In English

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Back in 2022, Copenhagen’s city council set aside funding for a new kind of recreational facility: an open-water swimming lane. The project supports the city’s ambition to make it easy to stay active – even in the harbor.

Now it’s finally here. A 450-meter-long swim lane has been established in the open waters off outer Nordhavn, designed for more experienced swimmers looking to train in the sea.

While thousands of Copenhageners enjoy the city’s many harbor swimming zones each summer, this lane offers something different – a space specifically created for those who want to swim real distances in open water.

The course is clearly marked with large yellow buoys and lane ropes to ensure both swimmer safety and separation from boat traffic.

At the official presentation, Mia Nyegaard, Copenhagen’s Mayor for Culture and Leisure, stated:

“With this open-water swim lane, Copenhageners are getting a new and unique facility. It allows experienced swimmers to train safely in the sea, while also ensuring that boat traffic can navigate around the area without risk. It’s important that Copenhagen offers a wide variety of activities where people can stay fit and pursue their sport – including on the water, which is such a big part of our city.”

The initiative has been warmly welcomed by Copenwater, Denmark’s first open-water swimming club. Hans Henrik Heming, the club’s vice-chair, commented:

“We always welcome new places to swim. What’s exciting about this kind of swim lane is that it’s almost unregulated – it shows nature in its raw form, with waves and all. We love swimming in the open sea, even when there’s a bit of foam on the crests, so having this kind of access close to Copenhagen is fantastic.”

He also praised the municipality for its forward-thinking approach:

“We think it’s brilliant. It’s visionary of the city to develop Copenhagen in this way. The lane is clearly marked, so motorboats and others can’t enter where we’re swimming, which makes it feel safe – even though you’re out there in the raw, natural elements.”

While the lane may seem inviting, it’s important to emphasize that it’s not suitable for children or inexperienced swimmers. The open sea here can be cold and unpredictable, with currents and waves that demand experience and respect.

Copenhagen Municipality advises never to swim alone and recommends less experienced swimmers to use the city’s other harbor and outdoor swimming areas, which are staffed with lifeguards during the summer months.

That said, the new lane is equipped with a safety station and a water quality warning system — and it’s open year-round.

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Stammershalle Badehotel is nestled between Gudhjem and Tejn (Bornholm, Denmark ) – perched above the raw cliffs of the Baltic Sea, with the iconic Helligdomsklipperne rock formations as its neighbour. In recent years, the hotel has embraced both its historic roots and a clear ambition to grow year-round tourism. The result is new facilities, a more cohesive guest experience, and – not least – a renewed focus on gastronomy.

Just as importantly, the hotel has built a team that, according to Director Susanne Vang Søgård, is the strongest the place has ever had. And the effect is already being felt: “It’s the best start to a season we’ve had since taking over the hotel,” she says.

Both the restaurant and hotel have received praise – but the ambitions don’t stop there. Later this year, the hotel will open a heated saltwater pool, and efforts are well underway to extend the season and welcome guests far beyond the summer months.

Stammershalle Badehotel was originally built in 1911 as a summer residence by a German merchant. In the 1930s, he began flying guests directly from Berlin to Bornholm, where they could enjoy the raw nature and fresh sea air.

Back then, the place was known as “Stammershalde,” and even had its own small zoo with lions and bears — remnants of which can still be seen today. Later, under the Wang-Hansen family’s ownership, it became a beloved destination known for music, food, and dancing — and a cherished spot for locals.

Today, Stammershalle is run by the Falbe-Cardel and Søgård families, who took over the hotel on May 1st, 2021.

Photo, right: Hotel Director Susanne Vang Søgård

Susanne, the season is now well underway. How are things going?

“This has been our best start to a season since we took over the hotel. We’ve assembled the strongest team we’ve ever had – and both we and our guests can feel it. There’s a new calm and energy throughout the hotel. Bookings are also up compared to previous years, and you can really sense the buzz and growing interest across the island.”

How would you describe the experience at Stammershalle to someone who’s never been?

“It should feel like stepping into a time capsule. From the moment you pull into the parking lot, you should feel a sense of calm and something special in the atmosphere. Our goal is to make our guests feel completely at ease – often we anticipate their needs even before they realize them themselves. There’s a strong sense of cohesion throughout the house that shapes the entire experience.

The surrounding nature also plays a major role. It’s peaceful here – you’re not easily disturbed. At the same time, North Bornholm offers so much to explore. We even have our own padel court, and just a short walk away is the sea with a popular jetty that many guests love to swim from.”

Your restaurant has received great praise as well – how important is gastronomy to you?

“Gastronomy is the heart of Stammershalle. It started long before we took over the hotel, so guests arrive with high expectations – and we feel a strong responsibility to live up to that legacy. For us, it’s not just about serving a meal, but about creating a memorable experience that truly matters.

We focus on gourmet experiences rooted in local ingredients. Head chef Loftur Loftsson and pastry chef Emil Vang are masters at showcasing the very best Bornholm has to offer.

All year round, our chefs forage and harvest ingredients from the surrounding nature, and our wine cellar – carved straight into the Bornholm rock – is always open for guests to explore.”

You’re working to extend the season — how is that going?

“Yes, it’s definitely one of our biggest ambitions. Bornholm is truly special outside the high season, when the wind blows and you can take long, peaceful walks before retreating to your room with good food and calm. We’ve designed the rooms so guests actually want to stay there all day — it’s meant to be a complete experience year-round.”

How have you developed the hotel in recent years to support this?

“We’ve renovated large parts of the hotel — everything from new bathrooms to an expanded banquet hall, now twice the size it was before. We’ve hosted fantastic weddings and other celebrations there. We’ve also bought back holiday apartments in the area. And later this year, we’ll be opening a heated saltwater pool.

And that pool is something we’ll return to. But if you could mention just one or two things people must experience on Bornholm this year — what would they be?

“There’s so much to choose from, Jon. Personally, I love the stretch from Gudhjem up through North Bornholm, just like you — it’s pure magic. Experiencing Døndalen is a must. And if I’m to recommend a place to eat, I’ve heard great things about Kadeau’s new pop-up restaurant at Eco Beach. They’re doing really well.”

One of the next big highlights at Stammershalle is their new pool and spa project, set to open later this year. Guests will be able to enjoy a heated saltwater pool with spectacular views of the Baltic Sea and Christiansø. In addition to the pool, the spa area will feature a jacuzzi, sauna, cold-water pool, and steam bath, creating the perfect setting for total relaxation.

Investments like these clearly show that the ambition to extend Bornholm’s tourism season is more than just talk. We look forward to following the construction and seeing how this new offering will enhance the experience for both hotel guests and local visitors alike.

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It’s been an eventful year for the Danish fashion brand Ganni. The company hit a new milestone with annual revenue reaching nearly DKK 902 million – a remarkable achievement for a Danish brand that has managed to stay globally relevant for years.

The financial results are impressive on their own, but what caught our attention even more was Ganni’s extensive Responsibility Report.

These kinds of reports are rarely considered page-turners – but this one stood out. It includes tangible progress and noteworthy figures. We’ve gathered the key takeaways and translated them into a language that makes sense – no ESG diploma required.

In their latest Responsibility Report, Ganni outlines several tangible steps toward their 2027 goal of cutting the company’s carbon footprint in half. Since 2021, they’ve reduced total emissions by 24%, with a 28% drop specifically in emissions related to garment production. A major contributor to this progress is the phase-out of virgin leather – previously one of the brand’s biggest climate offenders.

At the same time, Ganni has scaled up its Fabrics of the Future program. Five innovative materials are now integrated into collections – up from just one the year before. On the supplier side, 63% of workers in the supply chain now receive a living wage – meaning a salary that covers essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare. The brand aims to reach 100% by 2025.

Internally, 23 employees have joined Ganni’s Carbon Squad – a climate ambassador network working across 16 teams to improve awareness and action around climate and carbon reduction. And at four supplier sites – two in Portugal and two in Italy – solar panels have now been installed, allowing Ganni’s production at those facilities to run on renewable energy.

Lauren Bartley, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ganni, states:

“At GANNI, we’re optimistic about the progress we’ve made toward our 2025 strategy and the tangible impact we’ve seen in sustainability. However, we recognise that the scale of change needed in the fashion industry can’t be achieved by one brand alone. The challenges are significant, and we cannot solve them in isolation. Achieving real, lasting impact will require industry-wide collaboration, particularly in aligning sustainability priorities and accelerating innovation. We are fully committed to doing our part, but the path forward demands collective action. Now is the time to step up, collaborate, and drive the change the industry urgently needs.”

Lauren Bartley’s words on behalf of Ganni can only be interpreted as a clear call for other brands to pick up the pace.

Ganni’s full report is available here.

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More and more people are struggling with sleep — in fact, nearly one in three Danes under the age of 65 aren’t getting enough, according to the Danish Health Authority. And it shows: poor focus, low energy, and a higher risk of stress and illness.

It’s a bit of a paradox. The more we learn about how essential sleep is for our health and well-being, the worse things seem to get.

That’s why it’s refreshing when someone doesn’t just talk about the problem — but actually does something. And that’s exactly what the Danish audio company Wavell is doing.

This week, they’re launching the Wavell 4 Sleep Pro, which they describe as a groundbreaking new version of their sleep headphones. As part of the launch, Wavell has teamed up with sleep expert Laura Kanadel to shed more light on how music and sound can help us fall — and stay — asleep.

For centuries, lullabies have been used worldwide to soothe children. According to sleep expert Laura Kanadel, there’s a good reason for that — and it applies to adults too. She explains:

“Calming sounds, guided meditations, and storytelling help our brains shift gears from activity to relaxation. Research shows that music can calm us down—and even help us fall asleep.”

The new Wavell 4 Sleep Pro headphones weigh just 3 grams each and are so compact that you can comfortably lie on your side wearing them. They don’t go deep into the ear canal, nor do they stick out, thanks to a width of only 10 mm. This makes them far more comfortable than regular headphones, which often cause sore ears after a night’s use.

Hjalmar Kærn, co-founder of Wavell, adds:

“We wanted to offer a more affordable alternative to the much pricier sleep headphones on the market. Good sound should be accessible so more people can benefit from audio as a path to better sleep and quality of life.”

Hjalmar continues:

“I see this as a clear sign that sleep problems are a big issue in our society—and at the same time proof that sound can make a difference. I’ve always been fascinated by how music affects us. Music can build energy for a party, but it’s just as important when it comes to the opposite — finding calm.”

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Once again, Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens are attracting international attention. This time it’s the respected publication Monocle—known for its coverage of global culture, urban development, and lifestyle—that has spoken with Tivoli’s CEO, Susanne Mørch Koch, about the park’s success under her leadership. In the feature, she explains how the historic amusement park in the heart of the Danish capital continues to draw record numbers of visitors, even 182 years after it first opened.

One thing in particular stands out: Tivoli’s deliberate choice to avoid digital gimmicks. This is striking given that, years ago, Tivoli had announced plans to embrace digitalisation and gamification—a strategy many theme parks now rely on to capture children’s attention.

But Tivoli has chosen to move in the opposite direction.

“We’re selling quality time, and screens would get in the way of that,” Koch tells Monocle.

Susanne Mørch Koch, CEO, Tivoli.

When asked who Tivoli is really competing with—and whether the park is trying to capture children’s attention the same way video games and social media do—Susanne Mørch Koch answers:

“Not really, because we’re so different from that world. There’s been pressure to gamify the park with apps—we even had a suggestion for something like Pokémon Go—but we’ve deliberately chosen not to go down that road.

We’re selling quality time, and screens would get in the way of that. Of course, no one likes to be bored in a queue, but we’re not afraid of people waiting a little: it’s a moment to land, reflect on what you’ve just experienced, and build anticipation. We see that as a positive. Where apps can improve the visit—like for restaurant bookings—we use them, but we don’t want technology to be part of the actual experience.”

That doesn’t mean innovation isn’t important for the historic park in Copenhagen.

Tivoli must constantly evolve—without losing its soul.

And for Koch, it’s crucial that Copenhagen locals are just as important as tourists and one-time visitors.

She stresses that Tivoli has always moved forward and never been afraid of change. The goal, she says, is to avoid becoming a static “postcard version” of itself. Any renewal must make sense for the people who live just outside the gates. She hasn’t experienced resistance to change. Tivoli is not just any theme park—it’s a place with live entertainment and great food that continues to appeal to locals as well.

Read more about Tivoli and Koch’s strategy at Monocle here.

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JOE & THE JUICE’s rapid growth is well documented. The Danish chain has accelerated its global expansion in recent years, strengthening both revenue and profits — but now a major milestone may be just around the corner.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, private equity firm General Atlantic, which holds a majority stake in JOE & THE JUICE, is exploring the possibility of an IPO in the US. While still in the early stages of preliminary discussions, a potential listing as soon as 2026 is being considered.

At the same time, JOE & THE JUICE is valued at approximately $2.4 billion. This impressive valuation clearly signals that General Atlantic sees significant potential to scale the brand further on a global level.

Bloomberg News is widely regarded as a highly credible and reputable source, especially within financial and business news. Their reports on such plans are typically based on multiple independent sources with direct insight.

JOE & THE JUICE is also riding a strong wave of momentum. The chain generated revenue of approximately $400 million last year, with a net profit of around $20 million. In 2024, the company has already launched several notable initiatives. In Copenhagen, the concept store House 11 opened as a glimpse into the future of JOE & THE JUICE. On the investor side, tennis star Novak Djokovic has joined as a shareholder, also serving as the brand’s health and wellness ambassador.

Founded in 2002 in Copenhagen, JOE & THE JUICE now operates roughly 400 stores across 20 countries spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The most recent major ownership change occurred in 2023, when General Atlantic acquired a majority stake from Valedo Partners — with ambitions to propel the brand into a new phase of growth.

dontt.dk will naturally continue to follow the story closely.

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Conversation with Teva Tiensuu, General Manager at The Falcon Hotel, Bornholm

Every summer, dontt.dk publishes our big guide to Bornholm. We highlight new places to discover as well as classic favorites we return to year after year. Among them is Melsted Badehotel (read our interview with them here) – and, of course, The Falcon Hotel in Sandvig.

The Falcon Hotel has long been established as one of the island’s most distinctive and beloved places to stay. This historic boutique hotel in Sandvig is all about adventure and beautiful surroundings. It’s a place that works just as well for a cozy date night as for families with kids exploring the island – somewhere you can start the day with a good book in the lounge or head out to discover the dramatic cliffs of Hammerknuden.

The hotel is open year-round and continues to evolve – both as a base for Bornholm’s many experiences and as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Driving that development is Teva Tiensuu, General Manager at The Falcon Hotel, Bornholm, who has roots in Canada, France, and now Bornholm.

We spoke with Teva Tiensuu about the spirit of adventure, the hotel’s ambitions, and what new plans are in store for 2025.

Teva, how are you looking forward to the new season?

“We’re really excited. It’s shaping up to be an interesting season. We’ve built a strong team and improved the facilities, including a new pétanque court and sauna. Everything is running better than ever. We’re also noticing a shift – we already have twice as many bookings as we did at this time last year. People are planning their trips well in advance, which is a really good sign for the whole island and something we feel a big responsibility for.”

How would you describe the hotel to someone who’s never been?

“It’s a unique experience – genuinely cozy. Adventure is at the heart of the hotel. Staying here should feel like an adventure, but without losing that sense of warmth and home. There’s always something to look at, but it’s not just for show – it has to feel lived-in. We want to be the base for guests to head out and explore. There should be room for everyone – we can do the full five-course dinner level, but kids should also feel right at home.”

You have a pretty unique journey to getting here. How does your own story connect with the hotel?

“I worked with Mette (editor’s note: Mette Tiensuu, founder of The Falcon Hotel) when she started the hotel – she’s my aunt. I gradually got more involved, and when the hotel was sold, I was offered the chance to stay on and take responsibility for it. I was both happy and proud to accept. I’ve bought a house in Allinge – it’s a big part of my life now. I was born in Canada, grew up in France, and ended up on Bornholm because of The Falcon. I’ve never regretted it.”

What role does the location play in the hotel and the guest experience?

“It’s huge, of course. We’re right in the middle of one of the island’s most beautiful areas—close to Hammerknuden and Hammershus. The hotel sits on the cliffs with views of the Baltic Sea. We have several different gardens, a fire pit, swings. It’s a lively place all year round.”

Tell us a bit about the restaurant—what can guests expect?

“We’re staying true to our concept – very honest and accessible. You know, ‘peel-your-own-shrimp and rosé’, and in the evening we offer a solid à la carte menu. We have a lot of local staff – we’ve built a stable team over the past three years, and we’re really proud of that. It’s an area where we’ve truly grown.”

What does the future look like for The Falcon? Any new plans or projects?

“We’ve put a lot of effort into developing what we can offer for companies. We’ve already hosted many meetings and conferences. It was important for us to get really good at that. We see big potential in connecting the experience here to something people can take back with them to their work. And of course, sustainability is a key focus. We’re working on finding our own approach – but it’s definitely something we’re prioritizing.” (You can read more about Falcon’s conference options here.)

You’ve pretty much gone local by now – what would you personally recommend people experience on Bornholm this year?

“There’s just so much, it’s hard to single things out. But Ekkodalen is amazing – wild nature and a really nice place to eat. And then of course the island’s cliffs, from Allinge all the way around. You just don’t find that anywhere else. The Rø Plantation area is also great. And then there’s Louisekroen in Bølshavn, the walk at Helligpeder, or the bird of prey show – you can tell I could go on forever, right?”

Og husk – du kan finde vores samlede Bornholm-guide på dontt.dk/bornholm, hvor vi deler både nye tips og vores klassiske favoritter som Melsted Badehotel og The Falcon Hotel.

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Conversation with Sabine Josephine Fabrin, JOE & THE JUICE

There is hardly any debate that JOE & THE JUICE is one of Denmark’s most exciting companies to watch. It’s a brand that doesn’t just sell juice and coffee but consistently executes campaigns and launches worldwide — always with a clear strategy. This makes the company fascinating because behind its distinctive bar counters lies a global engine room full of ideas, collaborations, and local adaptations.

Here, you get to go “behind the scenes” with Sabine Josephine Fabrin, who works with brand, communication & marketing at JOE & THE JUICE. She helps shape the brand’s story, create partnerships, and activate campaigns and product launches across continents.

We gain insight into how the work happens in practice, how the culture at JOE & THE JUICE HQ differs from the typical corporate life — and why “living the brand” is not just a cliché but a real part of everyday life for Sabine and her colleagues.

Sabine, how would you explain your work at JOE & THE JUICE to my 8-year-old daughter? What are your tasks?

“Hmm, that’s a good question! For your 8-year-old daughter, it might be easiest to say: I help tell the world how awesome JOE & THE JUICE is. And if I had to give an example, it’s like planning and hosting a party — you have to plan, inform people, send out invitations, and of course, throw the party itself. For me, the ‘party’ is brand partnerships, campaigns, and product launches. I work with people from all over the world and make sure we tell the same great story — whether you’re in Copenhagen, New York, or Bahrain.”

What does a typical workday look like for you?

“My days are rarely the same — and that’s what I love. Usually, I start by checking emails and prioritizing the day’s most important tasks. It can be anything from coordinating the launch of a new campaign, giving feedback on creative assets, holding meetings with global markets, or following up with agencies, the product team, and franchise partners.

Sometimes, I also have days like last Saturday, when JOE & THE JUICE partnered with Lululemon and RaveYoga to host International Yoga Day. I made sure everything was planned, produced, and executed on our end.
I act as the link between idea and reality. My job is to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal and that the task gets done. A bit like an octopus, with a finger in almost everything.”

You have worked in large companies before (like L’Oréal) — how does JOE & THE JUICE differ from them?

“JOE & THE JUICE stands out significantly from other places I’ve worked. In many ways. First and foremost, JOE & THE JUICE is extremely entrepreneurial and energetic. And less ‘corporate’ in a good way. In bigger companies, you often spend a lot of time on approval processes and hierarchies, but at JOE & THE JUICE, the path from idea to action is much shorter. You quickly get responsibility and can feel your impact, which is super motivating for me.

Additionally, the brand and culture are deeply embedded in everyday life. You can feel it both at the office and in how we work together. I have never worked in an office I enjoy coming into as much as I do at JOE & THE JUICE HQ. For me personally, that has meant a lot because it also means I work with a brand — and thus people — I have a lot in common with.”. Our HQ is designed like a JOE & THE JUICE — with our own JOE bar and an atmosphere that feels both homely and full of the energy and culture that define JOE & THE JUICE.

You ‘live the brand’ at JOE & THE JUICE — we eat and drink it every day, which also means that almost everyone working here truly understands the brand and the products. This creates a special culture and ensures we attract people who naturally become an extension of the brand.

For me personally, that has meant a lot because it also means I work with a brand — and thus people — I share a lot in common with.”

What is the most important thing you have learned since starting at JOE & THE JUICE?

“Flexibility and drive beat almost everything. Things happen fast at JOE & THE JUICE, and you have to be able to navigate change without losing direction. When you work in an environment built on trust, ownership, and a fast pace, you can truly achieve great things.

In addition, I’ve learned how important it is for me to work with something I am personally aligned with. Working for a brand and product I genuinely believe in makes my job meaningful and fun. You automatically become an ambassador for JOE & THE JUICE, which I can feel makes a big difference for my engagement.”

What does it mean to you to work somewhere where culture and brand are so closely connected?

“It makes the work meaningful. At JOE & THE JUICE, the brand is not just a strategy — as I mentioned earlier, it’s something we live by ourselves by setting the framework for it. From how we talk to each other at the office to the energy we put into the campaigns. It makes being creative both easier and more fun because we have a clear direction and a strong identity to work from.”

Sabine Josephine Fabrin in “HOUSE 11”

You work a lot globally, but with a strong local presence — something many Danish brands strive for. I’d like to hear a bit more about that?

“I understand that well, and it’s also super relevant and interesting. We have to balance a strong global narrative with local needs and differences. It’s about staying true to the brand while also understanding what works in Paris versus Dubai or, for example, Mexico, where we are opening this fall. Our local teams are crucial for success — their input makes our global campaigns stronger and more relevant. The local teams and the juices are the ones creating the experience for our customers. That’s why it’s important to have local buy-in and local flavor in what we deliver in different markets.”

One of the new local initiatives is HOUSE 11. How has it been received?

“HOUSE 11 has been very well received, both by guests and internally. It shows that JOE & THE JUICE is more than just food and beverage. We are lifestyle. HOUSE 11 creates an experience and a feeling that people want to be a part of.

It has been an exciting case of how we can challenge our concept without compromising the brand.

At the same time, we’ve opened our first JOE GYM, and HOUSE 11 serves as our ‘everyday elevated health destination.’ JOE & THE JUICE is not a treat. It’s a given. We’re here for those who want to live healthy in an easy way. HOUSE 11 is a place where we can explore that even more and where our community really comes to life, while also giving us the chance to try other commercial initiatives.”

What drives you personally in your work?

“I’m driven by working with a brand and products that reflect the lifestyle I strive for, where health and balance play an important role. I’m motivated by creating something that can be felt and seen, especially when it happens through inspiring events and collaborations with figures like Novak Djokovic or Paris Hilton.

The international environment energizes me. I love working globally and being part of the growth JOE & THE JUICE is experiencing. I enjoy traveling with JOE & THE JUICE and seeing how the brand is received in different cultures, as well as understanding the nuances needed to keep the brand relevant in various markets.”

Who or what inspires you in your professional life?

“At JOE & THE JUICE, anything is possible, and that mindset inspires me. I thrive on the feeling that ‘anything can happen,’ and it’s about just grabbing opportunities and making them happen. That gives me tremendous freedom and motivation.”

We stopped by HOUSE11 — JOE & THE JUICE’s new concept store in the heart of Copenhagen.
The whole adventure started just around the corner, and now a new chapter begins.
Read on and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look → READ MORE!

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Melsted Badehotel is one of those places on Bornholm we return to year after year in our dontt.dk guide. The location is something you simply have to experience—right on the waterfront at idyllic Melsted Strand, with views of the Baltic Sea and the island’s distinctive granite cliffs.

The hotel first opened in 1932 in an eye-catching white functionalist building that still exudes style and history, even after a careful renovation and modern update.

As tradition dictates, we spoke with Ajaja Kofoed-Nørgaard from Melsted Badehotel about the outlook for the season. Under the ownership of Eline Halborg-Bendtsen, the historic Bornholm hotel has seen remarkable development, with its heritage thoughtfully preserved and elevated into a modern, exclusive setting.

Eline Halborg-Bendtsen & Ajaja Kofoed-Nørgaard

Ajaja, how has the season started for you?

“We’ve gotten off to a great start. When we spoke in May, I mentioned we already had many bookings in the diary, and thankfully, that momentum has continued. We have a lot of returning guests.

We’re looking forward to a calm year — in the sense that this is my third season. Much of the foundation is in place. I know what to expect, and we’ve fine-tuned all the little details we discussed three years ago.

That said, we’re not resting on our laurels. It gives us the freedom to think creatively and make even better use of the facilities we have.

We’ve hosted caretaker retreats, yoga retreats, and EMS training, all of which were a big success. We plan to do even more of these activities. Plus, we now have a sauna that guests can enjoy after a refreshing dip.”

If you had to describe the hotel to someone who has never been here?

“I’d like to brag a little and mention that it’s no coincidence we’ve been named the best seaside hotel on the islands and in Zealand. We stick to a very classic style, but we’ve definitely taken it up a notch — in terms of service, the restaurant, and the interior design.

It’s beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming. There shouldn’t be too much noise or distraction. Once you check in, you basically don’t need to go anywhere else. It’s all about relaxing, the water, nature, and everything around. Light, neutral tones.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore. Everything is within walking distance — beautiful nature experiences and the town of Gudhjem nearby.

We also offer bikes and kayaks to support that. Pétanque and croquet too — so there’s plenty of entertainment.”

What role does the location between Gudhjem and Melsted play in your daily life and guests’ experience?

“It’s simply the best location on Bornholm. So it plays a huge role.

From the very beginning, it was important for us to have strong local roots. We maintain close collaborations with our neighbors: Madkulturhuset, guided foraging tours, Baltic Sea Glass with its art glass, and Store Badedag, which is not only for our guests but also for the local community. We are deeply engaged with the local area because we need each other.”

How do you work with the seasons — how close are you to being open year-round? It’s always a hot topic on Bornholm.

“More and more people are realizing there’s a lot happening at both ends of the season—from Easter to the autumn holidays. This gives us the opportunity to stay open longer. We will never be open all year round, but there’s no doubt that this will evolve over time.”

What does the future hold for Melsted Badehotel — any new plans, dreams, or projects?

“We will focus on further developing the guest experiences. It’s a luxury to be able to pay attention to both the big and small details. We’re also focusing on sustainability — continuously adapting to improve wherever we can. I’m looking forward to sharing more about that later.”

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🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.

It’s not every day a Dane earns a seat at the table of one of the world’s most iconic companies — but today, it’s happening at the very top.

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the former CEO of the LEGO Group from Denmark, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at NIKE, Inc. — a global powerhouse in sport, lifestyle, and innovation.

With this move, Knudstorp joins an elite group. Nike’s board includes the likes of Apple CEO Tim Cook, who serves as lead independent director. Co-founder and industry legend Phil Knight continues to play a key role as Chairman Emeritus. Another notable member is Thasunda Duckett, CEO of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and former top executive at JPMorgan Chase.

The announcement was made official in the U.S. today and is already making waves in the international business and branding communities.

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp served as CEO of the LEGO Group from 2004 to 2016, leading a remarkable turnaround and a period of strong global growth. He later took on the role of Executive Chair of the LEGO Brand Group until 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the LEGO Foundation.

His deep experience with global brands, consumer products, and cultural leadership is among the key qualities Nike highlights.

“Jørgen’s strong global experience with brand and digital marketing, strategy, and consumer products — as well as his development and fostering of culture and values — will make him an excellent addition to our board,” said Mark Parker, Executive Chairman of NIKE, Inc. “We look forward to working with Jørgen during an exciting time for Nike, where we will unlock our next chapter of growth through innovative product and distinctive brand storytelling across an integrated marketplace.”

Before joining LEGO, Knudstorp worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. He holds both a master’s degree and a PhD in economics and business management from Aarhus University.

He currently also serves on the board of another global giant, Starbucks Corporation, and is a partner at the investment firm Innovation Endeavors.

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