Pilguse Hotel and Residency on Saaremaa Island is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. Tucked away in the wild western edge of the island, Pilguse is a sprawling estate of a historic manor, cottages, and mirror cabins; amongst acres of untouched nature with lakes, streams and pastoral fields.

It’s the perfect retreat experience, with horse riding, watersports, a natural swimming lake, sauna sessions, and utterly delicious cuisine. I dream of the day that I can return.

City Girl Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Pilguse Residency, Pilguse Manor (dating back to 1558), Jõgela, Saaremaa, Estonia
Room Type: ÖÖD Mirror Cabin or cozy Rental Cottage / Caravan or Manor-house Room
Average Price: Premium boutique-level rates (season and unit type dependent)
Pet Policy: Pets welcome—no extra fees
Check-in + Check-out: Check-in from 14:00, check-out by noon
Closest Transport Links: Remote western Saaremaa—peaceful, rural, surrounded by open fields and coastline
Bonus Points: Dramatic rustic luxury, mirror cabins and stone cottages, smoke sauna and igloo experiences, natural pool, scintillating gastronomy, perfect for slow-living escapes.
Perfect For: Couples seeking serenity, design-curious travellers, nature lovers, digital detoxers, and anyone craving an elegant, eco-conscious retreat.

The Location

Pilguse Residency is a hidden gem at the wild western edge of Saaremaa, set on a sweeping 90-hectare manor estate. Surrounded by untouched nature, including lakes, endless coastlines, and pastoral fields, it’s the kind of place where you can truly switch off and fall into a slow, meditative rhythm.

The Rooms and Stays

The accommodations are a charming mix of historic manor rooms, sleek ÖÖD mirror-cabin lodgings, stone cottages, caravans, and even a Laundry Cottage, each quietly dramatic and beautifully appointed. Steph and I had completely unique experiences.

ÖÖD Mirror Cabins: To my utter delight, I was able to stay in one of the mirror cabins immersed in nature, and panoramic views that soar across the pastoral fields. The cabin was equipped with a kitchenette, a wood burner, a sofa, a cosy double bed, and private decking with a BBQ. As someone in a long-term relationship who isn’t used to sleeping alone, I was excited to challenge myself in a solo space, where all I could hear was bird song. I slept with the curtains wide open and let the natural light shine in. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Laundry Cottage: Steph stayed with another girl on the trip in the Laundry Cottage; a renovated stone laundry house with expansive glass windows. This two double bedroom cottage has an open plan kitchen and lounge, with underfloor heating, outside decking with a BBQ, and stunning views of the apple orchard, lakes and baltic sea. It’s the perfect retreat experience for any friends and family looking to escape in modern luxury.

The Facilities: Spa, Bar and Dining

*The wild swimming pool at Pilguse Residency*

This isn’t just a stay; it’s an experience. You can meander through garden-side paths, unwind in the greenhouse lounge by a glowing fireplace, or sip something in the rustic bar. Outdoor amenities include a seasonal natural swimming pool, private beach access, and an outdoor fireplace perched under the stars.

Wellness seekers can indulge in the signature smoke sauna, igloo sauna, hot tub experiences, or a dip in a cold spring plunge. It’s authentically Estonian and utterly restorative.

You can also book activities like horseback riding and bike tours to canoeing, themed dinners, walking trails, cooking classes, and movie nights. There’s a beautifully curated soulfulness to everything offered. And yet, the real beauty lies in letting time slow down: a walk to the waterline, reading in the greenhouse, or simply savouring the stillness.

Retreat organisers: The possibilities are endless here.

Dining

Pilguse excels in marrying local bounty with refined simplicity. The on-site restaurant serves elevated European fare, with standout dishes like locally crafted smoked trout. Every meal feels thoughtfully created, rooted in the flavours of Saaremaa and designed to be savoured slowly.

We were treated to a platter of fish, homemade rye bread, gerkins and cottage cheese on arrival in the main residents lounge, paired with a taste session of Elda Distillery gin and vodka. Inspired by Elda Park, the most western coast line of Saaremaa, Elda Distillery uses botanicals that draw inspiration from the windswept shore lines including juniper, wild flowers, berries and coastal herbs.

Dinner was held in their rustic high ceiling restaurant with sweeping views of the grounds. We devoured sharing platters of smoked trout, hassleback potatoes, salmon ceviche, and stunningly cooked duck. The restaurant were impeccable at catering for allergies and ensuring a high quality experience for all.

Breakfast, held in the same beautiful restaurant, was a collection of fruit, eggs, rye bread and delicious oat cappuccinos.

Highlights

Wild luxury in nature: A 90-hectare manor estate on Saaremaa’s rugged west coast, surrounded by lakes, coastline, and open fields.
Unique stays: Choose from historic manor rooms, sleek mirrored cabins, stone cottages, caravans, or the charming Laundry Cottage.
Wellness escapes: Smoke sauna, igloo sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and a seasonal natural swimming pool.
Atmospheric spaces: Greenhouse lounge, rustic bar, garden paths, and a starlit outdoor fireplace.
Culinary excellence: Elevated European dining with locally sourced ingredients, including standout smoked trout.
Activities with soul: Horse riding, canoeing, bike tours, themed dinners, cooking classes, and serene walking trails.
Pet-friendly paradise: Welcoming policy with no extra fees for furry companions.
Perfect for slow living: Ideal for couples, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a digital detox.

Book your stay

This stay was gifted as part of our press trip with Visit Estonia.

Estonia Hotel Review: Pilguse Hotel and Residency in Saaremaa