welcome to svala

There exists a place in the world where rural beauty combines with sophisticated modern aesthetics, where you’re equally likely to find a mother-daughter duo laughing in a sun-drenched kitchen cooking up gooseberries as the Velvet Underground hums as you are to stumble across an ancient church during your idyllic amble through moss-carpeted boulders, red cliffs rolling into the sea or languid fields budding with wildflowers.

This place is the one-of-a-kind Hotel Svala. It all started with the shared dream of Jannika and Sage Reed. These nomadic, artistic souls have called this four million year old island archipelago home at various points in their lifelong adventures. Then one day they happened upon an incredible structure - an elegant, sturdy hospital-turned-hotel that was up for sale. Through their visionary work, and the helping hands of their network of creative friends, they are transforming the space into a restorative escape to welcome you to share this truly special corner of the world.

With a commitment to all things beautiful, sustainable and local, you’ll be greeted by gorgeously imagined rooms designed by Sage - the discerning eye of a Stylist and Art Director, and get to experience cultural excursions, holistic gardens and unforgettable food planned by Finnish-born Jannika. While all senses are engaged the hope is to simply fall into the still retreat of the islands.

collaborators + friends

In 2017 my mother Jannika and I accomplished a challenging and amazing thing: we bought a beautiful little hotel in the Finnish archipelago. Built in 1935 as a country hospital and renovated into a hotel in 1970, it had hosted a vast number of people and life over the years. Though threadbare and worn, it was strong and functional, and we could see all of the potential to be a self-sustaining and lovely respite. We started renovations, peeling back layers of wallpaper, solving the technical maze of 80 years of plumbing, sorting a thousand dishes and books, tearing up old carpet and carrying away 47 twin beds off the island. As creators of visual spaces, it was easy for us to see forward to a vision of patterned tiles, vintage art, textiles and figs nestled amid conservatories, open rooms, and abundant vegetable gardens. So, we quickly moved in and rearranged enough flowers, cotton sheets and furniture to make it a lovely temporary home. But just as we arrived at the creative and visionary part of our journey, we had to halt everything due us both succumbing to major and unforeseen illnesses and injury and found ourselves in need of collective support. We were so blessed to have many amazing people come and volunteer their skills and time to build the hotel. To bring help and optimism and memories to every room. We are the sum of an incredible community and couldn't have done it without them and hope that we will continue to grow this family of friends.

Jeremiah Chiu Designer/Musician:Some all none

Marta Sofia Honer Violinist

Adi Goodrich Set Design: Sing Sing Studio

Sean Pecknold Director: Sing Sing Studio

Andrew Bruntel Director

Sage Price Producer: Vacation Theory

Anabella Casanova Producer: Vacation Theory

Lotta Jansdottar Textile Designer

Kaye Voyce Costume Designer

Erica Ciaglia Cutter fitter

Natalie Nguyen Activist/Artist

Janet Ecklebarger & Eliot Irwin Artists