In the snow-laden forests near Rovaniemi, the glass-fronted modernism of Lapland’s latest wilderness retreat combines all the snugness you could want from a stay in the Arctic with the very best in cutting-edge, Scandinavian design. Adding to its appeal, in 2020 the hotel received an award from the Finnish Tourist Board in recognition of its commitment to economic, ecological, social and cultural sustainability.
Eat
With all the excitement and adventure that comes with a Finnish Lapland holiday, you’ll doubtless work up quite an appetite, so it’s fortunate that the hotel’s restaurant, Rakas, is excellent. With a menu full of modern takes on tasty Lappish dishes, you can expect everything from forest mushroom tartare to wild reindeer with lingonberry sauce or delicious, homemade berry cheesecake.
Sleep
Inside, it’s all blonde-wood walls, mock- fur-clad armchairs, cosy duvets and log-burning stoves, while floor-to-ceiling windows face north from your forest canopy vantage point to make the most of Northern Lights displays. Choose between Arctic Treehouse Suites – perfect for couples – and ‘Arctic Glass Houses’, which come with two double bedrooms – including fun, alcove bunks for the kids – a well-equipped kitchenette and, in true Finnish style, a private sauna.
Do
This being Lapland, there’s far more to a stay here than a mere room with a view. Indeed, you’re going to want to get out and explore. Located no more than a snowball’s throw from the gingerbread kitchens and magic train rides of the world-famous SantaPark, as well as the elven magic of the Santa Claus Secret Forest at Joulukka, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is the ideal base for a visit to Father Christmas’s year-round home. Elsewhere, there are thrilling husky safaris, reindeer sled rides and even private candlelit dinners, served al fresco and, if you’re lucky, accompanied by the dancing swirls of the Northern Lights.
