Spend 24 hours in the sumptuous surroundings of Villa Foresta

With 103 rooms and suites – many boasting balconies and terraces with stunning views – Villa Foresta is a verdant oasis perched above the rugged coastline of Lidingö, just a short distance from Stockholm. Inspired by medieval castles along the Rhine, its towers and spires were originally built as the private residence of Wilhelmina Skogh, then head of Stockholm’s prestigious Grand Hôtel. Converted into a hotel in 1957, Villa Foresta has since played host to a star-studded guest list, including the likes of Josephine Baker and The Beatles.

Now, Villa Foresta has unveiled a sleek new design scheme, blending early 20th-century elegance with natural elements and a touch of northern Italian flair. Naturally, we’re eager to explore the refreshed interiors.

Below, join Vogue Scandinavia for a 24-hour stay at this storied hotel.

While a standard room is perfectly comfortable, we recommend indulging in a sea-view upgrade when staying at Villa Foresta. With sweeping views of the Stockholm inlet, there’s nothing quite like waking up to sunlight shimmering on the water. And post-check-in, few things are more soothing than enjoying a cup of tea nestled in one of Villa Foresta’s cosy window nooks.

If you’re only staying for 24 hours, we wouldn’t suggest lingering in your room after check-in – not with one of Sweden’s most renowned artist estates just next door. Millesgården, the former home of sculptor Carl Milles and his wife, the artist Olga Milles, is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Explore the expansive terraces and lush gardens dotted with towering sculptures, or wander through the untouched halls of the atelier and home. Just remember, the museum closes at 17:00.

Having freshened up using the soothing skincare products from Soapsmith found in the hotel room, we find ourselves craving a pre-dinner drink. At the heart of the hotel, the Veranda, we find two bars, the Library Bar and the Glass Bar. A lively environment with fireplaces, a game room, a library and cosy seating areas – the perfect spots to enjoy an aperitivo with a sunset view.

Soon to open, Restaurant WS is bound to be a destination in its own right. With a cosy, delightfully familiar atmosphere, the restaurant celebrates traditional culinary craftsmanship while curiously flirting with modern elements – all rooted in fresh local produce. Until WS opens its doors, you can find us up at Lilla Verandan, sipping a rich wine and enjoying a small appetiser by the fireplace or relaxing on a comfortable sofa in the evening sun.

After an evening spent in good company, there are few pleasures greater than slipping into a soft hotel bed. The newly revamped Villa Foresta offers Egyptian cotton bed linen from Spirit of Nomad, alongside new headboards and thoughtful interior details in a soothing colour palette – creating the perfect conditions for a truly restorative sleep.

Second only to those soft hotel linens, a generous buffet breakfast is the highlight of any staycation. Fortunately, acclaimed chef Gustav Otterberg (formerly of Leijontornet, Ekstedt, and most recently Villa Pauli) helms the culinary experience at Villa Foresta. The result? A deliciously indulgent start to our day.

Checking out is always bittersweet, signalling the end of yet another holiday. But we’re already planning our return for spring 2025. That’s when Villa Foresta will unveil its brand-new 900-square-metre spa retreat, featuring multiple pools, saunas, treatment rooms, sun rooms, yoga spaces, and even brainwave relaxation therapies.