Having grown up in sunny South Africa, I must admit that I’m half-embarrassed to say I’ve never seen snow in person. I remember sitting around in a sundress every humid Christmas, watching the numerous old classic shows playing on TV. No problem with these Top 3 Ice Hotels.
Top 3 Ice Hotels:
Naturally, as they were overseas broadcasts, all of the shows featured quaint streets covered in a snowy blanket. With smiling children making snowmen, bundled up in thick jackets, hats, and scarves. My brother and I used to look at each other and laugh before heading outside to play in the sunshine or take turns sticking our heads in the freezer to re-create a winter wonderland.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that there are annual hotels created entirely of ice and snow, with these hotels being booked out months in advance of their opening! In honor of this year’s winter past, we’ve rounded up the top 3 ice hotels in case you’re interested in trying a novelty vacation.
1. Hotel De Glace, Duschenay, Canada:
Situated in the Canadian Highlands, this fantastical creation is available to guests from early January until mid-March and never fails to delight those who enter into the frosty rooms. 2012 saw over 92000 visitors enter through its icy doors. The “Celsius Pavilion” serves as the main meeting area. Where we will inform you of the procedures and precautions to ensure a comfortable stay. After, you’ll get to sip a cocktail from your own carved ice glass.
With four room types available, you’ll not be disappointed – especially if you pick the top-of-the-range Premium Deluxe Theme Suite with its fireplace and private spa. The coal stove casts glistening shadows on the walls. that highlights the distinctive sculpture over the queen-sized bed. Nordic sleeping bags are provided, allowing guests to stay nice and toasty up to -30°C.
2. Mammut Snow Hotel, Kemi Snow Castle, Finland:
Mammut Snow Hotel, situated within Kemi Snow Castle in Finland, carves over 50 decadent ice rooms each year. It should be obvious, but I’ll state it anyway: all these rooms are non-smoking. There is a large dining hall for guests to indulge in some tasty Finnish treats, though you’ll need to stay in your full winter gear to be able to enjoy the meal.
The hotel is only open from January until April, so book early to secure your spot. Coming here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you should note the facilities are rather basic. So, don’t expect tons of space to store your luggage, as only lockers are provided. The rooms, however, are breathtakingly beautiful and come with a mattress and scattered furs to keep you warm. If you’re very lucky, you may catch the aurora borealis weaving across the skyline in the late evenings. Consider this warning: the toilets are all separate from the hotel and on-site cottages. So, you may wish to go before changing into your pajamas.
3. ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden:
The name Jukkasjarvi is a Sami word meaning “meeting place”, and this frozen wonderland offers a fantastic environment to meet friends or take a well-deserved weekend away! Global artists gather here to produce magnificent works of art, carving the ICEHOTEL entirely from frozen water from the Torne River. The hotel has been operating for 23 years, and originally. It started as a single igloo but quickly grew into the much-loved hotel you’ll find today.
We recommend that visitors combine a one-night stay at the ICEHOTEL with several nights in much warmer accommodations that are in fair proximity. The hotel rooms offer you basic comforts, while the facilities and sculptures are outstanding. The sauna is one of the more popular rooms throughout the year, and while you can laze about. Why not try your hand at creating your ice sculpture, or enjoy a tour of their Ice factory?
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