-
March 2026 The Times: A chic Finnish retreat for fans of snowy forests, Moomins and champagne"On any given day there is a set roster of free activities. After pancakes and porridge and a guided stretching session at dawn (and when I say “dawn”, I mean the rather civilised 10am) we went forest bathing with our Finnish guide. The snow beside the paths was knee-deep. At one point we were asked to stop and close our eyes, and just listen for sounds. If I held my breath I could hear literally nothing: no cars, no planes, no birds, the leaves too heavily encrusted to rustle"
Read more -
February 2025 The New York Times: Wellness Getaways for a Long Valentine's Weekend"The focus of the new 15-room Skýra Retreat, which opened in Finnish Lapland this winter, is rest and renewal. “I had in my mind to create a quiet place far away from all the noise of the modern and hectic world,” said the founder, Susanne Hulbekkmo"
Read More -
December 2025 Conde Nast Traveller: First In: Skýra Retreat, Rovaniemi, Finland"Fir trees bow under a thick coat of snow, Aurora dances overhead, and the gentle twinkle of fairy lights cut through the Nordic dark: entering Skýra is a bit like walking into a snow globe – only the vigorous shaking to kickstart proceedings has been replaced with a slower, gentler unfolding of good things to come"
Read more -
January 2026 Financial Times: Four relaxing retreats for a reset"In the far north of Finland, a new hotel promises all-retreat, all-the-time tailored stays"
Read More -
March 2026 Falstaff: In Lapland, Skýra Retreat Makes Dining the Destination"Even in cities with Michelin-starred restaurants, it is rare to encounter cooking that feels both deeply comforting and technically precise. At Skýra Retreat, that balance feels natural rather than forced. There are no gimmicks here. No reliance on proximity to the Arctic Circle as a narrative device. Lapland draws visitors for snow and sky. Skýra Retreat offers something rarer: a retreat defined as much by what happens at the table as by the landscape beyond it. And in a region built on spectacle, that restraint feels quietly radical"
Read more -
December 2025 Robb Report Singapore: Skýra Retreat is a new wellness getaway, hidden within Finnish Lapland"As a retreat meant for guests to reconnect with nature and themselves, accommodation is intentionally small. Only four room categories are offered, each shaped by Nordic tradition and modern comfort. At its heart are the Grande Suites, featuring hand-restored log walls, private saunas and deep freestanding bathtubs. There’s even a Champagne button, just because"
Read More
-
On Not Chasing the Northern LightsIn recent years, Lapland has become a destination of global fascination. Christmas stories, snowy “winter wonderland” imagery, and the promise of the Northern Lights have drawn record numbers of visitors. Finnish Lapland is now receiving more travelers than ever, the result of decades of patient work by local industry pioneers and professionals. Rovaniemi, a town of just 65,000 residents, expects nearly one million visitors this winter between November and March. Year after year the city opens its arms to people eager to witness what they have seen on screens and been promised in stories
Read more -
A Journey Through Hot and ColdWith the rise of wellness journeys around the world, the humble Finnish sauna has quietly become a universal symbol of relaxation and renewal.
Read more
-
Where is Skýra Retreat?Situated on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi, just 20 minutes northwest from Rovaniemi Airport and the city centre, Skýra feels entirely removed from the crowds. Surrounded by forest and enjoyed in complete privacy, it offers the freedom to experience Rovaniemi and Lapland while retreating into a world of your own. At its heart stands a nearly century-old former village school, built from local timber and carrying a spirit and sense of place that could never be recreated elsewhere.
-
How to see the Northern Lights?At Skýra, the Northern Lights can appear just beyond your window. With no light pollution or crowds, you can step into the grounds or onto the frozen lake and watch the sky from complete stillness. No tour or journey required. When conditions call for exploring further, our concierge can arrange a private Northern Lights experience tailored entirely to you.
-
Are there Lapland activities available in addition to the wellness program?At Skýra, you can slow down completely—or experience Lapland in almost any way you imagine. Our concierge arranges everything from reindeer encounters and private visits from Santa to snowmobile adventures and Northern Lights flights by private jet. Directly from our grounds, you can also walk or snowshoe into nearly untouched forests, surrounded by the beauty, purity and profound silence of the Arctic landscape. A complimentary wellness program with Morning Yoga, daily Folklore Sauna Ritual and Evening Relaxation belong to every stay.
-
Does Skýra arrange airport transfers?Yes. Private transfers from Rovaniemi Airport, Rovaniemi Train Station or hotels within 15 kilometers of Rovaniemi are included every stay. Our concierge team will be pleased to assist with arranging any additional transfers or bespoke transportation needs, which may incur an additional charge.
-
Is Skýra Retreat a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World?Yes. Skýra Retreat is the first hotel in Finnish Lapland to become a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a carefully curated collection of independently owned luxury hotels. Skýra Retreat is also part of the new SLH Wellbeing Collection and undergoes regular quality inspections to maintain SLH standards. Members of The Club by SLH may receive exclusive rates and personalised benefits when booking through SLH. Eligible stays booked through Hilton may also qualify for Hilton Honors benefits, depending on the membership tier.
-
Can I visit Skýra’s spa or restaurant without staying at the hotel?Skýra Retreat is designed primarily for staying guests, for whom access to the Nordic Spa is always reserved. During the winter season, a limited number of spa experiences, treatments and restaurant reservations may also be available to outside guests. Advance enquiries are essential, as availability is intentionally limited.
-
What is included in a stay at Skýra Retreat?Skýra offers a complete retreat experience, with airport transfers, accommodation, spa, daily wellness program experiences, table-served Nordic breakfast and afternoon coffee hour are included in every stay. Exact inclusions may vary between rates, packages and seasons, so we recommend checking the details of your chosen stay when booking. Additional treatments, activities, transfers and dining is always available through our concierge team.