Winter in Lapland Digital Detox in Finland

Beyond the Arctic Circle, winter creates a soft blanket of snow and reveals the extraordinary nature of Lapland. The idea of this escape is to take in a deep breath of fresh air - the cleanest in Europe - and lose track of time, enjoy a rare natural environment of frozen forests and lakes, to rediscover the pure and deep 'silence' which is conducive to total disconnection. Letting go of your stress, made easier by smooth transport, and the choice of an elegant, cosy and all-wood luxury retreat - and reserved for adults, at that. Originally, this collection of typically Lappish log cabins, off the beaten track in an Arctic environment surrounded by a national park of lakes and forests, midnight sun and northern lights, was a Finnish president's retreat. Now renovated, the Javri Lodge has a flawless beauty; and the 13 understated luxury rooms follow this same dynamic, paying particular attention to the privacy and tranquillity of its guests. The common areas around the fireplace and breakfast table are perfect for a cosy chat. The kitchen is inspired by the ingredients and produce of local hunting and fishing. In short: an overview of the Sami way of life with a sauna, cross-country skiing, a snowmobile, sled dogs and the local cuisine.

YOUR POLAR DAYS OUT

As part of your stay, a Nordic activity is scheduled every day, to be chosen from the wide range of experiences offered by the lodge. Nearby, Urho Kekkonen National Park - Finland's second-largest protected park - reveals the grandeur of its primary forests, moors and gorges, marshes and mountains covered in thick snow. A vast expanse of pristine landscapes to roam at one's own pace with snowshoes or the time for a quiet stroll cross-country skiing, two of Lapland's popular Nordic hobbies. Skiers can perfect their skills with skis or snowboards on the slopes of the Saariselka ski area, or travel miles on snowmobiles, to better understand the sheer magnitude of the Lappish expanses. Another setting, and other sensations, as the steady and safe steps of the Finnish horses sink silently into the snow. When it turns into ice and coats white lakes with a thick frozen layer, patient fishermen replicate the ancestral Native American techniques of fishing through holes in the ice. Another must-do is driving a team of huskies, to better savour the majestic silence of the snow-covered plains, with the sleigh and the breath of the Huskies the only noise to be heard - as well as the reindeer, an iconic sight of the Far North, whose husbandry is still a major source of income in Lapland. Back at the lodge, there is nothing more relaxing than some time spent in the sauna followed by a good massage (classic, invigorating with hot stones or relaxing with aromatic herbs) to loosen your tight muscles after a day spent in the cold of the arctic winter. This will leave you in the perfect mood to look out for the aurora borealis (northern lights) in the evening, as it sometimes fills the sky with a glowing greens and reds. Read more