The Most Romantic Honeymoon Resorts to Book in Finland

If nature makes you and your partner giddy, you’ll fall in love with Hotel Kalevala. The setting – on the edge of a lake, far from city lights in central Finland – makes it the perfect jumping-off point for spotting wild brown bears, elk or eagles. Return back to base, slap on a full-body peat mask and unwind in a private sauna. Follow up with an aromatherapy bath infused with fragrant sea buckthorn and mandarin.

The grand figure of Haikko Manor – a stately pile with regal columns and rambling terrace – is a dashing base for a stay in Porvoo, the scenic, laid-back city just a short hop outside Helsinki. It’s just as classically romantic when you get inside, too, with beds draped in satin fabrics and gilded framed pictures on the walls. The spa is a big draw, but you’ll also enjoy sipping your way through one of Finland’s finest wine lists in the restaurant, while munching on venison tartare or pheasant in Calvados sauce.

A moody bar, with a roaring fire and rows of fine spirits; rooms dressed in boutiquey prints and furnished with fluffy robes; a cosy restaurant serving up seafood dishes inspired by America’s Southern flavours – yep, Helsinki’s Hotel Haven feels a bit like an adult wonderland. Set in the heart of the city centre, it’s the perfect jumping off point for couples who like to explore – and ones who like to return to a cosy atmosphere, buzzy lounge spaces and knock-out afternoon teas.

If you’ve come to Finland to spot the aurora borealis, you’ll find few more romantic places to do it than Nellim Wilderness Hotel. Set in the country’s far northern reaches, winters see the lodge-like resort blanketed in snow – and the interiors turn ultra-cosy with roaring fires, flickering candles and furry throws. For the ultimate experience, hire a log cabin perfect for two, with a small kitchenette for whipping up toasty hot chocolates and – best of all – its own private sauna.

Ever dreamed of sleeping in an igloo? How about one made entirely of glass, where you can watch the northern lights dance above your head? That’s what you’ll get at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Cosy up with your other half in a sky-gazing igloo pod – even if the temperatures outside plunge to -40C (-40F), you’ll be kept warm. Or, for a more traditional Finnish vibe, book the snug wood-lined “wedding chamber”, complete with a roll-top tub for bubble baths.

A hop outside of Finland’s southwesterly city Turku, the Naantali Spa Hotel and Resort is the place to come for couples who like pampering. The spa is a real stunner: picture an elaborate pool complex, with a Roman bath under a starred cupola and an outdoor dipper overlooking seaside scenery. Meanwhile, a range of restaurants means you can indulge in just about anything you fancy, from fiery Thai curries to rich Italian pastas. It’s tempting to stay in, but do get out to explore: pretty harbourside Naantali is one of Finland’s loveliest resort towns.

Set halfway between Helsinki and Tampere, Petäys is a great choice for couples who want a dual city break, with a good dose of nature thrown in. The resort, in the heart of the Finnish lake country, is especially lovely in summer when you can spend days canoeing, fishing or exploring the waters via pedal boats or rowboats. Tuck into a meal on the al fresco covered terrace, in view of glassy lake waters and soaring trees.