Copenhagen has been a long time coming. There’s such a strong synergy between the visual identity of RAESO and this city, and this trip marked the launch of the Lunar Veil Chrono-Active Sleep Mask with partner Ara’Kai Beauty — the perfect reason to finally make it happen. Copenhagen in the summertime honestly feels like a utopia.
I’d been here once before, but it was in the depths of winter and my morale was low — waiting for a visa to process, away from my family. This time couldn’t be further from the opposite. It was our first time meeting our community here, and it was incredibly special. We’d all started the morning with a breathwork session, and following, we got the chance to get to know our new friends. It really surprised me how open the Danish are — they’re very similar to Kiwis. Everyone kept inviting us out for a swim after breakfast, and you just don’t get that in London. You can really feel the focus on both a city and nature lifestyle here, especially in the way they prioritise balance. It’s also hard to ignore how chic they all look on their bikes.
As for plans to return — Yawynne [our marketing and pr manager] and I are already planning how we can make another “work” trip out of it. We’re launching with the incredible CORI Hornbæk Hotel later in the year, a picturesque seaside town just outside of the city that reminded me of Waiheke Island. Here’s hoping we’ll get to come back for that. My husband is, however, very concerned at how much I keep bringing up the superiority of a Copenhagen summer.
Katey Mandy's guide to Copenhagen
STAY
A friend had told us that Henrik’s Hotel had just opened, and I was very intrigued by how homelike the interior design was. It fully lived up its expectations. Located in the city’s Vesterbro, there’s a great row of vintage shops just a five minute walk away. Having a comforting homebase is really important on a work trip, where you’re often working late into the night. I loved the hotel’s vintage wallpaper, intimate architecture and colourful headboards. Top highlight though? There was chocolate in the turndown service.
DINE
From slow mornings to long lunches and indulgent dinners, Copenhagen’s food scene delivered at every hour. I accidentally stumbled upon Coco Café & Bar — tucked into the courtyard of the Coco Hotel — and what a treat it was, the perfect place to ease into the morning slowly. For coffee, Orsa is a must, though I’ll confess I was told off for pulling my laptop out — a very excellent Danish reminder to keep balance between life and work. For lunch, Amator is not to be missed. I can’t stop thinking about the omelette — it was so fresh — and the whole menu felt like it was designed in a yellow palette. Sitting at the long communal table, it felt more like joining old friends than dining in a city of strangers. Come evening, Osteria 16 Pesce — the pescatarian branch — is perhaps one of the best spots in the city. I love a fixed menu restaurant, and this Italian does not disappoint, though you might find yourself gasping at how many plates they continue to bring out. Make sure to end with the tiramisu, while you take in the effortlessly cool Danish women around you.
SHOP
Shopping in Copenhagen is an experience in itself — whether you stumble into something by accident or seek it out deliberately. First stop has to be Ara’Kai Beauty, our partner and one of the most considered concept stores I’ve ever walked into. The treatment menu is world-class, but it’s the curation of both established and independent beauty brands that really sets it apart. A secret tip: alongside the studio, there’s a pantry next door offering wellness on the go — don’t leave without checking the salad fridge.
We wandered into Second by accident and I left with £30 Khaite sandals — what more could you want? There’s also a great brewery just around the corner for any beer fans (Bicycle Brewery, you’re welcome). Walking back to the hotel from Ara’Kai, I stopped into Wilén Store, which has the most beautiful curation of jewellery, clothing, and hair accessories. It’s one of those stores where you immediately feel the essence of the city’s style the moment you walk in.
Everyone knows how well the Danish do design, and Dansk is a reminder that it truly extends to absolutely everything — even cutlery. My suitcase was definitely not prepared for the full set of plates I wanted to bring back to London. For vintage lovers, The Birkegade & Elmegade Market is not to be missed. Copenhagen has one of the best flea market cultures in Europe and the vintage shopping here is so underrated — I walked past treasures ranging from vintage Prada bags to the perfect pair of clogs.
Two spots I sadly didn’t make it to this time — classic work trip itinerary — but are firmly on the list for next visit: LIÉ STUDIO, the embodiment of Danish chic, particularly their recent collaboration with Australian sculptor Tahni Bouhadana; and Emma Sofie, whose designs I first discovered when she was living in New Zealand. Her Copenhagen atelier operates on a pre-order basis, which makes a visit feel all the more special.
