Hidden in northern Estonia’s quiet countryside, just beyond Tallinn, resort “Taju”and restaurant “Hiis” offer more than a stay—they promise a journey of the senses. Spend 48 hours in dome-shaped lodges between forest and sea, then surrender to a 15-course tasting at Hiis, where nature becomes the main ingredient and hospitality takes on a quietly spiritual dimension.
Taju (“Sense”) and Hiis (“Godswood”) are more than a destination—they’re a philosophy of living. Nestled amid the unspoiled landscapes of northern Estonia, these sister establishments—part accommodation, part culinary sanctuary—invite guests to embark on an immersive 48-hour Taju Journey that blends design, nature, and introspection.
Located just outside Tallinn at the far edge of the village of Manniva in Jõelähtme, Taju isn’t easy to find. Without GPS, getting lost feels almost inevitable, but that’s part of the charm. When you arrive, a discreet iron gate stands guard at the entrance. It only opens for those with a reservation—and the secret number to call.
Your sojourn begins at Kupliaas, or “Dome Meadow,” home to four ethereal, dome-shaped cottages inspired by meadow blossoms. Each is named after a flower and promises an atmosphere where architecture and emotion intertwine. The owners call them “lighthouses of perception”—spaces designed for both serenity and spiritual awakening.
Entry is keyless, opening by code, underscoring the Taju ethos: Perception is personal, best experienced in solitude. Surrounding each dome, the landscape unfurls in deliberate wildness—pasture blending into forest, hill descending to coastal plain. The grounds are shared with Highland cattle that roam freely and peacefully, completing this living tableau.
Here, centuries of rural life echo softly, reimagined for the modern traveler. The rustic smoke sauna, ready to be kindled upon request, and a vintage picture book placed on the bedside table both serve as bridges between past and present. Slip into the outdoor hot tub as the weather turns turbulent, and nature’s force becomes profoundly tangible.
Light and darkness are central to the Taju experience. As daylight fades, the arched, floor-to-ceiling window becomes your screen—nature’s cinema. Despite its remoteness, the dome’s warmth and comfort evoke a deep sense of home.
At nightfall, the journey shifts to the palate. Over two days, Taju Journey unfolds through five dining experiences: a long, leisurely dinner at Hiis; a more intimate evening meal in your dome; a picnic lunch under open skies; and two breakfasts delivered right to your door.
The apex of this culinary adventure awaits at Hiis, a candlelit sanctuary of modern Nordic design. It’s here—ideally on the second evening—that “spiritual” transcends metaphor. The kitchen draws from a single omnipresent source: the surrounding wilderness. Every flavor has its origin in nearby meadows, forests, gardens, or the sea.
Beef cheek, herring, salmon cheek, and inventive vegetarian compositions converge to create a dialogue between nature and taste. Each dish feels like an act of communion—the local landscape translated into edible form.
There’s no à la carte menu here. Instead, Hiis presents a 15-course tasting sequence in two “acts,” offering non-staying guests a moment of intermission. Each creation interprets Estonia’s natural abundance—impossible to condense into fewer courses. Head Chef Daanius Aas, often seen pensively contemplating the horizon, continues to explore the untapped flavors of Estonia’s wild heart.
Taju and Hiis are not simply places—they are states of mind. Let them welcome you into an experience that transcends hospitality and borders on the spiritual.
