Yasuragi and Norefjell Ski & Spa Win Gold, Once Again, at the World Spa Awards 2025

The World Spa Awards have announced the winners of 2025, with two of Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ properties once again taking home the gold. Yasuragi has been voted Sweden’s Best Hotel Spa, while Norefjell Ski & Spa has earned the title of Norway’s Best Resort Spa. For Yasuragi, this is the sixth victory, and for Norefjell, it marks an impressive eighth time receiving the award.

The global spa and wellness community has spoken. Celebrating excellence in wellness across nearly 150 destinations worldwide, the World Spa Awards has revealed its 2025 winners. The awards are regarded as one of the industry’s highest recognitions, and this year’s winners are announced following a year of exceptional global participation. 

This year constitutes a repeat of two of the wins of 2024. Yasuragi, just outside Stockholm, and Norefjell Ski & Spa, high up in the Norwegian mountains, both took home the same awards as last year: “Sweden’s Best Hotel Spa” for Yasuragi, and “Norway’s Best Resort Spa” for Norefjell Ski & Spa. This repeated success highlights their continued dedication to offering spa and wellness experiences at the very top level.

Yasuragi

Bringing Japanese Onsen Tradition to Sweden’s Archipelago

Yasuragi is a destination designed to invigorate the mind and restore balance. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese ryokans, the resort has reimagined the timeless art of hospitality with a decidedly Swedish touch. Set in the Stockholm archipelago, the resort feels worlds away from the bustle of the capital, while still being just a quick drive from the Stockholm city center. 

The resort’s architecture combines natural elements like pine wood with bold raw concrete, creating an atmosphere that is striking in its simplicity. Spaces are meant to be experienced as art pieces themselves—whether by observing their clean lines, feeling the textures of their surfaces, or simply pausing to enjoy the stillness.

The heart of Yasuragi is its Japanese bathhouse. Here, guests move through a ritual of hot and cold springs, saunas, and steam baths inspired by the onsen tradition. The experience is complemented by a dojo hosting everything from meditation to yoga and qigong, and a wide selection of treatments that integrate both modern techniques and age-old practices. With 191 guest rooms, five venues for dining and drinking, and facilities for conferences and events, Yasuragi is a complete retreat.

This marks the sixth time Yasuragi receives the award for Sweden's Best Hotel Spa. They have previously won gold in this category in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024. This award confirms Yasuragi’s position as one of the most distinctive wellness destinations not only in Scandinavia but in Europe at large.

Norefjell Ski & Spa

Scenic Peaks, Serene Spas and a Proud Legacy of Adventure

Just 1.5 hours from Oslo, Norefjell Ski & Spa combines dramatic mountain landscapes with the comfort of a modern resort. Set nearly 800 meters above sea level, the property offers sweeping views and direct access to outdoor activities year-round.

Balancing adventure with relaxation has always been Norefjell’s strength. The spa—a natural focal point in every visit—is designed to bring guests closer to nature. Large windows frame the mountain scenery, while saunas, pools and outdoor hot tubs create a seamless transition between wilderness and slower moments. Indoors, treatments and wellness facilities provide space to recover after a day spent hiking, biking, or skiing.

The resort features 405 rooms and apartments, with ski-in/ski-out convenience in winter and trailheads right outside the door in summer. Its history is also tied to Norway’s sporting heritage: Norefjell was the site of the downhill and giant slalom games at the 1952 Winter Olympics. The legendary red piste “OL-løpan” remains in use today, a reminder of the area’s proud Olympic legacy.

Norefjell Ski & Spa are no strangers to top placements in the Norway’s Best Resort Spa category. With the exception of one year, they have won the gold in this category every year since it was introduced in 2017, making this the eight time they take home the award. Winning Norway’s Best Resort Spa for the eighth time reaffirms its reputation as a destination where the thrill of the mountains and the tranquility of the spa meet in perfect harmony.