Discover The Nordics

Beyond their renowned "happiness ranking," Nordic countries take immense pride in their distinct history and culture. Their shared Viking heritage and unique societal approach make them magnetic destinations.

The Nordics offer an ideal setting for hosting professional meetings due to their exceptional infrastructure and efficient transportation networks, making accessibility a breeze for attendees.

With a strong focus on innovation and technology, the region provides state-of-the-art conference facilities and seamless virtual meeting options, ensuring a smooth and productive event.

As a native of the Netherlands, I find traveling to the Nordics both convenient and enriching, even for a brief weekend getaway. With a mere 1.5-hour flight, we can land in captivating destinations like Copenhagen's beautiful airport or Helsinki, the charming capital of Finland.

Throughout my travels in the Nordics, one thing remains constant—the warmth of the locals. Be it an impromptu chat with a friendly Dane or a heartfelt conversation with a Swedish artist, the Nordic people embrace visitors with open arms, making them feel instantly at home.

So, fellow wanderers, let the allure of the Nordics ignite your spirits and awaken your wanderlust. Embrace the enchanting beauty of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki, and you'll find yourself forever captivated by the regions' tangible and intangible treasures.

Bon voyage!

OFF TO CANCÚN AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN

The Preferred Hotels & Resorts global group sales team recently returned from our sales meeting in Cancún, and we had the opportunity to visit four exceptional resort locations perfect for meetings that will inspire attendees.

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13 PREFERRED PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT THE NORDICS

Hotel Xcaret Arte

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Key Selling Points

• Opened in 2021
  
  
• 900-guestroom all-inclusive, adults-only property separated into five different casas, each with its own rooftop pool—it feels like a jungle oasis surrounded by lagoons
  
  
• Admission to all theme parks is included as well as transportation to/from the airport
  
  
• Great for larger groups, but even small groups can take over an entire casa
  
  
• Offers tons of unique spaces and venues to host events, and the venues at their nearby parks are also an option
  
  
• Sister property, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, is AAA Five-Diamond rated; it also offers 900 guestrooms and is family-friendly
  
  
• Xcaret Arte is working on achieving its Five-Diamond status

Copenhagen, Denmark

Oslo, Norway

Stockholm, Sweden

Helsinki, Finland 

Notes From the Field

Gladys Camphuijsen
Vice President, Sales & New Business Development
Europe, South Asia, Middle East & Africa
Preferred Hotels & Resorts

This year my Nordic adventure commenced in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, a city that seamlessly blends historical heritage with modern innovation. As we strolled along the cobbled streets, the iconic Nyhavn harbor was a vibrant kaleidoscope, with its charming houses and bustling waterfront cafes. The Tivoli Gardens, right next to our L.V.X. property, Villa Copenhagen, beckoned us with whimsical rides and dazzling evening illuminations, evoking pure joy reminiscent of childhood dreams.

I asked Selma Reichstein at Villa Copenhagen to share what she loves about the hotel and her city, and what makes both perfect for unique, inspiring meetings.

Selma Reichstein
Head of Marketing & PR
Villa Copenhagen

Meeting Spaces

Villa Copenhagen brings people together as an international hub. Able to accommodate 1200 people, Square, with its great walls of old boulders and the adjoining eight studios, provides a sense of history and importance when hosting big events, conferences, or intimate meetings.

The Boardroom at Villa Copenhagen was interpreted and designed by Shamballa Jewels and their in-house designer, Olga Krukovskaya, with respect for the old expression and with emphasis on the luxurious ambiance of the room.

Away from Villa Copenhagen, try the tasting menu at Resto Bar located a seven-minute walk from the hotel. This place is small and cozy with delicious Italian dishes made in the open kitchen and served family-style. And, Kødbyens Fiskebar serves amazing fresh seafood and wine and offers a great atmosphere with a sustainable mindset.

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do in Copenhagen

• Visit Tivoli Garden, our beautiful neighbor
  
  
• Gastronomy experiences from street food at Reffen to fine dining at some of the world’s best restaurants
  
  
• Ride a bike like a true Copenhagener to discover the city and its neighborhoods with one of our complimentary bikes

Favorite Dining Experiences

• Breakfast: folded eggs, a chocolate croissant, and a creamy cappuccino at Rug Bakery
  
  
• Lunch: the healthy and delicious chicken salad in the Courtyard with a glass of cold elderflower lemonade
  
  
• Dinner: a mushroom waffle with KBH ham, pickled onions, and truffle cream followed by the schnitzel of Duroc pork, at Brasserie Kontrast

Local Holiday Traditions

Christmas is the most popular holiday in Denmark. We gather our families for a traditional Danish family meal: roast pork or duck, boiled potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy. Risalamande, a rice pudding with a hidden whole almond and topped with cherry sauce, is the big Christmas dessert. The meal is followed by songs and dancing around the Christmas tree before the Christmas gifts are opened.

At Villa Copenhagen, we welcome locals and travelers to celebrate Christmas Eve with us in two different venues at the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of groups are ideal for your hotel? Villa is a social scene and we are lucky to be able to welcome everyone at Villa. The house can accommodate very large groups as well as smaller ones.
  
  
• If a group is looking for the most favorable rates, when would be the best time of year to visit? Off-high season. Summer is the busiest time of the year.
  
  
• If Villa Copenhagen was known for only one thing, what would it be? An eco-conscious second home that brings people together.

Villa Copenhagen opens up to the capital as a locally rooted meeting point, accommodating not only visitors from outside of Copenhagen but encouraging local residents to convene for work, social activities, meetings, etc., stimulating and connecting people, building on the philosophy of establishing a community rather than simply a hotel, and contributing something to the city and neighborhood while offering guests a fluid experience of being part of the local community. Villa Copenhagen brings people together as an international hub for meetings and events in the heart of Copenhagen.

Our three values: conscious luxury, happiness, and contrast perfectly describe the uniqueness of our hotel. We offer luxurious experiences while taking care of Mother Earth. We greet guests with happiness and openness, creating a welcoming and inviting “at home” atmosphere.

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do On-Property

• Go for a swim in our unique rooftop pool overlooking the city
  
  
• Enjoy dinner at lovely Brasserie Kontrast and discover tasty dishes made of local, sustainable ingredients followed by a cocktail in our beautiful courtyard to the beats of our in-house DJs
  
  
• Start your day with breakfast at Rug Bakery, where former Noma chef Gonzalo Guada and his talented team are serving their mouthwatering pastries and breakfast dishes

Copenhagen Insider Tips

• The water in the canals and harbor of Copenhagen is very clean. Go for a morning dip or rent a kayak at Kajakbaren (Kayak Bar) and discover the city from the sea.
  
  
• Every Saturday night from June to September, Tivoli Gardens has fireworks at 11:30, and Villa Copenhagen offers the “Fireworks by the Pool” add-on, an exceptional experience to watch the thrilling display from our rooftop pool.

Next, my colleagues and I journeyed to Oslo, Norway's heart and soul. Arriving at night at the recently opened Sommerro, a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, we were welcomed with live music in the vibrant restaurant, just adjacent to the reception area. During our stay in Oslo, the grandeur of Vigeland Park left us in awe as we marveled at Gustav Vigeland's breathtaking sculptures, capturing the human spirit in its raw essence, and witnessing the sunset over the Oslofjord, which casts an ethereal glow over the city, was a moment of profound serenity.

Elise Merckoll Middelthon
PR & Content Manager
Sommerro

Meeting Spaces

Sommerro should be considered for group travel because of our unparalleled offering of meeting and event spaces, restaurants, wellness and hotel rooms - all within the wrapping of gorgeous award-winning Art Deco design.

Whatever you need—big or small, private or buzzing—Sommerro has the right location, room and set-up for you.

In addition to our many meeting and event spaces, from classic board rooms, to areas more suitable for workshops and moving around, we also have seven restaurants, big and small, perfect for receptions and mingling. One of our restaurants, To Søstre, is dedicated to afternoon tea, with a Grand Steinway piano playing live every week. This is a wonderful place to rent for any mid-size event.

Our intimate screening room with comfortable armchairs can also be rented for a company screening or presentation, as well as our rooftop terrace bar, or rooftop pool area.

3 Favorite Things about Oslo

• The walkability of the city; you can get almost anywhere just walking, whilst also finding hidden gems on your way. And if the distance is too long to walk, the public transport system is easily accessible and easy to use!
  
  
• The proximity to the ocean; the Oslo Fjord is a brief ten minute stroll from the hotel, where you can dine and drink at one of the many seaside restaurants, or take a ferry out to Bygdøy or other islands.
  
  
• The proximity to the forest and hiking trails: 30 minutes on the metro to Frognerseteren will transport you to the thick of the forest, where miles and miles of beautiful nature and hiking trails await you. Perhaps you want to walk to a serviced cabin to try some freshy made cinnamon rolls?

Favorite Dining Experiences

• Ekspedisjonshallen (Expedition Hall) at Sommerro features a special pasta and cheesecake every month. Try it, and you’ll understand.
  
  
• Chez Colin, a local French brasserie in Fredensborg, with lots of charm and originality in a picturesque neighborhood. Their turbot is one of the best I have tasted, as well as their hot chocolate fondant with Amarena cherries and homemade ice cream. You will enjoy a taste of France in one of Oslo’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.

Local Holiday Traditions

The 17th of May is Norway’s national holiday. Hotel employees wear their national costume, whether they are Norwegian or not, to celebrate their heritage, and we create special menus in our restaurants and offer additional musical performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of groups are ideal for your hotel? Groups interested in art, culture, and a metropolitan vibe.
  
  
• When would be the best time of year to visit and why? May-August, when the neighborhood is blooming, and when the guest would be able to enjoy all that Sommerro has to offer, including rooftop dining and lounging by our rooftop pool.
  
  
• If a group is looking for the most favorable rates, when would be the best time of year to visit? November-April
  
  
• If Sommerro were to be known for only one thing, what would it be and why? That we’re a neighborhood hotel, where everyone feels welcome, seen, and included.

Sommerro occupies the former headquarters for Oslo Lysverker, the city's first electrical company, and marks the rebirth of a 1930s landmark in one of Oslo's loveliest neighborhoods. Redefining the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on culture-hungry locals, Sommerro expects to stand as a community in its own right, an open house with a hub of restaurants and bars, a library, various meeting and event spaces, a small private cinema, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool and sauna—with sweeping views over Frogner and the Norwegian capital.

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do On-Property

• Experience Vestkantbadet with the main pool originating from 1932, the Finnish sauna, cold plunge pool and infrared sauna
  
  
• Book a private yoga session with one of our own yoga instructors
  
  
• Travel back in time by renting our intimate cinema with a curved ceiling art deco lounge chairs and enjoy an old classic on the screen

Oslo Insider Tips

• In late May, when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, start your day beneath the fragrant spring flowers with coffee at the local coffee shop Åpent Bakeri in Colbjørnsens Gate, a four-minute walk from Sommerro. Continue down to Aker Brygge for island hopping in the Oslo Fjord, using the local ferries. I recommend having lunch or dinner at Signalen, a seaside restaurant within a 20-minute ferry ride to Nesodden.
  
  
• In the wintertime, try renting a sledge, a traditional Norwegian sleigh that glides across ice and snow, at Frognerseteren, and enjoy the fun ride down Korketrekkeren before taking the tram back up again.
  
  
• During any season, on the hidden winter garden terrace just outside of our main restaurant, Ekspedisjonshallen, guests can enjoy an aperitif before dinner under fairy lights and lush greenery.

Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, is a captivating blend of modernity and nature's splendor. Nestled between the fjord and lush hills, it offers a unique mix of cultural treasures and scenic beauty. From the stunning Opera House to the historic Akershus Fortress, and the world-renowned Munch Museum, Oslo is a haven for art and history enthusiasts.

Wander through the charming streets of Grünerløkka, taste delicious Nordic cuisine at local eateries, and embrace the Nordic way of life. With its efficient public transport, outdoor recreation options, and friendly locals, Oslo is a delightful destination that seamlessly weaves contemporary urban living with the enchanting allure of the Norwegian landscape

About Oslo

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do in Oslo

• Visit Kistefos Museu, located in the serene countryside, and marvel at captivating contemporary sculptures, installations, and art exhibitions amidst stunning natural surroundings
  
  
• Explore Nasjonalmuseet (The National Museum) and Munch Museum to immerse yourself in Norwegian art and culture through an extensive collection of art spanning centuries. The National Museum offers a comprehensive cultural journey, showcasing the nation's artistic heritage, and Munch Museum houses the largest collection of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch’s works, including the famous painting "The Scream."
  
  
• Explore centuries of Norwegian history at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that offers stunning views of Oslo's harbor, along with guided tours, exhibitions, and a sense of the city's past as a military stronghold.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, welcomed us with a vibrant and cosmopolitan spirit. Arriving at At Six, while the square right in front was covered with snow, was nothing short of magical. The Gamla Stan's medieval alleys felt like stepping back in time, while Djurgården Island presented an oasis of natural beauty, offering solace amid urban splendor.

I asked Veronica Alevad at At Six to share what she loves about the hotel and her city, and what makes both perfect for unique, inspiring meetings.

Veronica Alevad
MICE Sales Manager
At Six

Meeting Spaces

For private events, you can hire our event area exclusively. Whether it is an intimate board meeting, a conference, or a big festive gathering you can be sure that our unique spaces, attentive staff, and excellent cuisine will exceed your expectations.

At Six offers inventive state-of-the-art technology for meetings, including our StreamHub video conferencing and podcast studios for digital recording and broadcasting.

Our vibrant and spacious rooftop terrace, SUS – Stockholm Under the Stars, 50 meters above the Brunkebergs Torg, offers unparalleled  360° views over Stockholm and can be privatized for up to 1,000 guests.

At TAK, chefs construct modern Scandinavian dishes influenced by Japanese cooking methods and flavors—complex creations that are easy for any group to enjoy.

Ascaro Padel offers a unique opportunity for groups to bond over athletic endeavors on four unique rooftop padel courts and enjoy a meal and a drink after the game. At Six has a partnership with NK Padel & Social by Ascaro so we can offer our guests a great experience.

Other creative spaces ideal for informal gatherings include the music lounge and the rooftop boxes Molnet and the Garden.

3 Favorite Things about Stockholm

• The waters: you can go for a swim or take a boat or kayak tour right in the heart of Stockholm. And the water isn’t just great for playing, we have very clean water you can drink from the tap.
  
  
• Exploring the archipelago: easy to do on a day trip, Fjäderholmarna is our closest island and only 30 minutes from Stockholm. Enjoy seafood in the marina and have a nice walk and swim after visiting some of the smaller shops with Swedish craftsmanship.
  
  
• Green parks and culture: walk in one of the green parks and visit Djurgården for the Nordiska Museet, Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history as they celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.

Favorite Dining Experiences

• At Blanche & Hierta, our intimate lounge, we do have one of Stockholm's most extensive wine lists, more than 400 labels, so I would say order a glass of Champagne.
  
  
• Our Dining Room restaurant, one of Stockholm's most praised restaurants, offers delicious Swedish specialties. I suggest salmon tartare, trout, and then rhubarb pie as dessert. We recently hired a new executive chef and we are all looking forward to all the new ideas he will bring to At Six.
  
  
• Frantzén, a 23-seat Michelin three-star restaurant—Sweden’s only, and a 10-minute walk from the hotel – is so memorable because of the remarkable food and outstanding service but also for the truly immersive dining experience, which involves all three floors of a Stockholm townhouse. Chef Björn Frantzén’s food is a unique hybrid of Nordic cuisine with Asian notes that will blow your mind. Remember to book your table early.
  

Local Holiday Traditions

Midsummer always falls on a Friday in June. To enjoy a genuine Midsummer celebration you could visit Skansen about 20 minutes away from our hotel, at Royal Djurgården, and experience our culture and nature at the world’s oldest open-air museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of groups are ideal for your hotel? All types of groups will find we have event spaces and services to suit their needs. We are happy to privatize the full event venue or parts of it, which is a real good unique selling point.
  
  
• When would be the best time of year to visit? In the springtime, because the blooming nature is at its best; April and May boast very late sunsets which means you can enjoy longer days. In the summertime, during July and August, the average temp is 22°C which can make it easy to explore the city or enjoy a sunny day in the archipelago or on the beach.
  
  
• If a group is looking for the most favorable rates, when would be the best time of year to visit? In the past January has been a good month, but for 2024 it's changing, as we do have lots of demands and already confirmed groups. I would suggest February and the start of March as well as July and November.
  
  
• If At Six were to be known for only one thing, what would it be? Our fantastic ambassadors go above and beyond to make every guest’s stay memorable, so they always want to come back again and again. I am very proud of what we all accomplish here—the staff is everything; the soul of the hotel and the key to our success.
  

At Six has an ideal location right in the heart of Stockholm, just moments away from the business district and the central station, Old Town, Royal Castle, shopping, and restaurants. At Six is a modern, luxury hotel with a vast variety of meeting and event spaces to suit all your needs while we can help  you create and tailor your event.

At Six was formerly the headquarters of Swedbank, one of the largest banks in Sweden. Also, another exciting detail is that when we were about to install the beautiful art piece “Mar Whispering by Jaume Plensa” in the hotel lobby, weighing two tons, we had to remove the marble staircase first.

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do On-Property

• Host a private event at the rooftop terrace SUS (Stockholm Under Stjärnorna) with a stunning view of Stockholm and dancing under the stars.
  
  
• Enjoy a glass of Champagne or a gin tasting with our head sommelier
  
  
• Take a cooking class with our executive chef

Stockholm Insider Tips

• A must- visit is the Rosendals Garden based on Djurgården, an oasis of sustainability, nature, and enjoyment
  
  
• Visitors should seek out different activities like music festivals, barbeque, and visiting smaller shops
  
  
• Artipelag, is an international meeting spot in the beautiful archipelago of Stockholm where art, delicious food, events, and activities are taking place, only 30 minutes from Stockholm City.

The capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm is called “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cluster of fourteen islands of the Baltic Sea, opposite the Gulf of Finland. Travel just 20 minutes from the city, and a world of 30,000 islands opens up. Stockholm's archipelago is Sweden's largest. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, a variety of fantastic food produced locally and exciting adventures are available here.

Stockholm is a city open to different perspectives and new ideas, and a vibrant destination where innovations in music, design, fashion, and technology are born.

About Stockholm

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do in Stockholm

• Gamla Stan/Old Town: Stockholm is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.
  
  
• Fotografiska is one of the world's largest meeting places for contemporary photography. Four unique large exhibitions and about 20 smaller exhibitions are presented annually.
  
  
• Stockholm archipelago: Want to explore the unique archipelago, but don't have much time? In less than an hour, you can get to the closest spots and still experience that true archipelago feeling.

Our final destination, Helsinki, held an allure all its own. The market square bustled with life and flavors, enticing our senses with mouthwatering Nordic delicacies. We reveled in the harmony of modern architecture and Finnish design at the Temppeliaukio Church, hewn into solid rock with awe-inspiring acoustics that mesmerized all who entered. Visiting The Hotel Maria, which is set to open later this year, during a hard hat tour even spiked more excitement to return to this wonderful property as soon as the doors open.

I asked Heli Mende at The Hotel Maria to share what she loves about the hotel and her city, and what makes both perfect for unique, inspiring meetings.

Heli Mende
Commercial Director
The Hotel Maria

Meeting Spaces

Our meticulously designed ballroom boasts a sprung parquet floor, elegant full-length antique mirrors as well as surfaces that illuminate the room with a soft and inviting glow. Accompanied by a cutting-edge sound system and a large cinema screen, it ensures an unforgettable experience for meetings, dining, cocktail events, and weddings or other celebrations.

The Hotel Maria also has its own beautiful chapel for small weddings or other spiritual ceremonies. Next to the chapel, the Maria Living Room exudes an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, making it the perfect choice for intimate and informal meetings or events.

The magnificent Boardroom inside the 160 square meter Imperial Suite serves as a blank canvas for creating tailored private functions.

The inner courtyard is perfect for intimate gatherings, small cocktail events, or moments of quiet reflection.

3 Favorite Things about Helsinki

• Maritime attractions such as Suomenlinna Island (a UNESCO Heritage Site), summer restaurants on the islands, and public design saunas by the sea—a dip into the sea from the hot sauna is a must!
  
  
• Gastronomy: Helsinki has five Michelin-starred restaurants and many other fine dining and more laid-back dining options from Finnish cuisine to international options.
  
  
• Design and architecture: Helsinki is a world-renowned destination for design aficionados looking for functional and minimalistic Nordic architecture—both old and new. The city has plenty of architecture sights, and many of the most iconic buildings are located next to each other, making it easy to explore them by foot. Besides modern architecture, Helsinki also has 600 Art Nouveau buildings.

Favorite Dining Experiences

• Restaurant Savotta, a 10-minute walk from The Hotel Maria, by the Senate Square offers a beautiful view of the Helsinki Cathedral. The name “savotta” comes from the long history of Finlands forest industry. Here, you can taste a variety of Finnish delicacies, some of them a bit more exotic (like reindeer or bear meat). 
  
  
• My favorites in our Lija restaurant will be seafood and all delicacies made of local ingredients.
  
  
• In the Bar Maria, a Finnish company is producing excellent rye gin and all cocktails made of Finnish gin will be my favorites.

Local Holiday Traditions

The 1st of May, or Vappu as it is called in Finnish, is celebrated by gathering with friends and family for a long brunch, known as Vappu Brunch. The Hotel Maria offers its special Vappu Brunch as well with appropriate themed decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of groups are ideal for your hotel? Small, escorted luxury travel groups, destination weddings, and other celebrations groups, extended families, small meetings and incentive groups, or any group that seeks the best of the best in Helsinki.
  
  
• When would be the best time of year to visit? December is magical with the Christmas market in the city center, a short walking distance from the hotel. We also have partners in Lapland and can help to curate a memorable itinerary combining Helsinki with a visit to Lapland. Summer in Helsinki is full of light with “nightless nights” when the sun goes down only for a few hours. Locals spend time in the green parks, outdoor cafes, terraces, by the sea, and on the many islands of Helsinki. The Hotel Maria is located a very short walk from the seafront.
  
  
• If a group is looking for the most favorable rates, when would be the best time of year to visit? Unless there are big events or conferences in Helsinki, typically February through April tends to be quieter in the city.
  
  
• If The Hotel Maria were to be known for only one thing, what would it be? Our slogan is “Oasis of Delight,” and we aim to deliver relaxation and delight for every one of our guests with a wide array of experiences, no matter the occasion, in our peaceful and harmonious settings.

The Hotel Maria will open in Helsinki in December 2023 as part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, heralding a new era in luxury Nordic hospitality, with a level of refinement and excellence that is a first for the region. Exquisite, luxurious, and always welcoming, The Hotel Maria is located in one of the city’s most prestigious addresses, in close proximity to the Presidential Palace and Senate Square.

The Hotel Maria features 117 unique guest rooms including 38 majestic suites, two restaurants, a ballroom (opening summer 2024), a chapel, gym (opening summer 2024), and a beautiful spa. Most of the rooms have a bathtub, and the suites have either a Finnish Sauna or a steam room.

The Hotel Maria's architecture has been reimagined for luxury travelers who desire the grace of modern design but also delight in unique features from the building's historic past. The Hotel Maria is a destination within a destination, an “urban resort.”

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do On-Property

• Enjoy exquisite cuisine in our two restaurants: Restaurant Lilja (Lilja means Lily) or Garden Terrace and cocktails in Bar Maria
  
  
• Get pampered at Spa Maria with state-of-the-art wellness and beauty treatments. Our Wellness Concierge can design a personalized wellness program with wellness treatments specifically designed to help with jet lag in the Maria Spa or in-room, a personal trainer at the gym, a guide for jogging or power walking, or guidance on how to experience a Finnish Sauna.
  • Note: Our suites have either a Finnish sauna or a steam room and many of the suites are designed so that the guest, besides visiting our spa, can also enjoy a private spa moment in full privacy in the room in its spacious bathroom with bathtub, steam room, or sauna.
• Relax in our beautiful inner courtyard, an outdoor oasis for our hotel guests situated between the buildings of The Hotel Maria with an outdoor open fire and a fountain

Helsinki Insider Tips

• We have many sandy beaches in Helsinki, some of them quite big. Besides the bigger beaches of Hietaniemi and Aurinkolahti, my favorite beaches are Pihlajasaari Island beach, which can be reached by a local ferry, and in my own neighborhood, the smaller Mustikkamaa Beach, which is about 3km or 2 miles from the city center close to Korkeasaari Zoo on Mustikkamaa Island, in English Blueberry Island. There actually are blueberries growing on the island and you can freely pick the berries wherever you see them!
  
  
• We have the cleanest water in the world and Helsinki tap water, besides being very clean, actually tastes better than any bottled water.

Awarded with ‘City of Design’ status by UNESCO, Helsinki is a modern city that offers functional design, unique gastronomy, and maritime appeal. The capital of Finland is a charming seaside city with a unique twist: it is filled with lively events all year round, but the peaceful archipelago and green forests are only a stone’s throw away. There are direct flights from over 135 cities globally and 60 airlines operate to Helsinki.

Helsinki is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, with 300 islands in its own archipelago and 130 kilometers of shoreline. Helsinki is a place where urban culture meets coastal nature. The easy-going Nordic lifestyle and friendly locals make it easy to fall in love with this northern city – the capital of the happiest country in the world!

About Helsinki

Top 3 Things for Groups to Do in Helsinki

• Visit the city’s main sights: Senate Square area and Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanades, Kaivopuisto Park and the shoreline, Market Square and the Old Market Hall, Temppeliaukio Rock Church, Suomenlinna Island and other islands in Helsinki archipelago
  
  
• Explore Old Town Porvoo, a picturesque medieval wooden town 45 mins from Helsinki with small artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants
  
  
• Explore Nuuksio National Park, only a 45-minute drive from the Helsinki city center, it offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, and even forest yoga

La Casa de la Playa

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Key Selling Points

• Elevated high-touch experience; sister property adjacent to Hotel Xcaret Arte
  
  
• Over-the-top luxury boutique resort. Guest rooms have incredible detail, art and ocean views
  
  
• Adults-only, all-inclusive and provides access to both Xcaret Arte and Xcaret Mexico
  
  
• Unique experiences such as a tequila bar, dinner in a wine cellar where you can pick out your own bottle of wine, and a chocolatier that offers everything from handmade chocolates or make-your-own-sundae bar
  
  
• Groups can do a complete takeover of the property
  
  
• Airport and property transfers via Tesla and private driver are included in the guest rate

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun a Tafer Resort

Cancún, Mexico

Key Selling Points

• Located in an exclusive area about 30 miles north of the Cancún airport
  
  
• New-build, opened in 2022
  
  
• Groups have the option of booking room-only or all-inclusive plans
  
  
• Amazing service at four gourmet restaurants
  
  
• Sushi restaurant is run by a Japanese chef
  
  
• All 452 guestrooms have a private balcony and hammock
  
  
• Ideal group booking is up to 250 rooms on peak night
  
  
• Good-sized beach, perfect for private events
  
  
• Entry-level guestrooms are at almost 600 sq ft
  
  
• Family friendly property with an adult-only rooftop pool

   Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun a Tafer Resort   

The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Key Selling Points

• Boutique resort in Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village located between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, with residential-style suites all with small kitchenettes
  
  
• Along a beach and access to the second-largest coral reef in the world
  
  
• Puerto Morelos Reef National Park has many offshore dive sites; turtles breed on coastal beaches
  
  
• Swimming and snorkeling are the village’s main attractions
  
  
• Access local restaurants and shops right outside the door of the hotel
  
  
• Don’t miss lunch at Al Mare, which features all locally sourced ingredients, it was the best meal I had all week