Scandinavia is the ultimate experiential destination, especially if you're the outdoorsy type. Summer means kayaking around mirrored lakes and foraging for berries in sun-dappled woodland, while winter brings a snowy wonderland primed for snowmobiling, husky-sledding and searching for the Northern Lights. And, amidst it all, a host of romantic luxury lodges offer a peaceful retreat from action-packed days. Think rustic cabins, wood-fired saunas, outdoor jacuzzis and gourmet meals – often prepared by your own private chef. It's the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or honeymoon. With this in mind, our travel specialists have selected their top picks for a romantic lodge holiday below. And, as always, if you need help planning your holiday, don't hesitate to get in touch.
L7 Luxury Lodge features – unsurprisingly – just seven rooms, each one rustic and intimate, with views across the Lappish wilderness. Traditional timber walls and floors give a classic log cabin feel, while thick blankets and plush furnishings add a touch of the luxurious. And, at the heart of the lodge, a spacious living room showcases a grand stone fireplace and elegant dining area. Snowshoe or cross country ski directly from the lodge into your tranquil surroundings, returning to recover in the sauna, relaxation room, or outdoor jacuzzi – perhaps under the spell of the Northern Lights. If you're seeking a romantic lodge that's both authentic and remote, this is it, and, on our Winter Adventure itinerary, you'll see it at its best.
L7 Luxury Lodge
This contemporary hotel is not technically a lodge, but a seriously luxurious set of treehouses, with panoramic views of the surrounding Finnish countryside via floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows. Each modernist cube is lined in blonde timber and decorated with cosy furs, a style that's carried across to the main building, which resembles a five-pointed snowflake. Meals are served by a roaring fire in the stylish Rakas restaurant, where the menu features everything from fresh fish and reindeer to foraged berries and wild mushrooms. Or, book a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars – and, with luck, the Northern Lights. On our Arctic TreeHouse Adventure, you'll have everything from snowmobiling adventures and snowshoeing to reindeer sleigh rides to pair it with – or in summer, hiking and biking under the Midnight Sun.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Beana Laponia is an exquisite adults-only lodge in Finland's Arctic Circle. Translating to ‘Dogs of Lapland’ in the local Sami language, the owner’s husky farm is at the heart of the hotel – from the decor to the experiences. Rooms are cosy and intimate, all plush furs and Arctic artwork, and suites come complete with private saunas. Spend your days mushing the husky pack to the shores of frozen lakes or the edge of remote forests, or take an overnight dog-sled adventure to a private cabin – it's all available on our Beana Laponia Luxury Break. Back at the lodge, sip champagne in the the Lumitassu bar and indulge at the Restaurant Sulokuono. And, since you're far from any city lights, keep an eye out for the aurora, best enjoyed from the warmth of an outdoor jacuzzi.
Beana Laponia
A former logger's lodge, this luxury retreat has been reimagined as a remote hideaway for two. There's perhaps nothing more romantic than escaping into the Swedish wilderness, where, apart from your private chef and gracious hosts (who stay a few hundred metres away) you're left completely alone. After days spent on snowmobile safaris or Nordic ski tours, return to the comfort of your private wood-fired sauna and outdoor hot tub. Gourmet dining tops it all off – expect to be served everything from Arctic char and moose to Sweden’s best caviar, Kalix. And, thanks to your beautifully isolated surroundings, the stars – and perhaps the Northern Lights – are simply breathtaking. You can even combine it with a stay at the spectacular Treehotel.
Loggers Lodge
Hidden in the forests of Swedish Lapland, Arctic Retreat is a cluster of traditional timber cabins tucked away on a bend on the edge of the Rane River. You'll spend your days exploring the countryside, ice skating on frozen ponds and dog-sledding through the woods, or, in warmer months, foraging for berries and kayaking on the river. Back at the lodge, romantic evenings fireside await, followed by aurora-seeking and sky-gazing in the private outdoor hot tub on the terrace. And, don't forget those intimate dinners prepared by local husky-sledding hero Richard Karlsson, whose menus are inspired by the region. Tie it all together with our Winter at the Arctic Retreat itinerary.
Arctic Retreat
Built into the otherworldly landscape of Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon, Silica Hotel is not so much a romantic lodge as it is a breathtakingly beautiful hotel. Surrounded by moss-covered lava fields and milky-blue geothermal waters, its clean lines and sleek Nordic design create an oasis of calm. Bright, airy rooms are the perfect retreat after days spent soaking in the Blue Lagoon, heading out on a SuperJeep safari and touring Thingvellir National Park. There's plenty of opportunity for indulgent spa treatments too, and the romantic Lava Restaurant is right nearby – hotel staff will happily make a special reservation for you.
Silica Hotel