World’s first energy-positive hotel to open north of the Arctic Circle in 2022
– Felicity Leahy
The world’s first energy-positive hotel, called Svart, is due to open early in 2022.
Designed by Snøhetta, the circular 99-room hotel will be situated on the Holandsfjorden fjord at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in Norway, raised up above the fjord on a wooden support structure.
Developed by Miris, the hotel is located north of the Arctic Circle and is expected to use around 85 per cent less energy than a standard-build hotel and to produce more energy than it uses. It aims to be fully off-grid, carbon-neutral and zero waste within the first five years of operation.
The property will have four restaurants, a sustainable farm, education centre and design laboratory.
The hotel's Svart Spa, Health and Wellness Clinic will provide a personalised, outcome-focused plan, inviting guests to blend wellness with adventure.
Designed to pioneer a new-age of responsible wellness adventure travel, the 1,000sq m indoor-outdoor Nordic-inspired wellness centre will deliver guests a mind, body and skin overhaul.
In a location that’s home to some of the rarest flora and fauna species in the world, Svart guests will be offered a range of activities year-round, such as ice climbing on the glacier, practising yoga under the midnight sun, wildlife-spotting, diving, fishing and foraging.
On arrival, guests will have a one-to-one consultation with the spa team and resident health concierge to discuss and select a unique programme of services, therapies and supplements.
Treatments and therapies will range from massages and facials using indigenous Nordic elements, to sound-healing, cryotherapy and transformative health and nutrition coaching incorporating wearables to help guests better understand their bodies and enhance goal-orientated efforts.
All therapies will use locally-grown, natural products made with herbs and marine ingredients.
“Our aim has been to create a truly immersive and purpose-driven experience for guests, enabling them to become more in tune with themselves, as they take in the natural wonders of Norway’s incredible Svartisen,” said Felicity Leahy, Svart’s appointed spa and wellness consultant.
Facilities will include outdoor bathing facilities, a relaxation lounge, swimming pool, yoga and sound-healing studio, steamrooms and a gym.
Amenities will be open to overnight guests, day visitors and the local community.
Energy-positive Svart Norway Snøhetta Miris Felicity Leahy