Invitation-only Octola III Wilderness Retreat to open in Finnish Lapland
A new and exclusive Wilderness retreat, Octola III, set to open in Finnish Lapland this December, promises a rare experience for its guests. Nestled on the site of a former radar station high in the Arctic tundra, this six-person lodge offers not just a stay, but an immersion into the surrounding natural beauty. Part of the esteemed Octola Private Wilderness portfolio, access to the property is limited to an invitation-based system, allowing guests to join a waiting list rather than making traditional reservations.
Perched 500 meters above sea level in the scenic Fells of Enontekiö, Octola III boasts breathtaking views of the mountains spanning Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Accommodating up to six guests across three elegantly appointed bedrooms, the lodge is fully serviced with a dedicated host and private chef, complemented by amenities such as a wood-burning sauna, an ice-swimming pond, and a wealth of Arctic experiences. The elevated setting is designed for optimal stargazing and Northern Lights viewing, while the expansive grounds encompass tens of hectares and over 5 kilometers of private roads. Remarkably, this tranquil escape is only a 20-minute drive from Enontekiö Arctic Airport.
The lodge is intricately connected to Sámi culture, located approximately 45 minutes from Kautokeino, a cultural hub for the indigenous Sámi people. Here, guests can explore silver workshops and historical sites, and through partnerships with local herders, they can traverse the tundra alongside migrating reindeer, bridging adventure with cultural authenticity.
Octola III’s wellness center captures the essence of Scandinavian design through its juxtaposition of heat and cold. A wood-burning sauna pairs beautifully with a custom ice swimming pond, providing guests with a truly unique experience. Additionally, the retreat features a 220-square-meter games den, complete with a bar, an indoor track for practicing suopunki (the traditional Sámi lasso technique), billiards, and darts.
Designed by Lappish architect Hannu Voutilainen, who also worked on the collection’s other properties, the lodge offers various accommodation options, including a suite (48 square meters), two suites (181.5 square meters), or a full lodge buyout (230 square meters). Larger groups can also reserve Octola III in conjunction with its sister property, the Aurora Radar Station, a former classified site from the 1960s that recently transformed into a retreat and features five apartments with ten bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with dining and wellness facilities.
This latest Octola location incorporates state-of-the-art air quality monitoring technology, ensuring a pristine atmosphere throughout the year and contributing valuable data to researchers. According to the World Health Organization, spending a week breathing in the pure Arctic air of Lapland may even extend a person’s lifespan by more than 24 hours.
“With Octola III, we are elevating our concept of ultra-private, luxurious escape to a new level,” said founder Janne Honkanen. “We have crafted an environment where guests do not merely observe the Arctic; they are completely enveloped by its beauty. From the sweeping wilderness views to deep cultural connections with the Sámi people and the measurable purity of the air, Octola III epitomizes a groundbreaking evolution in experiential travel.”
Food Desk
Octola III is set to open on 1st December 2026, by invitation only. For more information or to join the waiting list, please visit the group’s website.