This winter, an innovative new wellness concept – Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa – will open in Finland’s far north, with an elemental and ecological focus. Due to open on 1 December 2019, it will be the first of its kind in Finland and is available to book through the UK’s original Northern Lights holiday company, The Aurora Zone.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - September 20th, 2019 - Situated in Muonio, the spa sits on the shore of Lake Jeris, next to the Pallas-Ylläs National Park – a location said to have the cleanest air in the world for an inhabited area (according to WHO* studies). This pristine and peaceful setting is ideal for the new wellness centre, accessible to those staying at the stylish Hotel Jeris, that has been newly renovated for winter 2019.

With strong eco credentials, the new spa uses electricity that is entirely renewable, taken from wind, water and solar sources, and geothermal heating generated by Lake Jeris and enhanced by extracting heat from shower water. The shower water itself is collected from the nearby natural spring.

With a concept based around Finnish mythology and folk tales, Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa will offer five different saunas, representing the elements found in traditional shamanic wellbeing rituals, with ancient Finnish Gods named as the protectors of the saunas. For Finns, the sauna is a place of relaxation, meditation and mental and physical cleanliness and, atArctic Elements Lakeside Spa, it is where the four elements of earth, water, air and fire combine to create the fifth element – löyly, or sauna steam, the spirit of the sauna.

The five saunas, named after mythological Gods and Goddesses, are:

Tapio (Earth):

Tapio is the antlered king of the forest, protector of the animals. This sauna provides the element of earth and the feeling of being in a forest, with a mystical Lapland design. Created from wood, tiles and natural stones, and split into four areas with individual electric stoves – North, South, East and West – each provides a different kind of löyly, from mild to hot. Temperature: 70-90°C.

Ukko (Fire):

Ukko, the king of all Gods, is master of lightning, fire and air. The most traditional of the saunas, this darkly atmospheric wooden sauna, with a classic Finnish design, provides fiery, hot löyly through a wood-heating process that means that smoke permeates the whole sauna, colouring it black and giving the air the scent of smoke. Temperature: 60-80°C.

Vellamo (Water):

Vellamo, Goddess of water, is the ruler of lakes and rivers. This sauna has a panoramic view over Lake Jeris, reflecting light from the surface of the water on to the sauna walls, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. The Scandinavian design of Vellamo is created from wood, glass, stone and tiles and the electric stove gives a soft and moist löyly, making it perfect for a longer period relaxation. Temperature: 50-60°C.

Ilmatar (Air): 

Ilmatar, the Goddess of wind and the female spirit of nature, lends her name to this sauna, created in her element. With no fire or thick walls, this sauna, made from wood, natural stone and uses infrared heaters inside a traditional Kota, a Lappish teepee that offers a soft and gentle heat. Half sauna, half relaxation room, enjoy the warmth of a Lappish summer during the polar night, with a soft breeze and the sounds of nature. Temperature: 30-40°C.

Repo (Private Northern Lights sauna):

Dedicated to the watching of Tulikettu – the mystical fire fox, or Aurora Borealis, that lights up the skies – this two-storey panoramic sauna has a 180-degree view over Lake Jeris. Perfect for private relaxation, heated by an electric stove and contemporary in design – created from wood and glass – there is also a relaxation room on the second floor which has a panoramic window, taking in the entirety of the Arctic heavens above. Temperature: 60-80°C. Priced as extra: £210 for a two-hour session for up to 10 people. 

Alongside the five saunas, Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa will also offer a range of experience and wellness showers, relaxation areas and a revitalising external ice hole swimming area, all set against a backdrop of frozen lake waters, inky-dark pines, thick snow and the rolling landscapes of the third largest National Park in Finland.

Spa treatments such as Wilderness Wellbeing Signature Treatments and restorative massages will be available, along with ‘DIY’ packages like Sauna Honey Face Masks and a Relaxing Foot Bath. All experiences will use natural, locally sourced ingredients and will be available to book locally for an additional cost.

Sample Trip: Discover the new Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa whilst on a Northern Lights holiday with The Aurora Zone, where a spa session is included in the Jeris – Winter Cottage Aurora Escape itinerary.

Priced from £1,345 pp (two sharing), this seven-night stay at Hotel Jeris includes one entrance to the new Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa, as well as a range of thrilling winter activities, such as a Northern Lights workshop, an Aurora snowshoe safari and a day of cross-country ski or snowshoe hire. The price includes flights (London), transfers, seven nights’ half board, activities listed, cold weather clothing, Aurora alarm until 1am and expert guides. Departures from 1 December 2019 to 22 March 2020. Additional visits to the spa are priced at £23 per day.

For further information, please visit www.theaurorazone.com. To discuss Northern Lights hunting tours with an Aurora Expert, please call the well-travelled and experienced team at The Aurora Zone on 01670 785 012.

*World Health Organisation, 2016 report.

ENDS/ 19 September 2019

Editor’s notes:

Facts about Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa: 

400 square meters

80 customer capacity

5 saunas, including the unique Northern Lights Sauna with 360° view of the skies

Relaxation space

External ice swimming area

Showers from spring water

Treatments available

Geothermal heating and 100% renewable energy 

Investment of €1.2 million

Press:For more information, or a commissioned press trip, please contact Kate Chapman, George Curtis or Julia Farish at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.chapman@travelpr.co.uk, g.curtis@travelpr.co.uk or j.farish@travelpr.co.uk.

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