Strandnära Hostel Bed and Breakfast

The very first impression when arriving: Overwhelming. The peacefulness of this place, the wind in the leaves, the bird songs, the scent of pines... Then hidden under the trees a typical--Swedish, tastefully renovated house in grey and white, with a row of cute tiny villas around. And in the middle, like an atrium-like oasis: The little garden and on a wooden deck, the terrace of the restaurant – a magical spot especially for breakfast and sundowner. My plan initially was to stay two nights at Naya. But on the 2nd morning, I just felt I cannot leave… And although the hotel was almost fully booked, they could manage to find me room for three more nights: It gave me thus the chance to try three different in the "Garden category" (so not the ones in the main building): Eagle Nest, Bird Nest and the Cabin (or "Stugan") with shared bathroom. The rooms are in the same esthetic vein as the hotel - and very Swedish: Tasteful, not luxurious or ostentatious, spacious and bright with decent colours. With, in plus, a thoughtful attention to details and comfort: Very good bedding, well-thought bathrooms, impeccable cleanliness. Each room has a private loggia at the back side – either onto the quiet rewilded garden or onto the green hedge hiding the parking. The Cabin is smaller and simpler, therefore cheaper, but still cozy - not “basic” as I expected - and set aside, so with a bit of green privacy around (especially no 201). The breakfast is absolutely amazing – the choice, the presentation, the quality – with some highlights like the Öland cookies, the home-baked bread or the “Björnbär rårörda”!! (raw-stirred blackberries Swedish way). As for the restaurant, the wine list is impressive and the food outstanding – both on the lounge- and on the gastronomic menus - creative and beautifully presented with fair prices for high quality. My only disappointment was that the choice of dishes is a bit limited. But I heard it was due to a logistic issue - as the hotel Naya opened recently - and that this point should be improved soon. There is anyway a customer-friendly alternative until then and beyond: A separate kitchen for all hotel-guests, not the kind like at a youth hostel: A lovely one like in a summer cottage, with all amenities including two huge fridges/ freezers to store its own food and with a sweet dining room and terrace just beside. But the cherry on the cake, actually the real heart of Naya is the service: The whole staff is extremely - and genuinely - friendly, helpful, customer-oriented. With a special Thanks from me to Åsa and Christine. Naya Retreat is a pure gem hidden in beautiful Öland.