Helsinki

Helsinki, the Nordic city affectionately known as the “White City”.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Less than three hours from London, you and a beautiful companion could enjoy stunning architecture, clean air, sauna’s and plenty of glögg. Helsinki is one of the coolest European cities in more ways than one. Temperatures can get as low as –34.3°C however do not let that repel you from visiting. Functional design, coffee culture and friendly locals make this quite the weekend break. Helsinki feels safe, balanced and wholesome in comparison to say London. It is worth noting that Helsinki enjoys glorious summers with temperatures reaching 30°C however there is something so magical about Finland in the colder months. Whatever time of year you visit you can be sure of a warm welcome.

A sophisticated break in Helsinki

Fly to the White City in style. Finnair boasts one of the shortest flat bed routes in the entire world. London Heathrow to Helsinki Vantaa is just 2 hours 50 minutes but you can get a good forty winks en route.

Once you have arrived in Helsinki you have a plethora of luxurious hotels to choose from. Centrally located, this five star dwelling caught our eye:

Hotel St George, Yrjönkatu 13, 00120 Helsinki, Finland.

Much like most of the city, Hotel St George is quietly luxurious, unassuming and tasteful. Hotel St George is smack bang central with great transport links via road and tram. A fantastic base for exploring the city with a beautiful spa. No two rooms are the same. Expertly designed in harmonious muted tones with refined yet stunning fixtures. Lights for example look like something out of a Tom Dixon showroom and the sumptuous fabrics are by design house Haapaniemi. A mesmerising art installation captivates in the Winter Room bar called “learning to fly”. At every turn you can expect style and comfort.

Hotel St George boasts a luxurious spa complete with a fantastic sauna. You and your gorgeous companion can revive yourself with massages, scrubs and facials here. Spa’s particularly saunas are a way of life in Nordic countries. Finnish people take health and wellness very seriously. Glossy hair, radiant, clear complexions and healthy physiques are common place here.

There is also a 24 hour gym should you want to maintain your physique during your stay. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hotel St George also has it’s very own bakery should you wish to indulge. However there is something about Nordic bakeries, they seem healthier than our London counterparts.

A short walk from Hotel St George is Solo Sokas Hotel Torni. A historic hotel and Helsinki landmark that has been fully refurbished. It is also home to the Ateljee Bar on the 13th floor. It is a bit of a maze to find the bar as the final floor is only accessible via a spiral staircase. However once you reach the top it is as if you have been reunited with old friends. A very casual, small intimate bar with huge views. Every inch of this tiny bar showcases spectacular views across Helsinki. Locals and tourists alike smile and greet you. A true hidden gem of a bar and not to be missed.

Beyond Helsinki

If you have the time you and a stunning companion can take a trip north to visit the home of Santa Claus in Lapland by the Arctic Circle. A 90 minute flight from Helsinki will take you to Rovaniemi. In the time is takes you by car to reach Covent Garden from Gatwick you can be transported to a true Winter Wonderland. No, not the chaos that descends on Hyde Park each December. Rovaniemi is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world. Here you and a special someone can sleep underneath the stars in luxurious glass cabins, go sledging with huskies and or reindeer, pray you see the Northern Lights, try snowmobiling, skiing and for the brave; ice swimming.

Experience the Lappish way of life by cosy fires with glögg or hot chocolate. Feast on gravlax, trout and even reindeer. A truly unique experience. You will never complain about a snow day in London ever again. Temperatures here can plummet to -45.3°C but every hotel is very knowledgable on what to wear for the climate. With the right boots, coat, gloves and snood you will feel toasty. No wonder the people of Finland love a sauna so much.

Just call us today or you the online booking form and we’d be delighted to arrange your date in Helsinki.