HOTEL J - A Reimagined Oasis by the Sea
text Jahwanna Berglund
photography Ted Jansson
Only a short sail or drive away from the heartbeat of Stockholm, Hotel J in Nacka Strand rises between sea and sky as a serene harbour-front sanctuary. What was once a stately summer villa built in 1889 and later expanded in 1912 has, after a thoughtful renovation, emerged with a new identity: one of nature, rituals, and deep rest. The hotel’s own narration tells how the landmark building J’s Tornvilla was originally built by Erik Fredlundh as a grand summer residence with over twenty rooms and three kitchens.
Nestled at Ellensviksvägen 1, where the Stockholm archipelago begins, Hotel J draws deeply on its maritime heritage. The “J” in its name references the J-Class yachts of the America’s Cup era, a symbol of craftsmanship, elegance, and connection to the sea. Over a three-year renewal period culminating in the summer of 2025, the hotel’s 158 rooms were renovated under the guidance of Wingårdhs and designer Helena Toresson, with a focus on reuse, sustainability, and natural materials. The result is a space that feels timelessly Scandinavian clean lines, pale wood, sea-washed tones, and open views that blur the boundary between interior and horizon.
Now reopened, Hotel J has evolved into a haven where every detail is designed with care and consciousness. Here, wellbeing is not an afterthought but a way of being. Guests are invited to slow down and reconnect with nature, beginning with a walk through the herb and flower garden curated in collaboration with herbalist and author Lisen Sundgren. Known for her philosophy that plants hold both healing and poetic power, Lisen celebrates the connection between people and nature through scent, taste, and ritual. At Hotel J, her garden is more than a visual delight; it’s a living space for reflection, inviting guests to touch, breathe, and rediscover the quiet intelligence of the natural world.
Inside the panorama sauna, floor-to-ceiling windows open toward Djurgården’s shifting horizon. Guests are encouraged to try both the evening and morning sauna rituals, two distinct experiences for body and mind. The evening session soothes and prepares you for deep rest, while the morning ritual awakens the senses, offering a refreshing calm that carries you through the day. Each session concludes with a cold plunge or a swim directly in the sea, a quintessential Swedish act of renewal.
A variety of wellness classes is offered, from yoga and Pilates to breathwork to complement the spa’s signature treatments, creating a holistic retreat where movement, rest, and nourishment flow together. Even in the privacy of your room, the focus on wellbeing continues. Red-light therapy lamps are available, adding a modern, science-backed touch to the 360° wellness experience that defines the new Hotel J.
As Managing Director Alla Sokolova describes,
“We want our guests to feel more connected to both nature and themselves and to leave us with a stronger sense of well-being than when they arrived.”
Just minutes from central Stockholm, this newly revived sanctuary offers the luxury of balance where nature, design and thoughtful rituals meet the art of feeling well. Whether you arrive by boat, bike, or the ferry that glides across the bay, Hotel J reminds you that stillness can exist right at the edge of the city and that true modern luxury begins with the simple act of slowing down.
