Soulful Wellness Escape in Sweden and Finland

Upon arrival in Rovaniemi, your private transfer takes you through the forests of Finnish Lapland to the peaceful surroundings of Aino Private Island. Crossing the bridge onto the island, the pace of everyday life quickly fades as you arrive at this secluded retreat dedicated to relaxation, wellbeing and nature.

After settling into your beautifully designed suite, take time to explore the woodland paths, riverside viewpoints and peaceful corners of the island. During late summer and early autumn, the surrounding forests begin to glow with shades of amber, crimson and gold, creating one of Finland’s most spectacular natural displays.

This evening, enjoy a delicious three course dinner featuring seasonal local produce before gathering at the tip of the island for your first guided meditation around the Totto Fire. Surrounded by the gentle sounds of the flowing river and the warmth of the open fire, this peaceful experience provides the perfect introduction to island life.

Later in the season, if conditions allow, you may even catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights appearing overhead.

Begin your morning with an open air yoga and mindfulness session overlooking the river. Gentle stretching and guided breathing allow you to embrace the peaceful surroundings before enjoying breakfast.

Later this morning, join the guided Power of Herbs forest walk. Wander through the untouched woodland as your guide introduces the seasonal herbs, berries and plants that have been used in Finnish culture for generations. Learn about their traditional uses while listening to stories inspired by Nordic folklore and the spirits believed to inhabit these ancient forests.

This afternoon is devoted to one of Finland’s most treasured traditions, the sauna. Discover the rituals that have been passed down through generations as you experience the warmth of the wood fired glass sauna overlooking the river. Learn how birch whisks have traditionally been used to stimulate circulation, enjoy natural face masks made from local ingredients and hear fascinating stories about the importance of the sauna in Finnish life. Complete the experience with an invigorating dip in the river before returning to the comforting warmth of the sauna.

Round off the day with another beautifully prepared three course dinner celebrating the flavours of Lapland.

Start the day once again with morning yoga and mindfulness before breakfast, making the most of the fresh Arctic air and peaceful surroundings.

Today you will discover the traditional Finnish craft of Kaarnalaiva. During this relaxing workshop, create your own small wooden boat using natural materials before placing it gently into the river and watching it drift downstream. This simple yet meaningful tradition symbolises letting go, reflection and living in harmony with nature, making it a wonderfully calming experience.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy entirely at your own pace. Wander through the colourful autumn woodland, relax beside the river with a good book, or simply take in the tranquillity that makes Aino Private Island so special.

This evening, enjoy your final three course dinner before returning to the Totto Fire for a closing meditation beneath the stars. From late August onwards, the darkening skies offer increasingly good opportunities to witness the Northern Lights should conditions be favourable, providing a fitting finale to your stay.

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, it’s time to bid farewell to Aino Private Island. Your private transfer takes you onward to Swedish Lapland. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred through forests and picturesque riverside villages to the remarkable Arctic Bath, one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive luxury retreats.

Floating on the calm waters of the Lule River, Arctic Bath is inspired by the region’s historic timber floating industry and has become renowned for its striking architecture and world class wellness experiences. Whether surrounded by flowing water during the warmer months or resting on frozen ice in winter, the hotel offers a truly unique connection with nature.

After checking into your beautifully designed cabin, spend the afternoon enjoying the spa facilities at your own pace. Alternate between the warmth of the saunas, soothing outdoor hot tubs and the invigorating cold bath that sits at the heart of the floating spa. Large panoramic windows throughout the property ensure the surrounding landscape remains part of your experience wherever you are.

As evening approaches, enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner showcasing locally sourced ingredients from Swedish Lapland. Seasonal menus celebrate the region’s natural larder, with fresh produce, Arctic fish and wild flavours taking centre stage.

Later, relax beside the river or unwind on your private terrace, soaking up the peaceful surroundings before a restful night’s sleep in one of Sweden’s most iconic wellness hotels.

After a relaxed breakfast at Arctic Bath, set out into the surrounding landscape for a Culinary Nature Fika Tour with forager and culture guide Eva Gunnare. Welcomed into Eva’s creative studio, you’ll begin an immersive two-and-a-half-hour journey into the tastes and traditions of the north. An easy outdoor walk reveals the wild plants, trees and seasonal ingredients growing nearby, while Eva shares how nature’s offerings can be transformed into aromatic spices, fragrant teas, syrups and tempting treats.

Back inside the warmth of the studio, settle in for a cosy fika and guided flavour experience, sampling creations inspired by the local landscape. For a more leisurely experience, lunch can be added, extending the tour by around 30 minutes and offering another delicious expression of Arctic ingredients.

Later, turn your attention inward with a private Soul Session. Held in the stillness of Arctic nature, this deeply personal experience blends intuitive tarot guidance, healing conversation and restorative massage. Rather than seeking to fix or change anything, the session creates space to pause, listen and reconnect with your deeper self. It is an invitation to welcome clarity, emotion, softness and release at your own pace.

In the early evening, return to Arctic Bath feeling nourished in body and spirit. Enjoy time to unwind beside the water, perhaps with a sauna or quiet moment in your room, before dinner and a restful night in this extraordinary setting, as the soft northern light settles across the forest.

Following breakfast, enjoy a final moment of tranquillity before your transfer to Luleå Airport for your flight to Stockholm.

On arrival in Sweden’s elegant capital, make your way to the legendary Grand Hôtel. Perfectly positioned on the waterfront opposite the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, this historic hotel has welcomed royalty, Nobel Prize winners and discerning travellers for more than 150 years.

The remainder of the day is yours to discover Stockholm at your own pace. Wander through the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, admire the colourful medieval buildings and browse independent boutiques, galleries and cafés. Perhaps visit one of the city’s renowned museums, enjoy a leisurely waterfront stroll, or simply relax with a coffee while watching boats glide through the archipelago.

As evening falls, savour your final Nordic dinner in one of Stockholm’s outstanding restaurants or dine within the Grand Hôtel itself, where exceptional cuisine and impeccable service provide the perfect conclusion to your journey. Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap overlooking the illuminated waterfront before retiring to your luxurious room.

This final evening offers a wonderful contrast to your time in the Arctic, combining sophisticated city life with the understated elegance that Sweden is known for.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before taking in the final views across Stockholm’s beautiful waterfront. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for one last stroll through the city or a visit to a nearby café before your private transfer to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Leaving with memories of peaceful forests, authentic Finnish traditions, restorative spa experiences and elegant Swedish hospitality, your Nordic wellness journey comes to a close.