Sampo Kaulanen builds €30 million Jänkä Resort in Ylläs – first phase ready for guests by Christmas 2025

Kaulanen estimates the cost of the first phase to be around €6 million. The resort aims to be a premium+ level destination, tailored specifically to the desires and needs of international travelers. In addition to accommodation, the resort will offer various activities and services. Designed with a ranch-style theme, the resort will even include its own horse stable. Some amenities that may seem exotic from a Finnish perspective have also been included for the comfort of guests.

"Each unit is equipped with a skylight for viewing the northern lights directly from bed, a sauna with a hot tub, and for our Asian guests, automated toilets with washing and drying functions," Kaulanen explains.

The resort's design emphasizes durable, Finnish materials. The luxury vacation homes, built from timber, will be provided by Honkatalot, and geothermal heating will be installed to minimize energy consumption. Architect Tero Vanhanen is responsible for the overall design, with more detailed planning by Interior Architect Office Vertti&Co. Activities and services will be provided by both the resort itself and local partners.

"From the start, we ruled out importing elements from abroad or competing on quantity or bulk services. At Jänkä Resort, we offer discreet luxury. However, if a guest is interested in the lively atmosphere of Levi, we can arrange cross-resort trips to provide a diverse experience," says Kaulanen, who also rents out luxury apartments in Levi.

Born and raised in Äkäslompolo, Kaulanen has strong faith in Ylläs’ appeal. He highlights the region's unique fell nature, peace, and the opportunity to relax without the hustle and bustle of crowds as the key strengths of local tourism. Jänkä Resort aims to preserve and offer these experiences, with additional activities like dog sledding and skiing enhancing the experience. The large land area ensures tranquility, while the location has been carefully chosen to avoid disturbing traditional reindeer herding or natural grazing areas.

"Someone once said that the threat of mining made it unwise to build anything bigger than a doghouse here, but I disagree. The resort's land originally belonged to my family, and I've expanded it by purchasing surrounding areas to develop the business. The project will also have a significant economic impact on the region. We're only 2.5 km from Ylläs village and 5 km from the ski resort, making it easy for travelers to access services by foot, skis, mountain bikes, or resort transport," Kaulanen explains.

Kaulanen and his wife, Murphy-Kaulanen, have been on a personal, at times challenging journey leading to their latest business venture. Through challenges Kaulanen became convinced of the calming effect of nature on the mind.

"We want to add a deeper dimension to traditional Lapland tourism, something that truly touches a person. While we focus on traditional Lapland activities, we also want to offer genuine presence in the tranquility of nature," Kaulanen envisions.

Murphy-Kaulanen adds, "Another way to achieve deeper presence is through animals. Working with horses calms the human mind, allowing a connection to form with the horse and one's inner voice, in a way many have never felt before. This is the experience we want to offer at Jänkä Resort. Guests will return home with something valuable, something they may not even be able to put into words. Of course, this doesn't necessarily require interaction with animals; the magical presence can be experienced in other ways as well. The key is for guests to arrive as their authentic selves, ready to embrace new experiences."