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Otava Lodge is a secluded retreat for bespoke Arctic adventures that gives guests the freedom to discover Lapland on their own terms in any season, with the local expertise of Arctra DMC.

Opened in 2022, Otava Lodge has been designed to give snow-seekers complete freedom to experience Finnish Lapland on their own terms. Rather than operating as a conventional hotel, the property is available exclusively to one group at a time via Arctra DMC, a Nordic luxury travel DMC, which has the expertise to shape each stay around individual interests, rhythms and expectations.

This unique luxury lodge in Lapland is located on Ollerovaara Hill, just inside the Arctic Circle, around a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi airport. This proximity makes it easy to reach, yet the setting feels remote almost immediately. Surrounded by around 20 hectares of forest and open land, the property sits high above its surroundings, with long views across snow-covered trees and expansive Arctic skies. Once guests arrive, there is little to distract from the landscape itself, which becomes the defining feature of the stay.

Arctra DMC’s experience in crafting tailor-made journeys in Finnish Lapland underpins the concept of Otava Lodge. Every visit is planned in advance, with guests working directly with the team to define how their time will unfold. Activities, dining, schedules and levels of adventure are all discussed ahead of arrival.

“This approach removes the need for fixed programmes or shared timetables, replacing them with a fluid structure that adapts to weather, energy levels and personal interests.” says Jenna Koskela, Head of Sales at Arctra DMC.

The lodge feels calm and grounded within its environment. Architecture and interiors follow a contemporary Nordic style, using natural materials and a restrained colour palette that reflects the surrounding forest. Large windows are a key feature throughout the building, ensuring constant visual contact with the outdoors. During winter, the low Arctic light filters softly into the rooms, while at night the darkness outside heightens the sense of retreat.

Accommodation is spread across five suites, each named after a constellation visible in the northern sky. The theme is understated but meaningful, encouraging guests to engage with the night sky, which plays a central role in Lapland’s appeal. The suites are spacious and flexible, with king-size beds that can be configured as twins. Each has a private bathroom and thoughtful lighting designed to support rest after long days in cold conditions. One suite also offers access to a private outdoor hot tub, providing a secluded space to sit beneath the open sky.

Communal areas within the lodge are designed for comfort and ease rather than formality. A central living space offers room to relax, read or spend time together, while a media lounge provides a place for film evenings or quiet downtime. Wellness is an integral part of the experience, reflecting Finnish traditions that centre on heat, cold and recovery. A traditional sauna allows guests to unwind after outdoor activities, and an outdoor hot tub adds another layer to this ritual, particularly on clear winter nights.

A dedicated Aurora Lounge is one of the lodge’s defining spaces. Designed with large glass surfaces and minimal artificial light, it allows guests to watch the Northern Lights from indoors when conditions are right. Rather than being treated as a scheduled event, aurora viewing becomes a natural part of evenings at the lodge, with guests able to gather, wait and watch without leaving the warmth of the building.

Experiences at Otava Lodge are shaped entirely around guest preferences and seasonal conditions. Winter activities can include snowmobiling across frozen terrain, husky sledding through forest trails and snowshoe walks that focus on stillness and observation. These outings are guided by local experts who understand how to navigate the landscape safely while sharing insight into life in the Arctic. The pace can be adapted for families, couples or groups with different levels of confidence and curiosity.

Cultural encounters also form part of the experience. Reindeer, which play a central role in Lapland’s heritage, are often introduced as part of the stay, offering context around traditional livelihoods and seasonal rhythms. Visits to wilderness huts provide a glimpse into how people have historically lived and travelled in this environment, with simple meals prepared over open fires reinforcing a sense of connection to the place.

Dining at the lodge reflects Arctra DMC’s bespoke philosophy. All meals are prepared by a private chef, who works closely with guests to understand their tastes and requirements. Menus typically draw on Nordic ingredients and seasonal produce, with an emphasis on quality and simplicity rather than elaborate presentation. Meals are unhurried and scheduled around the day’s activities, whether that means an early breakfast before heading out or a late dinner after an evening spent watching the sky.

“Guests often tell us the meals become one of their favourite memories”, says Koskela. “It's not about fine dining in the traditional sense, it's about sitting together after a day in the snow, tasting ingredients you won't find elsewhere, with no rush. Our chef introduces Arctic flavors naturally, perhaps cloudberries or smoked reindeer, always with stories about where they come from. That connection to place is what makes it special."

What sets Otava Lodge apart is the way it combines privacy with deep local knowledge. Arctra DMC’s role extends beyond logistics, shaping the tone of each stay so that guests feel supported without being directed. This balance allows people to engage with the Arctic environment at their own pace, whether through active exploration or quiet reflection.

The lodge appeals to travellers seeking a different definition of luxury. Rather than abundance or spectacle, the focus here is on space, silence and control over time. Families value the ability to share experiences without interruption, couples appreciate the seclusion, and groups find space to reconnect away from everyday pressures. The exclusive-use model ensures that the wilderness remains personal and uninterrupted throughout the stay.

As demand grows for remote, experience-led travel, Otava Lodge illustrates how specialist operators like Arctra DMC are reshaping expectations. By combining bespoke planning with a carefully designed setting, the lodge offers a way to experience Lapland that feels both immersive and unforced.