Meet the new member of Arctic Boutique Collection: Aito Igloo & Spa Resort 

Hidden deep in the Rovaniemi forest, at the end of a quiet road that winds through the trees until the world opens up onto the shores of Lake Palojärvi, Aito Igloo & Spa Resort is the kind of place that feels like a discovery. Part retreat, part destination in its own right.The resort was born from a simple conviction: that Lapland deserves accommodation where nature, luxury, and tradition meet on equal terms. The result is a property that balances contemporary Nordic design with a deep respect for its surroundings.

At the heart of the experience is Wildwoods, the resort’s signature restaurant, where Lappish cuisine is elevated without losing its roots. The kitchen works with local, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding forests and lakes, crafting dishes that feel both refined and honest. For something more rustic, the Aurora Grill serves flame-kissed meals in a setting inspired by the traditional kota, the wooden hut once used by reindeer herders. The crackle of an open fire and the scent of Arctic char set the tone.

Each treehouse is a self-contained retreat of 29.2 square metres, wrapped in warm pine panelling with a panoramic glass wall facing the lake and the northern sky. In winter, they become private front-row seats for the aurora borealis. In summer, they offer uninterrupted views of the midnight sun reflecting off the water. A king-size bed sits beneath the glass, a kitchenette handles morning coffee and late-night cocoa, and the silence of the forest does the rest. A sofa bed accommodates two additional guests comfortably. The interior design reflects details of the Lappish culture as well Nordic contemporary design.  They are also among the few treehouse accommodations in the region built with sustainability at the core, sited carefully to minimise impact on the surrounding forest.

Beyond the treehouses and igloos, Aito’s 21 hotel rooms offer a quieter kind of luxury, each designed with warm natural materials and views that draw the forest or lake inside.

The Deluxe Rooms are the resort’s foundation: intimate, beautifully finished spaces with a rustic yet refined Nordic character. Forest View rooms look out into the surrounding woodland, while Lake View rooms open toward Lake Palojärvi, where the water freezes silver in winter and glows gold under the midnight sun. Clean lines, soft textures, and thoughtful details throughout.

The Junior Suite steps things up with more space and a private sauna, offering a self-contained retreat with a modern cottage feel. A sofa bed accommodates two additional guests comfortably, making it a versatile option for couples seeking extra room or small groups travelling together.

For families, the Family Room provides the most generous layout: a full kitchen, private sauna, and flexible sleeping arrangements for up to seven guests. It is designed for longer stays and relaxed mornings, where children have space to play and parents have space to breathe. The kind of room where you settle in rather than just check in.

All rooms include complimentary breakfast at Wildwoods, and guests have full access to the resort’s spa, activities, and restaurants. Whether the stay is two nights or a week, the rooms are designed to feel less like a hotel and more like a home at the edge of the wilderness.

For guests who want to sleep as close to nature as possible, the four Aurora Nests offer something between accommodation and adventure. These glass-topped igloos sit right on the lakefront, each with an unobstructed view across Lake Palojärvi and the northern sky above. In winter, the aurora borealis unfolds directly overhead from the warmth of a comfortable bed. In summer, the midnight sun offers golden hour moments that last for the whole night.

The experience is intentionally pared back. Cosy and warm inside, the nests provide everything needed for a memorable night under the Arctic sky, but without the full amenities of a hotel room. There are no private showers in the nests themselves. Instead, guests use the beach sauna nearby, and of course the resort’s spa is available to all guests every day.

This is glamping in the truest sense: the beauty of sleeping outdoors, the comfort of a real bed, and the kind of views that no hotel window can quite replicate. For tour operators, the Aurora Nests are an easy upsell or a one-night highlight within a longer Lapland itinerary. The contrast is what makes it unforgettable.

The spa at Aito is not an afterthought. It is one of the most complete wellness facilities in the Rovaniemi region, designed around the idea that heat, water, and the Arctic landscape are all part of the same experience.

The resort’s wellness offering is divided into two distinct areas. The Lakeside Sauna sits on the shore of Lake Palojärvi, where an open-air terrace, two outdoor jacuzzis, a volcanic sand therapy lounge, and a traditional Finnish sauna hut come together in a setting that feels both luxurious and rooted in nature. Step from the heat of the sauna onto the terrace, take in the silence of the lake, and in winter, brave a dip in the icy water. It is wellness the way Finland has practised it for centuries, elevated with modern comfort.

The Thermal Suite brings the experience indoors with an outdoor hot spring, a vitality pool, jacuzzis, a steam bath, heated Himalayan salt beds, and a dedicated relaxation area. The combination of heat therapies is designed to move guests through different temperatures and textures, from the deep warmth of the salt beds to the restorative soak of the hot spring.

Hotel guests receive a complimentary Wellness Pass for each night of their stay, granting two hours of full access to both the Lakeside Sauna and the Thermal Suite. For those seeking something more, the resort’s Signature Treatment Centre offers professional spa treatments that can be booked separately.