Midsummer in Stockholm is an otherworldly experience. At 3am, you can get out of bed and sit on a balcony to watch the eerie sapphire sky — pure, crystal, elegant — emerge from a strip of peach. If you’re lucky, you may even have a beautiful panoramic vista of the city. It doesn’t seem to matter where you are in Stockholm because this city is a smorgasbord of visual delights.

Cool Nordic beauty encompasses all aspects of Swedish life. This especially holds true in the summer months when the city is zingy from the golden sun that shines up to 18 hours a day. The question then becomes, what do you do with so much light? Perhaps take a trip out to the archipelago with its 30,000 rocky islands and open seas. Or maybe you’ve already explored the city and are aching for a day to yourself.

RELAX AND ENJOY THE BLISSFUL SUN

At the start of my third week in Stockholm, I was itching to lay back and enjoy the blissful sun; to absorb its energy. I needed a day at a spa that would bring me to my knees in joy. Enter Selma City Spa, with its views that sweep out over the heart of Norrmalm, a modern district of Stockholm.

To sip a glass of bubbles in a pool high above the rooftops is to live a regal life. This is what is possible at Selma City Spa. It was the answer to my undying need for true peace in the heart of a busy city.

A POOL THAT TOUCHES THE SKY

I slipped into my Amita Naithani cover up and headed to the pool, which was a cozy 96 degrees F (36 degrees C). In this hot tub like pool, blue is an endless color as the arctic sky touches the turquoise water to achieve a infinity pool effect. The modern buildings of Norrmalm were hugged by 19th century gingerbread like architecture that hinted at the city’s past.  

A plate of fresh fruit was presented to me, and created moments that were dreamlike. I ate watermelon while sitting in a watermelon floaty, and pineapple while sitting in a pineapple floaty. Occasions like these make you question “Is this really my life?”

SIMPLE, FRESH, AND TASTY CUISINE

After indulging high above the rooftops, swimming in the heated outdoor pool, and relaxing in the sauna and lounge, I was beginning to feel hungry. The great thing about Selma City Spa is that they have a culinary bar with Caribbean flavors, fresh squeezed juices, and local goodies.

To continue a day of detox and relaxation, I choose a healthy green salad with blackened salmon, spinach, zucchini, roasted pine nuts, parmesan, pomegranate and herb oil. Luis — feeling the need to indulge a bit more — ordered the spicy asian noodles with cajun grilled chicken, marinated glass noodles, okra, pickled red onions, green papaya and kimchi.

We ate our tasty lunch while gazing at a panoramic vista of Stockholm. The sun shined down boldly on the colorful buildings. We were lucky to have a beautiful summer day to enjoy the spa.

NO SPA DAY IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A MASSAGE

No spa experience would be complete without a treatment. I choose the aromatherapy massage. A deep-relaxing, beneficial body massage with aromatic body balm from Decléor. I relished in the powerful scents of palm, and lavender oil. As my masseuse Olga worked her magic, I couldn’t imagine a moment more perfect. The essential oils were calming and peaceful.

I left the spa glistening in lavender and palm; feeling absolutely fabulous. The Nordic beauty of Sweden was enveloping me and carrying me home. The city pulled me in as I disappeared into the streets feeling relaxed and ready to take on the week.

PHOTO GALLERY

I was a guest at Selma City Spa, however the opinions are my own. Day spa prices start as low as $36 per person and can be booked on www.selmacityspa.se.