Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large…
Sweden is rolling out the red carpet this year with exciting hotel openings ranging from exclusive boutique properties to historic castle stays and unique, nature-inspired retreats. Be among the first to enjoy these five new gems while discovering the best of Sweden.
Maryhill Estate, Landskrona, Skåne, South Sweden
The renaming of Örenäs Castle, one of Sweden’s most famous estates, is an important step towards rediscovering its origins. In 1867, Judge August Anderberg named it after his wife Mariehild, later it was renamed Maryhill by Countess Wachtmeister. Under the leadership of the ESS Group and world traveler Robert “Bobbo” Nilsson, Maryhill Estate is set to become an upscale resort when it opens this summer. With 163 rooms and 4 pools, it’s not just a castle; it’s a bustling destination where guests can enjoy tennis, pétanque and padel with a sea view. Priced from 3995 SEK/night, including room, breakfast, three-course dinner and access to the pool club. For more info: https://maryhillestate.com/en/
Hello Sunnanhed, Dalarna, Central Sweden
Discover the remote serenity of Hello Sunnanhed, a redesigned 150-year-old barn for exclusive group getaways. Filled with all the comforts of a contemporary Nordic design home, Hello Sunnanhed is a sprawling, 225-square-meter residence. Its expansive open spaces boast eight meters in ceiling height, sliding glass walls, two opulent bedrooms, two sleeping lofts, a chef’s kitchen, and a lavish bathroom featuring forest views. The bedroom is in the loft which features a kingsize bed with views across the Skagerrak Sea. The property operates on four principal sustainability practices: leave no trace, reduced MOOPs (materials out of place), use of local products, and land stewardship. By 2027 the owners aim to be zero-waste and net positive in energy use. The all-inclusive price of 25,000 Swedish Kroners per two people per night includes full board plus a Wild Kitchen experience and a curated nature experience. For more info: https://www.hellosunnanhed.com/
Tiny Eko House, Orust Island, West Sweden
Lådfabriken was once a “Fisklådefabrik” – a fish box factory – but is now a small luxury boutique B&B with just four rooms on the island of Orust, just over an hour north of Gothenburg in the West Sweden archipelago. The property’s quaint new “Tiny Eko House” is a separate building in the garden among cherry, almond and walnut trees. The private entrance opens up to a sunny, spacious living room with a tall ceiling, plus a luxurious bathroom. All windows face west to offer sea views and beautiful sunsets. Upstairs, the loft bedroom features a kingsize bed with views across the Skagerrak Sea. “Låda” gets its electricity during the summer from rooftop solar panels., and the house was built with a healthy-building block system that uses no glue, sealants, or joint foam. Price during the high summer season is 3500 Swedish Kroners per night. For more info: https://www.ladfabriken.eu/
Villa Dahlia, Stockholm
Opening in early autumn 2024, the boutique hotel Villa Dahlia will be sibling to the renowned Hotel Diplomat and Villa Dagmar. This conversion of a 1960s building promises 103 guest rooms and suites with views of lush Tegnérlunden park. Architect Per Öberg was inspired by Milan to design Villa Dahlia, creating an exclusive sanctuary reminiscent of an Italian townhouse. The hotel will feature a restaurant, cocktail bar, spa, gym, pétanque court and chambre separée. The charming Master Suite is located on the top floor, offering an indulgent retreat with views over Tegnérlunden and the bustling Stockholm cityscape. Priced from 2500 SEK/night per room. For more info: https://hotelvilladahlia.com/en/
The ARK, Eriksberg, Blekinge, Southeast Sweden
The ARK is a striking new addition to the four-star Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Park which was named “Northern Europe’s Best Hotel with a Game Reserve” at the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards. The ARK is a unique wooden structure over three levels where all 23 rooms have terraces for unobstructed views of the safari park’s savannah. At The Ark, visitors can observe wildlife in their natural habitat from their rooms, fostering a deeper connection with nature without disturbing the bison, red deer, eagles, and other wildlife. Hotel guests can also enjoy the 925-hectare Safari park, exploring alone with their car, or with a guide. Priced from 3250 SEK/night for Bed & Breakfast for two people. For more info: https://www1.eriksberg.se/en/c-rooms-suites/the-ark
Wondering where else to go and what to see? VisitSweden will inspire your itinerary and help you plan your trip: www.VisitSweden.com
Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large for Pursuitist and a founding editor for Holiday Goddess, the online destination for chic women travelers from the editors of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Conde Nast Traveler, and BBC. Her travel and lifestyle reports can also be been seen in Atlas Obscura, The Awesomer, DaySpa, The Chicago Tribune, CNN Travel, JustLuxe, Lonely Planet, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Toronto Star, WellSpa 360, WestJet Magazine, Where Traveler, Where Guestbook, Yahoo News, and dozens more. She's co-author of the bestselling Holiday Goddess books (HarperCollins and iTunes) including 'The Holiday Goddess Guide to Paris, London, New York, Rome,' a travel Top 10 staple. As editor, Vicki's other books include 'Sinatra' (DK), 'Inside Mad' (Time-Life) and 'Virgin Los Angeles' (Virgin Books). She is one of the Usual Gang of Idiots for MAD Magazine, an entertainment reporter (Daily Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, CREEM), and authorized biographer for pop culture icons from the Beach Boys to Beastie Boys, Paul McCartney to MC Hammer.