By Matt Clapson, director of luxury tour operator Pope & Sons.
More and more discerning travellers are discovering that the best way to view the stunning Northern Lights across the Arctic Circle is by staying in one of the amazing glass-roofed igloos in the resort of Kakslauttanen in Finland. A stay in Kakslauttanen is proving popular with families, groups of friends and honeymooners alike.
There are different types of accommodation at the resort to suit all tastes and budgets including the glass igloos, the Kelo glass igloos, snow igloos and the Queen Suite. All offer excellent accommodation choices but we believe that the best way to experience Kakslauttanen is to combine some accommodation choices.
The highlight accommodation in our opinion is the unique and amazing Kelo Glass Igloos where you can admire the Northern Lights and the twinkling of the beautiful sky. The Kelo Glass Igloo combines the warmth of a cosy log cabin with sensational views of the Arctic night sky from world-famous glass igloos. They feature a private sauna, fireplace, kitchenette and a bedroom with a stunning glass roof. Make sure to also spend a night in one of the snow igloos as it is an unforgettable experience. Hardly ever does someone get the chance to relax cosily in an ice-cool igloo that protects them from the arctic outdoors! Everything is provided for a comfortable night including your super-warm down sleeping bag. The Queen Suite is truly classy. This spacious 60 square metre kelo wood log cabin includes a wonderful bathroom including sauna and bath and on the terrace there is a even an outside jacuzzi for a tranquil dip whatever the season.
There are also countless winter activities to experience during your stay. A must is the husky safari and it doesn’t take long at all to get the hang of steering the huskies and soon you’ll be sledding through the wilderness drawn by the eager and friendly dogs. Thermal clothing, winter boots and gloves are provided. Saariselka has for a long time been graded as one of the world’s top cross-country ski resorts. The diverse ski tracks run for nearly 200 kilometres and, at Kakslauttanen, you can begin from your own accommodation. Thermal clothing and ski equipment are again provided.
When in Finland you must enjoy the special Lappish Dinner on offer at Kakslauttanen featuring a three-course charcoal-grilled salmon menu. It may be necessary to allocate your chosen evening on arrival at the resort, giving two days notice. The snowmobile safari is a fast and adrenaline-fuelled option to explore the beautiful winter nature of Lapland. Zoom down the fell into the forest enjoying some of the best snowy scenery on offer. Thermal clothing, winter boots, gloves, snowmobile mask and helmet are provided.
Other activities to consider include reindeer and horse riding safaris, travelling on the snow tank, ice fishing, downhill skiing and snowboarding and even an ice breaker cruise with a chance for a dry-suit dunk in the icy Bay of Bothnia!
More information about staying at Kakslauttanen can be found here.
Pope & Sons is a luxury travel company inspiring customers with an unparalleled level of personal customer service and creating unique, quality and exclusive worldwide luxury travel experiences with a few surprises along the way.
