Whitney Spielfogel
Finland is the ultimate winter destination, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re chasing the illustrious Northern Lights or soaking in the serenity of a snowy forest, this magical country is sure to wow you in every way. Nestled in the heart of Finland’s pristine Lapland region, the Aurora Queen Resort is the newest luxury property, offering an experience unlike any other. Surrounded by snow-blanketed forests and picturesque frozen lakes, this enchanting retreat is a gateway to the Arctic’s most captivating natural phenomena and utmost natural beauty.
Whitney Spielfogel
The Aurora Queen Resort is located in Finnish Lapland, a region renowned for its Arctic beauty and pristine wilderness. Specifically, it is situated near the village of Saariselkä, in the northernmost part of Finland. Surrounded by snow-white winter scenery, the resort lies within proximity to Urho Kekkonen National Park, a stunning reserve known for its rugged landscapes and opportunities to explore the Arctic terrain.
Getting to the remote Aurora Queen Resort isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it. The Aurora Queen Resort can be reached from anywhere in the world, via the international Helsinki airport. After touching down in the cosmopolitan capital, guests then board a 90-minute connecting flight from Helsinki to the Ivalo airport. The resort offers a paid airport shuttle service, or you can rent a car for the approximately 40 kilometers drive. The breathtaking, remote journey to the hotel sets the tone for the magical adventure that awaits.
Whitney Spielfogel
From the moment you arrive, the Aurora Queen Resort envelopes you in its otherworldly charm. The air is crisp, and the faint scent of pine mingles with the promise of adrenaline and adventure. The resort’s crown jewels are its stunning, bespoke glass igloos. Designed with Scandinavian minimalism, but maximum comfort in mind, each glass-encased igloo is a cocoon of warmth and elegance. The glass panels offer uninterrupted views of the Arctic sky, transforming your room into a front-row seat to the spectacular Northern Lights, making you feel like you’re in a real-life snow globe. Imagine snuggling under plush blankets as hues of green, pink, and purple dance across the heavens (fun fact, the owners will knock on guests’ doors when the Northern Lights are dancing up above). As nature lovers, the husband-wife owners, Nina Rantanen and Pasi Sivonen, strived to be environmentally friendly when designing the 18 free-standing accommodations. The couple opted for geothermal heating and solid wood materials for their northern haven, ensuring their guests’ stay is as eco-conscious as it is luxurious and magical. The igloos are also tech-friendly, with the room’s temperature controlled by the touch of Pasi’s smartphone.
Aurora Queen Resort
The hotel is brimming with carefully curated details that make every moment magical. From a bespoke fashion collection available exclusively on-site, to leopard prints adorning the dining napkins, the resort seamlessly blends cool style with fashion-forward whimsy. As previous owners of one of the top home goods shops in Helsinki, Nina and Pasi have made the property an artisanal dream come true. The hotel’s entrance consists of an arrangement of plush pillows and furs, reindeer antlers, bespoke furniture, brass lanterns, and winter sports armory. Every touchpoint is thoughtfully curated to add to the enchanted atmosphere, ensuring your stay feels uniquely special and Instagram-worthy!
Whitney Spielfogel
The resort’s curated activities ensure every moment is steeped in wonder. Guests can embark on daytime or evening reindeer sleigh rides, guided snowshoe treks through the woodlands, thrilling snowmobile safaris, or exhilarating husky-led sled rides (seriously such a high!). For a deeper connection to the land, guests can try ice fishing or join a traditional Sami storytelling session by a crackling fire over cups of hot cocoa.
Whitney Spielfogel
And then there’s the Aurora hunting… the resort’s namesake experience. Expert guides lead you to the best viewing spots, sharing fascinating insights about the science and folklore of the Northern Lights. Witnessing this celestial phenomenon is nothing short of life-changing if you’re lucky enough to bear witness to it. Granted, as any Northern Lights chaser knows all too well, such viewings are never guaranteed, even if you visit during the peak season (November – March). On nights that are less than optimal to see the aurora show at the hotel itself, Nina and Pasi can arrange for an aurora hunting trek (of all kinds… by van or snowmobile, for instance), with entirely different conditions possible in nearby regions.
All this adrenaline-fueled activity is sure to make your appetite soar, and Aurora Queen knows how to satisfy the tastebuds. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, AQ, elevates traditional Nordic cuisine to new heights, ensuring your stay is filled with gastronomic bliss. AQ serves dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including Arctic char, reindeer, and wild berries, which were some of the standouts. Don’t miss the chef’s nightly fish specials, which delighted the taste buds and were a treat to look forward to. Dining at AQ was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of Lapland’s rich culinary heritage.
Whitney Spielfogel
For those seeking utmost relaxation, the resort’s spa is a sanctuary of Arctic tranquility and a great way to achieve wellness in the wild. The sauna experience consisted of a private steam and outdoor hot tub immersion, allowing guests to soak under a snow-covered sky. Whether you’re enjoying a Finnish sauna or simply meditating in the stillness, the spa’s offering rejuvenates the body, mind and soul.
The new Aurora Queen Resort invites you to an enchanted stay in the spellbinding nature and tranquility of the Finnish Lapland. Visiting Finland during the holiday season is a magical experience unlike any other. As your visit comes to an end, you’ll find it hard to leave this Arctic paradise. The memories of shimmering auroras, the comforting warmth of a private sauna and one-of-a-kind igloo accommodation, and the unspoiled beauty of Lapland will linger long after your journey home. The Aurora Queen Resort is more than a destination; it’s a winter wonderland brought to real life. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, seeking adventure, seeing Santa and his reindeer, or simply yearning for peace in the heart of nature, this Finnish gem promises an unforgettable escape.
