Nestled in the protected Republic of Karelia in northern Russia, among hundreds of lakes and seemingly endless forests, stands the boutique hotel Zaonezhie. Its modernist architecture, acclaimed with multiple international awards, is delicately integrated into the landscape: façades of northern timber and hand-crafted wooden shingles echo the traditions of ancient Russian North carpentry. Every window faces the water, letting the lake’s long horizon become part of the interior.
The 13 panoramic rooms and four guest villas with wood-burning fireplaces create an atmosphere of privacy and calm, while Runa restaurant serves a chef-driven menu rooted in local ingredients—from freshly caught fish to fowl and northern berries. The hotel is designed for slow living, with a private pier, a panoramic hall, eco-trails, and secluded spots for forest meditation.
Recognised for its confident design language and unwavering commitment to authenticity, the property has received a number of prestigious architectural awards, both in Russia and internationally. Among these are victories at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards in Switzerland, where it was honoured in both the Wellness and Boutique Hotels categories, as well as a Silver award in the Commercial Architecture category at the International Design Awards in the United States. It has also been recognised by ARCHIWOOD, winning in the “Wood in Exterior” category, and by the ADD Awards in the Hotels category. Further international acclaim came with a win at the Rethinking The Future Awards in the United States, in the Global Design & Architecture Design | Hospitality (Built) category.
Zaonezhie lies in a land of rare shungite, pristine waters, and untouched forests, where one might encounter a white-tailed eagle or, on the right night, witness the Northern Lights. Guests can set out on snowmobile and boat expeditions, visit Kizhi Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and spend days fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding—before returning to the silence of vast landscapes.
Here, it is easy to embrace a digital detox or host a private gastronomic gathering by the lakeside fire. A traditional smoke sauna in a nearby village, samovar tea ceremonies, and picnics on uninhabited islands complete the experience.
Zaonezhie is more than a retreat—it is a deep immersion into an untouched natural realm, where comfort and culture meet the elemental forces of land and water.
To find out more about Zaonezhie and book, visit the links below…
Zaonezhie
Web: zaonezhie.com
Tel: +7 (921) 222-78-88
Email: booking@zaonezhie.com