Hotel St. George, Helsinki, Finland

The Background: This 148-room boutique hotel opened in May in a grand 19th century building designed by the same architect as the Finnish National Theatre

The Location: Opposite Old Church Park, just off the city’s main shopping drag.

The Room: Lights, temperature and ambiance are controlled digitally in the Serenity Studio. The décor is simple but stylish, with parquet floors and warm tones of beige, pale pink and grey. The TV and mini bar are hidden in a rattan panelled cupboard and there’s a desk, king-size bed, Nordic designer chairs and soft lighting from angle poise lamps. The marble bathroom with rain shower has amenities from organic Swedish skincare brand L:a Bruket.

Key Facilities: St. George Care has a fitness room and a beautiful spa, a light but calm space with natural wood accents and a serene pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool and relaxation area with cane loungers. Massages and treatments use nature-focused beauty brands.

Restaurants & Bars: The Wintergarden lounge sits under a vaulted glass ceiling with a huge brass bird sculpture suspended beneath it. Blue and orange velvet and leather sofas, brightlypainted murals on the walls and atmospheric lighting complete the scene. Restaurant Andrea offers Anatolian and Nordic flavours and there’s also a bakery/Café wafting out coffee and pastry aromas. The breakfast included omelettes cooked to order and a health-focused continental buffet.