Ice Cube Villas
Architect-designed Arctic luxury villa — private, design-forward, and quiet. Feels like a high-end holiday home rather than a conventional hotel. Warm materials contrasted sharply against raw Arctic wilderness.
The second-floor studio bedrooms have heated glass skylights directly above the beds — you can watch for the northern lights without leaving the covers
Why It Matters
Featured in both The Times 2026 Travel List and National Geographic Traveller Experience Collection 2026. One of only four villas in the collection, each with a private sauna offering direct views of Urho Kekkonen National Park, a ski-in/ski-out setup at Europe's most northerly ski resort, and serious design credentials. There is no hotel-style check-in — the whole villa is yours.
Four cube-shaped villas, 141m² each, sitting at the foot of the fells in Saariselkä — about 250km north of the Arctic Circle, right on the edge of Finland's largest national park. The exterior is all angles and dark cladding, designed to evoke blocks of ice. Inside, it's warm Nordic modern-luxe: natural stone floors, solid wood walls, Marimekko tableware, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the wilderness. Each villa sleeps up to 10, comes with a private Finnish sauna hand-crafted by local carpenters, a jacuzzi, two fireplaces, and genuine ski-in/ski-out access to Europe's northernmost ski resort.
Where You'll Stay
1 room type available
VALO Ice Cube Villa
The entire 141m² villa is rented exclusively per stay — there are no individual room bookings. The ground floor holds a master bedroom with double bed and en-suite rain shower, plus the full spa area (Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, double rain shower, separate toilet). The open-plan second floor has a living room with wood-burning fireplace, a large south-facing picture window overlooking the national park, and the full luxury kitchen with a 10-person dining table. Two studio bedrooms also sit on the second floor, each with a double bed beneath a heated glass skylight and an en-suite rain shower. The outdoor terrace has a separate wood-burning fireplace. Sleeps up to 10 (6 adults + 4 children using sofa beds).
3 x Double Bed (plus sofa beds for additional guests) · 141 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided northern lights hunt by heated minibus to the best viewing spots in the area. Runs from late August through winter. Not guaranteed — natural phenomenon dependent on conditions.
Guided hike into the winter landscape on snowshoes. Suits all fitness and experience levels.
Over 200km of maintained cross-country trails around Saariselkä, including routes over Kaunispää and Kiilopää fells. Guided tours available, equipment rental can be arranged.
Ski-in/ski-out access to Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort — Europe's northernmost ski resort. 15 slopes for all levels, including the 1200m Freestyle Park and a Junior Park. VALO can arrange lift tickets, instructors, and equipment rental.
Dog sledding expedition through winter landscapes. Guests drive their own team of huskies with an experienced musher guide. Partners can switch places mid-route.
90-minute ice karting session on the Frozen Ring Circuit, including a practice session, qualification round, and Grand Prix final.
Three-hour guided snowmobile tour through forests and open fells of northern Lapland. Drivers must hold a valid licence and be 18+. Passengers do not need a licence.
The villa's south-facing picture windows, outdoor terrace, and heated glass skylights above the beds are all positioned for aurora borealis viewing. No guide needed — just watch from inside or step onto your private terrace.
90-minute guided tour including up-close interaction with reindeer, a sleigh ride through snow-covered forest, and an introduction to Sámi reindeer herding traditions.
Visit to the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida, an indoor/outdoor museum dedicated to the history, language, and culture of the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dishwasher, oven, kettle, coffee maker, microwave, fridge, and Marimekko tableware
Spacious outdoor terrace with wood-burning fireplace and fell/national park views
Pre-arrival concierge for activity bookings, restaurant reservations, transfers, housekeeping, and equipment rental
Large entrance hall for storing ski gear, outdoor clothing, and luggage
Direct access to Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort slopes from the villa
Private transfer from Ivalo Airport, approximately 25 minutes. Must be pre-arranged.
BUILD YOUR VALO ICE CUBE VILLAS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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