Kiwi Curated
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
by Darren DunneEach year, staff at the Oxford Dictionary sift through the cultural morass to deliver their shortlist for Word of the Year. 2016’s lineup reflected a tumultuous period globally, with nomenclature like Alt-Right, Brexiteer, and Woke front and center. Somewhat cheerier, the word Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) was also present on the shortlist, and it’s a term that came roaring into fashion in 2016.
If you’re unfamiliar with the word, it’s becoming increasingly ubiquitous with the concept of coziness and togetherness. Unfortunately, it has no literal translation in English making it difficult to pin down exactly what it means. Hygge was developed as a way of living by the Danish in the 18th century, and is often credited with helping Scandinavian people maintain their cheery disposition despite their long winters.
Just like the concept of Feng Shui, hygge has begun to inform interior design choices everywhere from IKEA, to hotels we feature in Kiwi Collection. This week on the blog, we take a closer look at hotels where hygge is central to the guest experience.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
More familiar to fans of Santa Claus, Sweden’s Lapland also hosts one of the more unique hotels in the Kiwi Collection portfolio–Treehotel. Rooms here are couched deeply in hygge and styled after incredible themes like UFOs, clouds, a bird’s nest, and even a mirror cube with reflective walls. All feature eco-friendly plumbing, in-floor electric heating and modern Swedish decor. Considering you’ll be staying in Sweden, there’s the requisite sauna–except this one is perched high among trees like the rest of this special hotel.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
Noted architect Jean-Michel Gathy has given The Chedi Andermatt a unique Asian-Alpine twist, blending high-ceilinged public spaces with cozy fireplaces and fur-lined couches. Even the smallest guest accommodation contains a handmade Hastens bed, the same mattress makers the Swedish Royal Family use. Conveniently, the lighting, heating, curtains and gas fireplaces in each room are controlled via an in-room iPad. For those eager to hit the slopes, each guest is allocated a ski butler who will attend to all of their requirements for a day on the piste.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
Many books were written on the concept of hygge in 2016, and Helen Russell’s The Year of Living Danishly described it as “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle soothing things”. This philosophy seems to have been directly applied at Le Chalet Zannier, an intimate mountain retreat containing just 12 bedrooms and a focus on personalized service. The rooms here are wood-filled gems with balcony/terrace overlooking the mountains. Plush king beds come as standard, with most also containing a lounge with fireplace.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
Originally known as Grand Hotel Regina, guests have been staying at the site of The Cambrian for over a century. In recent years, new ownership and a complete overhaul have transformed this once quaint lodge into a thoroughly modern haven of hygge. Outside, it’s the Swiss Alps you’ve dreamed of–all towering peaks, frostbitten forests and some of the world’s premier slopes. Inside, cosmopolitan comfort, inspiring cuisine and an award-winning spa form the backdrop to some seriously suave diggs.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
Unlike the hotels we’ve featured so far this week, Hotel Portillo isn’t located in a town. Instead, guests are cocooned in a cruise-ship style environment where the only reason to venture outside is to hit the slopes. This all-inclusive hotel dispenses with the crowds, focusing on a level of personalized service and comfort that’s second to none. A stay includes lift tickets, four meals a day, and even a reserved table in the dining room throughout. Apres-ski, there’s an outdoor Jacuzzi with an awe inspiring mountain vista as well as a private cinema.
Allow a Little Hygge Into Your Life
Nita Lake Lodge is tucked away at Whistler Creekside, making spectacular use of its status as Whistler’s only lakefront hotel. This location grants guests a front row seat to the town’s spectacular wilderness, as well as a serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village. The suites are pure hygge-chic, containing a king bed, spacious soaker tubs and a comfortable seating area with gas fireplace. Wellness is key at Nita Lake and facilities include a spa, yoga center, and even naturopathic services.
More familiar to fans of Santa Claus, Sweden’s Lapland also hosts one of the more unique hotels in the Kiwi Collection portfolio–Treehotel. Rooms here are couched deeply in hygge and styled after incredible themes like UFOs, clouds, a bird’s nest, and even a mirror cube with reflective walls. All feature eco-friendly plumbing, in-floor electric heating and modern Swedish decor. Considering you’ll be staying in Sweden, there’s the requisite sauna–except this one is perched high among trees like the rest of this special hotel.
Noted architect Jean-Michel Gathy has given The Chedi Andermatt a unique Asian-Alpine twist, blending high-ceilinged public spaces with cozy fireplaces and fur-lined couches. Even the smallest guest accommodation contains a handmade Hastens bed, the same mattress makers the Swedish Royal Family use. Conveniently, the lighting, heating, curtains and gas fireplaces in each room are controlled via an in-room iPad. For those eager to hit the slopes, each guest is allocated a ski butler who will attend to all of their requirements for a day on the piste.
Many books were written on the concept of hygge in 2016, and Helen Russell’s The Year of Living Danishly described it as “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle soothing things”. This philosophy seems to have been directly applied at Le Chalet Zannier, an intimate mountain retreat containing just 12 bedrooms and a focus on personalized service. The rooms here are wood-filled gems with balcony/terrace overlooking the mountains. Plush king beds come as standard, with most also containing a lounge with fireplace.
Originally known as Grand Hotel Regina, guests have been staying at the site of The Cambrian for over a century. In recent years, new ownership and a complete overhaul have transformed this once quaint lodge into a thoroughly modern haven of hygge. Outside, it’s the Swiss Alps you’ve dreamed of–all towering peaks, frostbitten forests and some of the world’s premier slopes. Inside, cosmopolitan comfort, inspiring cuisine and an award-winning spa form the backdrop to some seriously suave diggs.
Unlike the hotels we’ve featured so far this week, Hotel Portillo isn’t located in a town. Instead, guests are cocooned in a cruise-ship style environment where the only reason to venture outside is to hit the slopes. This all-inclusive hotel dispenses with the crowds, focusing on a level of personalized service and comfort that’s second to none. A stay includes lift tickets, four meals a day, and even a reserved table in the dining room throughout. Apres-ski, there’s an outdoor Jacuzzi with an awe inspiring mountain vista as well as a private cinema.
Nita Lake Lodge is tucked away at Whistler Creekside, making spectacular use of its status as Whistler’s only lakefront hotel. This location grants guests a front row seat to the town’s spectacular wilderness, as well as a serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village. The suites are pure hygge-chic, containing a king bed, spacious soaker tubs and a comfortable seating area with gas fireplace. Wellness is key at Nita Lake and facilities include a spa, yoga center, and even naturopathic services.