AVANDRA experience
Finland: Marja’s Helsinki sanctuary for the soul
Bendier, livelier and even happier in just a few days? Yes, really… This unforgettable journey of self-care and rejuvenation promises to deliver all of this, with a healthy dose of nature, fresh air, beautiful light, modern design, history, great architecture, good food – and great company too, of course. Think of it as sanctuary for the soul, Finnish style.
Your mornings start early with uplifting walks through Helsinki’s varied and picturesque landscapes. Each day’s route will differ, from intriguing strolls around the historic old city, its streets just awakening to the magical morning light, to gentle coastal hikes taking in lungfuls of the cleanest air and unspoilt views of the archipelago. Your one constant each day is gentle exercise – oh, and great coffee by the harbour.
Later, there is the chance to island hop around the archipelago and enjoy outdoor activities in Helsinki’s impressive parks. Marja will host an indoor Putkitso workshop, introducing new tools to rejuvenate, remove stress and redefine your beauty. If a seaside sauna or dip in the Baltic sea takes your fancy, be our guest – and the friendly local seals won’t mind, either. You can take in the city’s famous design shops and its incredible architecture.
Come evening, indulge in Helsinki’s bars and restaurants such as? and maybe even a nightclub. Dancing is great for the soul, and the sun hardly ever sets – so why not?
After three nights you will leave feeling refreshed, energised and inspired, with a toolkit to continue it at home – a true investment in your wellbeing.
Your trip gallery
Your host
Marja Putkisto is a highly specialised wellbeing teacher and coach who splits her time between London and Finland, where she’s also something of a national treasure.
She specialises in stretching and movement and believes it to be a foundation of wellbeing, beauty and longevity, from which she has created the world-renowned Method Putkitso programmes.
A naturally engaging storyteller, she delivers ‘the science bit’ of her programmes in a creative, fun and edgy way that is instantly relatable – and, you’ll be pleased to hear, easily adopted.
Be prepared for your time with Marja to include stretching your mind as well as muscles you may have forgotten you’ve got. Expect the unexpected – and embrace it in her relaxed and empathetic company.
Method Putkitso
Method Putkisto is a precise method of deep stretching, strengthening and breathing. Described as going ‘deeper than Pilates’ by Harpers and ‘Finnish yoga’ by the Times, it helps you make in-depth improvements to your body shape and overall wellbeing including sleep quality, balance and stress levels.
A Natural Face Clinic, included in this trip, introduces you to face-lifting exercise that promises to not only have aesthetic benefits, but also reduce brain fog (neuro-plasticity of the brain, if you want to get scientific).
What’s not to love?
Your hotel - Hotel Maria
Bold, stylish and unlike anything else in central Helsinki, Hotel Maria is the newest luxury hotel in the city. Hotel Maria has the highest number of suites in Helsinki – 38, with a further 117 rooms. CAN WE GUARANTEE SUITE Its bold, spacious, art-and-light-filled design and outdoor garden is perfectly in tune with the theme of this trip and from the hat-tipping doormen to its airy atrium spa, its grand dame approach to service style not just new to Helsinki but to the Nordics in general.
Two restaurants – the Michelin-star contender Lilja and more laid-back garden terrace – and two bars, including the sceney Bar Maria are set to put the hotel firmly at the heart of smart-set entertainment.
Named for Maria Feodorovna, born Princess Dagmar of Denmark in 1847, and who would become the penultimate Empress of Russia and opposer to efforts of ruling Russia to limit the territory’s autonomy, the hotel’s spectacular reimagining has retained some 26 miles of restored crown moulding and an original metal lift shaft at the top of a spiralling wooden staircases.
The hotel’s location, in close proximity to the Presidential Palace and Senate Square with its white neoclassical cathedral, is the Kruununhaka district – a charmingly unspoilt neighbourhood with a bohemian vibe running through its antique shops, vintage clothes boutiques and dusty bookstores. You’ll also find the port nearby, where former maritime warehouses are now chi-chi restaurants and the Allas Sea Pool floats in the harbour.
Itinerary
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Welcome drink
- 3 x morning walk & outdoor stretch
- 1 x Method Putkisto Body & Face workshop, 2,5 hours
- Lunch in xxxxx
- Dinners …xxxx
Plus
- Fresh air
- Outdoor exercise
- Natural hydrotherapy in the Baltic sea
(Coastal?) saunas - Walking
- Design and culture
- Fresh fish straight from the sea,, fresh berries from the forest
- Good coffee
- Even better conversations
- Happiness!
- Exclusive to Avandra – Drinks with hotel founder Samppa Lajunen, a three-time Olympic gold ski jumping medallist and another national hero?
DAY 1 - Arrive and Relaxation
Arrive in Helsinki
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO HOTEL? and spend your evening settling in.
Take a moment to soak in the city with its unique blend of modern elegance and Nordic charm.
FROM WHERE? HOTEL? WHAT CAN YOU SEE / DO AND HOW LONG WILL GUESTS HAVE TO DO IT? SPECIFICS
Time?: Welcome drink WHERE WHAT – alcohol or dry? – Marja introduces the group to Kai Sairanen … more info why etc.
Dinner? WHEN, WHERE, WHAT?
DAY 2 - Energise and Explore
Breakfast at leisure in hotel?
Kickstart your day with more outdoor exercises. Feel the harmony of Helsinki’s pristine natural surroundings.
Optional Activities:
LIST
TIME?- Indulge in a rejuvenating morning sauna by the harbour, a real Finnish experience. GROUP? PRIVATE SAUNA OR PUBLIC? OVERLOOKING HARBOUR? WHAT WILL BE IN EYELINE SO I CAN DESCRIBE THE VIEW? ANY PARTICULAR LOCAL CUSTOMS OR UNIQUE SIGHTS / NATURE?
12pm: Depart from where? In cars or on foot? Set off on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure ON A BOAT? IF SO WHICH BOAT? PRIVATE OR WITH THE PUBLIC? MORE INFO PLEASE, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and embrace the serenity of nature. ANY PARTICULAR UNIQUE SIGHTS / NATURE? Look at the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site and a cultural treasure. CLAIRE MORE INFO HERE
Evening TIME: Join us for a delightful dinner WHERE? WHAT, where you can savour Finnish culinary delights in the company of like-minded wellness seekers.
LUNCH AND DINNER TIMES / VENUES?
DAY 3 - Beauty and Balance
NEED SPECIFICS ON TODAY – WALK, DAYTIME ACTIVITIES, MEALS
17.00–19.30 Evening Workshop: At the iconic STOCKMANN 4th floor lounge, & assessed by Marjas team MORE ON THIS – WHAT HAPPENS?
Night, if you have energy left, discover the magic of Helsinki by night, a city that comes alive with charm and character.
DAY 4 - Relaxation and Farewell
Breakfast at leisure in hotel?
Private transfer to airport, time according to individual flights?
Bid farewell to Helsinki and return to London, with a skip in your step, a renewed sense of vitality, and positive intentions.
It’s an absolute vibe…
Ready to book your dream trip?
Prices start from £XXX
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