Maryhill Estate in Sweden

Lunch at Hill House

Maryhill Estate has two restaurants, but during the winter months it is Hill House that stays open for lunch. We ate here on arrival, and it made for a really good start to the stay.

We began with Kalix löjrom 30 g – a Swedish classic that tastes of the sea and of luxury – followed by wild duck, which was juicy and intense in flavour. I had a braised pork cheek with depth and sweetness, and for dessert we shared cheese from Höglundgaard and a small macaron.

The wine – a 2022 La Chablis and a 2022 Clay Creek – was served at the perfect temperature, and together with the food it struck exactly the note you hope for: relaxed luxury.

The bill came to around 2,800 Swedish kronor for two, including wine. Not cheap, but entirely reasonable for the quality and atmosphere Hill House delivers.

Suite 259 – a suite with character and calm

Stepping into suite 259 was like stepping into another world. It is one of Maryhill’s largest suites, with room for four people, and everything feels thought through down to the smallest detail.

The room is furnished in a classic style – not modern in the cool, pared-back way, but with warm colours, heavy curtains and furniture in dark wood and shades of blue. The bed is piled with large cushions in stripes and floral prints, and the lamps cast a soft glow on the walls.

A large window section looks out over the pool area, and even in grey weather the view is breathtaking. When we arrived, the rain was lightly lashing the glass, and it created a very special mood – snug, calm and a little exclusive.

We had added late check-out (around SEK 300), so we could stay until noon the next day, and it was worth every penny. There is something quite special about being able to take your time – sitting with a cup of coffee, looking out at the steaming pools as the day slowly wakes.

Spa, pools and activities

Maryhill Estate is a resort in the best sense of the word. It is not just about sleeping and eating well, but about enjoying yourself and experiencing things.

The spa and pool area are inviting, with several heated pools all year round and cosy lounge areas with open fires. You can easily spend several hours here – both outdoors and in – whatever the season.

But Maryhill also offers padel courts, frisbee golf and beautiful walking areas stretching along the coast. Even on a rainy autumn day there is something special about a walk in the wind and returning to the warmth afterwards.

The mood is relaxed and sociable. Maryhill is not a place for total silence – it is a place of life, laughter and cocktails. There are plenty of bars, both by the pool and in the main building, and you quickly notice that the place attracts guests who appreciate the good things in life.

Dinner at Hill House

In the evening we ate at Hill House again. The menu had switched to the evening offering, but stayed in the same style – classic, French-inspired and comforting.

We started with a mushroom tartlet and a tortellini, both beautifully presented. For my main I had röding (Arctic char), which I almost always choose when I am in Sweden. Jes ordered entrecôte with béarnaise and chips, and we shared a bottle of red.

It was good food – well made, tasty and honest – but, frankly, not quite on a par with the surroundings. It lacked that extra layer that makes you raise your eyebrows. That said, the atmosphere and service were so good that the overall impression was still thoroughly positive.

Service and atmosphere

One of the things Maryhill does best of all is service. There is a genuine warmth and professionalism across the whole place. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, and you feel seen and welcome.

The atmosphere is lively – there are people, laughter and music in the background, but never in a way that intrudes. It feels more like being a guest in a house where the hosts understand what hospitality means.

Overall verdict

Maryhill Estate is a place you quickly grow fond of. The location, the suite, the spa and the thoroughly considered atmosphere make it an experience that stays with you long after you have gone home.

The food is good – some dishes really good – but it does not quite reach the same level as the surroundings. That is why, for me, Maryhill lands on a solid four stars out of five.

It is a place I would warmly recommend for a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends or simply 24 hours of luxury away from everyday life. Here you get relaxation, energy and the feeling of being spoilt in exactly the right way.