Review: The Barö

The archipelago where The Barö now sits has attracted those in-the-know from far and wide since the 19th century, with a history dating back as far as the 13th century. Famous artists and nobility would come to the area to spend their summers, and it’s not hard to see why. Thankfully, The Barö keeps its doors open all year round, and while we visited in summer there is no doubt that it would be just as magical during the snow-covered, crisp winter months.

Genuine warmth, zero pretence

From the minute you arrive you are made to feel at home. There are no airs and graces and the feeling is very much one of ‘come as you are’. And while the young and helpful staff are more than happy to answer any questions, you are left to your own devices a little – something to keep in mind if you prefer a more cosseting experience.

A celebration of seasonality

It would be impossible to talk about The Barö without talking about its restaurant, The Berg. The Berg is a destination in itself, evidenced by the number of savvy locals who dock their boats on the guest jetty and saunter up for a meal or aperitif (taken on the terrace, if the weather permits). This tells you all you need to know as it takes a lot for Finns to be persuaded to leave their summer houses once settled in for the season.

The talented young chefs prepare beautiful dishes in the open kitchen using only the best seasonal and local ingredients sourced from nearby producers. While worthy of any fine-dining establishment, the menu retains an unfussy air, letting the ingredients talk for themselves. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer advice (on both food and wine). They also gladly give the lowdown on the provenance of the dishes, as they did with our most incredible starter of local potatoes – it is hard to believe the humble potato can be this delicious.

A simple breakfast

Breakfast is a buffet affair, again with the focus on seasonal and local produce. It offers everything you could ask for, from tantalising sweet treats to Finnish cheeses, without overwhelming you with choice (as can so often be the case). There is a small à la carte menu if morning eggs are your thing. One thing worth noting is that there are specific breakfast sittings, seemingly hour slots. This of course helps things run smoothly but does also mean you run a little to the restaurant’s schedule rather than your own.

Get moving, slow down or a bit of both

The Barö does relaxation perfectly, with the general mood being to down tools and switch off. It would feel absolutely right, for example, to install yourself on the sunset terrace with a good book and a glass of something and simply not budge. But if you’re wanting to make the most of the great outdoors, then hiking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing and berry or mushroom picking are all yours for the taking.

You can also grab one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes, or rent one of their electric fat bikes, and head off to explore the area. You can even jump on the local ferry, only a couple of minutes’ bike ride away, and take a spin around the neighbouring island of Barösund before enjoying lunch like a true islander at the bustling local restaurant. Once your legs are tired from a day of cycling or walking, you can head back to the hotel and round off the day relaxing like a Finn in the beachside sauna, complete with hot tub, firepit and terrace – nature and peace having worked their wonders.