The iconic Villa Foresta on Lidingö has reopened with a brand-new design concept. A new destination with 103 hotel rooms, several meeting rooms, three bars, and a restaurant. Behind the venture is Stockholm Meeting Selection, which runs several other destinations in the Stockholm area. Inspired by the turn of the last century, nature, forests, and northern Italy, a timeless design concept has emerged at Villa Foresta.
In the heart of the hotel, The Verandah, there are two bars, the Library Bar and the Glass Bar. A vibrant environment with open fireplaces, a gaming room with various games, a library, and comfortable seating areas. Overlooking the entrance to Stockholm is Restaurant WS, a brand-new restaurant with a food bar for 120 guests. Here you will also find WS Bar with a 20-metre bar counter offering cocktails and an extensive wine list. The name WS is a tribute to the female entrepreneur, Wilhelmina Skogh, who once commissioned the iconic building in 1908-1910.
Behind the interior design concept is Torbjörn Blomqvist, owner of Stockholm Meeting Selection, together with the architectural firm Tengbom. A great deal of focus has been placed on utilising the architecture and sustainably preserving the values inherent in the property.
– For me, it has been important to utilise and recycle the furniture that remained. For example, we have reupholstered a hundred chairs, created new headboards from existing ones, refashioned textiles, and kept table bases while replacing tabletops with real wood. We have used natural materials like wool carpets and naturally oiled woods instead of lacquered ones. We have aimed to accentuate and enhance the fine details present in the building. It feels good in my heart, says Torbjörn Blomqvist, owner of Stockholm Meeting Selection, which operates Villa Foresta.
The next stage of the Villa Foresta development is now underway; during the autumn and spring of 2025, a brand-new 900 sqm spa & retreat will take shape with several pools, saunas, treatment rooms, a sunroom, and a brain wave relaxation room.
– This is just the beginning; we will continue to develop Villa Foresta and create a completely unique destination for people who want to enjoy gastronomy, wines, wellness, and socialising in beautiful surroundings. Wilhelmina Skogh was a strong woman, an entrepreneur who stood up for service and hospitality. We believe and hope that Wilhelmina would have been proud to see her Villa Foresta as it is today, continues Torbjörn..
In tribute to other strong women and role models, the hotel's meeting rooms have been named after several famous women. Here you'll find meeting rooms named after Fredrika Bremer, Hilma af Klint, Estrid Ericsson, Astrid Lindgren, and many more.
Torbjörn Blomqvist is a successful entrepreneur from Nybro in Småland who once started his career as a carpenter. In 1984, he started Svensk Inredning, which he ran and developed for over 28 years. In 2011, he started Stockholm Meeting Selection, which today operates 11 destinations with castles, spa hotels, and restaurants.
Gustav Otterberg is the head chef at Villa Foresta. Gustav has extensive experience and was part of the opening of Restaurant Ekstedt and worked at the legendary Michelin-starred restaurant Leijontornet, which received a star in the Guide Michelin during his time there. Most recently, Gustav was head chef at Villa Pauli and previously also at Artipelag and Grand Hotel Saltsjöbaden.
From the turn of the year, Villa Foresta became part of Stockholm Meeting Selection, thus the company's 11th destination. The property is owned by Altira AB, which, together with Stockholm Meeting Selection, is making significant investments to develop the property.
According to the press release.
