Review: Naantali Spa Hotel, Finland - Make like a Moomin in this laid-back resort - Scotland on Sunday Travel

Make like a Moomin in this waterside resort in the south-west of Finland – Scotland on Sunday Travel
A waterside view of Naantali Spa Hotel, Naantali, Finland. Pic: Jarno TerhoA waterside view of Naantali Spa Hotel, Naantali, Finland. Pic: Jarno Terho
A waterside view of Naantali Spa Hotel, Naantali, Finland. Pic: Jarno Terho

Naantali bursts into life with the summer sun. Pastel coloured wooden houses line the main street down to the harbour. Look closely and there are art galleries, a museum,

souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants among the private homes.

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Summer visitors are drawn to the resort in the south-west of Finland for its vacation vibe. The combination of old world appearance, the Moomins and the “best waffles in

Naantali's location near to Moominworld makes it popular with fans of the books and films by local author and artist Tove Jansson. Pic: ContributedNaantali's location near to Moominworld makes it popular with fans of the books and films by local author and artist Tove Jansson. Pic: Contributed
Naantali's location near to Moominworld makes it popular with fans of the books and films by local author and artist Tove Jansson. Pic: Contributed

the world” might have something to do with it.

Its original fame was among pilgrims in the Middle Ages, but all that remains of the Bridgittine convent today is the pretty stone church which dominates the harbour

skyline. It wasn’t until the 19-th century that Naantali’s tourist industry recovered when the healing properties of its spring waters led to the first spa opening in 1863.

The area soon became a popular destination, endorsed in 1922 when the Kultaranta villa across the bay became the summer residence of the Finnish president. The

Naantali Spa Hotel deluxe twin room. Pic: PeterSebastianNaantali Spa Hotel deluxe twin room. Pic: PeterSebastian
Naantali Spa Hotel deluxe twin room. Pic: PeterSebastian

gardens are a “must do”, but renovations mean they will not be open again until 2025. Today, for families with children of a certain age, Moominworld is the draw. The island

theme park is based around the characters of the charming stories and comic strip by local author and artist Tove Jansson. Accessed by a causeway, Moominworld is on Kailo one of the 40,000 islands that make up the Finnish Archipelago.

Naantali is one of the gateways to this island playground. Two hours from Helsinki by train to Turku plus a 20-minute drive, Naantali is an ideal add-on to a visit to the

Finnish capital. Many of its visitors actually arrive by boat and the guest harbour fills up with cabin cruisers and yachts as their passengers stop to enjoy the town. Some come from their

Naantali's location by the water has attracted holiday makers since the start of the 20th century. Pic: Fiona LaingNaantali's location by the water has attracted holiday makers since the start of the 20th century. Pic: Fiona Laing
Naantali's location by the water has attracted holiday makers since the start of the 20th century. Pic: Fiona Laing
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summer houses on the archipelago, while others are cruising more widely on the Baltic.

Naantali’s harbour front has a wide array of restaurants and cafes with perfect people-watching perches. It’s here that Cafe Amandis lays claim to the international waffle title. My lavish plate

of berries and waffle is clearly a work of art. The owner took on her mother’s cafe 20 years ago and turned to creating waffle masterpieces and international fame.

Budget or boutique

The waffles are a draw at Cafe Amandis on Naantali's waterfront. Pic: Fiona LaingThe waffles are a draw at Cafe Amandis on Naantali's waterfront. Pic: Fiona Laing
The waffles are a draw at Cafe Amandis on Naantali's waterfront. Pic: Fiona Laing

Naantali Spa Hotel is the whole vacation experience. The waterfront hotel’s extensive spa facilities make this the perfect place to pamper yourself while doing a bit of

sightseeing.

Room service

My large Deluxe room has a sofa and balcony, but even the smallest rooms are spacious. The Moomin-themed rooms are a hit with families and adult fans of anime who travel from all over the world to see where the Moomins were born.

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Wining and dining

Summer visitors are drawn to the resort of Naantali in the south-west of Finland for its old world charm, the Moomins and waffles.Summer visitors are drawn to the resort of Naantali in the south-west of Finland for its old world charm, the Moomins and waffles.
Summer visitors are drawn to the resort of Naantali in the south-west of Finland for its old world charm, the Moomins and waffles.

There are three restaurants arranged with views over the water to choose from. So pick from Thai, Italian bistro or Le Soleil which hosts a very popular buffet each evening. The trick in La Soleil is to create a simple three course meal … it’s all too easy to be greedy, but the starters are a chance to try local flavours. My main was flounder in a delicate saffron sauce, followed by some of the colourful sweet treats.

The breakfast buffet is a crowd-pleasing and expansive spread of morning fare with plenty of well marked options for the diet-conscious guest. Just don’t miss the Karelian pie (to replace your tattie scone in a cooked breakfast) and the Archipelago bread.

Worth getting out of bed for?

A 1.8km walk along the shoreline to explore the historic centre of Naantali earns the right to luxuriate in the spa. Saunas, Turkish baths, Jacuzzis and swimming pools are a way of life for the Finns and I can see why as I float in the deliciously warm outdoor pool as the spring chill nips my ears. For the more energetic there are videos of in-pool exercises to follow and a well-equipped gym. And there’s a comprehensive menu of massages and treatments.

Little extras

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Not really so little, but the Naantali Spa Hotel is proud of its eco-credentials. It is a member of Green key, the international sustainable tourism scheme which shows it has really thought about its impact on the environment. The pandemic was a chance for Sunborn, the hotel’s owner, to renovate and incorporate green improvements.

Guest book comments

Follow the Finnish example and look after your wellbeing with a sauna.

Fact Box

Naantali Spa Hotel, Matkailijantie 2, Naantali, +358 44 55 66 208,

www.naantalispa.fi/en

Café Amandis, Nunnakatu 6, Naantali, www.amandis.fi

Visit Naantali visitnaantali.com/en

Travel arranged by Regent Holidays. For more information and to book see

www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 020 7666 1290

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