The 10 most luxurious spas in (and near) Helsinki

Helsinki may be more under-the-radar than Reykjavik, but it is fast becoming one of the coolest Nordic cities – both temperature-wise and for its first-class wellness options. Given that you can easily explore the city on foot, it makes sense to indulge the Finnish obsession with saunas by vigorously sweating out toxins and easing tired muscles at the end of the day. Nor does this have to be as rudimentary an experience as it sounds, as Helsinki is home to some seriously luxe spas. Looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life? We’ve also rounded up some of the best spas outside of Helsinki, perfect for a weekend away.

Related: A weekend of Finnish wellness in Helsinki: The definitive guide

It’s no wonder Hotel Kämp is the grande dame of luxury hotels in Helsinki. At 133 years old, it has hosted visiting celebrities from the Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen in a plush setting that maintains its classical late-19th-century style but with all the 21st-century amenities. This is perhaps most evident in the spa, a tranquil gem in the hotel’s crown, where you’ll find no less than three types of sauna (steam, Turkish Hammam and Finnish), a gym with all the latest next-gen equipment and the type of full spa menu that leaves you spoilt for choice. In the hands of the experts, it’s possible to jump from a holistic tension-melting Hot Stone Massage to the high-tech Advanced Skin Radiance facial. Here a special SkinVision lamp analyses skin issues not visible to the naked eye so your therapist can target the treatment’s sequence of cleansing, exfoliating, masks and massage to your individual concerns.

Hotel Kämp, Kluuvikatu 4 B, 8th floor, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Set within a 19th century newspaper building, the hotel has been sensitively transformed to be sunlit, grand and packed with modern art. The rooms are all blonde wood and natural light and this bright, clean aesthetic is mirrored in the spa. Opt for a gentle swim in the pool or a treatment powered by two indulgent brands: Omorovicza, which is inspired by the heal-ing effects of hot springs and mineral-rich waters, and Niki Newd, which deploys 100 per cent fresh, natural ingredients from Finland. The standout for us was The Niki Newd x St George Facial treatment. In just 75 minutes it promises to reset your skin and senses with a peel made from locally produced Finnish forest honey and a Spruce Sprout mask, which is removed using milk from freshly harvested young coconuts no less. Perfect after a day island hopping and experiencing all that nature has to offer on Helsinki’s doorstep.

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

Imagine a ski chalet but in a distinctly urban setting and you’ll have hit upon Valo Hotel’s unique vibe. Everything about this hotel screams cosy – from the bistro with its hearty, down-to-earth Nordic flavours to the rooftop wellness area. Alongside the panoramic views, you can work your way through a selection of authentic log saunas, relaxation pools, a steam room and, not for the faint-hearted, a dip in the ice pool to get your heart rate up.

Valo Hotel, Mannerheimintie 109, 00280 Helsinki, Finland

For a taste of Lapland in the heart of Helsinki, look no further than the stylish minimalist interiors at the Lapland Hotels Bulevardi where functional simplicity reigns supreme. Many of the rooms have their own saunas, where you’ll be met by soft puffs of steam to help you truly unwind. In this intimate space, you can enjoy the option of two specially tailored in-room spa packages featuring ingredients from the North: the Arctic Beauty package with an emphasis on purifying and moisturising products, or the Magical Night to improve the quality of your sleep during your stay.

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, Bulevardi 28, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

The Hotel Maria may be new on the scene (it opened in December of last year), but what it lacks in legacy it more than makes up for in luxury. Located just blocks from the Presidential Palace, the hotel spans four historical buildings, its 177 rooms decorated with timeless style in mind. The true highlight of the Hotel Maria, however, is its spa. The Maria Spa boasts a traditional Finnish sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and jacuzzi, along with an experience pool. The spa’s skin experts employ Biologique Recherche to create tailor-made facials, and offerings range from Face Gym massages to LED and Radiofrequency treatments. For all the latest innovations in beauty and wellness, the spa at Hotel Maria is the place to go.

Hotel Maria, Mariankatu 23, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

Located in central Helsinki, this day spa operates out of an 1880s building with a rich history. In fact, the Spa Lounge is protected by Finland’s National Board of Antiquities, its arched windows and moulded ceilings bringing a touch of old-world elegance to the spa experience. The Helsinki Day Spa excels in specialised, targeted treatments. Take, for example, their 50 minute head massage, or their lymphatic massage, in which rhythmic massage stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluid.

Helsinki Day Spa, Erottajankatu 4, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

While Siluetti functions as a hospital with cosmetic surgery treatments, its true hidden gem is its spa. The spa itself is replete with white stone, calm, low lighting, and padded seating areas. Dark wood accents bring a cosy feel to the space, and treatment rooms are partially candle-lit for maximum effect. When it comes to treatments, Siluetti gets creative. They offer an aromatherapy treatment, which features a cleanse, exfoliation, massage, and mask while aromatherapeutic oils refresh the skin and mind. Another highlight is their massage for expectant mothers, which tends to sensitive skin through exfoliation and warm oil application.

Siluetti, Pohjoisesplanadi 35 6. kerros, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

In the charming waterfront town of Naantali, the Naantali Spa & Hotel is a beacon of relaxation. The spa features an expansive set of pools, including an outdoor pool with a sea view, an exercise pool with water jets, and a jacuzzi. While all the pools are heated, you can warm up even more in a sauna or aromatherapy steam room. Indulge in Cleopatra’s famed milk and honey bath, or get closer to nature with a peat exfoliation treatment.

Naantali Spa & Hotel, Matkailijantie 2, FI-21100 Naantali, Finland

With a private spa and sauna in each room, the Kuru Resort is quite literally built for wellness. A private resort by Lake Saimaa, it uses Sisley Paris’ phyto-aromatic treatments to great effect. Massage treatments from all over the world are tailored to each guest, and the sauna provides a detoxifying respite. Most notable about the Kuru Resort, however, is their program of classes and experiences geared towards holistic wellness. Breathwork classes, meditation, yoga, and Tibetan sound bowl sessions allow guests to relax their minds as well as their bodies, while outings like kayak tours and hiking trips make the most of Finland’s surrounding natural beauty.

Kuru Resort, Kuruntie 22, 58900 Rantasalmi, Finland

On the outskirts of Porvoo, the spa at the Haikko Hotel is a welcoming treatment centre in a grand manor house. Though the hotel – which is a family business – is almost 60 years old, the spa continues to innovate in its spa options. Not only are the standard options, like facials and massages, available, but Haikko Spa also offers physiotherapy meetings and their signature cold treatment. This cryotherapy experience features a -120°C degree chamber, and while the session may not be comfortable, the after effects of better sleep, efficient recovery, and pain relief is well worth it.

Haikko Spa, Haikkoontie 114, 06400 Porvoo, Finland