Levi Igloos
The Levi Igloos are located just seven miles from the bustling town of Levi and with unobstructed landscapes, glistening night skies and untamed wilderness they provide a welcome escape into Northern Finland.
Four premium and fourteen superior igloos make up the resort and each boast a kitchenette, ensuite and a motorised double bed in the centre. The pise de resistance, however, has to be the insulated glass ceilings that allow guests to star gaze from the comfort of their very own bed.
Families in Finland visiting Father Christmas are also catered for as the Northern Light House villa (with real ceilings, not glass) sleeps up to eight guests and is comprised of two suites (the Gold Suite and the Lapp Suite), a cosy den with a fireplace, outdoor hot tub, and sitting room with fantastic views over the mountains.
There is no restaurant at Levin Iglut (or Levi igloos in English), however food can be ordered in advance and is typically Finnish, making use of the local produce - think sautéed reindeer with lingonberries, or hot smoked Arctic char.
The nearby town of Levi boasts local bars, boutique shops and a range of eateries serving everything from fast food to five star cuisine. For the adventurous, snowmobile safaris, cross country skiing, dog sledding and reindeer safaris are just a handful of the exciting excursions available.
Why We Love It
The glass roofs in the igloos are perfect for Northern Lights spotting, from the warmth of a bed, if you're lucky you might fall asleep under the green hue of the Aurora Borealis.
Arctic Snow Hotel
The Arctic Snow Hotel, near the Finnish Lapland centre of Rovaniemi, is, in our humble opinion, the best accommodation in the vicinity of the town. This is probably less of a family-friendly place than many of our other Lapland options, but great for couples looking to experience the magic of Lapland.
Accommodation is in igloo rooms within the SnowHotel itself, in sleeping bags on reindeer skin covered beds, or in the 15 new Glass Igloos with en suite bathrooms, designed for night-time Northern Lights spotting.
The Lumikartano main log building houses the washrooms and loos for the ice accommodation, and also the main restaurant, but there is an ice restaurant (and an ice bar) as well, and a traditional Sami-style kota hut (try the blazed salmon) on the lakeside beside one of the many snowmobile routes in the area. This being Finland the edge of the lake is also home to a sauna complex, and other activities on offer include snowshoeing, ice sculpting and ice fishing.
Why We Love It
Guests can choose to receive a nightly 'Aurora alarm' so they don't sleep through any potential sightings of the Northern Lights.
Arctic Tree House
Cosy treetop nests with fantastic views out over the Arctic wilderness. Each tree house pod has a glass feature-wall, making guests feel at one with the glittering forest from the comfort of their luxurious Scandinavian suite.
The hotel features 32 TreeHouse suites and 5 Arctic Glass Houses, set in the picturesque location of the forest within the Arctic Circle. The Rakas Restaurant and bar is an atmospheric space within the lobby to sit back and enjoy some local cuisine or a drink against stunning panoramic views.
The Arctic Tree House provides the ideal base for adventures in Lapland, where guests can travel deep into the forest to Santa's reindeer farm or enjoy a thrilling husky safari in the snow. However adventurous your day, you will return to your snug sanctuary where the Northern Lights glitter overhead.
Why We Love It
The Arctic Glass House suites have their own private sauna to allow you to properly unwind after a day of arctic adventures.