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Our first visit to the Savonlinna Opera Festival and rather than staying in the centre of the town we elected to stay slightly away from the town at Lomamokkila. This was one of the best decisions of our lives since this haven of calm, natural beauty and remarkable Finnish hospitality is a true pearl in the modern World. The Finnish word "Oleilu" is the perfect term to accurately convey the true serenity and harmony that Lomamokkila offers its residents, with Kalle, Laura and their delightful family all personifying the warm, hospitable character of the Savonian people. Our room in the main house was exceptional. Furnished in a simple, traditional style it was spotlessly clean with a wonderfully comfortable bed and a view out over green fields, forests and the picture-perfect red barn. The immaculately maintained garden which surrounds the house was a perfect place to chill each evening with a lonkero and to enjoy the silence and the remarkable light quality that can only be found in a Finnish summer. Breakfast at Lomamokkila is always a sumptuous affair, offering local staples such as baked oats, cabbage pie, pickled herring and blueberry juice alongside other Northern European staples (the coffee is wonderfully smooth and dark!). The buffet dinner which is served from 17:15 is a similar feast where the selection changes from day-to-day according to the availability of truly seasonal ingredients. At both mealtimes dishes are freshly prepared and consistently replenished by Laura or Kalle, both of whom have a keen eye and who want to genuinely ensure that all of their guests have a truly memorable and happy time whilst staying in their care. During the Festival season a shared taxi is arranged for all of those guests who prefer not to take on the (albeit very easy) fifteen minute drive to Olavinlinna Castle where performances take place with the fare being shared between all of those who avail themselves of the service. Lake Pellos is a ten minute walk away from the main house (during which we picked and ate the sweetest wild blueberries and wild strawberries). Here guests can indulge in quintessential Finnish activities such as swimming in the clear water of the lake, fishing, kayaking or with prior arrangement with Kalle taking a traditional wood-fired sauna. Sadly in the Summer months the dreaded mosquito population is somewhat inclined to dampen lakeside fun. Our three nights at Lomamokkila passed far too rapidly and all of us were reluctant to return to reality. Lomamokkila truly is one of the most magical places any of us have been privileged enough to visit and we will all be unquestioningly returning for a longer stay since one cannot get better than this!

Another superb Lomamokkila visit, this time in a comfortable lakeside cabin! The cabin for four was convenient, relaxing and clean. Its sauna and the lake offer perfect relaxation. Long 'beer' stays on the lakeside patio were cozy and thought-provoking, Deep sleep in the quiet, peaceful nature took us 'faraway'. Delicious breakfasts at the main manor were so balanced. The 'crepes' afternoon by the next family generation showed plenty of promise towards the happy future for this wonderfully exemplary agriturismo. The service gene of hosts Laura and Kalle is beautiful and perfectly developed. Small wonder Lomamokkila absolutely feels 'home away from home'. BRAVO! GRAZIE MILLE!