Slottsholmen exudes a cool sophisticated Scandi vibe – something you would expect from a top-class hotel in this part of the world. What might be unexpected is that it has its own marina and part of the hotel floats on the water. Apropos for nautical types! This is a property certainly embracing its seaside position on the Tjust Archipelago, part of the Baltic Sea coastline. The hotel was devised by Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame but is run by his youngest daughter, Anna.
Located in the bijou city of Västervik in Småland, Sweden; Slottsholmen lies next to Slottsruinen (a medieval castle ruin) at the entrance of Gamlebyviken Bay. The city is on the Baltic Sea coastline and known as an outdoor playground for water sports, sailing, fishing as well as hiking and biking. Västervik is also known for hand-hewn sea-going vessels named Nordic clinker boats, Sweden’s only listed UNESCO intangible cultural heritage item. The castle ruins are where the Visfestivalen Music Festival is held each year; evidenced by the black and white photographs displayed all around the hotel’s lobby; a few include members of ABBA. There are a number of famous places in and around Småland worth visiting including the IKEA Museum (this is where the first IKEA opened) and a museum in honour of Nobel Peace Prize winning children’s author Astrid Lindgren. Another interesting place to visit is Glasriket or ‘Glass Kingdom’ where glass blown creations have been made for centuries. ‘Småland’ translates as ‘small land’ and refers to the many tiny boroughs in this part of Sweden. Known for its rocky terrain, in times gone by clearing the land for farming was a Herculean feat.
The majority of Slottsholmen’s accommodation is located in the two story floating part of the hotel which is alongside the marina. Here there are 33 double rooms with either a balcony or a terrace. There are 10 suites in the main building as well as 37 private apartments. All rooms are decorated in subdued neutrals with black and white photos adorning the walls. I found having a wooden terrace floating next to the yacht slips and water was nothing short of sublime.
Amenities are plentiful and include coffee machine, Marshall brand radio, toiletries, dressing gowns, blackout curtains and heated floor. Each room has a desk, a plasma screen-TV, wifi, in-room safe, bottled water (you can ask for a flask at the main building), and rain-fall shower head.
The hotel owns the on-site marina, and several guests are nautical types who arrive by boat and moor here. There is a full service spa across the road with therapists, steam room and sauna plus a 24 hour gym on site. There are two conference rooms for events, a restaurant and bar, and housekeeping on request.
The sustainability credentials of Slottsholmen are nothing short of remarkable and include (though are not limited to) all electricity use from solar panels, tracking food waste, cooking with local produce, creating and using desalinated water and being involved in the area’s social projects.
The restaurant at Slottsholmen is on the ground floor of its main building and renowned for Swedish cuisine made using fresh local produce. Run by excellent chef James Holland, who is always friendly and helpful, the menu features classic Swedish dishes such as Fried Herring, Pork Dumplings, and Isterband (creamy potatoes with Västervik mustard and mustard chutney). Main courses include a selection of fresh fish, grilled chicken, dry-aged sirloin from Dackekött and vegetarian options with an excellent wine list to accompany.
One of the highlights is Caviar served with blini, lemon and red onion from Sturgeon caught in Strömsnäsbruk near Växjö. The eggs are taken from the female by the ‘milk method’ rather than slaughtering the fish.
The bar serves up pre or post dinner drinks with appropriate ABBA names such as ‘Dancing Queen’, a Limoncello and mint concoction, ‘Waterloo’ made with Rum, Amaretto and Campari while ‘Fernando’ mixes Vodka, apple liqueur and apple juice.
It’s a short walk to Västervik where there are several restaurants to try out. My favourite was the Pink Bistro offering a variety of excellent fish dishes, tasty cocktails and served by friendly staff.
Fact Box
Price from 2400 SEK for two people in a double room at the floating hotel including breakfast
Website: slottsholmen.com
Address: Slottsholmsvägen 10
593 38 Västervik, Småland
