A Private Secluded Wilderness Lodge With Private Activities, Chefs and Guides Located Deep in Finnish Lapland

A Private Secluded Wilderness Lodge With Private Activities, Chefs and Guides Located Deep in Finnish Lapland

Finland had always been on my bucket list as a destination to discover and experience the Arctic Wilderness.  Also to learn more about the people, the traditions and the way of life.  When the opportunity came to experience Octola, the most exclusive lodge in Lapland, it was a dream come true. 

Three very special nights were spent at Octola in the midst of an untouched snowy landscape, far from crowds and light pollution. Our days were filled with the finest local food cooked by our private chef, an array of private activities, varied weather and an everchanging landscape. Sun and blue skies presented for a while each day and the evening skies delivered us the reddest sunsets.  One night it snowed heavily leaving conifers laden in snow for us when we woke the next day. On our last night the northern lights visited us twice, each time the faint glimmer of green that turned into a bright stream of shifting colour was mesmerising, just as I had hoped it would be.  

The frozen lakes, rivers and forests provided us with an endless playground for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, Cam Am driving, ice sculpting, husky driving, reindeer sleigh rides, snow shoeing and so much more.  Sadly, there wasn’t enough time on this trip to do every activity but our private wilderness guide provided us with an action packed itinerary which was tailored to our specific interests.  

The lodge’s spa with sauna, pool, hot tub, gym and views to die for provided a relaxing retreat at the end of each busy day.   Octola’s private lake was the place to go for an exhilarating icy dip. Luckily the sauna, located at the side of the lake, allowed for warming up and relaxation after embracing the frozen lake. 

Lapland, as everyone knows, is the home to Father Christmas and even as an adult there is nothing more exciting than heading off on a reindeer sleigh ride through the dense forest in search of the great man himself. 

The passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail of the wilderness guides, chefs and the rest of the team at Octola was second to none. They could not of done more to ensure that all our requirements and wishes were attended to and that we had the best bucket list experiences possible.  Despite only staying three nights it felt like time had stood still.  I only wish I had stayed longer to experience more of what Octola has to offer or even just had more time to just “be” whilst relaxing in the most remarkable surroundings.

Whilst intimacy, privacy and family gatherings maybe the image of the most magical Lapland Christmas, Finland is also a fantastic destination to visit outside of the Christmas weeks. It offers an array of activities, cultural experiences, wildlife, foodie experiences and accommodations ranging from unique hotels and igloos to cosy private villas and chalets.

Helen Travelled to Finland in March.

jaijo
jai@jaijo.com