Why Scandinavia Should Be on Your Travel Itinerary – Starting Now

Cooler climates, soulful design, and understated luxury are making the Nordics the new summer favourite. Here's why now is the moment to book — with exclusive offers from The Betesh Group.

This summer, a quiet shift is taking place in luxury travel. As Mediterranean coastlines swell with sunseekers, the world’s most refined travellers are heading north — to Sweden, Finland, and beyond — in pursuit of something cooler, calmer, and infinitely more meaningful.

A Different Kind of Summer

Forget the crowds and heatwaves. Scandinavia offers a refreshing alternative to traditional summer destinations — one defined by clean air, expansive forests, and crisp coastal light. Whether you're kayaking through a glass-still archipelago or dining beneath a midnight sun, the Nordic summer invites you to slow down and savour each moment.

The Quest for Quiet Luxury

Luxury in the Nordics isn't loud. It's thoughtful. Suites suspended above riverbanks, granite baths carved from old water towers, and interiors that draw as much from natural materials as they do from design heritage. This is quiet luxury — rooted in simplicity, crafted with care, and deeply in tune with its surroundings.

Where Nature is at the Epicentre

From Lapland to the Stockholm archipelago, the region's most coveted stays are those that immerse you in nature without compromising on comfort. Think floating spas, forest-set lodges, and coastal retreats where you can fish, hike, or simply listen to the wind in the pines. In these places, luxury comes with a breath of fresh air.

Design that Speaks and Inspires

Scandinavian design needs little introduction — but experiencing it in context is something else entirely. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a hotel lobby lined with raw timber and wool, or dining at a chef’s table tucked into a converted greenhouse, design here is tactile, intentional, and unforgettable.

Hotels Worth the Journey

Each property in our Nordic collection offers something singular: location, craft, and a sense of peace that stays with you long after check-out. From Relais & Châteaux sanctuaries in the woods to Design Hotels deep in the archipelago, these are places to pause, reflect, and return to yourself.

In the spotlight:

The Thief, Oslo

Tucked on Oslo’s Tjuvholmen waterfront, The Thief is a masterpiece of contemporary design and art. With 119 rooms overlooking the fjord or city, each features striking interiors and a curated collection of pieces from Warhol to Koonsen. Enjoy THIEF Spa’s hammam, saltwater pool, and Nordic treatments, before savouring craft cocktails on the rooftop terrace.

Ett Hem, Stockholm

A refined sanctuary in a cluster of 1910 townhouses, Ett Hem feels like a stately private home. Each room is individually curated with vintage furniture, art and wildflowers. Guests are invited to dine in intimate spaces—from kitchen to garden—with seasonal, locally sourced menus.

Treehotel, Harads (Swedish Lapland)

Hidden deep in a pine forest, Treehotel offers seven architecturally bold treehouses—including the Mirrorcube, the UFO, and, most recently, the Biosphere by BIG (a sphere adorned with 350 birdhouses). Each room gives you a surprising, elevated perspective of the woods. With minimalist services (sauna, riverside hot tub) and immersive nature‑based experiences, this stay defines clean, thoughtful luxury.

Hotel Kämp, Helsinki

A beacon of elegance since 1887, Hotel Kämp combines historic charm with modern luxury. Recently renovated, it's Helsinki’s flagship for grand hospitality. Distinguished guests—from royalty to rock stars—have passed through its doors, cementing its reputation. Expect sumptuous suites and refined dining in the heart of the city.

Funken Lodge, Longyearbyen (Svalbard)

At the very edge of civilisation, Funken Lodge is the world’s northernmost boutique hotel. Once an administrative building for Arctic mining, it now blends industrial heritage with refined comfort. Guests slip into woolly slippers upon entry, gathering in the bar for bespoke arctic‑inspired cocktails before exploring relics of the mining past and the stark, polar landscape. Dinner at Huset presents king‑crab ravioli in lobster bisque alongside one of Scandinavia’s richest Champagne cellars—an unexpected touch of elegance on 78° N.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre

Perched above Sweden’s Åre ski resort, Copperhill blends bold architecture with alpine comfort. With 112 rooms and direct ski-lift access, it’s a year-round haven—whether for summer hikes or winter slopes. Recognised by Design Hotels, its sleek wooden exteriors mirror the mountain landscape.

Union Øye Hotel, Norway

Set beside the Norangsfjord, Union Øye is a timeless retreat in dramatic fjordland. With just 15 rooms and 22 suites, it evokes old-world elegance and hospitality. Expect traditional ambience, scenic fjord views and gourmet dining drawn from regional produce.

Book Now with The Betesh Group

These places move beyond traditional five-star stays, offering soulfulness, place-based design, and a sense of calm. Book now with The Betesh Group to unlock exclusive offers, bespoke packages, and curated support tailored to your tastes.

This is a moment to travel differently.