A Scandinavian Adventure
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
HOW TO GET THERE
Like all my fellow New Yorker’s, whether with zip codes or in spirit, I have the necessity to see my beloved boroughs every year right about when August comes oozing around. While our sacred summer Fridays and weekends in the Hamptons do their fair share to chill us out, that oven-like eighth month in the city calls for something more drastic.
Put your thinking camps away and keep your light layers towards the front of your fall wardrobe storage, and grab a sear on Norwegian Air’s JFK flight direct to Stockholm.
While we visited in the hyper-expressive and colourful Fall season, which is lovely but a bit moody, a visit during NYC’s end of Summer will land you right in time to catch Scandinavia’s peak season.
Their 787 Dreamliner earns it’s dreamy namesake with smart mood lighting, more legroom than two of me could use, 65% larger windows than most other airlines (You know how I love my views!), and optimally, pressurised fresh cabin air to help minimise any jet lag, so you won’t miss that first bewildering non-setting sunset.
WHERE TO STAY
BANK HOTEL
From Stockholm Airport, Bank Hotel is just a 20-minute journey on the quick and very comfortable Arlander Express. Norwegian’s onboard experience to/from destination (NYC) and is the best way to travel nonstop to Scandinavia/Europe to get to Stockholm and Northern Norway. Located in Östermalm, one of Stockholm's most vibrant and beautiful districts, the Bank Hotel is a gem in the Small Luxury Hotels family and was once a working bank.
It pays tribute to its past with huge bronze double doors and wood-panelled walls. In the evening, try the non-alcoholic cocktails in the Papillon bar, and then head to Bonnie’s for dinner. Then, the most amazing views of Stockholm can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace called Le Hiboum over a delicious martini.
WHERE TO EAT
ASIAN POST OFFICE
Asian Post Office offers delicious Scandinavian and Asian fusion dishes. Their cocktail menu will take you from India to the Philippines, and their yummy popcorn shrimp is a must-try.
BONNIE’S
Bonnie’s at the Bank Hotel is named after the famous bank robber, Bonnie Parker. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served under the beautiful glass ceiling in the bank’s old hall. You can enjoy a European Coastal menu and then take a stroll along the famous waterfront to enjoy the shops, stunning views and many local landmarks.
ETT HEM
When you sit down to enjoy the delicious food from Ett Hem’s kitchen, be prepared for a wonderful surprise. The menu is written on the day, using ingredients the hotel’s chefs bought from local suppliers. This is a home from home.
L’AVVENTURA
L’Avventure is a wonderfully romantic Italian restaurant in the Vasatan district. The plush red sofas, candlelight and large pasta dishes to share make this the perfect place to eat with a loved one. The delicious food is what you came for, the lively atmosphere and amazing service make you stay for hours.
WHAT TO DO
FOTOGRAFSKA PHOTOGRAPY MUSEUM
This is more than an ordinary museum. The Art Nouveau-style building is the largest photography museum in the world, but it also wants to inspire change, and a more conscious world through its incredible exhibitions and projects.
EXPLORE GAMLA STAN
Gamala Stan is one of the oldest islands to make up the city of Stockholm. Little cobbled streets and terracotta buildings set against a backdrop of autumn leaves gives this place its charm. If heights don’t worry you, a unique tour of the island takes you from one rooftop to the next while learning about its history.
ALESUND, NORWAY
HOW TO GET THERE
From Stockholm, we flew with Norwegian Air again, this time direct to Oslo, Norway which is also the airline’s global hub (Where else would it be?). We hopped on one of their copier planes to our final destination, the art nouveau laden port town of Alesund.
WHERE TO STAY
STORFJORD HOTEL
For a relaxing getaway from the city, a trip to another member of the Small Luxury Hotels family is what is needed. Norwegian provide a worry-free journey when travelling around Europe is the best way to travel between countries in Scandinavia.
The Storjord Hotel is a 45-minute drive through the most beautiful green hills and deep blue coast. The wooden building is cosy and welcoming, with a crackling fireplace and stunning views that make you feel at home. The friendly staff arrange local activities so you can explore the area.
WHERE TO EAT
STORFJORD HOTEL
The Hotel's fine dining restaurant brings you locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality. You can enjoy the best dishes Storfjord Hotel has to offer while gazing out at the mountains and fjord. Try the fine collection of local cheeses, and the Storfjordbrygg ale, brewed by the hotel themselves.
APOTEKAGATA 5
Apoekergata 5 want to take you on a journey. With their beautifully made ten-course tasting menu will take you from the bottom of the ocean to the top of a mountain, using ingredients from different terrains. Located right on the water, it’s the perfect place to sit and unwind while watching the boats go in and out.
WHAT TO DO
62 NORD
63 Nord is a luxury travel company owned by the family who run Storfjortd Hotel, so when you stay with them, you know your trip is in safe hands. They offer their guests once in a lifetime experiences that show them the landscape from water, land and air. Their boat trip to the fjord uncovers beautiful and remote farms, landscapes and mountains.
THANK YOU!
to Small Luxury Hotels and Norwegian Airlines for sponsoring this trip.
As always, opinions are my own.