Ice Hotels & Igloo Villages
We take a look at some of the world’s coolest sub zero hotels and igloos
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Kakslauttanen, Finland
This family-run resort sits in Finnish Lapland, 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. After Jussi, the owner of the resort, ran out of fuel on a fishing trip in 1973, he set up camp in Kakslauttanen and it became home. Over the years, more accommodation has sprung up and Kakslauttanen has become a luxury resort. Choose from a glass or snow igloo or if you’re not quite brave enough, there are log cabins and rooms in Santa’s home (a magical cabin which overlooks the resort). The glass igloos allow you to admire the starry skies above and if you’re lucky the Northern Lights. The resort’s restaurants offer a mixture of Lappish and Asian cuisine and the ice bar serves some deliciously tempting cocktails.
Prices from £150 per person per night www.kakslauttanen.fi
What to do...
The activities on offer at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort range from ice swimming and saunas to husky and reindeer safaris, sleigh rides, ice fishing and aurora hunting. The ski season in the area runs from October to May so you can also grab your skis and snowboards and learn how to conquer the slopes.
Hôtel de Glace, Québec, Canada
From 5th January to 22nd March the Hôtel de Glace will open for guests for the 15th year. This year’s theme is Myths and Legends From Around the World. The themed rooms and suites are all unique with detailed ice carvings adorning the walls and cosy beds covered in fur. The hotel offers several packages so you can experience an overnight stay or just visit for the day and explore. The overnight packages include tempting treats from welcome cocktails and four-course dinner to sauna and hot tub access. Just want to visit for the day? The cocktail package offers access to the Hôtel de Glace and a drink in the ice bar while the lunch package includes a tour followed by a warming lunch at the Celsius Pavilion.
Packages from £222 per person www.hoteldeglace-canada.com
What to do...
The Hôtel de Glace is just a short distance from downtown Québec and with an average annual snowfall of over 400cm, it is truly a winter wonderland. Visit the spectacular Château Frontenac and Parliament Hill, both especially pretty in the snow.
Hotel of Ice, Balea Lac, Romania
The 20th December marks the opening of the 10th season of Romania’s Hotel of Ice. Each winter the hotel is built from ice cut directly from the frozen Lake Balea and transformed into bricks. The hotel has its own ice bar and restaurant, and igloos are now an option for those who want to stay somewhere more private. Each room is made entirely of ice, but fear not, they are packed with blankets, furs and sleeping bags to keep you warm. The hotel’s Ice Bar is open daily and serves cocktails in glasses carved from ice and the restaurant, run by ‘winterproof’ staff, serves traditional dishes alongside a carefully selected wine list.
Prices from £118 per night www.hotelofice.ro
What to do...
The hotel’s Winter Park is perfect for families and those seeking a little adventure. Set high up in the Romanian Carpathians, the hotel is in a prime location for winter sports enthusiasts and offers activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and ice skating.
Would you like ice with your drink?
ICEBAR
ICEHOTEL’s ICEBAR has developed into a global brand, and now you can experience this phenomenon closer to home in the UK’s first ICEBAR in central London. You’ll be given a thermal hooded cape and gloves on arrival so you can enjoy a shiver-free cocktail or two. Booking essential.
www.icebarlondon.com
minus5°
With two bars in Las Vegas and two more in New York and Orlando, minus5° is one of America’s coolest ice bar destinations. Everything is made of ice, including the walls, bar, seats and glasses. Don’t worry though – a package here includes gloves and a warm coat.
www.minus5experience.com
CHILL Ice House, Canada
This Toronto-based Ice House is classed as a lounge, complete with ice furniture, ice curtains and ice artwork but it also has an impressive bar with a range of icy cocktails including the Belvedere Lemon Iced Tea and the CHILL Classic Martini.
www.chillicehouse.com
