GOCO Hospitality has announced the development of GOCO Retreat Moonstone, an oceanfront wellness lifestyle destination located outside Bodø, in northern Norway.

The Norwegian government has developed a strategy to elevate key cities across the nation to become world-class tourist destinations over the next 10 years – the aim is to create innovative tourism offerings that concentrate on authentic experiences, uniqueness and wellness.

As part of this scheme, GOCO has joined forces with entrepreneur and wellness specialist, Wessel Paternotte, to create the wellness retreat, funded partly by Innovation Norway and three private investors.

Scheduled to open in 2023, GOCO Moonstone will have a natural lagoon and 65-suites and luxury villas which blend into the landscape.

The retreat will include a dedicated wellness centre consisting of treatment rooms, fitness studios, mind and body studios and dedicated co-ed and gendered heat and water experiences based on sauna, steam, mineral bathing and contrast therapy.

Various dedicated health and wellness programmes, such as weight management, detox, anti-stress, rejuvenation and life-reset, will further define the offering.

The retreat will be designed to create a year-round destination that provides wellness and leisure experiences that adapt to changes in weather conditions and market trends.

“We’re proud to announce that we’ve officially entered the design and development stage at GOCO Moonstone,” said Ingo Schweder, GOCO founder and CEO.

“As our first GOCO Retreat in Europe, we’re combining our exceptional wellness expertise with Innovation Norway’s vision, to create sustainable growth in the area, along with a world-class retreat dedicated to rejuvenation and authentic, transformative wellness experiences.”

Now entering the masterplanning stage, the construction of a set of prototype modular cabins is underway, conceptualised by GOCO’s director of design and development, Josephine Leung.

In addition to wellness, GOCO Moonstone will feature a varied selection of food and beverage options, corporate facilities, retail, and extensive outdoor activities including water sports, running, cycling, climbing and archery. It will also provide facilities suitable for children and family relaxation.

The aim is to create a sustainable wellness destination that promotes health and wellbeing through physical, psychological and spiritual activities that seamlessly connect with the local topography and cultural landscape of the region.