If you’re looking to escape the crowds, sun and everything green, why not head underground? The single suite at Sala Silvermine is located 155 metres below the surface in a former silver mine out in the Swedish countryside. Guests are given a guided tour of the caverns, on arrival – winter woolies are a necessity because the temperature hovers at around 2ºC – before being escorted to the suite to enjoy the peace and complete silence.
The accommodation is surprisingly plush for an underground suite. There’s a bed tucked into one chamber and a dining area where wine, cheese and fruit await. The space is appropriately decked out in silver-hued furniture and candlelight adds a touch of romance. There are a couple of down sides: no mobile reception, although there’s an intercom to communicate with the world above; and the loo is down a dark tunnel (plumbing is a bit of an issue this far underground).
Fly with Qatar to Stockholm and take a bus or train to Sala.
qatarairways.com
The Sala Silver Mine suite costs about US$550 a night.
Sala Silvermine
salasilvergruva.se
A staff member can be contacted via the intercom at any time, so you’re not locked away in the soil completely solo.