The Ultimate Nordic Reset
The Finns seem to have it all figured out. Perhaps that’s why they’ve been ranked the happiest people in the world by the United Nations for eight consecutive years.
Finland’s subtle brilliance may slip under the radar, but this standout, all-season destination is not to be missed. It’s where you feel fully alive, where wellness is a lifestyle and nature is your guide.
By Heidi Hollinger
Finland reveals its quietly spectacular self through the calmness and caring of its people, the depth of its oxygen-laced forests, the warmth and healing of its saunas, the freshness and flavours of its pure local food and the ingenuity of its innovative minimalist design. Not to mention the efficacy of its technology and services—a destination that works so well, you can simply enjoy the ride.
Nature in Motion
This untapped northern escape is immersed in a pristine ecosystem of pure air, endless forests and crystal-clear waters, where everything aligns to rejuvenate, centre and inspire. Movement is more than exercise—it’s a way to tune into nature and oneself. Swim, paddleboard, play mölkky (a Finnish throwing game), golf or bike beneath the midnight sun; go Nordic walking, forest bathing or cross-country skiing across the snowy expanse of Lapland. Well-being is built into daily rituals.
Freshly foraged berries from a Finnish forest—a true delight.
Forests cover nearly 75% of Finland and you’re free to explore almost all of it. Thanks to ‘jokaisenoikeudet’, or ‘freedom to roam’, you can walk, ski, pick berries, forage mushrooms, swim or camp nearly anywhere in nature, regardless of land ownership. There are no fences or gates keeping you out and no need to ask, just mutual respect and unspoken permission to engage with the wild. Forest bathing here is an everyday act: just you, trees to hug, an inviting path and time to recalibrate. Science shows that even a short walk in Finnish forests lowers stress hormones and boosts clarity.
A trio forages for berries and mushrooms in the forest.
Sauna Culture
For over 2,000 years, Finns have embraced the sauna for warmth, cleansing and connection. With over three million saunas across the country—for a population of 5.6 million—this ancient ritual is part of everyday life. Add a plunge into a frozen lake or cold pool and the result is instant euphoria: circulation boosted, mood lifted, mind cleared. All of this is enhanced by ‘löyly’—the sacred steam from throwing water on the hot stones—which rises and envelops you like a warm embrace. Saunas calm the nervous system, ease tension and bring people together.
Good company, refreshing drinks—a relaxing sauna experience.
Finnish sauna enthusiasts have invented every sauna under the sun: boat saunas, converted van saunas, car saunas, pop-up saunas (I was in one on my last trip, smack in the centre of Helsinki), tent saunas, phone booth saunas, gondola saunas and even hot-air balloon saunas. And only in Finland can you watch a hockey game from a sauna in the VIP loge at the arena!
Nordic Nourishment: Wild, Warm and Wholesome
Finnish cuisine is rooted in what’s close: wild fish, earthy mushrooms, hand-dug root vegetables, crisp rye bread, sea buckthorn and forest berries such as haskap. Food here is understated luxury—pure, local and seasonal.
A Finnish treat: salmon served with asparagus and spinach.
From Helsinki’s Michelin-starred restaurants that elevate tradition with Finnish finesse, to lakeside lunches of warm smoked salmon and boiled new potatoes with dill, the city offers remarkable feasts. Every time I visit, I make a beeline to the harbour for fried muikku (vendace), fresh peas and strawberries and a jam-filled donut called ‘possumunkki’ in the shape of a pig—a local treat since childhood. Something I can’t go without is a walk along Esplanadi, the city’s main pedestrian promenade, to grab a salmiakki (salty licorice) ice cream.
Raspberry Salmiakki ice cream—a Finnish twist on sweet and salty.
Trust me, you have got to try it! Did I mention kotijuusto (traditional Finnish homemade curd cheese) with lakka (cloudberry) jam? And what about one of the best breakfast buffets in the city at Hotel F6 offering warm Karelian pies with egg butter, next-level gravlax atop slow-fermented breads and porridge worth a pilgrimage?
Delectable canapé of crisp rye bread topped with smoked salmon and fresh dill.
Of course, the flavours of Finland are just part of the experience—the blissful backdrops make it unforgettable.
Aesthetics That Awe
Design-forward glass cabins found deep in pine forests and timber-clad eco-retreats on lakefronts blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Minimal in design, they are maximal in serenity and practicality.
The place to be: igloos for watching the Northern Lights during the winter polar night.
Wood, stone, clean lines, uncluttered interiors and natural textures give space to exhale—every detail tuned to calm the senses and quiet the mind. Wellness here is built in, generational even. Finns value balance, nature, minimalism and sustainability—and they somehow work it into schools, libraries, parks, cafés…basically everywhere.
Minimal design, serene spaces, natural materials —this is Finland.
Finland is a country where every detail is meticulously designed. Even at a gas station, you’ll find fresh smoked salmon on traditional dark bread, perfectly presented. Let the Finns show you their ingenious, restorative and perfectly balanced approach to living. Simplicity feels luxurious and they have thought of everything— so masterfully, that life just flows, effortlessly.
Your jet is ready when you are.
Photos courtesy of Heidi Hollinger