Resort Review
Pellinge Marina is located on the idyllic island of Pellinge in the Porvoo archipelago of eastern Finland. The historic fishing farm has been transformed into a luxurious resort with the dark wooden cluster of buildings forming the marina complex blending in beautifully with the natural environment.
Getting there:
The resort is accessible both by boat and road. The marina is a popular hub for boaters setting sail from nearby Helsinki and Espoo. For guests without their own boats it’s possible to arrive by a chartered boat from the beautiful old town of Porvoo. We travelled with Seasport who offer bespoke archipelago tours and transfers to Pellinge Marina. They have two swish new boats (one fully accessible) which are captained by the capable and very friendly owners Johnny and Kika. To enhance the experience excursions to other archipelago islands can be arranged to include a picnic or beachside barbecue. An absolute must is to sail alongside Klovharun island where the Finnish author Tove Jansson famous for the Moomins spent her summers.
Alternatively, Pellinge Marina can easily be reached by car or taxi from Porvoo taking around 40 minutes. A chain ferry operates a regular service across to the island which is free of charge, the journey being only three minutes.
Accommodation:
On this occasion we didn’t have an opportunity to stay overnight but instead were given a guided tour of some of the guest rooms which are named after local islands in the archipelago such as Klovharun, Högharun and Kummelskär. Rooms feature neutral palettes, wooden floors and Scandi furnishings combining natural beauty with modern comforts.
They would be perfect for individuals or couples wishing to experience a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. One room is equipped with a sofa bed making it ideal for families travelling with small children.
Facilities:
Sauna Suite
The highlight for us was to experience the beach sauna. I’ve had the privilege of relaxing in some gorgeous Finnish saunas over the years with the one here at Pelllinge Marina definitely up with the best.
The sauna suite comprised two changing rooms equipped with thick, fluffy hooded bathrobes, bath towels, fragrant toiletries and hairdryers. There were two rainfall showers alongside an invigorating cold water bucket shower. A wooden staircase leads up to the sauna itself which has a huge window with idyllic views overlooking the sea. It felt so relaxing gazing out at the gently lapping waves whilst luxuriating in the sauna.
If this wasn’t enough, back on the floor below there is access to an outdoor terrace with hot tub, sun loungers, breathtaking views and direct access to the sea for anyone wishing to take a dip. The weather might not have been at its sunniest all the time on the day of our visit but this didn’t distract from our sauna experience.
After dragging ourselves out of the hot tub we showered and then moved into the sauna suite’s relaxation room complete with kitchen facilities and more stunning views. Meals and snacks are available in the bistro but can be delivered to the sauna suite.
It couldn’t have been nicer, gazing out to sea sipping glasses of wine and feasting on delicious prawn open sandwiches, yummy doughnuts and fresh fruit.
Bistro Pellinge is open at weekends and mid-week in high season. It’s extremely popular with the boating community and already proving a hit with guests arriving by charter boat or car.
If the food we were offered is anything to go by then I’m certain that diners are in for a treat, enjoying the mouth-watering flavours of the archipelago whether its locally caught fresh fish or vegetables from nearby farms. As with all the buildings at the marina, the restaurant has magnificent sea views and a cosy terrace for warm, sunny days.
A stay at Pellinge doesn’t just have to be just about sauna and dining though as guests have an opportunity to enjoy hiking trails, hire bicycles, go jet-skiing or stand up paddle boarding. To complete the picture there’s a boutique filled with lovely gifts, clothes and textiles to take back home.
Overall:
Our visit to the new marina complex at Pellinge had been absolutely lovely and as you can get there within two hours from Helsinki I suggest arranging a side trip to both Porvoo and Pellinge for an absolutely memorable experience.
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