The Netflix series “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” a show hosted by a trio of experts that includes Jo Franco, Megan Batoon, and Luis D. Ortiz, takes viewers to incredible properties across the globe. One of the standouts was the Ollero Eco Lodge in Finnish Lapland on the Arctic Circle.
This family-owned, eco-friendly cottage retreat is located in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. The hosts enjoyed an icy cold dip in a frozen lake and mesmerizing views from a Glass Igloo.
The owners, four siblings named Aaro, Arttu, Amalia and Anni, spent their childhood holidays and weekends here and dreamed of sharing the Finnish lifestyle with their guests, giving birth to this unforgettable experience.
Located along the Ounasjoki River, this Airbnb includes a main lodge and glass igloo, where couples, families, solo travelers, or small groups can experience the tranquility of the Arctic in an environmentally friendly way.
It’s just 10 minutes from the Rovaniemi city center with its many attractions, yet feels as if it’s worlds away with no light pollution, providing a prime spot for watching the northern lights.
The Main Lodge has a lounge and dining area along with a fully-equipped kitchen, while the spacious two-bedroom Sleeping Cabin is an authentic Lapland structure. The hosts of the show stayed in the modern one-room Glass Igloo which lies right by the Ounasjoki River.
From the igloo, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the river as well as the northern sky. That means that in the winter, not only can you look forward to being immersed in a snowy wonderland, but you’ll have the opportunity to catch the aurora right from bed.
Guests can experience the local lifestyle and enjoy stress-melting facilities like the panorama sauna and a Jacuzzi for soaking with a forest and river view. The sauna provides direct access to the river, providing a natural way to enjoy a classic Scandinavian hot and cold plunge. A traditional smoke sauna is offered too.
A wealth of activities are available in winter and summer alike, including paddleboarding during the warmer months.
A guided ice fishing tour can be enjoyed when the landscape is frozen where you’ll learn how to ice fish (equipment provided) and enjoy Finnish storytelling. Afterward, warm up around the open fire and enjoy a feast, likely with the fish that you just caught along with grilled sausage, campfire coffee and hot chocolate.
There’s also a sledding hill with complimentary sleds available, and both snowshoes and fat bikes for rent. A reindeer farm is right next door, just a short walk from the lodge for visits, while many other activities can be enjoyed in the area like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.
In the town of Rovaniemi, you can join Elf school at Santa Park and even meet the iconic man himself, Santa Claus of course, who makes the journey to Santa Claus Village every day, as long as he’s not out delivering Christmas presents, officially departing on December 23 each year.
To enjoy this experience of a lifetime, you can book your stay at Ollero Eco Lodge on Airbnb.
