There is a place, beyond the Arctic Circle, in the midst of pristine wilderness where a sense of isolation away from the crowds turns into luxury and dreamy comforts. A place of permanent inspiration and transcendental relaxation.
In northern Finland, where the sun never sets in summer and, in autumn, winter and spring, the northern lights illuminate the skies over the territory of the indigenous Sami people known as Sápmi, Lapland unfolds in all its grandeur to bring to life Europe’s last great wilderness.
Set in the heart of a 300-hectare private nature reserve, on a peak where all you can see in any direction is a lush, snow-covered forest, teeming with wildlife and threaded by a winding river, stands Octola, the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation in the north of the country, just twenty minutes’ drive from Rovaniemi International Airport, an hour by snowmobile or three hours by husky sled and created to offer a unique experience in an extraordinary natural environment.
Octola is a private five-star eco-lodge with ten rooms, ideal for small groups or large families looking for maximum privacy and personalised luxury services, a haven of tranquillity away from the crowds, where immersion in nature is possible without sacrificing maximum comfort.
Octola Private Wilderness has been specifically designed to provide Arctic luxury while incorporating Lappish and Sámi traditions. Octola’s shape is derived from authentic Lappish ‘laavu’ buildings, which were formerly used to provide shelter for people living a nomadic lifestyle.
Beautifully designed, the lodge has many cosy common areas to relax in, including an open plan living and dining area with spectacular views of the nature outside. The building is divided into two wings, one with six rooms and the other with four rooms, all with individual bathrooms, as well as an exclusive villa with two rooms. The geothermal heating and the wood-fired sauna ensure an excellent temperature even in the coldest time of the year.
Built for frequent and global travellers seeking luxury five-star hotels, at Octola it is possible to discover the essence of Lapland by staying in a wooden chalet and finding the most authentic stay in the Arctic. Total privacy is assured in its own secluded wilderness area where all kinds of emotions can be experienced and which has won it several awards, including one at the World Luxury Awards.
The rooms, each one more captivating than the last
Octola has three types of rooms. a Double Room of approximately twenty-one metres and bounded by log walls, housing king size beds, sophisticated wooden furniture, art glasses by Markku Salo Design and a private bathroom. They are also furnished with natural materials such as oak, wool, linen and lambskin, representing the full aesthetic of Scandinavian design.
The Presidential Suite, ranging in size from thirty-six to fifty-three square metres, has a sitting area with a comfortable sofa. They are equipped with a king-size bed and log walls. Like the double rooms, they are decorated with natural materials such as oak, wool, linen, reindeer and lambskin, respecting the Scandinavian aesthetics.
The four SkyView rooms or SkyView Suite are located on the first floor and feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering magnificent views of the endless wilderness and the cosy sitting area by the window invites you to relax in the comfortable Lamino armchairs matched with contemporary furniture and artistic glasses by Markku Salo Design. They have extra-large beds that guarantee a deep rest, as well as a private bathroom and, like the previous ones, they are decorated with natural materials such as oak, wool, linen, leather and lambskin, true to Scandinavian design.
Unique experiences in one of the most beautiful corners of the planet
Octola, in addition to its own originality, offers unique experiences such as cross-country skiing at Javri Lodge on the edge of the National Park, descents through soft snow on real white chutes, river rafting or canoeing, as well as emission-free snowmobile safaris, husky dog sledding, reindeer sledding, snowshoeing in search of the Northern Lights, downhill skiing, reindeer herding, ice driving, cycling and horseback riding.
And for relaxation, the health spa, where you can leave the stress of everyday life behind and savour the healing qualities of the natural environment.
Authentic Lappish cuisine
Octola’s cuisine leaves no one indifferent either, starting with an eight-course tasting menu of North Pole dishes prepared with regional produce in the comfort of the intimate dining room.
All food is locally sourced according to Lapland’s eight Arctic seasons and consists mainly of game, wild plants, berries, mushrooms and fish. Organic produce gathered from the wild by the Michelin-starred chef himself is used to produce delicacies such as king crab soup with milk foam, reindeer tartar or fried white fish from nearby Lake Inari.
The dining experience is rounded off by an excellent wine selection by Juha, one of Finland’s best sommeliers, and is enjoyed at a long communal table in the main room with a different menu every day.
