a favorite accommodation is Nimb Hotel (nimb.dk/en). Affectionately called, simply, the Nimb, the five-star boutique hotel is housed in a striking, Moorish-inspired building constructed in 1909. Staying here is like being a guest in a lavish private home, including 24/7 attention to your every need. It’s located steps from the main train station and in the middle of the city’s action. Exit through the back door and walk straight into Copenhagen’s most famous park, Tivoli Gardens, which becomes an incredible Christmas Market in December.

The Nimb has 38 rooms and suites, 21 of which were recently added. The public areas and private spaces are decorated with all the sophistication you’d expect in any luxury hotel, but a creative vibe makes the Nimb a standout. On a recent visit, our room had a wood-burning fireplace, lit by the staff at our request. Rich, dark hardwood floors and a tasteful mix of contemporary and antique furniture and art added to the charm. A Bang & Olufsen sound system and Apple TV provide the finest of modern touches.

Bathroom amenities include an array of madein-Denmark lifestyle and skincare products from Meraki. The products are paraben- and colorant-free, using only the best that nature has to offer. I especially liked the organic balm, orange and geranium pure oil, linen dew hand cream, mangosteen soap, face masks, soapfilled bath sponges and bath balls, wild rose body mist, and cotton haze body lotion. Lots of locally sourced products are available for the guys, too, from hair balm to a heavy-duty razor with two blades, shave cream and face potions. There are even wooden toothbrushes, organic toothpaste, plush robes and slippers.

Breakfast is worth pulling yourself out of the extremely comfortable bed. Prepared in an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work, avocado toast with a stack of fresh lingonberries is among the delicious options. The buffet consists of traditional Danish fare with cheeses, soft- or hard-boiled eggs, sausage, bacon, muesli, freshly made breads and pastries, plus a choice of yogurts with creative additions, such as tomato and basil or fresh cherries. The friendly staff will bring the same delicacies to your room or suite upon request.

For socializing, Nimb Bar is a scene. Located on the second floor between the new and old wings of the hotel, the high-ceilinged room is filled with locals and guests from high tea through cocktail hour.

For a classical heritage hotel experience, there’s the five-star Hotel d’Angleterre Copenhagen (dangleterre.com) an historic landmark built in 1755, with a fairy-tale love story behind its founding 263 years ago. A French valet named Jean Marchal fell in love with a young woman named Marie Coppy, the daughter of the chef of the Royal Palace in Copenhagen. With his skill at serving the privileged and her culinary talent, they opened a restaurant and, later, a hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen. Known for its classic style and signature purple flowers and accents, all of the Victorian-style d’Angleterre’s 37 rooms and 55 suites were recently refurbished by introducing simple Nordic design and updating with the latest technology and individually controlled climate systems.

Eating at the grand hotel’s one-Michelinstarred restaurant Marchal is a singular treat. Visually stunning and welcoming to both hotel guests and locals, it features a walk-in wine room, open display kitchen and cocktail bar. The food is Nordic-inspired with a French twist. Signature dishes include lobster served two ways, Danish beef served with caramelized shallots and turbot steamed in Champagne. Meanwhile, in addition to more than 160 Champagnes from more than 42 different makers, signature cocktails and wine, d’Angleterre’s Balthazar Champagne Bar offers guests indulgent bites including caviar and oysters, complemented by Francophile décor and flirtatious tunes from DJs on weekends.

For hedonists, the new Amazing Space spa features an expansive menu of signature treatments, as well as wet areas, fully equipped fitness studio and an indoor swimming pool.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Stockholm is a city of contrasts. It’s both urban and close to nature, a place where lake and sea meet. The top accommodation is Grand Hôtel Stockholm (grandhotel.se/ en), the only Swedish member of Leading Hotels of the World. Situated in an optimal waterfront location, the hotel is located next to the National Museum and opposite the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Founded by Frenchman Jean-François Régis Cadier, it opened in 1874, at the same time as the Grand Hotel Oslo in Norway. Since 1901, Nobel Prize laureates and their families, as well as celebrities and world leaders, have slept here. Grand Hôtel Stockholm has 273 rooms and 70 suites spread across three buildings. The rooms are classic in style, including wooden fishbone floors, marble stone bathrooms and a light color palette throughout. Even the smallest details are of highest quality, including Acqua di Parma toiletries, a connected music system, luxurious bedding, towels, bathrobes and beautiful flower arrangements from the inhouse florist.

Dining and drinking options are plentiful here. The restaurant Mathias Dahlgren offers two distinct dining experiences; Matbaren (The Food Bar) is a modern, one-Michelinstar bistro and bar; Rutabaga features lacto-ovo-vegetarian cuisine. The Veranda restaurant serves Swedish and international fare, as well as a traditional smörgåsbord year round. In summer months, Terrace serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Grand Hôtel has built up an award-winning wine cellar with more than 20,000 bottles, including a selection from 1874, the year the hotel opened. The Cadier Bar, named after the hotel’s founder, has an extensive cocktail menu and afternoon tea with a Swedish twist, which draws locals and hotel guests alike.

The Grand Hôtel’s Nordic Spa & Fitness is a refuge inspired by its proximity to the sea and the history and landscape of the Swedish archipelago, with a palette of granite, Nordic ash, creams and whites. The massages are personalized, one-of-a-kind treatments that adapt to a guest’s needs, rather than simply following a formula.

OSLO, NORWAY

Oslo is the winner of the European Green Capital Award 2019, offering a combination of vibrant city life, modern architecture and friendly vibe. One of Norway’s finest five-star hotels, Hotel Continental (hotelcontinental. no/eng) has been run by the same family for four generations. In the heart of Oslo, the hotel is walking distance to just about everything. With a newly renovated reception and lobby bar, it has a lively international environment that appeals to guests from all over the world and to dedicated local regulars.

The 153 rooms and suites come with luxurious interiors made of high-quality materials combining classic elements with Nordic modern design. In 2018, 59 of them were renovated from top to bottom. The hotel’s vast awardwinning art collection includes curated pieces in each room.

Theatercafeen, a renowned Viennese-style restaurant, has been one of Oslo’s most popular places to meet and eat for more than a century. Vaulted ceilings, teardrop lanterns, portraits of past and present habitués, writers, artists, actors and musicians adorn the walls and impeccable silver service sets the scene. Restaurant Eik is the hotel’s more casual restaurant, serving a three-, fouror five-course menu that changes weekly, based on the best available products. The bar is a convivial alternative to the sit-down meal. Bar Boman is a scene, with a stylish lounge and vibrant bar. It’s named for Caroline Boman, who, along with her husband, Christian Hanse, was a first-generation owner of Hotel Continental and Theatercafeen.