Skýra Retreat, an exclusive new destination in Lapland, is set to welcome its first guests in December 2025 on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi, just outside Rovaniemi, Finland. This intimate retreat invites guests to experience a new vision of luxury – one rooted in elemental design, Nordic heritage, and a pace of life guided by nature. With its carefully restored 1950s village schoolhouse at its heart and surrounded by ancient forests, Skýra Retreat offers the opportunity to slow down and reconnect, surrounded by the Arctic’s beauty.
This distinctive vision is shaped by founder Susanne Hulbekkmo, whose commitment to authenticity, wellness, and understated excellence informs every detail. Marjo Saarinen, owner of Design Saarinen lends a nuanced approach to colour, materiality, and nature-inspired aesthetics, bringing immersive warmth and clarity to each space. The architectural direction, led by UKI Arkkitehdit – one of Finland’s foremost practices – comes to life under lead architect Johannes Jutila and architect Enni Hukka, who were specifically responsible for the design of the new log suites and the spa, seamlessly integrating these contemporary buildings alongside the original Schoolhouse. By commissioning a new generation of local talent, Skýra Retreat weaves together established expertise and fresh perspective, uplifting Finnish design in a landmark Lapland project. Fully Finnish-owned and brought to life through close collaboration with regional designers and architects, Skýra Retreat’s unique sense of place has been recognised as the first Finnish property to join the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
The architecture and interiors at Skýra Retreat showcases the dialogue between Finnish heritage and modern luxury, drawing inspiration from the mid-century period when the school was first established. Across the rooms, spa, and main building, materials and silhouettes evoke both classic and contemporary interpretations of Nordic design, from the understated use of wood to the playful touch of patterned wallpapers, an authentic nod to Finnish interiors, where wallpapers have long enlivened living spaces. This blend is particularly vivid in the Old Schoolhouse, where the original log structure has been restored and unveiled after decades hidden beneath layers of cardboard and wallpaper – a practice born after World War II, when log construction was considered modest and typically masked to mimic stone. Today, this stands as a celebration of Finnish resourcefulness and design sensibility, seamlessly marrying the retreat’s mid-century sensibility with the wilderness of its Arctic setting.
Skýra Retreat’s accommodation is intentionally small-scale, offering four distinct room categories, each shaped by Nordic tradition and modern comfort. At the centre of the retreat, the Grande Suites, housed in the historic schoolhouse, feature hand-restored log walls, private saunas, and deep freestanding bathtubs. Each suite is finished with bespoke details, including a champagne button for spontaneous indulgence. Located discreetly are the Log Suites, contemporary villas inspired by the classic Finnish cabin tradition. Each features its own sauna, fireplace lounge, and terrace that opens directly into the forest. Upstairs, a peaceful loft space provides room for yoga or quiet reflection, with views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The Teacher’s Chambers, four unique apartments that once housed the school’s staff, have been reimagined as warm, characterful suites. Each features a curated book selection and spaces for reading, writing, and gathering, all infused with the spirit of the past. For those seeking privacy, the Private Lakeside Villa sits at the water’s edge, offering three bedrooms, a flexible-use room, and sweeping lake views. The villa includes a lakeside sauna with direct access to an ice hole, a full kitchen, and the services of a private host, with options for personal chef, childcare, or concierge on request.
Dining at Skýra Retreat begins with à la carte breakfasts, and flows into lunches and afternoon pullakahvit – coffee and pastries, Finnish style. Evenings are reserved for a curated three-course dinner, each menu rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and Nordic provenance. The culinary philosophy here is defined by Nordic simplicity, elevated through French technique, and an unwavering commitment to high-quality, house-developed recipes. Menus change with the seasons: winter leans into preserved goods, while daily fish and meat selections reflect what’s freshly available from nearby producers. Finnish resourcefulness is woven through every detail – fruit peels become cocktail bases, syrups are crafted in-house, and nothing is wasted. Even the stories behind the dishes matter: the reimagined blueberry pie, for instance, nods to children once picking berries in the forest and bringing them to the school cook for a late-summer treat. The kitchen operates as a true collective, drawing on local sourcing and classic techniques, making every meal an expression of place and purpose.
The spa at Skýra Retreat is an open-air sanctuary inspired by the Finnish thermal cycle: heat, cold, rest, and repeat. Guests enjoy unlimited access to a suite of thermal experiences, from panoramic saunas and heated outdoor Jacuzzis to invigorating cold plunges and wild lake swims, all designed to foster deep rest and resilience. For those seeking an authentic taste of Finnish culture, the Private Folklore Sauna invites guests into a sacred space guided by a sauna host, weaving in traditional incantations, the ritual of greeting the löyly (steam), and ancient practices such as birch-whisking or a guided cold plunge. The treatment menu draws on Nordic wisdom and modern wellness, with signature experiences rooted in Finnish tradition. From the Brain Relief treatment, a Finnish neuro-physiological method that uses gentle rhythmic touch to calm the nervous system and invite profound rest – complemented by globally known practices such as sound-based therapies, to the Herbal Embrace is a 75-minute aromatic oil massage, allowing guests to choose their own blend of Finnish herbs and essential oils – meadowsweet, sweetgrass, lemon balm, calendula, lavender, or rose – for a deeply sensory and grounding experience. Wellness and nature are woven into each day, with activities ranging from morning yoga and forest bathing to creative workshops, sound baths, and folklore-inspired sauna rituals. Guests can also book bespoke adventures – from snowmobiling to reindeer safaris – through the hotel’s trusted local partners.
Every aspect of Skýra Retreat is thoughtfully curated to allow guests to rediscover time – whether through the gentle ritual of table-served breakfasts, or evenings at the Nordic Spa.
Skyra Retreat opens to guests in December 2025, for bookings visit: https://skyraretreat.com/en/signature-retreats
Skýra Retreat
Ahventie 77
Rovaniemi, 96900
Finland
