As Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Whilst Finns are known across the world for their quietly efficient nature, in Lake Saimaa there’s a much softer approach to productivity. Less spreadsheets, more saunas please. Editor Sophie Ritchie shares how to battle a serious case of burnout with her luxury Lake Saimaa travel guide
Let’s talk about the B word. I’ve had a raging case of it. You know, the elephant in the overworked room. Burnout. Trying to do it all for months on end – multiple projects, sports, skincare regimes, relationships (well, friendships – I’ve seen the dating pool these days) – it all takes its toll, after a while.
You can’t shake that A.M sluggishness nor beat the wired exhaustion at bedtime. A constantly bloated body, coupled with the overwhelming lethargy that comes from replying to bog standard emails or texts you’d normally have ticked off three days ago. A sense of total exhaustion that simply doesn’t go away with a lunchtime Hot Girl Walk.
It would seem I’m not alone in this quest for superhuman energy. Mental Health UK recently published findings from a survey of 4,418 UK adults conducted by YouGov which found one in three (34%) adults experience high or extreme levels of pressure or stress ‘always’ or ‘often’ last year, compared with 35% the previous year. Meanwhile, nine in 10 (91%) experienced high pressure or stress at some point over the last year.
But more than the tiredness from trying to juggle It All, burnout brings an anxious guilt that creeps into every inner cry for a break. The Burnout Report 2025 also raised concerns that there could still be a culture of silence around stress, with the hidden issue of presenteeism potentially impacting productivity. One in five (21%) admitted their productivity or performance was impacted by high levels of pressure or stress but that they didn’t adjust their hours or take time off work, while nearly one in five (19%) chose not to disclose their high levels of pressure or stress.
Unsurprisingly, running (literally) on an empty tank with energy levels so low they could compete in a limbo competition catches up with you eventually. But when burnout kicks in, there’s all the more reason for a flight to take off – especially to Eastern Finland – where one can be transported to the scenically serene Lake Saimaa region.
A natural haven of tranquility, the perfect escape from life in the fast lane awaits on Lake Saimaa’s shores. So, forget the puppy yoga, grounding sheet gimmicks and overbooked spa days for a moment. Sometimes, getting back to basics is exactly what’s needed in the 24/7 modern day world.
Life on Lake Saimaa
Finland’s largest body of water, Lake Saimaa is less of a lake and more of a labyrinth – forged of about 15,000 islands that welcome lovers of the Great Outdoors throughout every season. With a shoreline of over 9,000 miles long, you can be ‘shore’ of a spot of peace and quiet here thanks to the sparsity of people – resulting in a softly peaceful atmosphere that drapes over the entire region like a comforting blanket whether trekking around or driving through traffic-free roads.
Featuring effortlessly stunning nature that sprawls as far as the eye can see, the shimmering lakes and evergreen forests are complemented with excellent sustainable-led cuisine and a proud sense of heritage within the local community.
Accommodation with Finnish flair
1 Best for the explorers: Kuru Resort
Located within the wider Järvisydän Resort, the forest-swathed Kuru Resort is the ultimate choice of accommodation for those with a penchant for modern amenities coupled with natural splendour. The contemporary adults-only property offers 20 private villas and 12 suites – each designed to offer a sense of outside in with sleek modern furnishings and dark sultry walls that ease a weary traveler into a sense of sophisticated calm.
Whilst luxe toiletries, mini fridges and coffee machines come as standard, there’s a distinct lack of TVs within these abodes – with guests encouraged to take full advantage of the beautiful surrounding views and nearby activities instead. Wi-fi’s still on the menu – although an enforced digital detox can be arranged for those that want to truly switch off.
As well as the tranquil ambience, the exclusive villas and suites come with another serious perk for wellness seekers – each houses its very own private spa; comprised of spacious bathtub, rainfall shower and the ultimate Finnish wellbeing tool – a large private electric sauna complete with floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the lake and forest scenery, depending on room category. Don a robe and sink into the heat at your leisure – you’ll be feeling recharged in no time.
For those that can drag themselves out of the enveloping beds, hand-crafted breakfast dishes are served a short walk away at Restaurant Solitary, an equally modern space run by husband and wife team Remi and Laura Trémouille.
Served a la carte style with a small buffet available, this seasonally-inspired breakfast draws from the natural bounty surrounding the restaurant: fish and game from Lake Saimaa, local pastries, berries, mushrooms, and wild herbs from nearby forests. Fill up on beautifully-presented creations and Finland’s iconic blueberry juice, then get ready to venture forth.
Return here in the evenings for fine dining delights with a variety of three-course, five-course and a la carte menus. Dishes change seasonally, but the level of expertise and mouth-watering skill comes guaranteed – it’s hardly surprising this sumptuous venue was voted the 9th best restaurant in Finland in 2025.
Must-try activities near Kuru Resort
Best for animal lovers: A Saimaa Ringed Seal safari
Grab the binoculars and head out on this exciting boat trip to Linnansaari National Park, where guests have the chance to spot the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal. Led by a knowledgeable guide who shares insight without compromising these special creature’s habitat or privacy, this fascinating activity will ‘seal’ the spotlight when it comes to a trip’s highlight list. Available May – August, prices from €87pp. jarvisydan.com/en/seal-watching-trip
Best for a 360 wellness fix: A Järvisydän Lake Spa visit
A spa world built in the middle of the natural rocks, Järvisydän Lake Spa sits on the shoreline of Lake Saimaa and offers its visitors an immersive (and highly affordable) spa experience. With multiple saunas, steam rooms and pools to try, drift your way through the different spaces and enjoy the variety of rustic-inspired wellness facilities. With over 3.2 million saunas in Finland (meaning there is at least one sauna for every three people in Finland) you are guaranteed to feel the heat during a visit. For those brave enough, there’s even a duo of outdoor pools filled with natural lake water – take the plunge and reap the cold water benefits! Prices start at €33.90pp, jarvisydan.com
Best for relaxing: Yoga at Kuru Resort
Back at Kuru, a varied mix of wellness-led classes can be booked – with everything from sound baths through to aerial yoga on offer. Start the day mindfully with a Morning yoga session at Kuru Resort’s main building and let the mat work lead you into an energised day ahead. Prices starts at €21pp, kururesort.com
Best for something authentic: The Fisher’s Lunch
Processed, schmo-ssed. Ideal for getting back to basics, this unique outdoor activity offers curious guests the chance to not only learn how to fish with a rod for local rainbow trout but to enjoy a bowl of freshly-cooked fish soup to follow, served over a smokey campfire. Prices from 32,90 €/person. jarvisydan.com/en/fishing
Best for farm shop lovers: Tertti Manor
If you love properties filled with personality, don’t miss a visit to the historic Tertti Manor, a family-owned farm estate with its own herb garden and eco-certified forest. The eccentrically-styled manor house turned hotel is highly worth it just for peering around the quirky artwork, taxidermy and furnishings – whilst a gorgeous on-site restaurant serving freshly local dishes (and serious cakes) in historical surroundings awaits post-gawk. The gift shop is a trinket-lover’s dream, stocked with delicate homeware, sweet treats and other irresistibly aesthetic purchases. tertinkartano
2 Best for serenity: Elsanranta Saimaavillas, Sahanlahti Resort
When it comes to slowing the pace down completely, there is nowhere better suited for a dose of tranquility than spending a few days at the Elsanranta Saimaavillas at Sahanlahti Resort. Found at the end of a private road and perched on the edge of the water like a collective of chic Bond villain lairs, these ten luxury villas offer quality with every carefully-curated corner – without a sense of overbearing stuffiness in sight.
Scandi in style, open the door to these modern abodes and step into a world of ambient calm – think light wooden walls that compliment the natural light, soft carpet designed for padding across and simple yet incredibly comfortable furnishings.
Mod cons come as standard here – a hairdryer, clothes steamer, coffee machine and even drinks carbonator for extra bubbles can all be found within the various stylish cabinets and drawers. Complete with artisan tableware, lavish Terhe sauna products and even individual Finnish mythological-inspired artwork, the spaces’ thoughtful details create a sense of well-heeled serenity that still feels usable for guests to enjoy.
Enveloped by the area’s distinct lack of background noise, each Elsanranta villa comes accompanied with an unobstructed view to Lake Saimaa, whether waking up in the double bed, sitting in the private sauna or soaking it all up with a dip in the outdoor drop-pool. When Finland’s daylight finally fades, the star-speckled sky comes to life and for those lucky enough, even the ethereal northern lights can be spotted (although heavy curtains can be pulled across too, for those who prefer the shuteye).
For anyone who loves experience-based cuisine, book a table at the resort’s Restaurant Pajapirtti by Lake Saimaa – where locally-sourced and responsible farming are the cornerstones of Sahanlahti dining. This open fire restaurant is a five-star D.O. Saimaa “We Support” venue, part of a group of restaurants in the Saimaa region of Finland that actively use and promote locally sourced and exceptionally high-quality food products. Ideal for a dose of DIY dining, enjoy the theatrics of cooking your very own feast and get ready to eat until ready to burst.
Must-try activities near Elsanranta Saimaavillas, Sahanlahti Resort
1 Best for wildlife fans: Foraging + floating sauna at Ukhua
Get off the beaten track and spend the morning scavenging for local herbs with an immersive forest foraging and cooking experience. Led by a local host at Ukhua, who lead in-depth guided nature tours in the Saimaa area, the team’s services also include the option of booking a Finnish sauna with an unexpected edge – it’s hosted on a floating lakeside raft, reached by boat only. Prices for both start at €185pp for the full 4hr experiences.
2 Best for tradition: A Niskalampi sauna session
Ideal for something ultra authentic, set an afternoon aside and try this traditional Niskalampi sauna experience, located two-minutes from Sahanlahti Resort. Nestled beside a vast pond, step inside this wood-heated haven and immerse yourself in the contrasting temperature sensations of sitting in the sweat-inducing sauna and swimming in the refreshing natural waters. There’s even traditional sauna whisks (known as a ‘vihta’ or ‘vasta’ in Finnish), a bundle of leafy tree-branch tips bound together in a bunch and used for tapping and brushing the body to increase circulation. Hasta la ‘vasta’, baby. sahanlahtiresort.fi/saunas
3 Best for lunch with a view: Pistohiekka Resort
Part of the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark, the incredible surroundings at this nearby beachside resort offer endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, cycling, fishing or sailing. Post-adventure, pull up a sustainable chair and enjoy a feast at Pistohiekka’s design-led restaurant, where fresh regional cuisine and panoramic views of Lake Saimaa await. In true Finnish style, there’s even a duo of saunas with lake views from their large seating-height windows – although one of the sauna’s waterfront location does offer restaurant guests quite the eyeful! pistohiekka.fi/en
4 Best for Strava addicts: a forest run
Sometimes, keeping it simple is all you need. Fire up the Strava and lace up the shoes for a trail run on the nearby woodland paths, where putting one foot in front of the other will lead you around beautiful woodland settings. If you’re used to the city life, the lack of fellow joggers might feel a little eerie – so run with a pal if you prefer total peace of mind.
The Wordrobe Verdict
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Whilst Finns are known across the world for their quietly efficient approaches, in Lake Saimaa there’s a much softer approach to productivity. Less spreadsheets, more saunas please.
A natural haven of tranquility, the perfect escape (and antidote) from life in the fast lane awaits on Lake Saimaa’s shores. So, forget the puppy yoga, grounding sheet gimmicks and overbooked spa days for a moment. Sometimes, getting back to basics is exactly what’s needed in the 24/7 modern day world.
Start the adventure
Finnair offers return fares from London Heathrow to Helsinki, starting at £167 in Economy Class and £495 in Business Class, including all taxes and charges. Finnair offers direct flights from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to Helsinki all year round, with their Heathrow service operating up to six per day. finnair.com
The non-Schengen side of Helsinki Airport contains both Finnair’s Business Lounge and Platinum Wing. Both offer signature drinks and delicious meals alongside the warm Nordic comfort for which Finnair is renowned. The Platinum Wing contains Finnair’s traditional lounge sauna, a unique hallmark which is present in only a handful of airport lounges globally.
Sophie was a guest of Visit Finland visitfinland.com) and Visit Saimaa (visitsaimaa.fi/en/). For more information on visiting Finland, please visit visitfinland.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
