Before 2015, Norwegian spas lagged way behind the likes of Hungary, Germany, Austria and Italy – countries where spa-going has been a part of the culture for centuries and taking a steam, sauna or cold dip (often in the nude, men and women alike) was the most natural thing to do. In 2015, however, the three floor, 10,500 square meter The Well Spa outside Oslo opened its doors. Six years later, in June 2020, the much-anticipated hotel at The Well could welcome its first guests, making The Well an exquisite boutique resort with a luxury vibe. Experience a world of luxury and wellness at the Well Spa and Hotel in Oslo.
One month after the inauguration of the hotel, we were welcomed by General Manager André Julseth. Just a 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Oslo, we arrived at The Well Resort in its beautiful wooden surroundings with a full range of world class indoor and outdoor spa facilities. The Well spa is in fact the largest, most comprehensive spa and bathhouse in the Nordic region.
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Rooms at the Well
Julseth tells us that there are no standard rooms among the 100 + rooms at the hotel. Ranging from Signature Rooms to the highly exclusive The Well Suite, all rooms are decorated with great variety, making each visit an experience of something new. The proximity to the forest has been an important element in the entire development process and you can rest your eyes on the colors of nature just by entering into the hotel.


Every room comes with luxurious bathrooms, fluffy robes, coffee machines, aromatic The Well toiletries, B&O Bluetooth sound systems, mini bar and hairdryers. All rooms are decorated with an eclectic mix of luxury and comfortable coziness and gorgeous views.


Growing interest for wellness, fitness and mindfulness
“Our insatiable interest for wellness, fitness and mindfulness is growing, especially in these times with home-working desk-bent bodies and minds,” says Julseth and adds, “This has pushed spa-bookings as well as room-bookings up considerably, and the hotel has proven to have a huge appeal to both loyal and new spa-goers.”

André Julseth studied hotel management in Australia. He was appointed General Manager for the Well one year before the opening and comes from a manager position at the Thief Hotel in Oslo.

“Here, the spa was built first and the hotel came later,” says Julseth. “The nakedness in the spa or using The Well’s own swimwear (the only type allowed) have both a hygienic and aesthetic function. A visit to The Well Spa feels comfortable for most people. The “perfect-body-pressures” brought on by modern society vanishes almost instantly upon arrival in the spa, guests feel comfortable wearing swimwear or not.”
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The Well Spa
With its 15 different saunas and steam rooms, 11 different pools, more than 100 showers, waterfalls and 29 treatment rooms combined with its distinctive architecture and themes, The Well Spa creates a world of well-being. A Japanese bathhouse with an Onsen hot spring, Oriental Hammam, Rhassoul clay treatments and relaxation rooms are just some of the offers.
Embark on a 25- or 45-minutes’ treatment program with the encouragement of certified and talented therapists. The treatments in the Well Spa are immensely popular, so we recommend you to book your favorite treatments two to three weeks before your arrival. You can, however, visit the spa without being a hotel guest at a relatively moderate entrance fee. There are many regular guests, it is even possible to buy a frequent-visitor-pass.

The outdoor area of the spa features a large swimming pool, two whirlpools and a sauna built in a rustic style, nestled among rocky outcrops and pine trees. During the summer season the outdoor area features over 100 sun beds and a poolside bar serving refreshments.
A 300-meter-long lit path is under construction in the forested area on the resorts´ property. 20 full size art sculptures will be strategically placed and will adorn the pathway.
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Eat and drink at the Well Spa and Boutique Hotel
In between well-being and relaxation, you can enjoy good food and drink in the spa’s Brasserie restaurant or the Mori top terrace restaurant where you can choose from a wide range of Asian fusion specialties prepared by Hungarian chef Attila Havans or enjoy signature cocktails and drinks at the Library Bar in the hotel. Mori is Japanese, meaning forest, and with the roof restaurant’s spectacular location, Mori becomes a destination in itself.
Except for the Brasserie, you can visit these facilities without staying overnight at the hotel.







At Mori we chose a quick starter followed by lamb chops and beef steak respectively, talentedly prepared in the open kitchen, accompanied by a bottle of Riocca red wine. We were professionally taken care of and waited upon by waiter Teressa Tomislava from Croatia.


An the Library bar we enjoyed signature drinks made by bartender Kim Sandström, one he called SISU (he is half Finnish) and another one named TILT (which is an acronym for “Tomorrow Is a Long Time”) He says it takes 6 hours to prepare the cocktail.
Breakfast is served in the Brasserie in the spa section. Choose to wear either your private clothing or spa bathrobe if you’re heading out to the spa facilities afterward. In addition to a buffet with everything you could possibly wish for, from cold cuts and cheeses to cereal, fruits and freshly baked pastries, there is a small a la carte menu of hot dishes. We ordered delicious poached eggs with avocado.

A World of Luxury and Wellness at The Well Spa and Hotel in Oslo – Conclusion
Service at the Well Spa Resort is friendly, welcoming and professional. It was also refreshing to experience a young and dynamic team of staff. Indulge yourself in a world of luxury and wellness at The Well Spa Resort in Oslo.
A World of Luxury and Wellness at The Well Spa and Hotel in Oslo, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): Photo by The Well.