Skýra Retreat, an exclusive new destination in Lapland and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is set to welcome its first guests in December 2025 on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi, just outside Rovaniemi, Finland.
The retreat, which centres a carefully restored 1950s village schoolhouse surrounded by ancient forests, is rooted in Nordic heritage, nature and elemental design, with its distinctive vision shaped by founder Susanne Hulbekkmo.
Marjo Saarinen, owner of Design Saarinen lends a nuanced approach to colour, materiality and nature-inspired aesthetics, bringing immersive warmth and clarity to each space. Meanwhile, the architectural direction, led by UKI Arkkitehdit, was headed by lead architect Johannes Jutila and architect Enni Hukka, who were responsible for the design of the new log suites and the spa, seamlessly integrating these contemporary buildings alongside the original schoolhouse.
The architecture and interiors at Skýra Retreat blends Finnish heritage and modern luxury, drawing inspiration from the mid-century period when the school was first established. Across the rooms, spa and main building, materials and silhouettes evoke classic and contemporary interpretations of Nordic design, from the understated use of wood to the playful touch of patterned wallpapers, an authentic nod to Finnish interiors, where wallpapers have long enlivened living spaces.
In the Old Schoolhouse, the original log structure has been restored and unveiled after decades hidden beneath layers of cardboard and wallpaper – a practice born after World War II, when log construction was considered modest and typically masked to mimic stone. Today, this stands as a celebration of Finnish resourcefulness and design sensibility, seamlessly marrying the retreat’s mid-century sensibility with the wilderness of its Arctic setting.
Skýra Retreat’s accommodation is intentionally small-scale, offering four distinct room categories, each shaped by Nordic tradition and modern comfort. At the centre of the retreat, the Grande Suites, housed in the historic schoolhouse, feature hand-restored log walls, private saunas and deep freestanding bathtubs. Each suite is finished with bespoke details, including a champagne button.
The Log Suites, contemporary villas inspired by the classic Finnish cabin tradition, each feature its own sauna, fireplace lounge and terrace that opens directly into the forest. Upstairs, a loft space enjoys views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Teacher’s Chambers, four unique apartments that once housed the school’s staff, have been reimagined as warm, characterful suites. Each features a curated book selection and spaces for reading, writing and gathering.
The Private Lakeside Villa sits at the water’s edge, offering three bedrooms, a flexible-use room and sweeping lake views. The villa includes a lakeside sauna with direct access to an ice hole, a full kitchen and the services of a private host, with options for personal chef, childcare or concierge on request.
The spa at Skýra Retreat is an open-air sanctuary inspired by the Finnish thermal cycle: heat, cold, rest and repeat. A suite of thermal experiences, from panoramic saunas and heated outdoor Jacuzzis to cold plunges and wild lake swims, are all designed to foster deep rest and resilience. In the Private Folklore Sauna, a sauna host guides guests through traditional incantations, the ritual of greeting the löyly (steam) and ancient practices such as birch-whisking or a guided cold plunge.
Skýra Retreat’s unique sense of place has been recognised as the first Finnish property to join the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. The retreat is fully Finnish-owned and brought to life through close collaboration with regional designers and architects, and by commissioning a new generation of local talent, the property combines established expertise and fresh perspective, uplifting Finnish design in the landmark Lapland project.
“At Skýra Retreat, our ambition is to create a location where the quiet strength of Finnish nature, design and tradition meets contemporary comfort,” concludes founder Susanne Hulbekkmo. “Every element, from the restored schoolhouse to the new log suites and spa, reflects our respect for Lapland’s landscape and the ingenuity of Finnish craftsmanship. We believe true luxury is found in authenticity, in the stories layered into these walls, and in the warmth of welcome that guests experience from the moment they arrive.”
