Finland
How far away can you go? It is not just a matter of distance. Standing on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, endless forests and lakes go all the way to the horizon. The huge expanses of Finnish wilderness look endless, the sort of nature that makes your heart race with its beauty, and at the same time can be intimidating. In other words, it’s untamed nature, and it has a mind of its own, it is untouched. A related question is, how far can you go without sacrificing style points? Jávri Lodge answers both questions with elegant ease.

See Andrea's Finland Experiences
ON THE EAVES OF WONDER
Surrounded by forests that don the purest white in winter and burst with fairytale enchantment in summer, Jávri Lodge sits in Saariselkä, 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and as such communes yearly with the extremes of light phenomena: the White Nights and the Aurora Borealis.

LESS IS MORE
With just thirteen rooms, the lodge caters only to select guests, who can choose from three types of rooms. The Cozy Doubles cultivate the typical style of Lappish cabins and are, as the name implies cosy, yet elegant and held back. The Presidential Suites favour the cabin style but add modern touches to create an ambiance of elegant retreat. My favourites by far are the Skyview Suites, which are very modern in their design but have something elemental about them. From their large windows you enjoy endless views. They possess a soothing effect and inspire the sort of tranquility I thought reserved only for masters of meditation. Serenity is guaranteed, since the Lodge only welcomes those over eighteen.

ADVENTURE YEAR ROUND
On the eaves of Finland’s second largest national park, a world of adventure lies at your feet. Explore the snow-covered forests on a reindeer sleigh, or snowshoe along the silent wintery trees is search of the Aurora. In summer, forage for wild berries and enjoy a midnight stroll across the charming trails. Upon your return, enjoy the sauna and then a delicious dinner from seasonal ingredients sources locally, all prepared with creativity and flair.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT
So I guess going far away is not at all about the distance. Staying at Jávri Lodge feels like staying on a different planet, one many galaxies away. There is something comforting to find out it is our own. It means nature will never cease to amaze, even those who have been everywhere else in the world.