A New Chapter for Lily Country Club: Nordic Hotels & Resorts Heads Operation, Plans Spa Expansion

Lily Country Club, Norway’s leading conference hotel, is entering a new phase as Nordic Hotels & Resorts takes over operational control from Aker Property Group. Known for its top-tier dining and beautiful countryside location, the hotel will see its spa facilities expanded as part of a long-term vision for the destination.

On the green, bellowing landscapes of Kløfta, Lily Country Club sits majestically. Part conference hotel, part activity resort, this golfer’s paradise has been a freestanding member of Nordic Hotels & Resorts since it first opened. Now, a new long-term lease agreement between Strawberry and Aker Property Group means that Nordic Hotels & Resorts is taking over the operational responsibilities for the hotel.

– Lily Country Club is the perfect example of how to lead a big operation with a personal touch. Everyday, they manage to steer this enormous ship, while still keeping their service human and genuine. Even though they have been part of our portfolio since the start, I’m thrilled to have them fully onboard when we at Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ continue ahead on our expansion journey, says Henrik Berghult, Chief Operating Officer at Nordic Hotels & Resorts. 

Where Meetings Feel Like Leisure

486 rooms, several bars and restaurants, and 27 meeting rooms capable of hosting up to 800 people in its largest hall. It is safe to say that Lily Country Club made a big splash on the hospitality scene when opening in May of 2021. According to Christian Eriksson, General Manager at the hotel, its recipe for success lies in a mix of a warm atmosphere, exciting dining, and a wide range of things to do on-site.

– Our approach has always been to offer something more than “just” a conference hotel. We like to say that meetings at Lily feel like leisure. With this in mind, the culinary experience has been integral to our success. We strive to excite guests with our dining, regardless if you are a company of two or 500. Additionally, we have a popular spa with high-quality treatments, one of Norway's best golf courses as our neighbor, and an array of relaxing and upbeat activities, says Christian.

Just 25 minutes from Oslo and 10 minutes from Oslo Airport Gardermoen, the hotel offers both convenience and a retreat into nature. Whether guests are relaxing in the serene spa, or exploring a mix of modern and classic tastes in the hotel’s cosmopolitan Brasseriet, the aim is to create a destination that truly has it all.

Needless to say, it might be the resort’s location—quite literally on a golf course—that attracts the biggest influx of international tourists. Miklagard Golf is known as one of Scandinavia's best championship courses. Located in an area dating back to the Viking Age, the golf course fully embraces its historical traditions. “Miklagard” is the Viking name for Istanbul, historically known as an important trade center, and all the 18 holes are named after Norse gods and kings. The course is open for the hotel’s guests to enjoy, with the nearby Miklagard Golf Club just a club’s swing away.

As part of Nordic Hotels & Resorts' portfolio of independent hotels, Lily Country Club has quickly gained a stellar reputation. The resort has received several prestigious accolades, like Norway's Leading Conference Hotel at the 2024 World Travel Awards, and the Newcomer of the Year award at the Grand Travel Awards in 2022. For Christian Eriksson, this new management will only continue the hotel on a path of success.

– We have always been a proud member of Nordic Hotels & Resorts. Now, I’m happy to become even more tight-knit, and keep building on the great work we’ve already done. It will also be a fantastic opportunity for us to gain bigger access to Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ and Strawberry’s support functions and technology. These tools will ultimately make the guest journey even better, both physically and digitally, he says.

Spa Expansion on the Horizon

One of the most exciting developments under the new agreement is the planned expansion of the hotel's spa. Guest feedback has emphasized a desire for a larger wellness area, and Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ has heeded the call with ambitious plans for a significant extension. 

The expansion comes as Nordic Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen their position in the Nordic resort and wellness arena. The new wellness facilities at Lily Country Club will further elevate the guest experience, positioning the hotel as an even more attractive destination for leisure travelers and conference attendees alike.

– We have a fantastic spa today with many satisfied guests. With the expansion, however, we go from being a resort hotel with a spa, to a hotel in the spa resort category. It will give us an even bigger edge in the market and offer greater opportunities for our guests, says Christian Eriksson.

With Nordic Hotel & Resorts soon at the helm and plans for growth underway, Lily Country Club is headed into an eventful future. Henrik Berghult looks forward to a smooth transition in the coming year. 

– Our collaboration with Aker Property Group has been nothing but a success throughout the years. Now, exciting times await, with an even bigger offering when it comes to activities and wellness. Our biggest priority going forward is going to be continuing operations without any major changes for the employees. I have full confidence in the transition running smoothly, he says.

The takeover by Nordic Hotels & Resorts means continuity for the hotel’s 250 employees, who will all stay on after the transfer of the operating company. The transition is planned around the operations, having no consequences for the events and conferences already scheduled at the hotel.