And while I can’t write you a real prescription, I can prescribe what Finland is good for: slowing down, finding balance, and reconnecting with what really matters.
After three decades in Helsinki, I’m a true expert in the Finnish lifestyle. And that experience led me to write the ultimate prescription, Finland Rx.
I originally followed my heart to Helsinki, yet ended up staying for something much deeper. Life didn’t go as planned despite thinking I had it all figured out. Along the way, I navigated a cross-cultural divide, a crumbling marriage, and a divorce. I also raised an independent and caring daughter, and eventually I became an empty nester… all far from where I started.
HI I’M SHELLY
TODAY
I’m living a life that looks nothing like what I imagined, and I have to thank Finland for shaping who I’ve become.
Through forests, lakes, and sauna, I learned how to slow down, clear my mind, and feel at home in myself again. And what once felt foreign is what grounds me—nature, movement, and space to just be.
Finland didn’t just become the place I live. Finland became the place where I came back to myself. This lifestyle even inspired me to write Get Your Calm OM, a no-filter playbook to mental coolness. And now, Finland is something you get to experience, too, by way of Finland Rx, a wellness-infused itinerary curated to your interests, budget, and pace.
Why Finland?
LESS IS MORE
Most people don’t come to Finland for more; they come for less. Less noise, less rushing, less pressure to keep up with the Joneses. And with that, you get the calm of 188,000 lakes, millions of saunas that end with a cold plunge, zillions of forest paths that clear your thinking, and space to reset. Finland is where you come to feel like yourself again.
CONNECTION
You arrive curious. Maybe a little meh. Maybe craving something different when you travel. You’re not looking for poolside cocktails and a packed itinerary. You’re looking for connection to nature, to stillness, to yourself.
QUIETUDE
In just a short week, Finland works its magic. Through sauna rituals, forest bathing, lakeside calm, and seasonal Nordic experiences, your mind begins to settle. You sleep deeply. You notice what you’ve been missing. You return home grounded, with a sense of quietude woven into your days
…because sometimes
the best medicine is
a dose of Finnish calm.
THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR YOU IF…
You are curious about why Finland keeps being named the happiest country in the world
You are tired of coming back from a vacation needing another vacation
You want something more real and ready to take home
You’re craving slow travel and moments that let you breathe and reset
What to Expect
Finland Rx is a curated wellness-infused itinerary where the Finnish lifestyle becomes the cure. Think sauna sessions paired with cold-water dips, forest walks with mindful practices, lakeside calm woven into every moment, and seasonal Nordic experiences designed to awaken your senses. This is slow travel, the Finnish way.
Your stay is part of the prescription, too. Each carefully selected hotel is an extension of the Finland Rx experience. Here are a few of my favorites waiting to welcome you.
Historic grand hotels with saunas, fitness spaces, and restorative rituals built in
Design-forward boutique properties tucked into the city’s most walkable neighborhoods
Creative, community-driven hotels for those who want a more local, energetic feel
Adults-only wellness retreats with spa treatments, saunas, and space to completely switch off
Eco-luxury properties where the architecture disappears into the landscape
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT
“Shelly is so fun to work with. She is full of surprises.”
“Thanks again for ALL your help! Wow, you have been incredible.”
“You are the best, thank you!!!”
“You are a joy and a pleasure to work with. And very detailed like me!!”
Why Book with Me?
Because Finland is my home turf. Joking aside, after more than three decades living here, I know which hotels are worth it, which experiences are worth trying, and which details make the difference between a good trip and one where you leave saying, "Wow!”
Finland Rx is not a cookie-cutter itinerary. I don’t pull together a generic list of “top 10 things to do.” I build each itinerary around you, using my own network of trusted hotels, guides, sauna hosts, drivers, restaurant owners, and local experts. That means you get the real experience, not the same one everyone else books online.
I vet every hotel and activity provider personally, so you’re not wasting time reading reviews and hoping for the best. I know which lakeside cabins are truly peaceful, which city hotels have the best sauna setup, which forest guide is worth waking up early for, and which restaurant is actually worth booking weeks in advance.
A personalized concierge from start to finish
Hotel perks, preferred rates, and the occasional upgrade through my relationships
A bespoke itinerary built around your pace, interests, and energy level
Someone handling all the research, reservations, and logistics
No FOBO (fear of better options), no second-guessing, and no hours lost down an internet rabbit hole
Every detail is covered, so you can simply arrive and settle into the experience.
What’s Included?
Finland Rx is a thoughtfully designed, week-long itinerary rooted in the Finnish lifestyle and includes:
Daily sauna rituals
Forest walks
Urban explorations
Built-in time for rest, reflection, and slow travel
A curated selection of design-forward, wellness-oriented hotels
My personal recommendations from hidden gems to cultural insights to the best ways to get around
Full support from start to finish, including discovery, planning, and pep-talk calls
WHAT DOES A SAMPLE DAY LOOK LIKE?
Your day might start with an early morning sauna, followed by a brisk dip in the Baltic Sea or a nearby lake.
Breakfast is a typical Finnish spread of coffee, porridge, yogurt, berries, and open-face rye bread sandwiches with cold cuts, cheese, and veggies (gluten-free and vegan options usually available).
Later, you might go on a guided forest bathing adventure or forage for wild herbs, then move gently with a yoga class or a stroll around town.
As the day unfolds, you could explore design-focused galleries, discover local culinary delights, and end with evening quietude (perhaps a private sound bath or lakeside reflection).
FAQ
The price of your Finland Rx experience is based on your travel dates and travel style, which includes hotel preferences and activities. Most clients invest between 2,000€ and 5,000€ for their weeklong Finland Rx experience. FYI: this does not include airfare to Helsinki.
Do I need to be an avid traveler?
You are showing interest in a Finland Rx trip, which means you are already a curious traveler passionate about exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. I meet you right where you are.
Can I book this solo?
Absolutely. Finland is an exceptionally safe and easy-to-navigate country. Solo travelers are most welcome. Don’t forget that I will be curating an experience filled with activities, tours, and culture, so you will likely never feel lonely (unless you want to)!
What should I pack?
This is a loaded question because Finland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. A good rule of thumb comes from a Finnish proverb: There is no bad weather, only bad clothing. But before you pack, check the immediate and long-term forecast. I will, of course, provide a shortlist of must-pack items such as a swimsuit, flip flops (or sandals that can get wet), and nylon bag for toiletries when going to sauna or a swim.
What’s the best way to get to Finland?
Flying is the obvious choice. Many international airlines fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). Pro tip: when departing, leave extra time to stroll around the terminal. There are oodles of cool shops, restaurants, and cafés to while away the time.
Do I need a visa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays in Europe (up to 90 days within 180 days). However, as of September 2026, Americans will need to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most European countries. Don’t worry. We will go over all of this during our pre-trip planning calls.
May cause uncontrollable happiness
Sudden urge to move to Finland
Unexpected comfort with silence
Compulsive sauna-seeking behavior
Possible Side Effects of Your
A Place to Pause
A wellness-infused itinerary designed to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and return to what matters most.