Imagine a deluxe log cabin hidden away in the forest, where every corner has been brushed with luxury and finished with the very best in Scandinavian design. It’s dotted with large bedrooms complete with en-suite bathrooms. Butlers and dedicated chefs are awaiting your every request. And the faint smell of serenity is emanating from the spa… Well, you can stop imagining as OCTOLA, one of Finland’s most exclusive lodges, is all this and more.
Located just a 20-minute drive from the capital of Finnish Lapland Rovaniemi’s airport and yet feeling a world away from everyday life, OCTOLA shines like a beautiful (and decidedly luxe) beacon for the luxury traveller amidst the stillness of more than 300 hectares of stunning private forest. However, during your stay in OCTOLA’s Lodge or Villa, you’ll be doing everything but standing still. Instead, you can enjoy an itinerary of activities that showcase the very best of the private wilderness that surrounds.
Born out of a need for discerning guests to have a place to call home during their experiential visit to Finland, founder Janne Honkanen imagined, designed and built OCTOLA using his knowledge from running a successful luxury adventure company across the Nordic and Arctic regions. And you can tell that every inch of OCTOLA has been created with the luxury traveller in mind, from the cosy fireplaces through to the services available.
WHY OCTOLA?
Finland is bursting with elaborately designed resorts, quirky stays and deluxe cabins… but OCTOLA’s attentive customer service and exceptional privacy is what truly sets it apart. The lodge is available for complete buyout, or alternatively you can purchase a wing of the property (either six or four en-suite rooms).
This means that there will never be more than two groups in the lodge at any one time. And set within more than 300 hectares of Finnish wilderness, you’re not going to be bumping into paparazzi or another family when exploring the woods… although you may come face to face with a few friendly reindeer. Discretion is in OCTOLA’s DNA, so all guests can enjoy a truly wonderful experience, wonderfully sheltered away from the rest of the world (if only for a little while).
YEAR-ROUND WONDERS
With reindeer roaming the surrounding wilderness, OCTOLA is a part of nature. Allowing you to also be at one with the Finnish countryside, a wilderness guide can help you explore your surroundings. From snowshoeing and sledding in the winter through to foraging and nature walks in the autumn and summer months. When conditions allow, you can also head out in search of the Northern Lights, offering you the chance to see the elusive ribbons of dancing light across the starry sky. However, with OCTOLA’s remote position in the Finnish wilderness, the lights can come to you, with spectacular viewing opportunities from the property itself!
OCTOLA EXTRAS
Available at OCTOLA is a vast itinerary of fun activities and experiences, with many available at an additional charge. They include, but are not limited to: husky dog sledding; winter ice driving; downhill skiing; handcraft workshops; private Santa Claus experiences; helicopter tours; ice skating; survival skills lessons; ice fishing; ice and snow sculpture carving and so much more. If you can dream it, then the experienced team can probably make it come true!
But what you probably could never imagine is the sheer attention to detail that you’ll experience throughout your stay. From hand-knitted slipper socks upon arrival (no boots inside) made by local Sámi people, through to thoughtful touches for those staying with small children, every moment of your visit will have been pre-prepared and at hand before you even knew you needed it.
HEAD OUT, THEN DINE IN
Also included in your stay is a typical Finnish activity: a sauna experience teamed with ice-swimming in a private pond in the winter months. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Finland without at least one snowmobile adventure, with special mini snowmobiles available for children. A selection of activities is included with your booking, alongside protective outer clothing, transfers in Mercedes vans and a butler service.
But what about the food? All meals are included and prepared by OCTOLA’s dedicated chefs, with versatile Nordic cuisine crafted using locally sourced ingredients. Expect authentic flavours and dishes inspired by the surrounding region, with dietary requirements and personal preferences also taken into account.
WILD LANDSCAPES, CREATURE COMFORTS
In addition, OCTOLA offers a spectacular Glass Igloo Suite, complete with a glass roof that’s perfect for watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. There’s also Karhu BBQ, a relaxed space for dining and entertaining in the heart of the wilderness. What’s more, sustainability plays an important role at OCTOLA. A study by engineering and consulting company AFRY found the property to have a significant negative carbon footprint, with its surrounding forest and wetlands acting as a substantial carbon sink. OCTOLA also uses green energy, including wind-generated electricity and geothermal heating.
If you want to learn more about the spirit of OCTOLA, what makes one of Finland's most luxurious lodges tick, and its extraordinary offering, read our exclusive interview with its founder: Janne Honkanen
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Winged Boots’ personal travel managers can take care of every detail of your Finland getaway, from accommodation and flights to private transfers and unforgettable experiences. Your time at OCTOLA can be tailored to you before you arrive, while those looking to discover more of Finland could pair their Lapland escape with a few nights in Helsinki. Whatever your plans, the Winged Boots team can create a seamless, tailor-made itinerary from start to finish. All you’ll need to do is pack your suitcase.
To start planning your Finland holiday, call the team on 0203 816 0985 or submit an online enquiry.
Discover OCTOLA and start planning your stay
Frequently asked questions about OCTOLA
Where is OCTOLA in Finland?
OCTOLA Private Wilderness is located near Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, surrounded by more than 300 hectares of private wilderness. Despite its secluded setting, OCTOLA is around a 20-minute drive from Rovaniemi Airport, making it easy to reach while still feeling wonderfully remote.
What is included in a stay at OCTOLA?
A stay at OCTOLA includes luxury accommodation, meals prepared by dedicated chefs, butler service, airport transfers and protective outer clothing. A selection of activities and experiences is also included, while additional adventures can be arranged at an extra cost. Exact inclusions can vary depending on your booking and time of year.
Can you see the Northern Lights from OCTOLA?
Yes, when conditions are right, it is possible to see the Northern Lights from OCTOLA itself. Its remote location in Finnish Lapland and surrounding wilderness provide excellent opportunities for aurora viewing away from the bright lights of the city. As the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings can never be guaranteed.
What activities can you do at OCTOLA?
OCTOLA offers a wide range of seasonal Arctic experiences. Depending on when you travel, these can include snowshoeing, nature walks and foraging, while additional experiences such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, ice driving, downhill skiing, ice fishing and private Santa experiences can also be arranged.
Does OCTOLA have a sauna?
Yes. Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture and guests at OCTOLA can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience. During the winter months, this can be paired with an invigorating ice-swimming experience.
Is OCTOLA suitable for families?
Yes. OCTOLA welcomes families and can tailor stays and experiences for guests of different ages. Family-friendly touches and activities are available, including winter experiences designed with younger guests in mind.
How many bedrooms does OCTOLA Lodge have?
OCTOLA Lodge has 10 en-suite bedrooms divided between two wings: one with six bedrooms and another with four. The Lodge can be booked in its entirety, while individual wings may also be available, making it suitable for families and groups travelling together.
How far is OCTOLA from Rovaniemi Airport?
OCTOLA is approximately a 20-minute drive from Rovaniemi Airport. Its location combines convenient access to Rovaniemi with the privacy and seclusion of the surrounding Finnish wilderness.
When is the best time to visit OCTOLA?
The best time to visit OCTOLA depends on the experience you’re looking for. Winter brings snowy landscapes and classic Lapland activities, while the warmer months reveal a very different side of the Finnish wilderness, with nature walks, foraging and long summer days. Autumn is particularly atmospheric as the landscape changes colour and the darker nights return.
How do I book a stay at OCTOLA?
Winged Boots can arrange your stay at OCTOLA as part of a tailor-made Finland holiday, including flights, accommodation, private transfers and experiences. Your personal travel manager can also combine Finnish Lapland with destinations such as Helsinki to create a longer Finland itinerary.
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