Swedish Hill Farm and Spa

SWEDISH HILL FARM & SPA...

Where athletes that push for high-caliber performance go to feel relaxed, restored, and revitalized.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SHARON CASTRO

Both human and equine athletes train to become strong, agile, and fast for high-stakes competition. The physical and emotional pressure is intense. Spending time at Swedish Hill Farm & Spa relieves that tension.

CALM CONTENTMENT

Scandinavian life is synonymous for creating a sense of well-being. To understand why, speak with farm owner Anna Hollander. She moved to the US from Sweden in 1983, yet it’s clear that she still carries with her a feeling of calm contentment. “Since I was an athlete myself, I understand their aches and pains. I really do like to help them feel better. I’m good at what I do, but also, I like it,” said Hollander.

A TRANQUIL TRANSITION

Anna Hollander worked at the Saratoga Race Course for 25 years, riding, training, and exercising the horses. She’s endured minor and major injuries (some of which were life-threatening). When she wasn’t with the horses, she was providing people healing as a licensed massage therapist and esthetician. Now she runs Swedish Hill Farm & Spa, a relaxing escape just five minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs that treats both people and horses to a revitalizing experience. Through her non-profit, After the Races, Hollander provides six retired racehorses care, boarding, and a tranquil transition to their second career on her 11-acre property.

SENSE THE SATISFACTION

Despite their previously competitive lives, there’s no hint of aggression or anxious behavior in these impressive animals. They seem to glisten with satisfaction. It’s as if they are matching the demeanor of their primary caretaker. Peaceful and gentle, Hollander gives each one individual attention and eight acres of paddocks in an enjoyable environment. “Horses are giving and telepathic. They sense and feel things and connect with the people around them,” explained Hollander.

WELCOME COMPANIONSHIP

You would be surprised how these fit, strong and trained-to-win horses enjoy the company of visits from Hollander, After the Races volunteers, and guests using the farm’s rental suite and spa services. Swedish Hill Farm has a romantic guest suite available for rent through AirBNB. Located on the ground level of the two-story ranch style home, visitors can choose to sit on the suite’s front porch watching the horses in the barn, see them running in their paddocks from the home’s huge wrap-around porch, or even while getting a massage inside its threeseason relaxation area.

SWEDISH HILL FARM & SPA...

The property is also used as a venue for weddings and events (of less than 100 people), which is often when children are around and able to visit with the horses. “When children come, I can see how happy the horses are to see them and how much the children like the horses. It’s a win-win situation,” said Hollander.

SOOTHING SANCTUARY

Entering into the spa at Swedish Hill Farm is like being transported into a soothing sanctuary. You’re met with a delectable scent and soft music. There are a variety of beneficial health treatments offered including facials and organic skin remedies, foot-pressure (a shiatsu), deep pressure, hot stone and couple’s massage, among others. The infrared sauna and complete privacy of this beautiful place add to its comfortable charm. “Nobody sees anyone else. When you come here, it’s only you and me. It’s small, personal, and they have my undivided attention,” said Hollander. She even talks you through ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise habits into your regular routine after you leave. “What you do at home matters more than the hour you are here,” she said. That time, however, is something that you’ll never forget.

INTUITIVE HEALING

Perhaps what makes Swedish Hill Farm so memorable is how intuitive it is. Everything here just seems to make sense. That’s part of the reason why, when Hollander has overnight guests, they sometimes don’t even go downtown into the bustling summer city, preferring instead to stay and walk the trails around the farm, accompanied by Luke and Mia, the two friendly German Shepherds that gallop through the grounds. “Especially since COVID, people’s perspectives have changed a little bit. They’re actually looking forward to going to less stressful places. They need to relax and destress, and they find it serene, quiet and peaceful here.” Learn more by visiting swedishhillfarmandspa.com For more information on their rehabilitation and rehoming of horses, go to www.aftertheracesny.com SS