Respecting nature
Respect for nature is at the heart of everything we do. For us, sustainability isn’t a separate project or marketing slogan – it’s simply our way of living and working. Every decision we make is guided by the desire to leave as light a footprint as possible.
Whenever we can, we choose to repair, reuse and recycle rather than buy new. For example, the floating accommodation raft and sauna were built using timber from spruce trees that fell during Storm Asta in 2010. Throughout the project, recycled materials and reclaimed items were used whenever possible, giving old materials a new purpose.
We also make conscious choices in our daily operations, from the food we serve and the products we choose to the way we heat our buildings and welcome our guests. We don’t strive for perfection. We simply believe that small choices, repeated every day, make the biggest difference.
You can read more about our food philosophy and local ingredients here.
Our five sustainability principles
1. LOCAL FIRST
We build our food experiences around nearby forests, lakes and trusted local producers. Our guiding principle is simple: wild food and local ingredients – always close and sustainable.
2. REPAIR, REUSE AND RECYCLE
We aim to minimise waste and give materials a second life whenever possible. We often create something new from old materials, and many of our finds come from flea markets rather than shops. When we buy something new, we choose carefully and buy only what we truly need.
3. PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY
Respecting nature also means caring for wildlife. We build birdhouses, feed birds during the winter and make our garden bee-friendly. Protecting the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal is especially important to us, which is why we fish only seal-safe gear and never use gillnets.
4. CARING FOR LAKE SAIMAA
We want to help preserve Lake Saimaa’s unique nature for future generations. Every decision we make is guided by respect for the environment and the desire to keep our footprint as light as possible.
5. WORKING WITH LIKE-MINDED PARTNERS
We work with businesses that share our values or are actively working towards more sustainable practices. Together we can create meaningful experiences that support local communities while respecting nature.