Pitch black and it’s about 1c, yet I’m strangely calm and relaxed lying down in the middle of a forest. I hugged trees earlier.
That’s what you do in Finnish Lakeland, where nature governs everything. We’re near Lake Saimaa, three hours north of Helsinki and just two hours from former Russian capital, St Petersburg.
Our meditation with wellness coach Tero Vanttinen, from Hotelli Punkaharju, Finland’s oldest hotel, aims to ground us in the natural world and open our minds.
A traditional sauna and Lake Saimaa are two of the healing options available to you during a Wellness Break.
Lake Saimaa can be found three hours north Helsinki (pictured) or two hours west of St Petersburg, the former Russian capital.
Tero tells us, once we are standing straight up, to raise our voices from the darkness. It is said to relieve stress.
‘Don’t be afraid to let go,’ he says. I manage a loud yawn — more sleepy cub than roaring lion.
Although it might sound a bit hippy, Finlanders love the outdoors and nature, even when it is winter.
The sauna is one of its most important parts. It’s the only Finnish word to make it into the English language. ‘I have one nearly every day,’ says Tero. ‘It’s who we are.’
So next in Tero’s wellness repertoire is sauna yoga. You lie down in the 50c heat and twist your body. He gently guides you into position. Within 30 minutes, my posture is improving.
Hotelli Punkaharju in Finland, Finland’s oldest, is pictured above. Photo courtesy Creative Commons
Walking back to the hotel in the dark, it’s handy it is painted an eye-catching pink. Lovingly restored by Finnish top model Saimi Hoyer, it’s packed with retro, vintage and fashion finds.
Saimi is passionate about wild mushrooms foraging and our 4-course tasting menu dinner is a delight in its versatility.
It is now well-known because of its culinary excellence. Tertti Manor is a country home filled with Ibsenesque photos and stuffed animals. It’s a great place to stop for dinner.
Margaret says that sauna is the “only Finnish word that has made it into English” (file photo).
Margaret explained that Terti Manor’s owner is a descendant of Sissinghurst, Ballymaloe and has created a menu that is based on farm and garden. The castle gardens of Sissinghurst are shown in the picture
Matti Pylkkanen (owner) has taken cues from Sissinghurst & Ballymaloe. So the menu is both farm and garden: pickled celeriacs, beetroots, pike and an explosion of colour.
The Kuru Resort is an exclusive retreat for adults that departs from the traditions. All cabins have views of the lake, a sauna and no TVs. ‘Your window is your viewing,’ says the manager.
It’s also worth mentioning the food. Remi Tremouille is an experienced chef who combines Asian and Australian cuisine with Finnish ingredients.
Kuru offers yoga and Sisley Spa. Here, I take a sound bath. As I lie on the ground with a blanket over my head, listening to the sounds of chimes, the mind is free and I can drift off.
Kuru is linked to the neighbouring Jarvisydan Hotel & Spa, where you can try ‘fat’ bike riding (with big tyres) or take forest or lakeside strolls. Another sauna is what I prefer.
Finns can be seen to be introverted. But they are liberated in the sauna. A woman celebrates a family’s birthday in the sauna with her entire family, from grandmother to daughter-in-law. It’s Saturday night and a chance to get together, get a sweat on and drink beer.
‘You feel so much better when you come here,’ she says.
You can trust me.