Elite Traveler HRS 2023

etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2023 82

Villa Copenhagen’s grand courtyard

Villa Copenhagen is housed within the stately former home of the Central Post and Telegraph Head O ffi ce, and has been sensitively updated to celebrate and showcase the building’s long history.

— don’t miss the tinned tuna steak with grilled bread and aioli. In typical Scandi fashion, dishes are prepared simply with a focus on artfully contrasting fl avors. For main courses, impossibly buttery turbot is served with pulled beef and a red wine sauce, while Sashi ribeye steak meets its match in black garlic and celeriac. On the dessert menu, the humble apple crumble is elevated with the addition of fresh, peppery basil and sweet white chocolate. EXPLORE Villa Copenhagen’s location puts you in the heart of the action. Just next door is the historic Tivoli Gardens. Miles away from your average fun fair, Tivoli is steeped in history, staking a claim as the second-oldest amusement arcade in the world (the oldest is also found in Denmark) and supposedly acted as the inspiration for Disneyland. Don’t worry if you’re not traveling with the family — Tivoli has beautiful gardens and a botanical garden that will appeal to all ages. For art a fi cionados, the Glyptoteket is a must. Found just a fi ve-minute walk away from the hotel, the museum is an oasis within a metropolis, with a grand entrance hall opening up into an unbelievable glass roofed winter garden. While there is a selection of classic Danish and French paintings, the displays are primarily sculpture-based, with a timeline of marble statues and ancient artifacts, as well as complete series of Degas’ bronzes and Rodin sculptures. Copenhagen is a delightfully compact city, but for those spots out of walking distance, do as the locals do and hop on a bike — the hotel o ff ers some for guest use. By Kim Ayling Suites from $1,400 per night. Contact reservation@villacph.com, +45 787 300 00, villacopenhagen.com

impossibly stylish and brimming with thoughtful extra touches, from Bluetooth speakers to re fi llable organic toiletries by Skandinavisk. Under Villa Copenhagen’s refreshing ethos that luxury takes on many guises, and each of the specialty suites has been created in collaboration with an external designer. The Shamballa Jewel Suite, for example, was designed in partnership with Danish jewelry company Shamballa Jewels. Unlike much of the rest of the hotel, the atmosphere in this 1,390-sq-ft suite is dark and moody, with a charcoal gray color scheme, black marble fi nishing touches and framed Shamballa Jewels on the walls. Even the light fi xtures nod toward the suite’s inspiration, taking the shape of the brand’s iconic beaded bracelets. The Earth Suite, on the other hand, is the work of Danish architect Eva Harlou, who used the space to showcase the endless possibilities of sustainable design. Every element of the suite is made from recycled materials — from the bricks and pastes used in the masonry to the linens on the bed — and all furniture comes courtesy of circular design house Mater. The vibe re fl ects the tenor of the hotel too, with a gorgeously warm color scheme and an abundance of greenery. DINE In a city like Copenhagen, a hotel restaurant must pack a punch to compete with the ever-growing list of fi rst-rate eateries. Fortunately, Villa Copenhagen has clearly put some serious thought behind its dining o ff erings, with its signature restaurant, Kontrast Brasserie, o ff ering a gourmand experience to rival some of the city’s best. The menu is compact, but we liked it all the more for it. There are just three starters, three mains and three sweets to choose from, as well as a selection of snacks

VILLA COPENHAGEN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Despite its status as a must-visit Scandi city, Copenhagen has historically fallen short when it comes to choice of luxury hotels, with just a couple of spots dominating the list. Now, there’s a new grande dame in town: Meet Villa Copenhagen. The hotel sits in the heart of the city within the stately former home of the Central Post and Telegraph Head O ffi ce, and has been sensitively updated to not only celebrate and showcase the building’s long history but also elevate the property to discerning modern standards. The entrance itself is relatively discreet, but once you pass through the shadowed walkway you’re in for a real treat. The cavernous glass-topped courtyard is there to greet you with its lively buzz of activity. STAY From the entry-level rooms to the top suites, each of the 390 accommodations at Villa Copenhagen is

The Shamballa Jewel Suite