There's one word that sums up Artesia: paradise. This indoor oasis is exactly what the doctor ordered for a stress free afternoon. With a beautiful pool, sauna and steam room accompanied by comfortable lounge chairs and a sweeping view of Oslo, Artesia is a decadent, luxurious and stress eroding environment.
While you can use the facilities without booking a treatment, I decided to splurge on a hot stone massage and am so glad that I did. It melted away every morsel of stress from my fingers to my toes. My masseuse was very attentive and professional and I believe his hands may just be magical. Absolutely brilliant massage.
The only complaint I would have for Artesia would be their strange rules about using their changing rooms, lockers and robes. When I arrived at the spa I requested a robe to change into and the woman at the front desk informed me I would need to pay 100 NOK in order to use a robe and their changing facilities. While I understand that charge if you are only using the pool facility I don't think it makes sense if you have already paid for a treatment. She continued that as a hotel guest I am responsible for bringing my own robe and that I need to contact the hotel front desk to obtain one. This information was not made readily available to me before my massage, even though I did book via phone. Sort of took away from the magical and stress free oasis feel that Artesia managed to create. read more