WHAT? WHERE? 

Award-winning Swedish gin company Hernö has taken things one step further than your average drinks brand and opened its very own hotel. The gin palace lies in central Härnösand in the High Coast region of northern Sweden, a UNSECO world heritage area and beautiful spot for a sip and stay holiday.  

WHAT’S THE VIBE

Modern, Scandi chic, with a whole lotta hygge – think roaring fires, piles of logs, cosy nooks and blankets draped artfully over comfy chairs. The crowd propping up the glam bar are a mix of gin-loving sophisticates and nature-loving weekend breakers, and everyone in between.

SCOFF & QUAFF 

Food’s definitely not an after thought here, with Southside Restaurant offering, unsurprisingly, a gin-inspired menu using produce from northern Sweden. There’s plenty to excite foodies, including dishes like reindeer thigh with Hernö Sloe Gin, parsley root puree, savoy cabbage, thyme, shallots and chanterelles. Desserts are equally as enticing, a gin & tonic sorbet with sponge cake and lemon foam caught Muddy’s eye.

Quaff-wise it’s all about the gin, obvs. You’ll want to spend time in the exclusive Hernö Gin Bar on the second floor, which serves some seriously good cocktails – try the Umami Modern (Hernö juniper cask gin, tomato and sea buckthorn).

There’s also a gin studio for tastings and you can visit the nearby distillery in Dala, which British Airways’ Highlife magazine has described as ‘the best distillery in the world to taste gin.’

SUITE TALK 

Hernö’s shimmering glass and steel structure holds 122 calming, luxurious rooms, including a swanky Master Distiller Suite on the ninth floor with lounge, dining area, bathroom with double sinks and terrace with sweeping views of the sea and Härnösand.

Despite the booze, this isn’t an adult-only hotel and there are even some beautifully designed family rooms with charming built-in bunk beds that younger kids will adore.

ANYTHING ELSE? 

Yes, there’s a Stillery & Relax Poolclub, where you can detox in the steam room if you took the gin tasting a little too far (just Muddy?). There’s also the chance to take dips in cold and hot pools, try the experience showers and an outdoor sauna with panoramic views and a sun deck.

OUT & ABOUT  

Härnösand Art Hall is home to some glorious paintings, including a famous Matissé, Västernorrland Regional Museum is also worth a visit and stop by the  Open Air Museum to discover more about the history of the area. If the weather’s hotting up, gotta head for Smitingen beach – you can even surf and explore caves. Kids will enjoy Technichus science centre and everyone will appreciate the amazing views over the open sea at Hemsö Fort.

GO THERE!

Stay at the Hernö Gin Hotel from £122pn. Scandinavian Airlines flies to Sundsvall Airport, from where it’s a 40-minute train ride to Härnösand.