Saariselka, Finland
VALO Ice Cube Villas
Arctic cube villas
Arctic cube villas
The four timber chalets operate as private fell-side residences, built for direct slope access and watching the northern lights.
What it’s good at
Notable
Cube-shaped timber villas with heated glass skylights and panoramic national park windows.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
four modern, cube-shaped villas, each one framing an impressive view of the landscape through panoramic windows.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ski slopes run right past the villas, and trails lead straight into Urho Kekkonen National Park.
The rooms
Lofted bedrooms put the bed directly under a heated glass skylight, angled straight up at the Arctic night.
The sauna
The sauna looks through a floor-to-ceiling window at snow-covered pines, beside an indoor hot tub and stone fireplace.
At the table
Private chefs can be booked on request, cooking Arctic dinners at the villa's table or over the terrace fire.
How it began
Timber specialists Polar Life Haus engineered the structures to evoke giant blocks of ice resting on the fell.
Saariselka
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.