Jõelähtme, Estonia
A design-led nature retreat set on a private forest estate, where walking trails, contemporary Estonian architecture and the Green Michelin-starred Hiis restaurant shape a grounded and immersive stay.
TAJU is a nature-first retreat set on a private forest estate, where the landscape itself defines the experience. A network of walking trails runs throughout the property, allowing guests to explore forests, clearings and natural viewpoints directly from their accommodation. These trails are central to the stay, encouraging slow movement, observation and time spent outdoors across seasons. The architecture reflects contemporary Estonian design, with clean lines, natural materials and careful placement within the landscape. Each structure is positioned to preserve privacy while remaining connected to the surroundings. A key part of TAJU’s identity is its gastronomy, anchored by the Green Michelin-starred Hiis restaurant, which brings together local ingredients, foraging traditions and a strong respect for nature. Together, trails, design and food form a cohesive experience rooted in place rather than amenities.
Activities at TAJU are centred around the surrounding forest and the extensive network of walking trails that run throughout the estate. Guests can step directly from their accommodation onto clearly defined paths, exploring the landscape at their own pace. The trails invite slow walks, longer nature hikes and repeated discovery of the same environment as light, weather and seasons change. Beyond walking, the setting encourages quiet outdoor experiences such as nature observation, photography and time spent simply being present in the landscape. Activities at TAJU are intentionally unstructured, allowing guests to choose movement or stillness without schedules or pressure, guided by curiosity and connection to nature rather than organised programmes.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Route length: 2.7km loopEstimated time: 36minLoop routeTallinna Botaanikaaed is a botanical garden featuring fenced grounds and an entrance fee. It is open from 10:00 to 20:00 from May to September, and from 09:00 to 17:00 from October to April, offering visitors a rich experience in plant diversity.
Area sceneryRoute length: 2.5km loopEstimated time: 33minLoop routePae park is a leisure area recognized for providing green outdoor space. It is identified with the Wikidata Q12371795.
Area sceneryRoute length: 2.9km loopEstimated time: 39minLoop routeLillepi park is a designated leisure park with an official website linked by the city of Tallinn, indicating recognized public access. It serves as an urban green space supporting wellbeing activities in the area.
Area sceneryStraight-line distance from hotel: 1.6 km directÜlgase looduskaitseala is a nature reserve designated as a protected area under protection class 7. It is categorized as looduskaitseala, a strict nature protection area.
Area sceneryStraight-line distance from hotel: 3.2 km directJägala jõe hoiuala is a protected area classified under protection class 6. It is designated as a hoiuala, indicating its status as a conservation area under Estonian environmental protection.
.jpg?width=1000)
Straight-line distance from hotel: 14 km directTallinn Botanical Garden includes a 4-km nature trail on its grounds. The garden is also known for its palm house, alpine garden, rock garden, rose garden, and greenhouses.
Route length: 1.1km loopEstimated time: 15minLoop routeIhasalu Laheranna ujumiskoht is a free, accessible swimming area without lifeguard supervision. It has a water safety sign referencing Laheranna rand, Ihasalu küla.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 4.1 km directÜlgase-Saviranna hoiuala is a protected conservation area classified as hoiuala. It is under protection class 6, ensuring the safeguarding of its natural environment.
Route length: 1.2km loopEstimated time: 16minLoop routeSaviranna ujumiskoht is a no-fee swimming area with public access. It is alternatively named Saviranna suplusala or Saviranna ojomiskotus in Võro and is not supervised by lifeguards.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 5 km directKostivere maastikukaitseala is a nature reserve and landscape conservation area. It is protected under class 7 and recognized for its natural landscapes and biodiversity.
Gastronomy at TAJU is anchored by Hiis, the on-site restaurant recognised with a Green Michelin Star. The dining experience is deeply connected to the surrounding forest estate, with menus shaped by seasonal availability, local sourcing and foraged ingredients. Food is not treated as an add-on, but as an essential expression of place, landscape and time.
Hiis does not operate as a conventional walk-in restaurant. Instead, guests are invited into a highly curated dining experience built around a 15-course set menu – the only restaurant in Estonia to offer this format. Each course is carefully composed, allowing ingredients, techniques and flavours to unfold gradually, in rhythm with the land and the season.
Combining contemporary culinary thinking with traditional Estonian influences, Hiis focuses on flavour, balance and deep respect for nature. Meals feel both refined and grounded, shaped by patience, craft and intention. For many guests, gastronomy is a central reason to visit TAJU, standing alongside nature trails and architecture as one of the defining elements of the stay.
Sustainability at TAJU is rooted in stewardship of land, thoughtful design and long-term care for its forest estate. The property is developed with restraint, allowing nature to remain the dominant presence while architecture and infrastructure are carefully integrated into the landscape. Walking trails, buildings and shared spaces are designed to minimise disruption and preserve natural ecosystems. Food plays a central role in TAJU’s sustainability approach, with the Green Michelin-starred Hiis restaurant championing local sourcing, foraging and seasonal cooking. Daily operations prioritise durability, conscious resource use and respect for natural rhythms. Rather than promoting volume or excess, TAJU encourages slower stays and deeper engagement with place, supporting a form of travel that values responsibility, balance and connection to nature.
taju offers 4 accommodation types.
Knautia Dome
The Knautia Dome is part of Taju’s dome meadow nature retreat and is described as an intimate experiential stay for couples. It is explicitly designed for two guests, making it a distinctive glamping-style accommodation rather than a conventional room, and…
Deluxe Double Room
A standard double-occupancy room sold by Taju through Google Travel and Agoda, positioned as a compact option for two adults with the flexibility to accommodate one child. The room appears to be part of the property’s conventional hotel-style inventory rather…
Double Room
Booking listings for Taju Resort identify a Double room category as one of the available accommodation types. This is the most straightforward option for couples or solo travelers wanting a conventional room format, and it is distinct from the resort’s…
Quad Room
Booking listings for Taju Resort also show a Quad room category, indicating a larger configuration intended for groups or families. Compared with the Double room, this option is designed for higher occupancy and is the clearest family-style accommodation type explicitly…
Experience the essence of Taju, where nature and time converge. Stay longer to immerse yourself in Estonia's dynamic landscapes and nature-inspired retreats.
Metsa AI is an independent travel directory platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this hotel. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners. For inquiries, please contact us at info@metsa.ai. Any stated affiliation or endorsement will be clearly indicated.