Octola, Finnish Lapland

It’s not often that you come across high-end, five-star luxury in the vast subarctic – but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Octola. Nestled amongst the lush snow coated forests that dapple the property’s three-hundred-hectare private landscape, Octola is a place to leave the everyday behind and immerse yourself in spellbinding natural surroundings. Inspired by Sámi tradition and Lapp ‘laavu’ buildings, it features cozy common spaces and beautiful rooms. The service is outstanding, and an array of invigorating activities are on offer the year round, led by expert private guides. Your stay will be totally bespoke, designed according to your interests, whilst ensuring you make the most of the local landscape from season to season. If we can say one thing, it’s this: Octola is Finnish Lapland’s finest.

Location

Tucked away in three-hundred hectares of private wilderness, it’s a pleasant surprise that Octola is only a 20-minute car journey from Rovaniemi International Airport. Flying into the property’s private helipad is also an option, as well as more traditional transportation: a husky drawn sled can deliver you to Octola in 3 hours, if you wish. Upon arrival, you’ll find the views here are unspoiled and extend for miles. It’s utterly peaceful; almost otherworldly.

Your room

The rooms have been elegantly and tastefully designed, with a stylish Scandinavian aesthetic in mind. As cozy as they are luxurious, perhaps our favorite feature is the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out across magnificent landscapes. Between August and April, the rooms therefore become unbeatable front row seats from which to view the elusive northern lights in all their fluorescent, glistening glory.

Octola offers 12 ensuite bedrooms overall. These are split across the main lodge of 10 bedrooms, divided into 2 wings of 4 and 6, each available for exclusive booking. The villa, also available for exclusive booking, has 2 bedrooms and comes complete with its own sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. A full buyout of the entire property is also a fantastic option for larger groups traveling together.

Why we like it

There’s huge scope for exhilarating adventure during your stay, no matter which time of year you choose to visit. Whether it’s driving snowmobiles (including miniature snowmobiles for the little ones), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking or mushroom foraging – all accompanied by your own private wilderness guide. Come summer, the salmon fishing is unparalleled with bountiful rivers just a short helicopter ride away.

Back at the lodge, Octola’s private chefs serve delicious Nordic-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients, and there’s a butler on site to ensure all your wants and needs are swiftly met. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a fitness center and full wellness facilities for use at your leisure. It’s something of a rarity to experience such remoteness and peaceful seclusion, whilst still having every private service and comfort right at your fingertips. It’s what we love most about this place.