Lapland February 2020

This time we flew from Doncaster, we are happy to fly from any airport that suits our dates. Its about a 4 hour drive from kent, but we go up the night before and stay in an airport hotel, its no big deal to travel anywhere really as the timings of the flights are really good that you miss the traffic in either direction.

When you land in Lapland, you just need to be wrapped up warm as you go outside to get your luggage and get on your coach, for the few mins you are outside, it can be cold. The airport transfer is approx 45 mins to an hour to the hotel.

The Davvi Arctic Lodge is in a really remote location, which is why I like it so much. No shops (apart from 1 down the hill) and not commericalised at all. The property has such a friendly homely feel to it and the panoramic window in the restaurant is amazing. The meal basis is full board so you get 3 big meals a day, all you have to pay for is your drinks at the bar, which are not overly expensive. The food is wholesome, definitely keeps you full all day and caters for all dietary requirements. I am a Pescatarian and I certainly didnt go hungry.

The Davvi Arctic Lodge has hotel rooms in the main hotel, Cabins in the grounds plus Fell Houses which can accommodate larger familiies. The Cabins are really nice as some have underfloor heating, in built saunas and walk in showers, they are obviously more expensive but a real treat.

They also build Igloos each year if you want to stay in them for the night, I did this one but I have to admit I wouldnt do it again, it is quite cold.

The hotel has a sauna and an outdoor hot tub for use by everyone (the hot tub is only available at certain times of the year and chargeable).

The holiday price includes your thermal suit and boots so you just need base layers, hats, goggles, gloves, scarfs, snoods - you really do need to wrap up warm especially in the evenings outside. If I can offer one top tip and that is to purchase 'Little Hotties' to go in your gloves and also in your boots, they really do stay warm for a very long time and they were exactly what I needed every day. The hotel itself is really cosy and warm so you just need normal clothing when in the hotel or your room.

The itinerary was exactly the same as before and we couldnt wait to experience it all again, it was just as magical as the other two times and I cant wait to go back again.

Included in the holiday price was Husky Sledging, Snowmobiles, Reindeer Camp plus the Northern Lights trek, which is a guided walk up to the tallest point at the hotel.

We were blessed again to see the Northern Lights which made an appearance each night we were there, some displays were better than others but it always amazing to see them. When we were out on our Snowmobile excursion we laid on our backs in the snow to see the lights.

As if the above wasnt enough, the highllight for us is renting sledges from the hotel (only 5 euros each for the duration of your stay) and find the highest slope in the grounds of the roperty to toboggan down.

The Reindeer Camp involves being pulled along by a Reindeer, learning about the animals and a welcome warm break around the fire. The Husky Sledging was also brilliant, you drive and steer your own pack of dogs and they can really move. You get some time to spend with them as well. They absolutely love it and they cant wait to get running!

For the snowmobile excursion, you go out in the evening in search of the Northern Lights, you each take turns driving and are out for a good couple of hours across a frozen lake with a pit stop for a warm drink half way through.

We went for 3 nights and its just the best sort of holiday, playing in the snow with your friends with all the activities posted on the notice board when you arrive. So its only then that you know what your timings are, the Tour Operator has to plan everyones excursions so your group can stay together.

As you are so close to the Swedish border, you can place one foot in Sweden and one in Finland on the nearby border crossing on the bridge.

And dont forget the old Church across in Sweden on the edge of the Frozen Lake, it's beautiful.

Again we had a fantastic time and I cant wait to go back.