Summer weather during winter in Lapland with glass igloos, log cabins of luxury, and Northern Lights excursions within unspoiled Arctic elegance.
Far, far away from city lights and homey getaways, there’s Lapland, Finland’s most magical—and surprisingly high-end—winter vacation destination. Snowy serenity personified, Lapland is today a luxury wonderland where aurora borealis light shows come with Arctic spa treatments, and where ultra-lux is dished up in deeply personal, nature-based chic.
At the heart of Lapland opulence is Octola Private Wilderness, a 10-suite glass-and-wood palace on 300 hectares of virgin forest. Accessible by private plane and snowmobile, Octola is where stars and kings go for unbridled Arctic opulence. With private chef, wilderness guide, butler, and helicopter, all your wishes here are taken care of for seclusion—from peaceful treks with reindeer to ice fishing on frozen lakes.
For a design-infused getaway, Arctic Tree House Hotel in Rovaniemi redefines Lapland cool with stylish, elevated suites featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows across the snow-covered pine forests and the stellar dance of the Aurora Borealis.
Lapland luxury activities are no less magical than its scenery. Elite husky sled safaris, snowshoeing across untouched landscapes, or luxury aurora safaris in glass sleds with heated glass bottoms are just some of the activities one can indulge in. Snowmobile trips to secluded wilderness lodges end in gourmet fireside dinners cooked by Michelin-trained chefs for thrill-hunters.
Lapland’s culinary sophistication is understated Dramatic. Food at Octola, for instance, is über-local and seasonal—reindeer tenderloin, Arctic char, field berries, and house-made cloudberry sorbet. Exclusive wine tastings and fire-roasted dinners are à la mode, sometimes with story-telling steeped in Sami tradition.
And then well-being. Lapland luxury spas mean snow saunas, ice baths, and smoke saunas with Northern Lights meditation or body treatments with Arctic oils and herbs. Well-being in this case is not indulgence but being raw and in touch with the earth.
As remote as it is, Lapland is readily accessible from Rovaniemi or Kittilä airport, where private charter and luxury transfer services are available. Many luxury lodges also provide concierge services from winter gear to tailor-made itinerary planning.
Lapland is luxury without the fuss—tranquil, immersive, and private. It requests that those who don’t crave luxury be seen, but to atmosphere, experience, and off-the-beaten retreat. Glass igloos to cashmere swathed beneath dancing auroras, Lapland is Arctic chic at its best.
