Remote Luxury in the Arctic Circle

Touted as ‘The Most Exclusive Lodge In Lapland’, the Arctic luxury refuge of Octola lodge certainly attracts a discerning crowd – Prince Albert of Monaco left an effusive review.

Conceived by a specialist in Arctic experiences and designed by a Saami architect, it was built for the kind of traveler who appreciates a butler service, Michelin star chef, and private guides on hand no matter how remote the destination.

With ten suites divided between two wings, there's the flexibility to book areas separately or together. The presence of a unique hand-carved wood-burning sauna might not come as a surprise in these parts, but the fitness center, stylish interiors, and scenery-framing picture windows certainly remain unexpected finds at 66-degrees latitude.

It may be the height of modernity in terms of what's on offer, but Octola hasn't forgotten its roots. The shape of the building echoes traditional ’laavu’ buildings that the native peoples of Northern Scandinavia once used for shelter.

The 300-plus hectare private reserve is perfect for outdoor activities like snowmobiling, ice-driving, cross-country skiing, husky sledding, and tobogganing. Most importantly perhaps, when the dark skies return between September and April, Octola is perfectly positioned for the Northern Lights.

This incredible spectacle can be elusive, but you stand the best chance of catching it during the winter months, with roaring fires on hand to warm you up when you step back inside.

Let us know and we'll start putting a plan together so you can experience this elusive – and exclusive – corner of the world.

All images courtesy of Octola lodge