With LGBT honeymoons becoming big business, destinations are upping their game to attract same-sex newlyweds. Whilst some may be content with getting away from it all at a resort, savvy OutThere travellers are looking for more upbeat places that combine relaxation, culture and entertainment, and ones that truly understand the meaning of luxury travel. Plus, couples will want to make sure they feel welcome and can celebrate their fresh nuptials openly without fear.
That’s why Stockholm, Scandinavia’s LGBT+ capital is a luxury city break that should be on your radar. Celebrating ten years of same-sex marriage in 2019, this Open City has plenty to offer you and your partner for a memorable city-based vacation or as part of a longer trip discovering the country.
Hotel Diplomat
For couples looking to celebrate their newlywed status in opulent style, where better than this stunning former palace. It’s a stylish mix of modern Scandinavian interior sensibilities and original art nouveau design features, so comes highly recommended on the bragging rights stakes. It’s also an exceedingly comfortable home-from-home, plus its stunning waterfront location is a short stroll from the city’s best museums if you’re feeling culturally minded.
At Six
Scandi art and design enthusiasts will fall in love (all over again) with this hip, multi-award-winning art hotel positioned a short walk from the old town – not that you’ll feel the need to leave! Not only do the contemporary works peppered throughout the property make it feel like you’re staying in an (albeit unpretentious) gallery, the rich decor will make you want to rethink your entire home on your return (design notes: deep green marble, bronze metalwork, industrial luxe). To make your trip extra memorable, opt for a top-floor terrace suite which affords gorgeous vistas over the city.
Fotografiska
Come for the photography, stay for the food! With galleries playing host to international names such as Ellen von Unwerth as well as homegrown talent, it’s not hard to spend a day exploring the exhibitions. And luckily, the top-floor bar and restaurant experiences means you could easily make a day (or night) of it. The organic, plant-based kitchen offers up seasonal, inventive takes on classic Swedish fare, and is a firm favourite for brunch with the locals. For a truly unique celebration, you can even hire a private dining room overlooking the city.
Riche
With over a hundred years of history and originally styled on the eponymous Parisian eatery, Riche is something of a Stockholm institution. Today, the 1930s-refitted functional, sleek and monochrome dining room offers diners a nostalgic taste of Swedish haute cuisine with French influences, adapted to the tastes of a modern-day gourmet. Try the catch of the day.
Bibliotekstan
Über department store NK may be world-famous as a retail hub, but those in the know will head to the less touristy shopping neighbourhood of Bibliotekstan. It’s a great place to pick yourself some post-wedding gifts (the kind you actually want) at local cult brands like HOPE, Acne Studios, Our Legacy and Byredo. Plus, if shopping gets too much for you, its cafés are the place to see and be seen by Stockholm’s fashionista crowd.
*This article is in partnership with www.StockholmLGBT.com.
