Octola Lodge & Private Wilderness – Finland
In over 300 hectares of private wilderness, in the middle of seemingly nowhere, Octola Lodge is an uber luxurious, off-grid retreat. A chic and contemporary Lappish design – the architect is a Sámi – it’s tucked amongst the forest, giving guests a thoroughly immersive Arctic experience. One of the first things you notice is the quietness, followed by the reindeer that roam these parts.
The owner’s philosophy is that guests feel at one with nature, in total seclusion, with every conceivable luxury and service, with most importantly, the feeling of being at home. Go for a romantic few days; take the family, or hire the entire lodge for a special celebration.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its luxurious approach to visiting the frozen Finnish landscapes.Style:
Winter wonderland luxury.Location:
In a private wilderness (not even on Google Maps), deep within the Arctic Circle.Rooms:
A collection of luxurious rooms, super suites and a glass igloo, that can all be taken exclusively.Swimming:
Ice swimming for the hardy and a Spa pool.Children:
Perfect for multi-generational adventures.Accessibility:
There are facilities for guests with mobility issues.Open From:
All year round.rooms
No detail has been forgotten in the small number of rooms and super suite villas. The main lodge features 10 elegant and stylish rooms, that can each sleep up to three people, and share a sauna. Vast windows look out over the wilderness whilst you’re cocooned in warmth. The one and two bedroom super suite villas stand separately, featuring picture window bathrooms and private saunas. For an out of this world experience, the Glass Igloo resembles a palace rather than an ice house.
food
The cuisine at Octola is of the very highest standard. A mix of fine dining and local hearty cuisine with a twist, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, is created by a team of chefs, and guests sit together at one long table.
activities
Did you know that there are eight seasons in Finland? And at Octola there’s an almost bewildering range of activities throughout each and every one. In fact, nearly 80 in total and itineraries are bespoke to you. Local guides who know the area like the back of their hand, share the wonder of this beautiful wilderness, and lead you on a host of adventures. In winter, the big draw is the chance to see the Northern Lights. There is zero light pollution in these parts.
Husky sledding, skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing and ice skating, are just a few of the choices on the list. Or opt for the full body massage in the Spa followed by a sauna and ice bath. In spring, as the snow begins to melt, take a kayak to watch the ice flows, brave the waters for a swim and try fishing. Summer brings two months of midnight sun – long days for horse riding, hiking and taking in nature. And in autumn, come for the colours and fingers crossed, the Aurora Borealis once again.
family
A truly pampering experience for families, a stay at Octola, allows you to spend special time together. Of course, it’s undeniably magical at Christmas, with an elf school for children and a trip to Santa Claus Village, just 20 minutes away.
sustainability
Octola is remarkable in that it has a negative carbon footprint, exclusively running on renewable energy from wind generated electricity and geothermal heating. Water comes direct from the lodge’s own spring, and the surrounding forests and wetlands act as a carbon sink.
Location
Finland, Europe
In a private wilderness (not even on Google Maps), deep within the Arctic Circle, 20 minutes from Rovaniemi airport – arrive by 4x4, snowmobile or helicopter.
