In the midst of December, I managed to escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to the beautiful spa town of Hornbæk just north of Copenhagen. The purpose of my visit was KURBADET – an elegant spa owned by the Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen. If you’re looking for a little getaway in Denmark – either by yourself or with your partner – this is the perfect place!
Here’s my review.
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I love these little hidden gems tucked away from the beaten track. You know – the places you won’t find in the regular tourist guides, and where you won’t have to wait in line with lots of tourists to get in. KURBADET (litterally meaning ‘health spa’ in Danish), is such a place. Made locally famous by its owner, the Danish fashion designer Ilse Jacobsen, who lives in the little town of Hornbæk herself, the spa is a refuge from everyday life. Nestling in a house just a few minute’s walk from the beach, you wouldn’t know what KURBADET truly contains before seeing it for yourself. Every detail oozes of ‘hygge’ (the real, Danish version), and all your senses are in for a treat once you step foot in the reception, which works as the main entrance for both the restaurant and the spa area.
My spa-day here began with a feast in ‘Restaurant I’ – an organic brunch buffet full of delicious treats prepared with love by the Chef. I hope the photos here are doing it justice! I’m not usually a big fan of buffets (too many horrid experiences!), however, this healthy version made me change my mind. Prepared in elegant bite-sized portions, both the fruit, spreads, bread and sweets was a feast for the eyes as well. Topped off with coffee, tea and champagne, it’s safe to say that you should take your time here. It would be a shame to rush through it all, but then again – why would you?
After a few hours in the restaurant, with the wind howling outside the windows, it was time to hit the spa. KURBADET offers a heated outdoor pool (from where you can feel the ocean breeze), a sauna, a steam bath and a relaxation area. There’s even a few gym facilities if you’d like to combine exercise with relaxation. And of course, guests can spoil themselves with a wide selection of beauty treatments and massages. Turned out I was in luck on this particular afternoon – KURBADET’s massage therapist Henrik was to work his magic, and I’ve honestly not had a massage this good for years. So here you are – if you don’t need neither brunch nor spa, at least go for a massage! And try to book Henrik. I hear he’s quite popular amongst the regulars here…
The spa and restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but open on all other days for lunch. On Sundays, you can enjoy the popular Sunday brunch full of Nordic delicacies until 13.30.
What else is there to say? Pay a visit to this little gem of a wellness haven in Northern Zealand. Summer or winter – it doesn’t matter. And the drive from Copenhagen is only 45 minutes.
More details can be found on the website.
The Copenhagen Traveler was invited to experience KURBADET, but all opinions are, as always, my own.
