A New Horizon of Wellness: Ress Spa Expands Amid the Faroe Islands’ Growing Allure

Ress Spa at Hotel Føroyar, the Faroe Islands’ first and only spa, continues its pioneering journey. A completely new building has been carved into the dramatic terrain, offering spaces where architecture and nature become one. The expansion comes as the island nation draws increasing global attention from travelers seeking the contrasts of its untouched landscapes.

Until recently, Faroese wellness had never been formalized. On these 18 islands between Scotland and Iceland no real spa existed, and a country-wide wellbeing philosophy was more lived than defined: hard wind against the skin, strong currents of a swim in the ocean, the contemplation that standing at the top of a mountain inspires. Out of this lived experience, Ress Spa was born in 2021 at Hotel Føroyar—introducing both the first ever spa on the islands, as well as ushering in a new era of wellness. Its mission was clear: to translate the essence of Faroese nature and culture into a contemporary spa philosophy.

Now, that dialogue between nature and wellness deepens with the opening of a new building at Ress Spa.

– Living well is not new to the Faroes. It has always been present in the way people coexist with the elements, instead of against them. Therefore, we have always strived to create something at Ress Spa that could only exist here, shaped by our way of life. With the new, expanded spa, we take another important step in showing the world what is so unique about this place, says Johannes Jensen, General Manager at Hotel Føroyar.

Born of the Landscape

Perched above the capital Tórshavn, Hotel Føroyar is a place where nature sets the pace. The raw beauty of the Faroese landscape is not only found in the horizon and the shifting Atlantic winds—the hotel itself is partly built into the ground. Here, the interplay of weather and light can make a single day feel like four seasons. Hence, the country’s unofficial tagline as “the land of maybe”: “maybe good weather, maybe not, maybe rain, maybe snow”.

True to this philosophy, experiencing the new building of Ress Spa begins before even entering it. Guests have to walk outside, from the hotel to the new building, along a carved path that is exposed to the elements no matter the weather. The reason for this is simple: research suggests that barefoot contact with the earth can help improve sleep and lower stress. More than that, the walk is also a way to reset the mind ahead of the spa visit.

– We want every guest to feel the transition. It doesn’t matter if it rains or shines: the elements are part of the therapy. By walking down into the ground, you carry that encounter with you into the spa, and it changes the way you experience everything that follows, says Johannes.

Inside, the new building extends the holistic journey that is a visit to Ress Spa. Restrained in look yet generous in feel, the structure has been designed to be both backdrop and statement. Vast panes of glass dissolve boundaries between pools and landscape. Tactile materials like stone, wood, and textiles frame the design language.

Moving between the new heated pools, cold plunges, saunas and resting areas, the atmosphere is hushed but never austere. Phones, tablets and cameras are not allowed here; slow movement is the guiding light. Hot and cold, enclosed and expansive, storm and stillness—the new Ress Spa is a composed choreography where nothing feels overdesigned.

Tradition, Defined in Real Time

From day one, Ress Spa’s philosophy has always focused on more than treatments. Instead, it is about balance and a genuine connection with the land, invented and defined in real time. But what does it mean to define a wellness tradition of an entire nation?

At Ress Spa, they are putting word on what has always been there, like the wild landscapes of the Faroes, but adding touches of Nordic culture. This means rituals, treatments, and an immersive approach to nature that is inspired by both Faroese culture and neighboring countries’ wellness traditions. This can be seen in the newly built parts of the spa, but also in its signature packages. For example, The Ritual package invites guests to an intense one-night stay with spa access, while The Revival offers a three-night full immersion into Faroese wellbeing, complete with spa access, treatments, dinners at Ruts restaurant, and a private guided hiking tour.

— Our vision is to create a refined spa experience that feels as exciting for the locals as it does for the visitors from across the globe. It should feel elevated, but never removed from its context. Everything we do is rooted in our culture, and open enough to let each guest define their own experience—whether that means slowing down, recharging, or simply finding a moment of silence, says Johannes.

A Destination on the Rise

The expansion of Ress Spa comes at a moment when the Faroe Islands are capturing global attention. In recent years, this nation of roughly 55.000 people (and 70.000 sheep!) has moved from being one of Europe’s best-kept secrets to a destination of global intrigue. Visitors are drawn not by excess, but by the opposite: rarity, small communities, and a sense of the untouched. It is this unique coexistence between a contemporary Nordic sensibility and centuries-old ways of life that has made the Faroes one of the world’s most fascinating destinations today. 

With a whole new wellness offering, Hotel Føroyar strengthens its role in shaping the islands’ growing allure. Ress Spa is a destination where guests can expect wellness, culture, and nature, aligned in perfect harmony. The rest is left to the weather—maybe.

Discover Ress Spa and Hotel Føroyar at www.hotelforoyar.com.