Hanaholmen is a cultural and cooperation centre for Sweden and Finland, as well as a hotel with a high-quality restaurant and excellent opportunities for meetings, conferences and events. We hosted an intimate dinner with Hanaholmen during Fashion in Helsinki – and got the chance to learn more about the inspiring venue.
Hanaholmen has a very distinct atmosphere – calm, thoughtful, and deeply Nordic. How do you create that feeling for guests today?
Our atmosphere is rooted in things that are both part of our DNA and something we have consciously cultivated over the years. We have a long history, reaching back to 1975, which means that art, design, architecture and nature have been woven into Hanaholmen's story from the very beginning.
Some of the most meaningful choices in hospitality are the ones guests may not immediately notice. What are some quieter details at Hanaholmen that reflect your values?
We believe a hospitality experience should leave a lasting impression – not just in memory, but in the physical space itself. Even in an environment full of movement and energy, it matters to us that certain elements endure. You can see this in our choice of furniture and natural materials, which are central to the interior architecture throughout our rooms. Every room also has a sea view, and Nordic art has a constant presence − both of which bring a sense of calm and intention to the stay.
In recent years, we have built meaningful partnerships with Nordic design and lifestyle brands. Collaborations with SEES and Lapuan Kankurit, for instance, emphasize the value of Finnish nature and serenity, with products that are made right here in Finland!
Nature feels very present at Hanaholmen. How does the surrounding environment influence the way you work?
It influences us enormously. Guests often tell us that the pace shifts the moment they step onto the island − something quieter takes over. That feeling is something we try to protect and share, even on the busiest days. Nature is also deeply connected to our art programme: our art park invites guests to walk through the landscape and encounter Nordic works in their natural surroundings. And of course, the environment shapes everything happening at our restaurant, PLATS.
Your restaurant follows the rhythm of the seasons. What does that way of thinking bring to the dining experience?
There's something really cool about seeing restaurants commit to the rhythms of nature: acknowledging that certain ingredients simply aren't available year-round and embracing that rather than working around it. At PLATS, some elements, like fish, are always present, but the type varies entirely with what is in season.
During summer, around 80% of our fish for our daily catch comes from our own fisherman, Christer, straight from our local waters. Christer and the chefs also forage for berries, mushrooms and herbs in the forests of Espoo.
In a world of constant renewal, how do you approach longevity and care in the spaces and objects around you?
We care for our spaces, furniture and objects with longevity in mind − the goal is always that things last. And we've made peace with gradual aging; if anything, it tells us our guests have truly loved our Svenskt Tenn pieces. When we launched our new junior suites, we were deliberate about carrying something forward from the old rooms. That meant reupholstering our Adea chairs in a new Svenskt Tenn fabric or simply choosing to keep bathrooms that had stood the test of time beautifully as they were. Our long collaboration with interior architecture studio KOKO3 has been one of the key factors in this: they have a talent for creating spaces built to endure.
You're recognized for bringing people together through different art exhibitions and events. How do you see Hanaholmen growing as a part of the area's sustainable and creative scene in the future?
We feel we have built genuinely strong networks in this space, and we've grown a great deal in recent years. Collaboration is really at the heart of it − we work closely with people across art, culture, politics, business, language and education. We also stay connected with businesses in the local area and maintain an active partnership with Visit Espoo. The creative and sustainable scene here is emerging, and we want Hanaholmen to keep growing as a meaningful part of it.
Thank you Hanaholmen for this lovely visit. Learn more about Hanaholmen
@hanaholmen_hotel @hanaholmen_plats
