Brought to you by the Lindenberg group, this cosy paradise luxuriates in solitude and Scandinavian beauty
Your search for the ultimate private-island escape ends here. Lilløy Lindenberg, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the fifth hotel from the Lindenberg group, is a cosy little paradise on a cosy remote island in Norway, far removed from the world and all its troubles.
At Lilløy, you have 3.48 hectares of Midtøy to yourself, with paintings from musician Axel Vindenes, ceramics by Dutch artist Joris-Jan Bos and pieces by glassblower Sigrid Rostad for company. There is room only for 10, with three bedrooms in the main house and one in a two-story boathouse with a living room right at sea level. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can rent a single room (starting at €590) and enjoy the shared communal spaces, or book the entire island (starting at €1,600) for extra solitude.
Whichever you go for, know that you will be signing up for a sustainably focused retreat centred around a plant-based, low-allergen diet. Harvest your own ingredients from Lilløy’s little vegetable and herb garden, or take your pick from the island shop that’s stocked with ready-to-cook meals and regional delicacies. The Aga stove and open fire are for your use. Those who would rather leave the cooking to the professionals can join the Kelp Club, a lively culinary gathering of food lovers that’s available at select times of the year (and to external guests), and those who have the entire island to themselves have the option to hire a private chef.
Apart from the abundant seaweed and mushrooms you will find in your meals, Lilløy offers just enough to keep you occupied yet relaxed. The sauna on one edge of the island overlooks neighbouring Ytstøyna and the occasional cruise vessel, and private massage and meditation sessions can be arranged. One could also grab a golf club and ball from the island shop (don’t worry, it’s biodegradable) and hit it as far as you can into the sea, or snuggle into a couch at the Botanical Library, where books, spirits and records co-exist.
Whenever you’re feeling adventurous, you could explore the rocky shores by kayak or dive into the underwater world with complimentary snorkelling gear. There’s even wind- and kitesurfing, fjord tours and a tour of Herdla, where you may enjoy birdwatching, sheep petting, biking and frisbee golf.
Featured photo by Dave Imms
