Furillen is located on a remote peninsula in the north eastern corner of the Swedish island of Gotland. Still largely unknown to tourists, the whole area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its deserted beaches and, at its heart, an old limestone gravel quarry. The former quarry's buildings have been cleverly converted by entrepreneurial photographer Johan Hellström into an eco-friendly escape. He had initially used the site as a location for fashion shoots and filming rock music videos.
But in 1999, he converted the factory buildings into a unique boutique hotel surrounded by a rough wilderness and craggy rock. Minimalist Scandinavian interiors ensure the emphasis remains securely on the hotel's astonishing setting, which can be explored by bike. The menu changes daily, with ingredients from the local family farm and dishes enjoyed overlooking the azure Baltic.
The simple, understated decor in the hotel's guest rooms ensures visitors' eyes remain fixed on the impressive views outside their windows. A wood burning stove provides warmth and comfort for colder winter evenings.
Images courtesy of Design Hotels.
