Remote Luxury in Scandinavia: Winter Stays Worth the Journey

From a secluded private island in Norway to a design-led lakeside retreat in Finnish Lapland, these Scandinavian hideaways offer solitude, slow living, and winter landscapes – minus the crowds.

Skyra Retreat

Perched on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi in Finland, Skyra Retreat encapsulates the rustic beauty of Lapland. It is located about 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport (the official airport of Santa Claus and the gateway to Finland’s Arctic capital). Opened in December 2025, its architecture mirrors the lush landscapes of its surroundings, while drawing inspiration from classic and contemporary interpretations of Nordic design. A prime example of this is the Old Schoolhouse, a carefully restored 1960s village building located at the heart of the property, which now houses luxury accommodation.

These include the Grande Suites, which feature hand-restored log walls, private saunas, and freestanding bathtubs; there’s even a champagne button for a spot of spontaneous indulgence. For wellness seekers, the retreat’s spa is an open-air sanctuary inspired by the Finnish thermal cycle of heat, cold, rest, and repeat, with experiences such as saunas, heated outdoor jacuzzis, invigorating cold plunges, and even opportunities to swim in the lake. Food-wise, guests get to enjoy à la carte breakfast, lunch and afternoon pullakahvit – coffee and pastries. Evenings feature a curated three-course dinner, each menu rooted in seasonality and Nordic provenance.

For more information, visit: https://skyraretreat.com/en

Lilløy Lindenberg

Those looking for a truly private getaway will find it at Lilløy Lindenberg, tucked in the far reaches of Norway on a remote, private island in Herdla. The hotel joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio this year along with 37 other unique boutique properties. Reachable by boat ride, Lilløy Lindenberg is a spacious four-bedroom house that hosts just 10 guests at a time, with bookings available for single rooms or for the entire island.

Interiors are decidedly Scandinavian, with contemporary touches and tasteful local decor such as handmade ceramics and glassware, while the outdoors feature a quaint herb garden and a sauna complete with bathtub.

On the island, guests can kayak through calm waters at dawn, feast on freshly harvested seaweed, and gather around a crackling fire under a canopy of starlight. The island’s changing seasons offer a different experience on each visit: summer sees the never-ending daylight of the midnight sun, while rugged waves pound its cold shores in winter.

For more information visit: https://slh.com/hotels/lilloey-lindenberg