Although the Pater Noster property remains little known in the United States, this remote 154-year-old lighthouse complex on Hamneskär island off Sweden’s west coast gained international recognition when it won the Gold award in the Best Hotel Concept category at the 2021 AHEAD Awards. Swedish design firm Stylt Trampoli transformed a lighthouse, the keeper’s residence, a restaurant and a café on a barren, windswept rock into a refined, high-end destination with sweeping views of the open sea.
© Erik Nissen Johansen
The AHEAD Awards—short for Hospitality, Experience and Design—are among the leading international competitions in the hotel and hospitality industry, honoring the most inventive projects across continents. Pater Noster’s reinvention showcases how sensitive design and thoughtful restoration can turn a functional maritime site into a memorable hospitality experience.
The hotel accommodates 18 guests across nine individually designed rooms and operates seasonally from April through September. The stay emphasizes adventure and immersion in the coastal landscape: guests enjoy expansive sea and star views, and dining takes place in the Boathouse, the Lighthouse Keeper’s dining room, or outdoors when weather permits. The daily menu focuses on locally sourced fish and seafood, while the café in the old boathouse serves freshly baked goods.
© Erik Nissen Johansen
Visitors are invited to climb the 105-foot Pater Noster lighthouse for panoramic views from its summit. Access to the island is by helicopter or fast RIB boats from nearby Marstrand or Gothenburg, adding to the sense of remoteness and occasion.
The island was home to lighthouse keepers and their families for more than a century. In 2002, the buildings underwent a comprehensive restoration that preserved as much original character as possible. In 2020, Pater Noster reopened as a sustainably operated small hotel and conference venue, combining historic architecture with contemporary hospitality standards.
Nightly rates include a double room with full board—homemade breakfast, hot lunch and a seafood dinner—plus a welcome drink. The visit also features a guided island tour, lighthouse access, saltwater barrel bathing and use of the sauna, offering a balanced mix of comfort, local cuisine and maritime tradition.