The staycation destinations that have it all. These Stockholm hubs have created a culture within themselves, where you can achieve that elusive sense of ‘everything in (somewhat) moderation.’
A well-rounded life is a good life. I measure my sense of balance by looking at how I split my time. Time outdoors for the body. Culture and all the ‘extrovert’ things for the mind and soul. And it's great when you find somewhere that encourages that balance.
These inner-city musts (whilst varying in brand and offerings) were founded with one vision in mind: to offer wholeness. Like-mindedness, wellness, culture, indulgence. Places where you don’t have to choose between your health and party life, and can sample a bit of each at once. The bonus? Because they have it all, you'll never want to leave.
Eden
Eden had the whole of Stockholm queuing for seats last summer. And as of this week, their season has begun. Created by Jakob Grandin of Trädgården and Viktor Nyman of Häktet, it's the perfect spot for dragging out long summer days into longer nights. Warm energy, superb dj mixes and great, great food. And this summer, they’re upping the ante, with a rich line-up of mini-festivals, wellness, and days of equal parts cultural and culinary treats.
Photos by Siva Koreniviski.
First, the music. “I’m really excited about our live performances,” says Miranda Lundberg, head of creative for Eden. MOR, Stella Explorer, Esther and Jelly Crystal are just the first out of seven big live shows. They’re introducing ‘Zenit’, a day-party which Lundberg describes as “more rhythmic and eclectic than the existing day-parties around.” There’s more. Wednesdays will mean jazz sessions; the house band lighting up the backyard, ‘Dungen.’ And every other Thursday is reserved for Lustigagården, a stand-up night led by “hilariously dry Christoffer Nyqvist” (in Lundberg’s words).
Next, Eden’s pride and joy: the food. Eden’s eponymous restaurant premiered this week and it has a new head chef, Pär Stenberg. Together with Sally Voltaire, head of food and beverage, they’ve constructed a gorgeous menu (tried and tested). “And we’ve got a bunch of exciting new food concepts” teases Voltaire. “We’ll be travelling close to San Sebastian, and visiting some Middle Eastern countries.” Two new pop-ups (ideal for mid-party snacks): Mercado and Glöd.
Photos courtesy of Eden.
As if that wasn't enough, your outdoor needs are also taken care of. Kayak rentals, training sessions, a running club. And the cherry on top: a new sauna, complete with wine bar. “The combination of culture and health makes perfect sense,” reflects Lundberg. “We want to be an oasis for everything that makes you feel good; run, sauna, swim, yoga, eat, drink, listen, dance – all the things we love under one (imaginary) roof. We also want to bring something more age inclusive to the community, which is why we’ll have a walking club and mobility yoga for seniors.” So whether you’re 18 or 81, your senses will be thanking you for the supreme sampling that a single day here will provide.
The Eden sauna is taking bookings and is set to open 17/5. Zenith day-festival will take place on 1/6, 3/7, and 1/8. Live performance MOR is on 8/6, Esther 6/7, and Jelly Crystal on 20/7.
Moumo
The pursuits at Moumo, an inner city space for climbing and yoga, are more than just exercise. “They’re integrated parts of life,” explains co-founder Mats Olofsson. “Before Moumo, I had been missing somewhere that felt (almost) as good as climbing outdoors. So we dreamt up a place, somewhere we could pass on the culture that influenced me, and all of us at Moumo, so much.”
Yoga was a natural choice. “The connection feels very clear. Two completely different forms of exercise, but they share a lot of basic values. And physically complement each other very well,” Olofsson goes on. “Climbers feel great after yoga, and ‘yogis’ feel great after climbing.”
Photos courtesy of Moumo.
The role of food and drink felt obvious too. “Staying for coffee or a glass of wine, sharing in the fun you just had on the wall – it's integral to the culture. To feel welcoming and safe for big climbers, newbies, and everyone in between. Moumo’s easy, but not flat. Rich and filling, but digestable,” Olofsson muses.
And they host parties; Stockholm Fashion Week even had a stop there last year. Their most regular is ‘reset Fridays’ – an evening of climbing, djs, drinks and conversation. “Even if not in the mood to exercise, people still think ‘I want to go to Moumo and just hang out for a bit’.”
Ascaro
Ascaro coined the concept “padel and social” and is a fitness space like no other. “It actually started as a [padel] clothing project," says founder Oscar Arrsjö, Ascaro. “But then looking at the facilities there was a big discrepancy between the practitioners and experience. It was great to play, but as soon as the bell rang I wanted to leave.”
“So I created a brand home for the clothes, as well as an integral experience.” The experience part can be found atop NK’s roof terrace.
Photos courtesy of Ascaro.
With four courts, a running track and outdoor gym, yoga classes and a pool, not to mention the 16 personal trainers, they cater to high intensity training with striking city views. And you’re invited, no, encouraged to hang out before or after your session – to eat and drink, work and relax.
Fittingly, Ascaro is an acronym for ‘and so came a revolution.’ “In part because of the way the sport is revolutionising the world” Arrsjö explains. “Padel is so easily accessible that we’ve seen it activate people from across generational boundaries… People are healthier now, and more aware, and I absolutely believe that because of this, people will strive to find ways to socialise whilst finding an element of health.”