Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Spa and Wellness: The Best Spas in Sweden
Gothenburg’s coolest summer hangout It is ten years since Sankt Jörgen Park first opened its doors and, in its jubilee year, the team which gave the world the spa ritual concept is not resting on its laurels. This year’s innovation was the opening of a stunning poolside beach lounge. By Liz Longden | Photos: Bert Leandersson
Sweden may have sizzled in temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius this summer, but in Sankt Jörgen Park at least, life has been cool. Although the award-winning hotel, spa and conference centre is just ten minutes from the centre of Gothenburg, guests have been treated to an altogether more tropical vibe, as they relax by the poolside, surrounded by palms and chilled drinks. The poolside lounge, which opened in May, is the latest addition to Sankt Jörgen Park’s impressive facilities and 32 | Issue 116 | September 2018
comprises a large, L-shaped pool, surrounded by cabanas and an open-air bar. Shaded seating areas, a warm spring and a 15-square-metre TV screen, displaying rolling images of Caribbean idylls, complete the set-up. And when the sun finally goes down, beats from the DJ booth warm the cooling air of the long summer evenings. “We wanted to create the same feeling of when you go abroad and head out to a pool bar for the day – somewhere where you can just relax by the water, take it
easy, eat lunch and stay all day – while also maintaining the same feeling of luxury that fits in with our concept. And it’s been fantastic,” says resort manager Kia Andersson. “During the World Cup, we had the games on the big screen and people were sitting by the pool and in the pool, just hanging out together and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere was incredible.” As well as for conference and hotel guests, the poolside lounge is open to anyone who wants to come and laze in luxury just for the day. However, for those wanting to make a short break of the experience, there is the option of a ‘Pool Lounge Overnight’ package, which includes a night’s stay in a double room, three exquisite meals, and full use of