Soulful sanctuary: a peek inside the Villa Dagmar hotel in Sweden

To bring the villa’s soul to life, Anna Cappelen spearheaded the interior design, collaborating with interior architect Per Öberg and designer Helena Belfrage. The team, which also included co-owner Sune M Malmström, channelled inspiration from their own European travels to lay the foundation for a hotel that feels less like a hotel and more like a private city residence. The curation is meticulous: every detail, from the fine mouldings to the contemporary art, is carefully selected to convey the warmth of a lovely home, creating a cohesive and soulful atmosphere. This they combined with inspirations from a lineage of visionary women who represented culture, intellect and modernity: Karin Larsson, Sonia Delaunay, Gertrude Stein, Hilma af Klint, Peggy Guggenheim. One can feel this specific, feminine-centric energy; it is a space that values curiosity and creativity as much as comfort.

Architecturally, the project was a complex marriage, skilfully managed by Tengbom Architects and Per Öberg Arkitekt AB. They merged the existing Art Nouveau building at Nybrogatan 25-27 with a former candy factory, creating a physical and visual flow that feels both cohesive and surprising.

The vision of a personal city villa is fully realised. As Jenny Syquia, who has been living in Stockholm for 30 years, describes, the “interiors combine Scandinavian minimalism with eclectic art and warm textures, creating spaces that are chic yet welcoming”. Every detail, from the fine mouldings to the contemporary art, feels carefully selected. Bespoke desks and beds were specially commissioned from an Italian family business; footstools and mirrors were exclusively drawn by Per Öberg for the hotel. This is not a place of transient design, but of curated inheritance.

The true heart of the villa, however, pulses under a magnificent glass roof. The Garden is the hotel’s vital centre, a lively meeting place that effortlessly transitions from a bright breakfast spot to a vibrant cocktail bar, exuding energy from early morning until late evening. It is here one finds the perfect combination for the worldly traveller: a beautiful and creative home in a chic and conscious part of Stockholm.

The culinary offerings are managed entirely in-house, with Niclas Jönsson, the gastronomic inspiration for the entire Diplomat Collection, ensuring a cohesive and ambitious standard. For those seeking a more intimate experience, Dagges, the hotel’s charismatic wine bar, is a testament to considered craftsmanship. The sommelier has curated a cellar that champions high-quality wines from lesser-known regions, encouraging discovery over pedigree, perfectly paired with aperitivos and charcuterie.

This sense of personal curation extends to every corner. Dagmar Spirit & Retreat, a collaboration with Mia Hjalmarsson, offers not just classic treatments but holistic approaches like sound healing. Even the hotel gym is elevated, offering access to some of the country’s top personal trainers from Vigour Fitness.

Among the noteworthy details reside in the Susan Szatmáry boutique. The acclaimed designer, whose handbags have been worn by the Swedish royal family, not only has an exclusive boutique on site but offers a sustainable rental concept, available only to guests.

As Syquia observes, “With just 70 individually designed rooms and suites, it feels more like a private residence than a hotel.” This aligns with Cappelen’s dream of creating a hotel with heart and soul. With the recent opening of a third property, Villa Dahlia, it is clear that the Malmström family’s story of heartfelt hospitality is only just beginning.

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