Elevated “badehotel” with classic Swedish design and amazing food. A pure, relaxed Summer vibe

Pensionat Furuhem / Båstad / Skåne / Sweden

Many people were surprised when world-renowned Swedish chef Magnus Nilsson decided to close down his Michelin starred restaurant called Fäviken in the north of Sweden. And then they were equally, or maybe even more surprised when they (or we) learned that he had bought an old inn, Pensionat Hjorten in Båstad, a classic seaside resort in the south of Sweden. But knowing how high he usually sets his bar, no one is surprised to see the result after years of careful renovations, as Pensionat Furuhem opened its doors.

Pensionat Furuhem is best described as an updated version of a classic ”badhotell”, a hotel located close to the sea where the people that could afford, back in the day spent the entire Summer, enjoying excellent food and lazy days on the beach. The badhotell-vibe is very much alive at Furuhem, although the old inn has received a full makeover. Many of the original features have been carefully renovated and today the house is filled with classic Swedish design with a twist, where the majority of the furniture has been sourced from Swedish producer Norrgavel (that is why the hotel has a gentle bit very noticeable scent of egg oil tempera) and other classic design companies like Skruf and Höganäs. The color scheme is all about soft, creamy tones and to top the look off there are several tiled masonry heaters, some elegant vintage design pieces and beautiful textile artwork on the walls.

One thing that stand out (I will get to the food soon!) at this 15-key hotel is the huge lounge on the first floor. Or it is actually not one lounge but several rooms in a row with huge windows showering the space in that enticing Swedish Summer light. These rooms are designed to look and feel like a cozy living room, not the kind you would have at home, but one that you would find in an upscale Summer house of some well-off relative. Before and after dinner, there is a waiter hanging around here to bring you something to drink and nibble on as you relax in one of the plush sofas.

It is impossible to post about this hotel without mentioning the food. Magnus Nilsson has said over and over again that this is not some kind of Fäviken 2.0 but a much more relaxed, straight forward and hearty affair, where you can enjoy elevated versions of classic Swedish ”husmanskost”, simple yet tasty comfort food. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that they had ”falukorv & creamed macaroni” on the meny.

I know these days very few people stay their entire Summer at one hotel by the coast, but I must say that Pensionat Furuhem made me wish that was a possibility.

When you enter, there is no classic reception. It is hidden in the far corner of this open kitchen/hallway/shop.

We are checked in and ready to head upstairs to our room.

When they renovated Furuhem, so many of the original features have been kept.

I love these old floor boards and the decorated stairs.

Not too often you have your own “kakelugn”, tiled masonry heater in your room.

Everything, just like the robes, are branded with the hotel logo F.

Great to have real plants in your room. A classic Swedish Summer house staple, a Dr. Westerlund plant.

On the first floor there is a huge lounge, or actually several different rooms, where you can relax with something to read after having explored Båstad and its surroundings.

The iconic “Läns chair” from Swedish furniture company Norrgavel, the company where most of the interior is sourced from.

If you have forgotten your own traditional clogs at home, you can borrow some at the hotel.

Of course there is a sauna. And a mighty fine one at that.

One of the main attractions with staying at Furuhem is the food. M is sitting at the breakfast table waiting to dig in.

My favorite from the different breakfast servings, was the traditional Swedish “mannagröt” with home made apple compote and melted butter. Yum!

There is an in-house bakery where they make some really delicious buns.

When we had dinner, I couldn’t resist when I saw that they served “falukorv” with creamed macaroni, served with salted cucumber, mustard and horseradish. Brings me back to childhood.

Down the road from the hotel, there is a lovely beach.

M walking out to find some deeper waters.

If you are looking to do an excursion in the region, there is a great bakery/café called Solhaga,, in Slöinge…

…they are famous for their delicious buns. The only problem is that there are so many different kinds to choose from.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…love Swedish classic design and Swedish classic food, although both are served with a twist. A modern version of a ”badhotel” with a timeless look. If this all speaks to you, you should check out Furuhem.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the careful attention to details. I know this is something that is said about many places, but here it is really true. Every single color, every single vase or lamp, every plant, the artisan clogs you can borrow, the textiles, the food. It is all so carefully created and selected. It is a joy to see when professionals have had the chance to use their competence to create a truly unique space and experience.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to book a table at the restaurant. The food is (not surprising at all) simply amazing. Swedish classics served with an elevated modern twist.

If you like this hotel you might also like:

VYN / Brantevik, Skåne, Sweden

Ett Hem & Ett Hem / Stockholm. Sweden

Badhotell Villa Berg / Marholmen, Uppland, Sweden