In a nutshell
This wilderness estate in Lapland is the pinnacle of contentment. The crisp, clean air has been scientifically linked to longevity, and the uninterrupted views of bristling treetops are a tonic for cluttered minds. This exclusive five-bedroom hideaway near Santa’s homeland, Rovaniemi, is the second property to open on a 700-hectare private estate, where entry is strictly monitored and the exact location isn’t even documented on maps.
Nature’s rhythms dictate life at Octola, demanding disconnection from the outside world. Subtly stylish rather than extravagant and showy, this homely hideaway disappears between the elegant, towering trunks of birch, pine, spruce and willow trees. Lappish luxury assumes a very different definition; it’s about mindfulness, peace and appreciation of every moment.
The sense of stillness is infectious, forcing busy minds to slow down. But the environment is far from static, bringing changes with every season. Days shrink and expand, light changes, and landscapes shift through a palette of colours.
Three things I loved
Privacy. Silence. Cold water dipping.
Rooms
Spread across two levels, the villa has five en-suite rooms fanning either side of an open area. The largest suite has a living space, an infrared sauna and forest-view terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi. A common feature throughout all rooms is privacy and silence – this is where Octola excels and explains why 94% of their high-profile guests return multiple times.
During my stay, I left the curtains of my wall-size windows fully open to appreciate the view. Not once did another person ski, snowshoe or walk past. That’s not by accident. Octola staff constantly communicate over WhatsApp, always checking on a guest’s whereabouts to avoid unwanted intrusions.
In terms of looks, interior designer Kari Lappalainen and architect Hannu Voutilainen have moved away from the classic, cool minimalist Nordic style in favour of creating a space radiating warmth. Furnishings are upholstered with Norwegian-style tartan fabrics in rooms wrapped by cocooning chocolate-brown walls. A fireplace in the main lounge has been built with handpicked lichen-stained rocks, likely originating from the ice age when this estate was an island in a lake.
Food and drink
There are no set menus or price lists; from dishes to dining times, everything is flexible. Careful attention is paid to preferences – for example, my obsession with cloudberries was noted early on and a sprinkling of the ‘Arctic gold’ arrived as a condiment to accompany cold meats, whipped up in a cheese-based dessert, and blended as a homemade jam as a parting gift.
Eager to champion Lappish ingredients, the kitchen can create a gentle introduction platter of reindeer carpaccio, fried vendace fish, roasted Finnish potatoes and “squeaky” cheese. Honkanen is so confident in the quality of meats sustainably sourced from the estate, he claims those who come as vegetarians often leave having tasted Finnish meat.
Highlights and experiences
In a playground of forests, rivers, lakes and Arctic tundra, activities are largely operated on site. Octola has its own husky dog kennels and fleets of ATVs and snowmobiles for exploring snowy landscapes.
Beyond the typical Lappish activity list, learn to ski and slide at 70kph on icy roads by taking a guided spin in an ice class rally card, or release creative flair by sculpting ice blocks with a professional artist. Skates, skis, sleds and snowshoes are also available along with a wardrobe of winter boots and thermal suits, making it possible to pack light.
Late night fun and games are hosted in a lower-level lair, with pool table, humidor and karaoke system equipped with Genelec speakers. On a par with systems fitted in professional recording studios, the set-up has already been used by a German rap artist to record an album.
What to do nearby
Located within the aurora oval, this is also an excellent place to see the Northern Lights 200 clear nights per year.
The backstory
For owner Janne Honkanen, eight (“octo” in Latin) is much more than a lucky number or the name of his pet dog. It references the grand total of countries crossed by the Arctic Circle, the sum of primary points on a navigational compass, and – most importantly – it’s a symbol of infinity.
“Every sailor knows that the seventh wave in the sea is the biggest,” the philosophical entrepreneur told me as we drank tea from mugs specially made with handles double looped like a figure eight. “But they are all aiming for the eighth, which is the new beginning.”
A firm believer in fresh starts, the former professional snowmobile racer reconsidered his future after surviving a near fatal accident and recovering from an inoperable tumour. A pledge to protect people and nature would ultimately lead to the creation of Octola.
Gradually amassed by buying up land from 47 independent owners, his 700-hectare wilderness retreat in Finnish Lapland is a sanctuary for healthy forests, free-roaming reindeer and flustered urbanites seeking a place to disappear.
The first Octola lodge and villa opened in 2018 – almost a decade after the ambitious but gently spoken entrepreneur had founded premium local tour operator and activities company Luxury Action. Similar in ethos, this second space feels even more intimate and hospitable.
Insider tip
Pack light. The property provides all the essentials, from all-in-one insulation suits and snow boots to blanket shawls and woollen house shoes. The cosy, hand-knitted footwear is a gift for each guest to take home. Mine have become a winter staple.
Wellness
In true Finnish style, the property’s spa focuses on saunas. Made from hardy kelo wood harvested from vertically dried Scots pines – revered as the last trees standing in northern Nordic and Siberian forests – the traditional wood-burning sauna is top choice.
Cold water swimming, now synonymous with Finnish culture, can be practised at a wilderness cabin a short drive from the villa. Of the 80-plus activities offered by Octola, this is easily a favourite. Neoprene shoes are provided for the dip, but you’ll need to pack your own courage. Refreshingly cold, the experience is also refreshingly egalitarian.
“When you are naked, everyone is equal,” pointed out my guide, Henri. “Only the person holding the löyly [the ladle used to pour water on hot stones] is in charge.”
For families
Available strictly as a buy-out, the property is perfect for multi-generational stays. While some activities – such as snowmobiling and ice rally driving – have an age limit, there are lots of alternative options. Decorated with murals of bears and polka-dot mushrooms and rope pulleys dangling from the ceiling, a children’s play area encourages traditional pastimes. At Christmas, reindeer sled rides lead to a wooden cabin for a private meet and greet with Santa.
Final considerations
- Can’t-miss: the silence and solitude of a midnight, starry-skied ice bath
- Best for: families, groups, solo travel, multi-generational travel, a couples’ escape
- Location: Although only a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi, Octola’s private wilderness feels tantalisingly remote, and the nearest neighbour is 10km away. The airport has direct flights to Europe and can accommodate private jets
- Accessibility: Set over two levels, the layout makes it challenging to accommodate wheelchairs users. Octola I would be a much better option