Europe expert, Hannah, tells us why now is the time to book for a unique winter escape.

For many people, Lapland is a bucket list destination, renowned as one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. However, this phenomenon is not the only once-in-a-lifetime experience to be had there. Besides being home of Santa Claus, Finnish Lapland is also a prime destination for couples looking for adventure amidst a breath-taking winter wonderland. The setting is unequivocally romantic, perfect for couples looking to experience a whole host of exhilarating winter activities without compromising on creature comforts.

Just a 45 minute drive from Rovaniemi Airport and slightly off the beaten track, is a wonderfully charming, family-run lodge, offering the cosiest of accommodation, in an authentic Finnish style. Beana Laponia emits a friendly atmosphere and is ideal for sociable couples, giving guests the opportunity to relax and unwind in a picturesque landscape, with all the winter activities and facilities you could dream of at your disposal. The theme of husky dogs runs throughout the hotel, a constant reminder of the hotel’s husky sledding heritage.

Beana Laponia under the Aurora

Cosy rooms at Beana

The family who run the lodge compete in national and international competitions and their knowledge of the sport is so impressive, while their attentiveness to the huskies is truly inspiring. They do a brilliant job of explaining to guests how the discipline of the sport is a way of life and their passion for it really shines through in their demonstrations. Beana Laponia is particularly focused on giving an enhanced guest experience, a concept that is otherwise fairly uncommon in Finland. There, the ethos is to move away from the commercialised mass market and instead offer more intimate, smaller group activities, giving guests an authentic Finnish experience. Guests can fly over frozen lakes and across snow-clad forests on a guided snowmobiling trip, try their hand at ice fishing, experience cross country skiing or experience the thrill of the Beana Trail as they drive their own team of huskies on an adrenaline fuelled safari.

Hannah with the huskies

Enjoy a husky sledding adventure

After a day’s worth of activities, guests can retreat back to the hotel bar in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy a drink beside the roaring fire. Or, they can also treat themselves to some quality time in the spa, indulge in one of the hotel’s signature treatments or wind down in a traditional Finnish Sauna, with a glass of wine in hand in the outdoor hot tub.

The lodge is in an ideally secluded location for Northern Lights spotting and Beana Laponia organises a late evening excursion to a nearby hilltop, where guests assemble around a teepee campfire to see the natural phenomenon at its best. Away from all the light pollution of nearby villages, this carefully chosen spot makes for ideal conditions to see the Aurora Borealis and hear the stories and myths inspired by them. The guides also give top photography tips on how to capture the lights in the dark night sky for the ultimate holiday memento.

Come face to face with real life reindeer

Chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland

When it comes to food at Beana Laponia it is impossible to be disappointed with the quality and diversity of the cuisine that is served there. With all ingredients being locally-sourced and fresh, you can expect a delicious array of authentic Finnish cuisine, from Reindeer and Elk to various fish options and hand-picked berries.

During a stay here, you will undoubtedly find your inner child, as you shriek with excitement on your first husky expedition or on grin from ear to ear on one of those countless toboggan races down the slopes. Beana Laponia really is the ultimate, adult-only romantic wilderness escape for those who want to experience a snapshot of Lapland’s magic and authenticity and the perfect retreat for couples who want an adventure fuelled escape this winter.

Cross country skiing is only one of the activities on offer

Find your winter wonderland