In the middle of Norway’s Grotoya Strait, and just half a kilometre from the pretty village of Nordskot, this collection of designer cabins – all glass walls and blonde-wood interiors – look out from the island of Manshausen to a landscape of craggy inlets, white-sand bays and mountain peaks. It’s a magical setting, framed by the sea and vast sky, and protected from the elements by the looming Lofoten Islands, just a short hop north.
Eat
Breakfast, a typically Norwegian affair, is included for all guests, while lunch and dinner (April to November only) can be pre-ordered to enjoy at the cosy wooden hovedhuset or main house. Menus are local and seasonal, with the likes of reindeer, lamb and elk regularly featuring alongside a delicious array of seafood. Specialities include bacalao, lutefisk, fresh cod and wild sheep from the Steigen region. There’s also a bar open in the evenings where guests can mingle and share stories of the day’s adventures.
Sleep
While the setting is certainly spectacular, Manshausen’s real stars are its ‘huts’, although the word does little justice to their striking, modernist design. Perched on a stone jetty along the seafront, in some cases overhanging the water itself, these architect-designed cabins, each with two bedrooms – one sea-facing the other ticked to the back – pair typically Scandinavian blonde-wood interiors with comfortable beds and stylish armchairs, which look out to sweeping coastal views from glass windows that wrap around almost a third of each cabin’s outer wall. Each cabin also comes with a small kitchen and bathroom while outside decking areas afford delightful spots to relax with a glass of wine while you soak up the views. As of summer 2024, two all-new Tower Cabins designed by architect Snorre Stinessen complete the line up, offering modern interiors and expansive glass walls for panoramic waterfront views.
Do
Open year-round, Manshausen offers guests a wide range of activities to really make the most of the spectacular surroundings. In summer, hiking, fishing, kayaking and diving all take centre stage with the islands of Maloya and Gotoya offering several superb walking trails and the surrounding seas, especially in spring, providing opportunities to explore crystal clear waters rich in marine life. Then, in winter, there’s the chance to chase the Northern Lights, or head out on a guided skiing trip to remote slopes only accessible by boat. Speak to our specialists for all the options. And, if you simply wish to relax, there's a library in the main house, again with wonderful views, and a hot tub overlooking a small dam, with access to the sea if you need to cool off.
