07 May 2014
Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen, an impressive 18th century manor set on North Sealand's 'Danish Riviera' with commanding views out over the Sound (Øresund), is once again receiving guests following six years of extensive restoration and the addition of a luxurious spa.
Reopening it doors as the new 'Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen' - 250 years after it was first built, the old castle has been transformed to once again offer a taste of regal Danish hospitality.
Now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the dazzling white castle is located 30 minutes north, by car, from Copenhagen. It is surrounded by lush estate and woodlands, adjoined by the rolling greens of the neighbouring golf course and conveniently located within an easy walk or short drive to the many white sandy beaches dotted along the coastline.
Comparable to staying in an exclusive country manor house, castle guests are welcomed on arrival by individual hosts (bypassing any need for a reception) into an interior that has been exquisitely refurbished very much in keeping with the original style of the castle but with state-of-the-art technology.
Michael Telling, Managing Director, describes the approach: “We have taken the old castle and converted it into a hotel of the highest standard – and then taken the hotel out of the equation again. Each guest is personally welcomed on arrival with hosts on hand to meet their individual requirements throughout their stay. It is our ambition to provide a fully immersive castle experience rather than that of a streamlined hotel and one where there is time for each guest.”
Embodying contemporary comfort and design without sacrificing its aristocratic past, elegant drawing and reception rooms are tastefully brought to life with ornate Moissonier furniture, Bohemian crystal chandeliers and designer Nina Campbell's furnishing fabrics.
Equally in keeping, the hotel's 62 bedrooms are split between the castle, which houses the Deluxe, Executive and Junior Suites, and the old castle lodge, which has been rebuilt in its original style to accommodate the Superior bedrooms. Decorated with fabrics and colours inspired by the surrounding nature, all bedrooms are appointed with comfortable chairs, flat screen television, private bar, complimentary wifi, and are complemented by charmingly rustic period-feature bathrooms with Acqua di Parma toiletries.
Spa by Sodashi
Combining the luxury of staying in a heritage castle with the best of modern amenities, Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen opened the luxurious 'Kokkedal Castle Spa by Sodashi' in February this year. Designed to create an oasis dedicated to vitality and well-being, with special touches such as Piet Boon chairs and Dornbracht RainSky showers, the new spa boasts four exclusive treatment rooms featuring the latest technology and equipment, a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a cold water bath. The first hotel in Scandinavia to feature the world-renowned 100% natural Sodashi brand, the spa offers over 30 carefully curated treatments including massage, facials, shiatsu, acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga and Ayurveda.
The Castle Cellar Restaurant
With an emphasis on delivering the whole experience, dining at Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen also takes on a majestic air. Atmospherically offset by the original 1746 vaulted ceilings, flickering candelabra lighting, aged wooden wine racks and finely set tables, The Castle Cellar Restaurant (Restaurant Slotskældern) combines local seasonal produce with outstanding culinary craftsmanship to offer classic Danish country cuisine at an affordable price (mains from £22.00 (DKK195), 3-course set menu from £42.50 (DKK385)). With an à la carte menu comprising delights such as foie gras terrine with quince, apple and Madeleine cakes; poached skate with Jerusalem artichokes, watercress and brown butter sauce; and roast quail au confit with spring onions, lemon and morel croquette. The restaurant also offers a six course culinary discovery menu (from £58 (DKK525)) and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Afternoon tea
In addition, guests can also indulge in a sumptuous high tea every Sunday, just as the castle's aristocratic visitors would certainly have done. Served on the finest Royal Copenhagen porcelain in The Garden Room overlooking the terrace to the tranquil accompaniment of a harpist, the gourmet fare includes a delicious selection of Danish pastries and cakes made by the in-house pastry chef – including a rich chocolate cake developed more than a century ago for the famous female performer of Hamlet, Sarah Bernhardt (from £25.00 (DKK225)/person).
Attractions in North Sealand
Given its prime location within a region rich in royal history, Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen is the perfect sanctuary from which to explore the excellent array of attractions and activities literally on the doorstep. As residents of the hotel, guests can enjoy access to the adjacent Kokkedal Golf Club with its 18 hole (72-par) course, diverse driving range, two putting greens and perfect '19th hole' at the Castle's Bar & Lounge (kokkedalgolf.dk). Alternatively book one of the hotel's Art Packages and visit the nearby Louisana Museum of Modern Art (louisiana.dk) with its spectacular sculpture garden looking out to sea and superbly curated exhibitions of modern and contemporary art; Museum Nivaagaard (nivaagaard.dk) with its older works of art; and the Karen Blixen Museet (blixen.dk) - the coastal house where Karen Blixen was born and returned to live and write following 17 years as a farmer in Africa – all located within an 10km area.
And for a more historic outing, visit North Sealand's other famous attractions such as the legendary Danish King Christian IV's Frederiksborg Castle (dnm.dk), Fredensborg Palace, the countryseat of the Queen of Denmark and World Heritage UNESCO listed Kronborg Castle, the fictional home of Shakespeare's Hamlet (kronborg.dk).
One night at Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen starts from £220 (DKK1,995) for a double room including castle breakfast and admission to Kokkedal Slot Spa by Sodashi. www.kokkedalslotcopenhagen.dk
Sample Packages:
GOLF
Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen Golf Package starts from £209 (DKK 1,895)/person (week days), £235 (DKK 2,125)/person (weekends) and includes one round of golf at Kokkedal Golf Club, a glass of champagne before a 3-course dinner at the castle restaurant and accommodation in a shared Superior Double Room with castle breakfast and admission to Kokkedal Slot Spa by Sodashi.
ART
Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen Art Package starts from £110 (DKK995)/person and includes admission to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Museum Nivaagaard and Karen Blixen Museet, accommodation in a shared Superior Double Room with castle breakfast and admission to Kokkedal Slot Spa by Sodashi.
SPA
Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen Spa Stay Package starts from £220 (DKK1995)/person and includes a revitalising massage or couples massage and admission to Kokkedal Slot Spa by Sodashi, a glass of champagne before a three-course dinner and an overnight stay at Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen with castle breakfast.
Bookings can be made online, or by calling or mailing reservations on telephone +45 4422 8000 or booking@kokkedal-slot.dk
Getting there…
Copenhagen is well served by daily flights from across the UK using SAS, BA, Norwegian and Easyjet.
Ends
For great high resolution images of Denmark, ready to download, free of charge go to: http://images.visitdenmark.com
For further press information
Email Kathrine Lind Gustavussen, VisitDenmark at klg@visitdenmark.com
Editors notes:
Castle history
The original Kokkedal Castle was erected as an aristocratic summer estate in 1746 and was designed by architect Johan Gottfred Rosenborg, who also created the Odd Fellow Mansion in Copenhagen. The historic owners of the castle include co-founder of the East Asiatic Company Jens Frederik Horsens Block (1864), who extensively remodelled the manor, and Chamberlain and former Admiral Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu (1910).