"What distinguishes us most from other spas is probably how all-inclusive we are. Our focus has been on creating a total experience from beginning to end - from the moment you walk through the door until you leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated," says Kristine Sund Gillund enthusiastically.
She is the spa manager at the new Bristol Spa, which is opening its doors on 1 December - right next door to Hotel Bristol and directly across from Bristol Pub on the corner. The spa has a clear connection to the prestigious hotel in terms of both style and ambiance.
Three entire floors are dedicated to wellness, relaxation and enjoyment - in true Bristol style - where modern comfort meets historic elegance.
Like the hotel, the Moroccan style dominates the interior, with handmade chandeliers, gold-plated mirrors, colourful tiles and arched niches. The staff uniforms, hairdressing gowns, variety of treatment techniques and fragrances that fill the space are also inspired by Moroccan spa culture.
"It will be nothing short of an exotic and relaxing oasis that many people have been craving!"
A spa that embodies luxury
The spa will be open to both hotel guests and other visitors, with an entrance on the street level and another on the hotel’s third floor. This means that hotel guests can easily walk from their hotel room to the spa in a bathrobe without having to walk down to reception.
Accessibility has always been an important consideration for Kristine and the rest of the spa team.
“We want to create a spa that feels inclusive, transparent and luxurious, with a range of treatments that include something for everyone,” she says.
"Visitors can enjoy a holistic journey for body and mind, with tailored treatments for skin, body, hair and scalp all under one roof."
It has also been important for the spa manager that no one feel uncertain about how to use the spa facilities.
"I think there are lots of people, myself included, who have been to a spa without fully understanding the health effects of the different spa elements."
"Here you can be sure to receive a good explanation of what everything is and how you can get the best out of your visit, whether you are a regular spa-goer or first-time visitor.
Info screens explain the various the elements in each zone. You also receive a detailed explanation of everything from the receptionist on arrival," she assures.
"We also we have a simple dress code: you can wear your own swimwear here and will be given a robe and slippers. It shouldn't feel embarrassing to walk around with a clay mask on your face here either."
From mask station to snow room and tropical shower
The design phase of the spa began back in 2019, with a strong emphasis on a natural and intuitive guest flow. Guests can book different slot times to ensure that the spa is never overcrowded and on arrival, are given a wristband that is used as a key in the changing room.
According to the spa manager, the focus of the first floor of the spa is on activities.
"Here you’ll find a hot water pool, cold plunge pool, sauna and separate snow room."
The cooling/heating principle is repeated throughout the spa, with elements strategically placed to provide the best possible experience.
"Only a few minutes in the snow room can do wonders. We hope that more people will become aware of how beneficial this is - for both the body and stress levels," Kristine explains.
The spa also has a hairdressing salon that in addition to cutting, styling and beard trimming, also offers the popular head spa treatment - with scalp analysis and washbasins from the Japanese brand Takara Belmont.
"This is one of the first of its kind in Norway. And we use natural care products that offer an added sense of luxury and relaxation," says Kristine.
A complete experience for body and mind
The second floor is all about relaxation and stress reduction. Here you can sit and unwind in a comfortable lounge or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the pool area. There will also be a separate mezzanine area that can be booked for private events.
“It’s not just about pampering the body, but about giving the mind a breath of fresh air,” says Kristine.
Another highlight is a spectacular 'rainwalk', with different temperatures, water pressures, aromas and sound effects. You can also experience a clay ritual in the spa’s rhassoul, where you are guided through a Moroccan-inspired body ritual that strengthens both skin and blood circulation.
“When you check in, you can also buy clay masks tailored to your skin type and use them at our own mask station,” says Kristine.
The perfect combination of spa and dinner
On the third floor of the spa are five treatment rooms, several of which are designed for couples. Facial treatments, classic massages and the spa’s own signature treatments are offered here.
The spa also offers comprehensive experiences for those who want to make an evening out of it. For example, you can combine a spa stay with Afternoon Tea in the Mauriske Salonger, fine dining at Bristol Grill or an evening at Bristol Pub on the corner.
“We hope to be able to offer groups of friends, hen parties, couples and individual guests the opportunity to enjoy a break from everyday life,” says Kristine.
Bristol Spa officially opens on 1 December. Beforehand, there will be a test period to fine-tune capacity and guest flow based on visitor feedback.
"We look forward to opening our doors and seeing how our guests experience the spa.
We are very proud to be the first to offer a complete, luxurious spa experience at an urban spa facility that is available to everyone. This is something that has been missing in Oslo," says Kristine.
