A new luxury hotel – The Thief – has opened on Oslo’s famous ‘Thief Island’ (Tjuvholmen) where 18th century criminals were once brought to face justice.

Leaving the past behind Tjuvholmen island today is home to a thriving urban centre for business, art and nightlife, which the hotel aims to capture.

Designed by Norway-based Mellbye Architects,"The Thief" features 119 guestrooms and suites all with French balconies.

Art is central to the property and each room is decorated with hand picked works from a collection of international and Norwigan artists.

The 8,073sq ft (750sq m) spa will open in 2014 featuring five treatment rooms as well as saunas, experience showers, a spa bar and a swimming pool.

Meanwhile, guests can order in-room spa treatments as well as make up stylists and hairdressers.

The hotel's restaurant offers authentic Norwegian cuisine made from local ingredients. A library bar and a wine and champagne bar with a rooftop will also be on offer.

Meeting facilities include five boardrooms and a fjord with a private rooftop terrace.