Bjornen Are, Sweden
Opened
2008
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
StrawberryMonumental timber lodge
The lodge sits high at the mountain tree line, running like a grand Scandinavian ski outpost above frozen Lake Åresjön.
“After all that fun, drag your weary body to the spa—rotate between the sauna and indoor and outdoor hot springs.”
What it’s good at
Notable
An outdoor hot spring facing Mount Åreskutan, beside saunas with winter snow dipping.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The soaring forms are cut in wood, not metal or glass, and in the interiors…rough-hewn stone and classic furs and textiles.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Standing alone near the summit of Mount Förberget, its dedicated platter lift connects directly to the Björnen slopes.
The rooms
Heated bathroom floors warm cold feet after skiing. Wide windows look out across snowy pines toward Mount Åreskutan.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 30°C indoor pool reflects the mountain slopes through tall glass beneath a timber-paneled ceiling.
The spa
Body treatments use organic Swedish Lapland botanicals, and the private lounge sits under a fiber-optic starlight ceiling.
Fireside Lobby & Bar
Bartenders shake drinks into hammered copper mugs at the long counter, and the in-house bakery supplies fresh fika pastries.
At the table
Restaurang Niesti cooks with local Jämtland ingredients and Sámi culinary traditions, looking out across the snowy slopes.
How it began
Architect Peter Bohlin designed the structure as the Nordic region's largest wooden building, named for the area's historic copper mines.
The app
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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.