Sonderborg, Denmark
Alsik Hotel & Spa
Nordic thermal tower
Nordic thermal tower
The waterfront high-rise is built around Nordic bathing rituals, with four floors of saunas overlooking the Alssund strait.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Denmark's largest spa spans four floors with extensive saunas and outdoor terrace pools.
Listed
A nineteen-story brick waterfront tower designed to anchor the city harbor master plan.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The 19-story tower designed by Henning Larsen Architects opened in May 2019, doubling overnight capacity in a town of 30,000.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The harbor promenade runs right outside, and the historic Dybbøl Mill sits just across the strait.
1 of 5
The rooms
Nearly every room looks straight out over the Alssund strait, catching morning light and passing harbor boats.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor heated pool looks out across the harbor, and the indoor pool is centered on an open fireplace.
The spa
Fourteen treatment suites host Danam hammam rituals, and quiet relaxation rooms are set with cushioned timber loungers.
The yoga studio
The timber-floored yoga studio looks out across the water, set with mats for daily sessions.
At the table
Michelin-starred Syttende serves tasting menus on the seventeenth floor, and Restaurant Alsik opens onto the waterfront terrace.
How it began
Frank Gehry drew the master plan for Sønderborg's industrial docks, designating this waterfront tower as its centerpiece.
Sonderborg
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.