Görvälns Slott

The existence of a place like Görvälns Slott should put to rest forever any idea that Scandinavian hospitality is all about Modernism and minimalism. “Sweden’s most tasteful castle”occupies a 17th-century lakeside manor house (and a number of satellite buildings) a half-hour’s drive from Stockholm, and while it’s certainly stylish — and has been decorated with a keen contemporary eye — there’s nothing at all minimal about it.

And while much of the raw material and inspiration is historical, the result is a highly accomplished 21st-century luxury boutique hotel. The rooms feature their fair share of ornamentation, but with their soft colors, their Mille Notti beds, their bath products by c/o Gerd of Swedish Lapland, and their heated bathroom tiles, they’re soothing above all else, from the singles to the grand deluxes. They’re varied in style and layout, and a few have sea views — there’s a bit of something for everyone. (Except children; all guests must be 16 or older, a policy that’s intended to heighten the romance.)

And in the restaurant what you’ll find is entirely modern: an organic, zero-waste concept that makes as much use as possible of local and foraged ingredients. The flavors are proudly Swedish, as are the purveyors, including what’s behind the bar. For a taste of the good life, modern Scandinavian style, it would be hard to do much better than this.

How to get there: Görvälns Slott is located approximately 42 km by car from Stockholm Arlanda Airport via E4, Route 267, and E18.