Arrival in Enchantment
Nestled approximately 170 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Reindeer Manor in Levi, Finnish Lapland, offers an escape into a serene winter landscape.
The journey to this remote destination, accessible via a domestic flight to Kittala followed by a short drive through snow-laden forests, immediately immerses visitors in a tranquil, almost magical environment. Arriving in the limited daylight of late January, the silhouettes of buildings and pathways, illuminated by soft fairy lights, create a surreal spectacle. The crisp Arctic air, sharp enough to momentarily freeze the hairs in one's nostrils, is invigorating, offering a pure, oxygen-rich breath. The crunch of snow underfoot as one approaches the manor, with its warm, inviting glow, signals the transition into a cozy and welcoming retreat. Upon entering, guests are greeted with traditional Finnish hospitality, including warm spiced glögi and delicate gingerbread biscuits, setting the tone for a truly immersive and comfortable stay within this picturesque winter wonderland.
A Village Reimagined
Reindeer Manor's charm is deeply intertwined with its historical roots, built upon the ancient Lonnakko village settlement. Rather than erasing its past, newer accommodations have been thoughtfully integrated with the original timber structures, some dating back to the late 1700s. These venerable buildings, including historical barns and storehouses, are not mere relics but actively contribute to the daily life of the resort, having been subtly adapted for contemporary use. This sensitive approach preserves the authentic character of the site, creating a living museum where history and modern luxury coexist harmoniously. Guests at Reindeer Manor are a diverse group, drawn by the promise of remoteness, a blend of adventure and tranquility, and the chance to witness the aurora borealis. The resort’s exclusive nature, with only 10 igloo suites, coupled with its unique setting and personalized service, fosters a sense of discovery and encourages repeat visits, making it a cherished destination for those seeking an extraordinary Arctic experience.
Pioneering Arctic Luxury
The genesis of Reindeer Manor is a testament to the vision of Lapland native Janne Honkanen. Following a career-ending accident in 1999, Honkanen pivoted to creating unique travel experiences, founding Luxury Action in 2009. His innovative approach focused on reimagining Finland and the Nordic region as destinations for bespoke, experience-driven luxury travel. This venture expanded to include Octola Private Wilderness, featuring Octola Lodge. In 2024, Honkanen acquired Reindeer Manor, which already featured 10 glass igloos. He initiated a significant luxury renovation, introducing amenities like high-end hot tubs and renaming the property from its Finnish name, Lapinkylä, to Reindeer Manor, reflecting its Arctic charm. The resort's manager, Jani Kettunen, highlights its deep connection to Sámi heritage, explaining that it's built on the site of the ancient Lonnakko settlement, where legends speak of the Crane Shaman establishing the first Lappish nomads in the late 1700s. The remoteness of the location historically protected it, even during the Lapland War in 1944, as it remained undiscovered.
Igloo Suites of Wonder
The 10 glass igloo suites at Reindeer Manor are designed for an intimate and immersive Arctic experience, accommodating two guests per suite, with the option to add an extra bed for an additional adult or two children. Each igloo boasts a private outdoor hot tub, strategically positioned for complete seclusion and uninterrupted views of the surrounding snowy woodland. Inside, the design prioritizes comfort and practicality. Five triangular glass panels above the king-sized bed, draped in soft sheepskin, offer panoramic views of the sky, ideal for aurora viewing. A simple button press activates a heating element to clear any ice or snow, ensuring an unobstructed spectacle. The interiors are furnished with high-end Scandinavian pieces from Norwegian company Slettvoll, complemented by wood-clad walls, underfloor heating, and plush rugs that contribute to a cozy ambiance. Practical elements like a durable rug and sturdy hooks near the entrance are essential for managing snow boots and winter attire. The suites feature a spacious, spa-like power shower, and notably, no televisions, encouraging guests to connect with nature's entertainment. Exclusive buyouts of the entire resort are available for larger groups or special occasions, enhancing its appeal for private events.
Arctic Flavors, Arctic Soul
Dining at Reindeer Manor is an experience rooted in authentic Lappish cuisine, reimagined with modern culinary techniques and a strict commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant, situated adjacent to the lobby in the main house, features a warm, northern-inspired interior with a central fireplace casting a gentle glow on honey-toned timber walls and ancient wooden beams. Guests can opt for tables by the window to enjoy views of the reindeer enclosure and the surrounding forest. Breakfast offers a delightful start with options like smoked salmon, traditional Karelian pies filled with rice porridge and served with egg butter, fresh berry smoothies, and energizing ginger shots. The culinary direction is helmed by Petri Selander, who focuses on the pure flavors of the Arctic wilderness, incorporating game meats, wild mushrooms, berries, and fish. The menu proudly states that 'everything you will eat here comes from the forest,' with no farmed produce served. Reindeer is a prominent feature, presented in various forms such as carpaccio, braised shank, grilled fillet, and sautéed dishes. A signature dish includes fried willow grouse breast and grilled reindeer fillet tournedos with game sauce, cranberry turnips, and parsnip purée. For those seeking non-meat options, offerings include wild mushroom broad bean hummus with grilled vegetables and sugar-salted white fish from Lake Inari with a fennel salad. Dessert highlights include a cloudberry parfait and a refreshing spruce lime sorbet, a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of the Nordic wild.
Adventures in Snow
The expansive private land surrounding Reindeer Manor, coupled with access to hundreds of hectares of state-owned Arctic tundra wilderness, provides an ideal playground for a wide array of winter activities. Guests can embark on cross-country skiing adventures, experience the thrill of husky sled rides, or join exhilarating aurora chases across open snow plains, where minimal light pollution enhances the chances of spotting the elusive Northern Lights. Traditional Sámi customs are explored through magical reindeer sleigh rides, offering insights into reindeer herding practices. For downhill skiing enthusiasts, the nearby Levi resort boasts floodlit slopes and an impressive 27 ski lifts. The self-drive husky sledding allows participants to steer teams of Siberian and Alaskan huskies through pristine winter landscapes, a truly adrenaline-fueled yet ultimately calm and diligent experience. After their work, the huskies transform into playful puppies during a meet-and-greet session. The resort also offers snowmobile tours, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. Evening campfires provide opportunities for roasting marshmallows and interacting with the resident reindeer that roam freely around the property. Special packages, like the 'Christmas Magic' during the holiday season, include a Santa Claus meeting and potential elf visits.
Timeless Sauna Rituals
No Arctic experience is complete without indulging in a traditional Finnish sauna, and Reindeer Manor offers one steeped in history. The sauna building itself has remained largely unchanged for two centuries, though it has been thoughtfully adapted to meet modern standards. Originally a savusauna, or smoke sauna, it represented the earliest form of Finnish sauna, heated by an open fire that filled the room with smoke, blackening the walls while stones absorbed heat before the smoke was vented. While no longer a smoke sauna, the room retains a distinctive, comforting smoky scent from the warmed wooden beams. It now features a custom-made, 600-kilogram stone heater, requiring pre-booking due to its extensive heating time of over four hours. The air inside is now pure, ensuring a comfortable experience. A highly recommended post-sauna ritual is an immediate plunge into the fluffy snow outside for a 'snow angel,' a customary and invigorating way to cool down. This secluded spot, overlooking a landscape safeguarded by the Finnish Heritage Agency and featuring original timber structures from the Lonnakko settlement, offers a serene connection to centuries of tradition.
Family Focus, Eco-Conscious
Reindeer Manor is exceptionally well-equipped to cater to families, with igloo suites offering configurations that can accommodate an extra adult or two children. Many of the thrilling adult activities, from snowmobile excursions to husky and reindeer sleigh rides, can be adapted for younger guests, typically by shortening the duration to ensure they remain comfortable in temperatures that can plummet below -20 degrees Celsius. Additional family-friendly pursuits include tobogganing and snowshoeing. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire and meeting the resident reindeer are highlights for children. The 'Christmas Magic' package further enhances the festive spirit with a special encounter with Santa Claus. While Reindeer Manor is in the process of obtaining eco or sustainable travel certifications, sustainability is already a cornerstone of its operations. The Aurora glass igloo suites incorporate energy-efficient features like electric underfloor heating and low-energy hot tubs, and the main property is powered by solar energy. The culinary approach emphasizes sustainability with no farmed produce, all ingredients being seasonal and locally sourced. A no-buffet policy minimizes waste, with any surplus food being recycled or repurposed. Eco-conscious practices extend to the use of bio-based cleaning solutions, chlorine-free systems, and carefully selected sustainable toiletries.
Inclusive Accessibility & Unique Dining
Reindeer Manor is committed to making its Arctic retreat accessible, with the main interior areas, including the restaurant, being fully wheelchair accessible via a dedicated ramped entrance. While the igloo entrances currently involve a few steps, ongoing efforts are underway to enhance inclusivity with planned significant upgrades. For a unique private dining experience, Kammi (or Gammi) offers a quintessential rustic Lappish hut setting, featuring a chef's table with an open-fire cooking station in the center. This intimate space is discreetly situated within one of the renovated historical buildings of the original village settlement, and private dinners can be arranged upon request. Kammi also serves as a venue for Joiku experiences, traditional Sámi singing and storytelling sessions led by Henry Valle, CEO of Luxury Action, available for customized packages and private clients. Come spring, Kammi transforms into a popular stop for cross-country skiers traversing from Levi, offering coffee or warming glögi, a traditional Finnish spiced hot drink akin to mulled wine.
