Set on the quiet shores of Lake Peipus and framed by tall pine forest, Kurro Nature Spa will offer a place to step away from the constant noise of modern life. Here, nature is not a backdrop but a presence – reflected in the architecture, the spa rituals and the gentle, welcoming ambience. When opening in autumn 2026, the new Estonian retreat will invite guests, including families, to slow down, breathe deeply and simply be.

Created as a response to a world that is becoming faster and more stressful, Kurro Nature Spa offers an opportunity to slow down and revitalise in nature. “Already upon arrival, you notice your breathing deepen, your pulse slow, and an indescribable sense of calm settle in,” says CEO Killu Maidla, when describing the effect of the place. “Everything that once caused tension or stress feels insignificant here, among the tall pine trees.”

Indeed, comfort and nature take centre stage at Kurro. 96 rooms, a breathtaking spa suite, an extensive spa and an ambitious restaurant tempt beneath the pines, while glass, timber and natural textures create a constant reminder of the many revitalising experiences awaiting guests in the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Forest walks, swimming, and yoga are among the reenergising activities available to guests. | Kurro Nature Spa: A forest retreat on the edge of stillness

Forest walks, swimming, and yoga are among the reenergising activities available to guests.

Rooted in place

Inseparable from the land itself, the vision for Kurro originated with a private landowner who grew up in the region. Having seen young people move away and traditional industries decline, the spa represented a way of giving back to, and sharing the beauty of, his childhood home. As Maidla explains: “It definitely started with the location. We wanted to create a place where people can truly feel the power of nature, relax deeply and, at the same time, not give up their comfort.”

The name Kurro itself is a tribute to the area’s past. Once known as Väike-Kurro – little Kurro – the village later became known as Uusküla, meaning new village. By returning to the old name, the spa signals its intention to honour earlier generations and local heritage. That heritage is distinctly reflected in the culinary direction of the spa’s restaurant, which draws on local recipes and long-standing food traditions. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers, hunters and foragers, with an emphasis on forest produce and freshwater fish.
The setting is equally compelling. Lake Peipus, one of Europe’s largest lakes, stretches to the horizon, its far shore marking the border with Russia, while the immediate landscape is characterised by sandy beaches, birdlife and deep forest. However, although cherished by nature lovers, hunters and birdwatchers, the area remains relatively unknown to mainstream tourism – a seclusion that reinforces the sense of retreat.

Kurro Nature Spa: A forest retreat on the edge of stillness

A chance to replenish

Designed by Estonian architect Joel Kopli of KUU Arhitektid, the spa is conceived as a cluster of volumes that read as a small forest settlement rather than a single dominating structure. All areas are internally connected, but not through traditional long, straight corridors. Instead, guests encounter shifting perspectives and new framed views of trees and lake at every five to ten meters.

At the heart of the property lies a 1,500-square-metre spa area, including a 25-metre pool, multiple saunas and dedicated wellness treatment rooms. While the spa is designed as a sanctuary, it is not adults-only. “Our spa is family-friendly,” Maidla notes. “We have aimed to build the concept so that families with children and couples do not cross routes too much. You still have lots of privacy and quietness, even though families are welcome.”

Separate zones ensure that those seeking silence can find it, while families have access to dedicated pools, play areas and outdoor activities.

Kurro Nature Spa: A forest retreat on the edge of stillness

Slowing to nature’s rhythm

Beyond facilities, Kurro Nature Spa is shaped around nature and local traditions, something which is, for instance, reflected in guided forest walks and foraging sessions to introduce guests of all ages to local knowledge about the plentiful berries, mushrooms and medicinal herbs.

The intention is not to create a one-night stopover but a destination for immersion. Surrounded by forest and water, guests are encouraged to align with natural cycles – walking the three-kilometre forest trail, swimming in the lake in summer, or following ski tracks through the snow in winter. Indoors, yoga sessions, a library and quiet co-working spaces offer space for reflection.

For Maidla, it is all about creating the opportunity to do something truly rare: “Our aim is that this is the place where you slow down, where you turn your mobile phone off, put it in a drawer and let it be there for the rest of your stay.”

Kurro Nature Spa: A forest retreat on the edge of stillness

Web: www.kurrospa.ee
Facebook: kurrospa

Facts

Nearest airports: Tallinn Airport (approx. 2 hours by car); Tartu Airport (approx. 1 hour by car)

Facilities: 25-metre pool, multiple saunas, wellness treatments, restaurant focused on local produce, yoga room, fitness, tennis court, library, forest trails

Opening in autumn, 2026

Reservations open from April

Read the feature on issuu