Isokenkaisten Wilderness Lodge

This is edge-of-the-world wilderness and the accommodation is suitably wood-cabin rustic. What makes it a winner is the endearingly heartfelt sincerity of the Kamarainen family who own, run, live and breathe this hotel. It is important to them that they are always on site to meet and greet guests, and ensure personal service.

It’s easy to see why they’re so proud of their home; the location is sublime, a mirror-calm lake, hauntingly-beautiful birch forests and guaranteed pin-drop peace and quiet. There’s a coherent integrity to every aspect of a stay so the cuisine is regional, with a fabulous wild food restaurant where berries and mushrooms foraged from the forest, compliment game and fish. Their dress is traditional and the wellness is homegrown too.

Finland is the spiritual home of the sauna and the family keep it simple: get very hot in one of its saunas, and then jump in the lake to cool down. In fact, they strip everything back to basics – as they like to say moonlight is the only street light needed.