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Autumn cottage weekend in Niemi-Kapee – Sauna, hot tub and lake views
*Collaboration: Niemi-Kapee Farm & Rental CottagesCan the cottage season continue into the fall? After our weekend, the answer is definitely yes. The autumn cottage weekend in Niemi-Kapee offered wonderful nature, sauna and lake views and proved to us that relaxing at a cottage doesn’t always have to happen only in the summer, but that cottages are year-round and each season offers something different and wonderful. Niemi-Kapee is located in Teisko region in Kapee, only about an hour’s drive from Tampere and this time, in addition to myself, my husband, my mother and our little dog Sumu were also on the trip.
I know I love the sun and warmth, but there was something really wonderful about this autumn cottage weekend for me too. When there are shades of autumn around, a calm lake view and light rain dripping from the large windows into the landscape, it doesn’t really have to be sunny. This autumnal and rainy weather tempted us to put on our wool socks, cook a good meal together, heat up the sauna and curl up on the couch to enjoy some peaceful time together with a hot cup of tea.
We stayed at Sammal cottage, and I must say that I quickly understood why this cottage became our favorite.

Sammal Cottage at Niemi-Kapee
Niemi-Kapee – a place where history meets modern cottagesNiemi-Kapee has a long history, and it is not a cottage village that was founded only yesterday. The place began as a farm decades ago, and tourism has been with the farm since early times. Originally, the farm lived a very traditional rural life and operated a dairy farm, among other things. However, over the years, the operations have changed and the current Niemi-Kapee tourism complex has been built around the farm.
In addition to the cottages, you can still feel rural life on the farm, as the farm still has sheep, for example. I think this is exactly what makes this place interesting: there has been no attempt to make the place a big and fancy tourist experience, but the peaceful cottages near the farm and this environment in itself are the experience.
The history of Niemi-Kapee also includes adversity. In 2001, the Janika storm felled a huge amount of the farm’s forest. However, something new was also created from it, when the trees were used to build a smoke sauna. Today, the place is already being run by the next generation, and alongside the farm, traditional grandma-style cottages, beautiful modern cottages, glamping accommodation and various sauna services have been created, such as the popular smoke sauna mentioned above.
Old and new in the right proportion, that’s exactly what I like.

Niemi-Kapee farm estate 
Sammal – A modern cottage in the middle of natureSammal was a really successful choice of cottage for us. The cottage is modern, stylish and comfortable, but at the same time you don’t feel like you’re in a soulless chain hotel, in the middle of nature. Nature is strongly present in the atmosphere and color scheme of the entire cottage. The large windows that take up the entire wall were especially memorable. They really let the landscape take its place, and even on a rainy day it was lovely to just sit inside and look out. This cottage offers just the right amount of comfort and style without compromising on the traditional cottage vibe and closeness to nature, so if this resonates with you too, I highly recommend it.
Sammal is a single-level, approximately 80 square meter cottage on the shore of Lake Näsijärvi, behind the Niemi-Kapee farm estate. There are two separate bedrooms, a well-equipped modern kitchen, a cozy living area, a fireplace and your own sauna. Sammal’s wood-burning sauna was one of the highlights of the entire cottage. The sauna is dark and cozy, like the rest of the cottage, but my personal favorite was definitely the large window that looked out onto the terrace and the lake. This way, you could have a sauna in the middle of nature and be completely at peace.
It’s pretty hard to think of a better way to spend an autumn evening than warming up in the wood-burning sauna and looking out at the lake scenery at the same time. After the sauna, we of course moved on to the warm hot tub, which made the autumn evening feel even more special. Even the light rain didn’t stop us from soaking in the hot tub! My husband also went for a dip in the lake from the cottage’s own private pier, but I left this part to him this time (I hate cold water).

Sammal is modern, spacious and stylish 
The dining area is combined together with the living room and kitchen as one big open space 
The modern kitchen has everything you may need for cooking even for a bigger group 
Dark wooden sauna with big window view 
Breakfast in bed with beautiful nature view
JUST RELAX AND DO NOTHING AT THE COTTAGEOur weekend was above all about being. We cooked delicious food at the cottage, drank hot coffee and tea, relaxed in the sauna, enjoyed the hot tub, watched movies and spent time together. All of this is a great treat for me, because I am quite a busy person and I constantly have a hundred things under development and going on. Relaxing like this and even without the hustle and bustle of the city felt so wonderful and welcome. Even the rain didn’t bother me, on the contrary, it also worked as a chill vibe creator.
The highlight of Sammal was definitely its large windows, which brought nature and the landscape inside. I was able to be warm and dry, but at the same time watch how the rain came down and the autumn nature around me changed a little bit during the day. Cottage living doesn’t always require campfire trips, long forest walks or a packed schedule. I don’t really understand the idea of forcing a schedule like that, but maybe I’m not a traditional cottager, but rather a city girl who enjoys the rare peace of nature. Still, I don’t think you need to come up with a schedule at a cottage. It’s best to just be there and not have anything planned.

Morning coffee 
Slow mornings at Niemi-Kapee 
A good way to relax 
From the sauna is a great view to the terrace, hot tub and the lake 
The hot tub kept us nice and warm in the rain 
A dip in the lake from the private pier feels refreshing
Pet-friendly and an easy cottage for furry friendsIt was also easy to come here with a dog. Niemi-Kapee’s pet-friendliness was a big plus for us and actually the most important thing, because Sumu likes to go with us on trips and we don’t want to go to a cottage without Sumu.
Sammal was also a great fit for this. The cottage is on one level and there are only a couple of steps on the terrace, so moving around with the dog is easy. Sumu was able to be with us in all the rooms and was able to participate in all the cottage life. This may sound like a small thing, but when traveling with a small dog, things like this have a surprising impact on how easy and relaxed the holiday really is. Sumu also clearly liked the cottage’s own peaceful yard and the surrounding nature. So a big recommendation for those traveling with a dog.

Sumu found the best spot immediately
National parks and nature reserves nearbyIf you need more to do during your stay at the cottage, there are also nice nature destinations in the area. For example, the Seitseminen and Helvetinjärvi National parks and the Siikaneva Nature reserve are within easy reach. It is easy to go to these places to spend the day exploring away from the cottage and return in the evening to the warmth of the sauna and hot tub.

All the cottages provide a free rowing boat for the guests
A cottage for every style and need in niemi-kapeeOne thing I liked about Niemi-Kapee is that not all the cottages are made in the same style. If you like a modern style and want to be as close to the lake as possible, Sammal is a great option. Kokkoranta also offers modern lakeside accommodation and views through large windows. If you are looking for a more traditional cottage feel, options include the log cabin Harmaa, or the granny cottages Mansikka and Mustikka, each with its own unique and lovely vibe.
If regular cottage accommodation doesn’t seem like your thing, Niemi-Kapee also offers Taivasalla Glamping, which is a slightly different way to spend the night in the middle of nature without compromising on any of the comforts.
There are also various sauna experiences on offer, such as a traditional smoke sauna.

All the cottages are in a private setting in the middle of the nature, even if they are close to the farm 
Nature here is not just a landscapeAt Niemi-Kapee, the environment and nature are naturally a big part of the whole experience. I think it’s great that the place is being developed in a modern way, but at the same time the environment is being taken into account in its operations. Niemi-Kapee aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, use natural resources judiciously and take biodiversity into account in its operations. The place is also part of the Sustainable Travel Finland program, and guests are encouraged to do their part, for example, by sorting and saving water and energy. When you spend time in such beautiful surroundings, these things feel like a natural part of the cottage experience and we try to live according to these in our everyday lives, so this just felt very appropriate and natural to us anyway.
Why choose Niemi-Kapee?
- Less than an hour’s drive from Tampere
- Cozy and modern cottage options
- Countryside and lush nature all around
- Lake view and private pier at each cottage
- Wood sauna and hot tub or jacuzzi available
- Tourist destinations nearby
- Cottages with all the amenities and necessities
- Pet-friendly
- Easy and hassle-free communication with the owner during your stay
- Year-round cottage living without compromising on anything

Thank you for a nice and relaxing cottage weekend in the these cozy autumn vibes and in the heart of nature in Niemi-Kapee, we will definitely come again! 🙂<3: Tiina Johanna
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SAL CAPE VERDE – BEST HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION TIPS
*Article contains affiliate linksSal Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination. The best hotels and accommodation tips all consist of wonderful beach hotels and amazing pool accommodations, because there are plenty of these in Cape Verde. Sal is always a sunny destination and there are plenty of turquoise sparkling ocean water and beaches along the entire length of the island. Sal is also full of magnificent hotels and different accommodations for every need and every budget, from luxury hotels and large resorts to affordable hostels, cute bed & breakfasts and private apartments.
Living in Sal for a long time, I have also had time to get to know several of these hotels and places myself and to gain my own experience, good local knowledge and also the experiences of my friends.
HERE ARE THE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION TIPS IN SAL!
FIVE STAR LUXURY BY THE SEAHilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort offers five-star luxury right by the sea. The Hilton has a beautiful large pool area with red sunbeds and wonderful palm trees and a direct sea view. At Hilton, the quality of services is always quaranteed! The Hilton is also just a short walk from the cozy center of Santa Maria.
BOOK HILTON CABO VERDE SAL RESORT HERE!
Oasis Salinas Sea is a popular five-star hotel with two swimming pools on the same coastline as the Hilton. The services of this hotel are also amazing and the location couldn’t be better: Right on the beach and walking distance to everywhere!
GOOD QUALITY HOTEL FOR A RELAXING TASTEHotel Morabeza is a beautiful and stylish hotel located right next to the center of Santa Maria, which also suits a more quiet taste. There is no entertainment services in Morabeza and entertainment can be found only outside the hotel. The hotel has no less than three swimming pools and is located right next to the beach in the best parade spots. If you want to relax in peace but close to everything. choose this!
Oasis Belorizonte is a nice good quality four-star hotel, where you can get everything you need, from good food to an entertaining program and just relaxing by the pool. Even many famous people have stayed here and loved it!
Halos Casa Resort is a bright and beautiful four-star hotel with a large swimming pool in the center for relaxation. Halos’ evening entertainment is highly praised by customers. The hotel is only a short road crossing to the beach and only a short walk to the services of the city center.
Hotel Dunas de Sal is a modern beautiful hotel close to the city and close to the beach. It has all the priviledges of a wonderful holiday resort combined with a tasteful style. You will not go wrong with this choice and the staff is so amazing.
ADULTS ONLY QUALITY RELAXINGRobinson Club Cabo Verde is a cozy and beautiful adult-only hotel with all amenities, right on the beach and within walking distance to everything. Also this hotel has been the perfect choice for many celebrities and it really is a wonderful hotel to stay in!
BOOK ROBINSON CLUB CABO VERDE HERE!
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa is a wonderful five-star luxury resort that consists of several beautiful swimming pools and pool restaurants. The nearby Bikini Beach beach area is a great place for swimming even on a windy day thanks to its more sheltered coves, and the Bikini Beach Club found on the beach offers entertainment every day and night for every taste. Melia Llana is for adults only.BOOK MELIA LLANA BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!
Design Suites Boutique Hotel is quite new in Sal’s accommodations. The modern and cozy boutique hotel is an adult-only accommodation right in the center of Santa Maria. The rooms are stylish and on the roof terrace you can enjoy sea views from the infinity pool!BOOK DESIGN SUITES BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE!
BEST POOLSHotel Odjo D’Agua is a local, high-quality, beautiful and cozy hotel right by the sea. The food in the hotel’s restaurant is so delicious and the hotel is the only one whose infinity pool is a seawater pool. The hotel has its own small beach coves with beach chairs on both sides of the pool, where you can swim without worries even on windier days. Tip: Locals also prefer Odjo D’Agua’s seawater pool and the restaurant’s delicacies when they want a little pampering, just like us as well!
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach is located near the beach of Antonio Sousa, a little further from the center of Santa Maria, but still within walking distance. The hotel is bright, relaxed and peaceful, and in its center is an attractive swimming pool, from where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or go and admire the big seashells of Shell Cemetery Beach in front.BOOK HOTEL LIVVO BUDHA BEACH HERE!
Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is located in the Melia hotel resort area next to the previously mentioned Llana. Melia Dunas’ swimming pools are large and you can enjoy them even a long day of swimming and chilling. You can get delicious refreshments directly in the pool from the pool bars. There are boutiques and several different restaurants in the hotel resort area. Entertainment can be found both in the hotel area and at the nearby Bikini Beach Club. We spent our wedding weekend at Melia Dunas in a private villa and totally enjoyed ourselves!BOOK MELIA DUNAS BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!
SMALL HOTELS AND BED & BREAKFASTSHotel Da Luz is a nice small hotel a bit outside of the main pedestrian street of Santa Maria in a nice area. The hotel always has great happy hour offers at the pool bar and the small swimming pool offers an opportunity to refresh yourself in the middle of a hot day.
Ocean Suites offers stylish and original accommodation right next to the beach, along the main street and in the heart of everything. The rooms are modern and the main asset of this place is definitely the central location. The popular Ocean Cafe restaurant downstairs always has good food and evening entertainment that attracts both tourists and locals who love the fresh dance rhythms.
Sakaroule B&B is a small and colorful bed and breakfast in the center of Santa Maria, a short walk from the main street and the beaches. The service is friendly and the breakfast is always delicious. Totally recommend, if you are looking for something a bit more special and charming!
PRIVATELY IN YOUR OWN APARTMENTMisturod is a basic, but good apartment hotel a little further from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Misturod’s apartments include everything you need and each apartment has its own small terrace with hammocks. This is where we spent the first couple of months after I moved to the island!
BOOK MISTUROD APARTMENTS HERE!
Villa ao Mar is a wonderful apartment hotel right on the beach. All apartments are of good standard and quality, each one has everything you need. The absolute best is the large and comfortable terraces and the seaside location, you literally step out of the hotel door directly onto the beach! I myself spent a week here for the first time on vacation and I can warmly recommend it.
Porto Antigo Hotel B&B is a nice apartment hotel also right by the sea. There is a private swimming pool and a private small beach cove where it is nice to swim even on a windy day.
Branco Suites is a bit further from the beach area, but a very great choice for accommodation. The apartments are of a good standard and it’s nice to look at the sceneries from the terrace. The breakfast is excellent and one of my friends often walks here for breakfast just because!
Aguahotels Vila Verde is a good basic apartment hotel a short distance from the center of Santa Maria. The apartments are modern and have everything you need. The hotel has its own swimming pool, with a pool bar for those who are hungry and thirsty. Vila Verde Resort has its own convenience store and restaurant. Vila Verde also offers apartments for longer-term rental. The nearest beach is Bikini Beach and there is a free shuttle bus from Vila Verde to Santa Maria several times a day. We ourselves lived here for a while, because we wanted to enjoy the pleasures of our own swimming pool and get a little change in our everyday life.
There is also much more accommodation in Sal than just these and there are also various private holiday apartments for rent in every price range. Due to its wide range of accommodation, Sal is suitable for both luxury lovers and budget travelers, so pick your favorite from the list or find out more and find the best accommodation on Booking.com!SAL CAPE VERDE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION ON BOOKING.COM
<3: Tiina Johanna
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Blogit.fi:Kookospalmun alla*Photos: Tiina Johanna, blogger and Booking.com*
*Photo editing: Loov.fi “Tropical blues” presets – check it out!

























