Grown up design version of a tree house, deep in the forest of Småland, Sweden

Trakt Forest Hotel / Holsbybrunn / Småland / Sweden

Luxury is an interesting word. What does it even mean? And especially when it comes to hotels? It is easy think of lavish hotels with posh doormen in hats, marble staircases, heavy velvet drapes and bathrooms with golden faucets. I often get the question if I appreciate luxury hotels. And the answer is yes! But to me a luxury hotel isn’t necessarily a fancy affair but more often a beautifully designed boutique hotel, preferably run by the people who owns it, with only a handful of rooms in a location well off the beaten track. I know this almost sound like an impossible combination, but these places exist. And this hotel, Trakt Forest Hotel is one of them.

Trakt is owned and run by Mattias and Sandra Sälleteg. Mattias’ family has been farming this land for 5 generations and they started thinking about how they could continue to “farm” here and not having to leave the farm to work. They had already been renting out rooms on the farm but they wanted to do more. They connected with one of the most famous architectures in Scandinavia, Gert Wingårdh, who created a modern version of a child’s tree house. There are only 5 forest suites, built on 8 stilts elevated from the ground, looking like they float in mid-air. The ambition was to minimize the footprint by building around and between the trees and using carefully selected materials. It took 4 years to develop and complete and it finally opened in July 2022. The name Trakt means “area” is an homage to the local surroundings and to the people living and working here.

We stayed in the Betula suite, which is the latin word for Birch. You chose which suite to stay in when you book. The reason why I chose this one? The color of the bathroom which is yellow, inspired by the golden chanterelle. The other 4 take their inspiration from the red lingonberry, the orange of Autumn, blueberry blue and the green of the forest. The interior design is pure Scandi simplicity with different types of wood, felt and wool. The geometrically shaped cabin is constructed so the focus is always going towards the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that connect the inside with the outside.

But all the great design and the fabulous location aside. The thing that ties this hotel together and truly makes it stand out is Sandra and her family. Such warm, authentic people that gives you the best possible service combined with that typical Småland hospitality.

M and our friend Mrs F walking towards the main house to check in.

The main building is actually newly built but have been constructed to look like it’s old by using wood salvaged from a forest fire in Västmanland.

If you’ve read this blog before you know I am a huge fan of being offered something to drink upon arrival. At Trakt we were offered coffee and cookies in these lovely cups.

Our suite, waiting for us (almost) hidden in the forest.

The snow covered bridge leading up to our forest suite, Betula.

The buildings are elevated from the ground, resting on 8 stilts making the suites float in mid-air on the same level as the surrounding trees.

The inside is all about Scandi simplicity. The interior has been created so that the eye always travels towards the floor-to-ceiling windows and the view outside.

Wood and wool is a must to create that typical Scandi look.

I love the green colored walls and it is a joy to have our own wood burner.

Everything is branded in our suite. Even this cute little match box.

This is were we came to refill our basket with freshly chopped wood.

Me relaxing on the sofa, hypnotized by the natural wonder outside the windows.

M resting in his own unique way. This is how life is being married to at fitness lover. There is always something in any interior that could be used to enhance a stretch.

If the scent of burning wood from the fire isn’t enough, there was a scented candle from L:a Bruket.

The bed is perfectly placed in the narrow end of the building, which enhances the cozy tree house feeling…

…and this is what you see when laying in bed. Love a good skylight.

I love when bathrooms are dressed in other material than the usual white tiles. In our suite there was a combo of dark wood and yellow tiles.

The reason why I chose this specific cabin was this, the soft, yellow tiles in the bathroom. It is inspired by the colour of chanterelles that grow in abundance in these woods.

Heading back to our cabin after dinner in the main building. Can’t wait to get back in and cozy up by the fire.

The sun sets early in Sweden in Winter. I love how our suite really came alive in the darkness making it stand out with its warm light in the dark forest.

Morning has broken and we have just left this cozy bed to drink coffee by the fire while waiting for…

…breakfast to arrive. It is delivered to your suite in a box like this.

The breakfast box was filled with so much great stuff. Perfect to set it up next to the fire and eat while enjoying the crackling of the fire and the view of the forest.

Just had to include one final photo, the last one I took before we checked out. It is the view from our cabin.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for a proper get away. Where you can hide, far off the beaten track, in an architectural gem hidden in the forests of Småland, South Sweden. If you dream of the tree houses of your childhood and are looking to stay in a grown up version, this is your place for sure.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the total disconnect from the everyday life. The silence here is fascinatingly intense, and especially so when we stayed here since the area was covered in deep snow. There are no TV:s or any Wi-Fi in the forest suites. It is only you, the trees and the calmest kind if calm. I also have to mention the breakfast. When you wake up a massive box is delivered to your suite with all kinds of goodies. And a third thing and that is the service by Sandra and her family. So authentic and warm.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to take the opportunity to unwind. Pull the handbrake of your car and make sure to reset your pace to Småland forest mode. Slow down your step, your breath, the speed of your words, park yourself in the outdoor hot tub or in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy the gentle sway of the tall spruces.

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