Tag Archives: Helsinki

Hotel Indigo, Helsinki

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Hotel Indigo had only recently opened when we stayed. The smell of fresh paint still lingered in the air and I could feel the brand new carpet beneath my feet. The staff had a genuine enthusiasm and excitement for their new workplace, with grins permanently on their faces.

This new venue is part of a chain of boutique hotels, which has other branches across the UK and Europe. The Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard is located in a stylish and arty district in the centre of town. This design-conscious hotel fits in with the typical Scandinavian look. There are 120 guest rooms to choose from, some of which have murals by Linda Linko. Our room was small but comfortably equipped with a large double bed, ample storage space, a small desk and a smart bathroom. The décor felt masculine with shades of brown and grey dominating. The furniture was minimalist, fresh and functional… it was an ideal base for a city break.

There were touches of luxury dispersed around the room and the materials were soft and lavish; I especially liked the pillows and blankets covering the bed, ready to warm you after coming in from the frosty streets of Helsinki. I was excited to find Aveda rosemary and mint toiletries in the bathroom, a lovely invigorating collection of products that freshen and awaken your senses in the morning.

It wouldn’t be a Finnish hotel without a sauna, and this special facility can be found on the lower ground floor along with a petite gym for fitness fans, or those trying to work off jetlag. On the ground floor there are light open spaces to meet friends and relax which would also work well for casual business meetings. The modern restaurant is a pleasant dining room for the deli-style breakfast, although should you feel like going out to eat there are plenty of options on the nearby streets.

Hotel Indigo proved itself to be the perfect blogger’s base in Helsinki. Conveniently located, chic in design and efficient in service, we couldn’t fault it.

More information and book a stay at Hotel Indigo Helsinki here.

Many thanks to the Helsinki Tourist Board with their help with this trip.

Sandro, Helsinki

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Sandro is a unique food concept in Helsinki and has garnered a reputation as one of the hippest and tastiest places to eat in town. With a growing family of fans, the eatery recently opened a second branch, so you can now enjoy Sandro in the Kallio and Eira neighbourhoods.

The original Sandro eatery used to be a famous kiosk, Sandron Kulma. It has been in the same spot since 1994, run by Hicham Mountnassir, and cherished by the people in the area. It was early 2013 when Sandro was reborn, and the vibrant restaurant created. Talented chef Hicham Daoussi brought his vast knowledge of Moroccan cooking to Sandro’s menu. A few months later Richard McCormick joined forces and combined his unique style of contemporary cooking together with a Moroccan heritage.

Kallio is a happening area of town, filled with characterful restaurants and bars. When I visited, Sandro was buzzing, clearly a popular hang-out for locals and tourists. The approachable Middle Eastern cuisine on offer is full of zesty flavours and fragrant spices. After a round of sweet fruity cocktails, we were presented with the ‘Marrakech Madness’ feast. This exotic menu includes goat cheese and date pastilla, kofta salad with halloumi, lamb tajine and pistachio and rose baklava with mint tea for dessert.

The pastilla had a thin crisp edge and a sweet tangy filling, they were delicious, especially with the accompanying creamy yoghurt and cucumber raita and contrasting avocado puree. The main course arrived on a huge decorative platter, a magnificent array for all the senses. The lamb tajine was tender and beautifully seasoned, crunchy salads added freshness and texture and the lamb kofta were extremely moreish topped with tomato sauce and sesame seeds. I was delighted to receive such a varied and aromatic course of food.

The sweet course was typically Moroccan; super-sweet pastries made with honey, nuts and flaky pastry. I could only manage a couple of mouthfuls, but it was lovely to have a sugary  end to the meal. Mint tea was soothing and relaxing, and reminded me of my time in the souks of Morocco.

Finland is a chic design destination – at Sandro the colour and flavours are overwhelming, a completely different atmosphere to the chilly scene outside. With delicious food and a lively, friendly welcome, it is a lovely introduction to the Finnish foodie scene.

More information about Sandro here.

Many thanks to the Helsinki Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Helsinki Day Spa, Finland

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The sauna culture in Finland indicates that the locals enjoy, and prioritise pampering and relaxing, but there are only a few luxurious spas in Helsinki worth visiting. Helsinki Day Spa was founded in 2005 and was Finland’s first urban spa located in the centre of the city. The spa is housed in the historic Rake building and is carefully designed to calm guests as soon as they walk through the door.

The treatments are effective with a medical focus, the trained therapists will target problems ensuring guests leave feeling healthier and happier. My friend and I both experienced the Quick Fix and Go facial, which takes just 30 minutes but gives your skin a zingy boost. First we were taken up to the first floor, where we were invited to relax in the main lounge. This space is airy and fresh with tropical plants and comfortable chairs covered in blankets. Wrapped in a soft bathrobe I began to drift off before my therapist Annika came over to introduce herself and take me through for the treatment.

The aim of this speedy facial is to energise and soften tired skin and balance out uneven skin tones. The treatment includes cleansing, peel and a face pack. Annika examined my skin and spoke to me about my concerns before selecting a range of Filorga products to use on my face. This French brand is internationally renowned and is known particularly for its cutting edge anti-aging solutions. First my eyebrows were tidied with a little threading and then Annika did some extraction to deep cleanse the oilier areas of my face. The Cleansing Foam was used next, a delicate product to gently remove any dirt, and then Optim Eyes was applied around my eyes helping with puffiness and dark circles. My favourite was the Plumping Moisturising serum which seemed to revive my skin instantly and left it silky soft.

With the harsh weather conditions in Finland it doesn’t take long for skin to get weather worn and lacking in moisture. This quick revitalising facial is the perfect spa solution in the cold winter, taking just 30 minutes and suitable for all skin types it will brighten your mood and complexion.

More information and book a spa treatment here.

Thanks to Visit Helsinki for their help with this trip.