The Spa Boat, Norway

The arctic landscape.
The wide, open windows of the Spa Boat allow for panoramic views over the arctic landscape.
(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen.)

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.

Spa boat

Wood-clad steps help traverse the sloping sides of the Spa Boat.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

Traditional fishing exterior

Belying the traditional fishing trawler exterior, the interior of the Boat Spa is all high-design luxury.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

Wood burning stoves bring warmth in the Arctic climate.

Wood burning stoves bring warmth in the Arctic climate.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

Architect Sami Rantala has spared no expense bringing all the expected spa luxuries on-board.

Architect Sami Rantala has spared no expense bringing all the expected spa luxuries on-board.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

The Hammam features a steambath, bath tub and hot tiles.

The Hammam features a steambath, bath tub and hot tiles.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, 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.

Once a hold used for the storing of fish, the belly of the Spa Boat has been transformed into a waterborne haven.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

Rustic materials and blanched walls.

Brightening a little upstairs, the woodiness remains but comes complimented by pared-down fittings, rustic materials and blanched walls.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

The kitchen comes stocked with supplies a-plenty.

The kitchen comes stocked with supplies a-plenty.

(Image credit: press)

Kitchen

Populated by a gaggle of professional chefs, the Spa Boat's kitchen provides top-notch Scandinavian cuisine on the high seas.

(Image credit: Bent Raanes, Sarah Cameron Sorensen)

Abundant furs add to the sense of Arctic seclusion.

Abundant furs add to the sense of Arctic seclusion.

(Image credit: press)

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.

(Image credit: press)

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.

(Image credit: press)
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Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms