Exclusivity, luxury and privacy are often overused buzzwords in the world of hospitality, but a new retreat in Finnish Lapland may have a genuine claim to all three.
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Opening in December this year, Octola III will accommodate just six guests, but don’t expect to make a simple booking online – access is granted exclusively through a private invitation-only waiting list. Guests have the option of booking one suite, two suites or the entire property.
The latest addition to the Octola Private Wilderness portfolio sits 500 metres above sea level on the site of a former radar station within a protected Sámi wilderness area in Finnish Lapland.
Designed by Finnish architectural practice UKI Architects under renowned Lappish architect Hannu Voutilainen, the retreat blends contemporary Nordic design with natural materials inspired by the surrounding landscape. Despite its remote setting, the lodge is just a 20-minute private transfer from Enontekiö Arctic Airport.
“With Octola III, we are taking our established concept of ultra-private, quiet luxury to the literal top of the fells,” said Janne Honkanen, Founder of Octola. “We have created an environment where guests do not just observe the Arctic; they are entirely enveloped by it.
“From the thousand-hectare wilderness views to the deep cultural connection with the Sámi people and the measurable purity of the air, Octola III represents an absolute boundary-pushing evolution of experiential travel.”
Panoramic views across three countries
Perched on one of Lapland's highest fells, Octola III enjoys sweeping views stretching across Finland, Norway and Sweden. The elevated location also offers excellent opportunities to witness one of the Arctic's greatest natural spectacles: the northern lights.
The retreat forms part of a vast private wilderness estate with more than five kilometres of private roads, allowing guests to explore the surrounding landscape in complete privacy while remaining immersed in untouched Arctic nature.
Every stay includes a private chef and dedicated host, while wellness revolves around traditional Nordic contrasts between hot and cold.
Guests can alternate between a wood-burning lakeside sauna and a purpose-built ice swimming pond before unwinding in a private games den featuring billiards, darts, a stocked bar and even an indoor area for practising “suopunki”, the traditional Sámi lasso technique.
Beyond the lodge, bespoke experiences can be tailored to each group. Options include snowmobile and wilderness excursions, reindeer encounters, northern lights viewing and visits to nearby Kautokeino, regarded as one of the cultural centres of the Indigenous Sámi people.
There, visitors can discover traditional craftsmanship, local history and gain insight into centuries-old reindeer herding traditions.
Larger groups of guests can also choose to combine their stay with the nearby Aurora Radar Station.
Opened earlier this year, the Aurora Radar Station was a highly classified site from the mid-1960s before being transformed into an exclusive Arctic retreat.
Located within the wider estate, the property comprises five apartments with 10 bedrooms and provides an ideal base for accompanying staff, security personnel, or additional guests.