The Greenest Secret is Out: Inside Copenhagen's Most Exclusive Eco-Luxury Retreat

Copenhagen has always been one of Europe's greenest cities — you know, the kind of place that actually walks the talk on eco-friendly tourism, carbon neutrality, and green infrastructure. Building on the city's progressive eco-initiatives, bike-friendliness, and that gorgeous reshaped metro, the arrival of 1 Hotels' second European location made perfect sense with the opening of 1 Hotel Copenhagen. I've been counting down the days!

Tucked away in the charming historic Latin Quarter at Krystalgade 22, just a quick stroll from Nørreport Station and the iconic Round Tower, this hotel breathes fresh life into an area filled with stunning 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Designed by London-based design studio AvroKO in partnership with the 1 Hotels internal design team, 1 Hotel Copenhagen is an absolute sanctuary where architectural grandeur, Danish craftsmanship, and visionary biophilic design all come together in the most seamless way. I walked in and immediately felt my shoulders drop.

This mission-driven, sustainably minded sanctuary boasts 282 rooms and gives guests an urban retreat that makes the most of natural light, greenery, and reclaimed wood in the best way possible. Stepping through the front doors, you enter this lush, living terrarium with a grand staircase where trees literally rise along the walls and vegetation is everywhere — it's like stepping into a secret garden in the middle of the city. Throughout the hotel, you'll find a beautiful balance of oak, linen, clay, stone, and seagrass (including innovative Danish eelgrass acoustic panels by Søuld and preserved moss installations) creating spaces that feel both grounding and incredibly welcoming.

"There's an ease and beauty to life in Copenhagen...how design and sustainability are seamlessly woven into the culture, and how nature is embraced in the most effortless, elegant way," says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. And honestly, he nailed it.

Across its 252 rooms and 30 suites, guests are invited to sink into calming luxury — the kind that isn't trying too hard but is perfectly balanced. Natural light and organic textures meet sustainably sourced bedding, stone basins, and leafy accents that make you feel like you're in a forest retreat rather than a city hotel. The bathrooms are outfitted with organic Bamford amenities and state-of-the-art low-flow fixtures, elegant and totally in tune with that serene vibe. And if you're lucky enough to score the Flora Terrace House? You get a lush private terrace, separate living room, and dining area, plus airport transfer pickup, $300 hotel credit, and breakfast. Dreamy doesn't even begin to cover it.

Also rooted in nature and guided by the seasons, dining at the hotel is a true celebration of local ingredients. From the Lobby Farmstand — which showcases Copenhagen's local harvest with complimentary fresh fruit, seasonal snacks, and sustainable treats — to PÆRE Cocktail Bar and PÆRE Dining Room, the food and drink experiences are as nourishing as they are inspiring. Under soaring 7.5 meter ceilings, PÆRE Cocktail Bar is the heart of the hotel, the perfect spot to gather and mingle with a fresh Nordic Berry Gimlet in hand. PÆRE Dining Room brings a gorgeous coastal Italian sensibility to Nordic ingredients, with dishes like Strozzapreti ai Gamberi and Risotto Verde that I honestly can't stop thinking about.

From moments of wellness to mindful exploration, guests can easily slow down at Bamford Wellness Spa or recharge at The Field House. Therapies rooted in the rhythms of nature interplay with the state-of-the-art fitness studio to create a balanced, sensory-driven stay that actually resets you. The hotel also curates a rotating calendar of Happenings — wellness classes, local collaborations, and cultural events — so you can really engage with the community and get a feel for what makes this city tick.

For guests who want a deeper connection to their travels and the planet, the revolutionary 1 Hotels Mission Membership™ takes the loyalty program concept and completely reinvents it. This human-centered approach to rewards focuses on curated perks and exclusive opportunities instead of just stacking up points or chasing tier status — and honestly, it's so refreshing.

For every qualifying stay, 1 Hotels donates 1% of the qualifying spend to elite environmental nonprofits like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) or Oceanic Global — so you're literally doing good just by staying here. On top of giving back, members get access to meditation and mindfulness resources from sustainability-focused brands including Everlane, Remedy Place, HigherDOSE, Perplexity, and Alo Wellness Club. Wellness for you and for the planet? Love that.

Operating in alignment with LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent standards, 1 Hotel Copenhagen is showing the world that a spectacularly green (in color and in practice) way of luxury travel isn't just possible — it's the future. And I, for one, am totally on board.