Hotel Skansen is situated in the heart of Skåne County in southern Sweden in the pretty, chic seaside town of Båstad, With gorgeous sea views overlooking the Kattegatt Sea and Denmark beyond, rolling sand dunes and quaint little harbour towns, it is no wonder that the area is known as the ‘Hamptons of Scandinavia’ – indeed Richard Gere spent some time here. It is a year-round destination popular with affluent Swedes and is renowned for its seafood, nightlife, spas, and water sports. Båstad itself hosts the Swedish Open every July.
Hotel Skansen has a prime location literally on the beach. Behind it is the Swedish Open’s centre court. Båstad Golf Club is just down the road. The exceptional 172-room hotel is spread out over several buildings and, aside from rooms, boasts secluded villas and apartments. Hotel Skansen has a very popular restaurant, Sand, that draws in guests and visitors alike, and a first-class spa with hot baths. a myriad of treatments and a dramatic rooftop infinity pool. To top it off with areal wow factor is the striking bath house set on a pier stretching 100 metres out into the sea. Hotel Skansen is a romantic location that particularly draws couples for short breaks.
Style by the Seaside
Hotel Skansen’s rooms radiate out from the original main building that was once a grain silo built in 1877 and encompass a contemporary sea-facing wing and the separate Tennis Pavilion. The main building has a period aesthetic with vertical windows and old timber flooring. In the newer wing, the aesthetic leans towards the contemporary. Our beach-facing ground-floor room was located in the new wing, one floor down from the reception. The rooms opposite us faced the cobbled street and the lush green hills of Hallandsåsen. In between, the open-plan atrium has cozy seating areas tucked away and a large fireplace. Our room was compact with a minimalist, dark decor. French doors opened out onto views of Laholm Bay, the sandy beach, and the hotel’s bathhouse. Our queen-size bed was very comfortable, and sleep was peaceful – all rooms are very well soundproofed. Room facilities included a flat screen television, a coffee maker, and a full mini bar. The bathroom was large and more than adequate. Other rooms are located in the popular Tennis Pavilion opposite the Center Court. which feature loft-style rooms with private terraces. In the historic old building, there are several 30 square meter junior suites, which have retained original features, such as roof beams and dark wood furnishings, that hark back to Båstad’s past. Hotel Skansen has eight large apartments that offer significant privacy yet are still within a short distance of the hotel’s main amenities. Each apartment boasts a double bedroom, a single bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and a large balcony. The Skansen Villas are seven detached villas set around Court Number One. Each villa features two double rooms. So whether you are a couple or a family, or a group of friends, the hotel can more than accommodate.
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Delicious Local Cuisine
Skåne County is known for its farming and seafood, so local seasonal produce features very heavily in the hotel’s restaurant, Sand. It draws the crowds, so it’s best to book in advance. Dinner consists of both set menus and á la carte options. We had tasty starters of shrimp and lobster toast with trout roe, marinated cucumber and radish, and beef carpaccio with truffle emulsion, grated egg yolk, and pickled onion. Our wholesome mains were turbot with asparagus, radish, fennel, and herb-tossed new potatoes, and locally sourced chicken, chanterelles, spring onion, shallots with a sage and potato terrine. Our very tasty desserts included a chocolate and almond parfait with zingy blackberries and a superb silky smooth crème brûlée. The young staff were courteous and knowledgeable and guided us through the menu. Afterwards, we relaxed with refreshing mojitos in the buzzy Mr G Lounge & Cocktail Bar. It is named after King Gustav V, who played in the Swedish Open under the alias ‘Mr G’. The rooftop pool area has a cocktail bar and a small restaurant. Open all day until late, it is a lovely location from which to watch the sunset. The breakfast is bountiful and served until late. There is an extensive buffet with cold cuts, fresh salmon and herring, yoghurts, local berries, and artisan bread. You can order fresh eggs and other hot dishes straight from the kitchen.
Spa Time to Unwind
The hotel’s spa is a real draw and is located in three different parts of the property. The picturesque rooftop area has an infinity pool, set to a constant 38°C all year round and a jacuzzi, with spectacular sea views. In the new building, the second spa has several plunge pools, steam rooms, and saunas. Outside is the stunning cold bath house set on a pier extending into the Kattegat sea. We donned slippers and bathrobes and headed straight there from our room. There are steps into the icy seawater, which we forsook despite the very hot weather, and instead opted for time in the separate men’s and women’s only sauna. There is a relaxation lounge to unwind in afterwards with a hot tub on the wooden terrace outside. Guests can access the tennis courts, gym, and fitness studio, which also hosts yoga classes. The hotel has a private beach and jetty. Bikes can be hired from reception to explore the picture postcard town of Båstad and the beautiful surrounding countryside and sunlight-infused coastline.
Rooms start from $310pn and are bookable via the hotel’s website. Breakfast included.
Address: Kyrkogatan 2, 269 33 Båstad
Telephone: 0046 431 55 82 11
Email: info@hotelskansen.se and bokning@hotelskansen.se
Website: www.hotelskansen.se
