Feel zen at Starby Spa,Hotel & Conference
By Emma Rodin | Photos: Starby Spa, Hotel & Conference
With its newly renovated spa and rooms in Sweden’s picturesque Vadstena, Starby Spa, Hotel & Conference is a popular choice for pleasure seekers and conference guests alike. Here, visitors are encouraged to eat, drink and relax in the dedicated spaces designed for socialising. And now that autumn is on the doorstep, spa season is too.
Taken over by the Carneteg family in 2020, Starby has since had a facelift to give it today’s modern look. There are 60 rooms with 120 beds, a gourmet restaurant and amenities, all carefully polished to give guests a memorable experience.
“We have something that we call the Starby spirit,” explains Hilda Carneteg. “It essentially stands for authenticity and is something we try to infuse in all parts of our offering, whether that is how we welcome guests at reception or how the menu is composed. We strive to always have that sense of care present, and it is important to us that the family aspect shines through”.
Spa is always a good idea
Starby´s crowning jewel is undoubtedly its spa. Guests love it for the large, social areas which allow larger groups of friends or family to relax together without having to split up. Indoors, guests will find a large pool with Champagne bubbles, a massage pool, an aroma sauna, a steam sauna, a Finnish sauna and a foot bath, to name a few. Outside, there are two hot springs, an outdoor shower and a cold bath. Plus, there are treatment rooms where guests can book private experiences such as a wellness massage or a Hydra Boost facial.
The spa is open every day for everyone, and even kids from the age of three. Families are encouraged to book the Family Package to get the most from their visit, while other guests could opt for something different such as Beautiful Sunday, or the Gourmet Package, all offering a little something extra.
“Although we love to host day visitors, we do encourage guests to stay the night to really make the most of both Starby and Vadstena. Equally, with the autumn upon us, we encourage businesses to book a conference with us to get the perfect mix between creative headspace and space to wind down,” says Carneteg. “Or why not book your next big party with us? We love hosting birthdays here,” she adds.
Treat your tastebuds
A common theme from visitors’ reviews is the praise for the food. At Starby’s restaurant, the five chefs Markus, David, Emil, Carl and Fredrik are given complete freedom to compose the menus, which are always filled with creativity and exciting flavour combinations.
The chefs work with local produce as much as possible and change up the menu every six weeks. Additionally, the kitchen staff, along with the entire establishment, work according to a specific set of sustainability measures set by the Nordic Swan Eco Label which is given to goods and services that meet ambitious environmental, climate and health requirements. This, paired with the chefs’ talent, makes for a quality experience that tastes delicious, too.
Explore Vadstena
When you’re not in the spa or sleeping, take a look around Vadstena. A historic town located right by Europe’s fifth largest lake Vättern, there is plenty to see and do. Why not head down to the lake to enjoy kayaking or swimming, or go hiking on the surrounding trails? Those who are looking for something more cultural should visit Vadstena Castle, Sweden’s best preserved Renaissance castle, and of course, Vadstena Monastery Church with its tall, thin spire and blue-toned body. “I always say that if people can do just one thing, they should enjoy strolling along the cobbled streets. Vadstena is a charming place with a small-town feel, while still being alive and bustling,” says Carneteg.
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Vadstena with the leaves changing colour and Starby welcoming you with a warm embrace. And if you are thinking even further ahead, book a table for Christmas. Indeed, Starby hosts a marvellous buffet of festive delights each year and is one not to miss. So, whether it is the spa, food or Christmas celebrations drawing you in, now is a good time to plan your visit.
Web: www.starbyhotell.se
Instagram: @starbyhotel
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Receive our monthly newsletter by email