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Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk created the eco-friendly retreat, “Stedsans”, in Halland, southern Sweden, after feeling the “call of the wild” in Copenhagen, where they previously managed a popular rooftop restaurant
Stedsans, featuring 16 wooden cottages with stunning nature views, received rave reviews from influencers and critics who labeled it “magical” and “enchanting luxury.” (Photo: Instagram/flordeatitlan_)
A Danish chef duo, who once gained international fame for their “forest resort” in Sweden, have been located in Guatemala after reportedly fleeing tax authorities, leaving behind 158 barrels of human waste.
Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk created the eco-friendly retreat, “Stedsans”, in Halland, southern Sweden, after feeling the “call of the wild” in Copenhagen, where they previously managed a popular rooftop restaurant, Guardian reported.
Stedsans, featuring 16 wooden cottages with stunning nature views, received rave reviews from influencers and critics who labeled it “magical” and “enchanting luxury.”
However, a few months ago, an investigation revealed that the couple had disappeared, abandoning numerous animals and 158 barrels of human waste, with wastewater seeping into the forest. Staff reported that various animals, including ducks, perished after being left outside overnight, while others were neglected once the couple vanished.
“Stedsans” was declared bankrupt in March, and the couple reportedly registered as living abroad before Christmas.
The investigation showed they left Copenhagen in 2016, where they owed millions in debt to Danish tax authorities, and moved to Sweden to establish “Stedsans”. There, they accumulated debt to Swedish tax authorities, totaling around £470,000. The couple has since started a new hotel business in Guatemala.
In a message on their website, they stated: “We came very far with Stedsans, but we also had to realise that being soul-driven entrepreneurs in a country with some of the highest taxes and relentless bureaucracy is an impossible task.”
They added: “When you read this, we have probably been declared bankrupt by the Swedish tax authorities. All we ever wanted was to create a more beautiful planet.”
Local authorities described their actions as “environmental crime.” Daniel Helsing, head of building and environment for Hylte, told Dagens Nyheter: “Voilà. Over 150 barrels of human waste.”
When approached by the newspaper, Hansen denied any issues with animal handling. He criticized the Swedish tax authorities as a “narcissistic entity” and claimed he owed them “over 7m” SEK, stating he was now “sentenced to a life in poverty.”
