Finnish winter wellness retreat at Kuru Resort

Your trip begins with included airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Helsinki, Finland’s elegant seaside capital. On arrival, make your way to your stylish city centre hotel in the internationally-renowned Design District, which brims with art galleries, museums and vintage stores. The rest of the day is then yours to spend at leisure. If you fancy staying in for a drink or a bite to eat later on, the Lilla e. Bar specialises in exquisite cocktails, quality wines and Finnish craft beers alongside a variety of delicious small plates. 

Start your morning with a delicious buffet breakfast, featuring an extensive selection of cooked and continental options, including fresh bread and pastries, eggs, cold cuts, Finnish berries and pancakes. You’ve then got the whole day free to explore Helsinki at your own pace. Be sure to check out Senate Square and the gleaming white Helsinki Cathedral, peruse the stalls of the Old Market Hall and take a stroll along Esplanadi Park. A visit to the Allas Sea Pool or the Löyly sauna complex is also highly recommended, as is hopping on the ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress. Later on, a gin tasting session at The Helsinki Distilling Company is a wonderful way to spend an evening, or you may fancy treating yourself to a Michelin-star meal at Finnjävel Salonki. Its more casual partner restaurant, Sali, is an excellent alternative. 

This morning, head to Helsinki Central Station to catch a train to Mikkeli, around two-and-a-half hours northeast. From here, a transfer will take you to Kuru Resort – a serene, adults-only retreat nestled in a pine forest on the shore of a lake. Staying here is all about slowing down, tuning into your natural surroundings and disconnecting from the usual routines of daily life. You’ll be staying in a villa that pairs sleek Nordic design with beautiful lake views, each one with its own terrace, fireplace and private sauna. You’ll also have access to the saunas down by the lake along with snacks and drinks, and, if you’re feeling brave, take an invigorating icy plunge. This evening, take your pick from a trio of restaurants, each offering their own unique interpretation of authentic Finnish cuisine. Note that the fine dining venue, Solitary, isn’t open on Sundays or Mondays. 

Enjoy breakfast from the comfort of your villa this morning before taking part in a guided wellness session, focusing on breathing exercises, meditation and gentle yoga. It’s then time to wrap up warm and venture out on a sleigh ride adventure to the idyllic winter wonderland of Linnansaari National Park. Remember to slow down, breathe that crisp Finnish air and embrace the tranquility of your surroundings. Later on, an included wine tasting session will introduce you to the delectable flavours of Finnish berry wines crafted by the Valamo Monastery. Conclude your day with a three-course dinner at the Fire Kitchen, which varies its menus throughout the year in accordance with the freshest, highest quality seasonal ingredients.

Take your relaxation to another level today with a soothing head, neck and shoulder massage using essential oils and hot stones that’ll leave you feeling blissfully rejuvenated. A session in the steam room is also included as part of your wellness treatment. Come nightfall, indulge in an exquisite six-course chef’s tasting menu at Restaurant Solitary, based around ingredients sourced from the surrounding nature and local producers. Ranked among Finland’s best 30 restaurants in 2024, this is the perfect way to cap off your trip in style. 

After a final breakfast at your villa, a car transfer will take you back to Mikkeli to catch a train to Helsinki Airport for your flight home. Depending on your departure time, you may be able to squeeze in one last wellness class before setting off for your return journey.