In addition to the reviews below, we also have reviews on our Facebook page.
Review: Arctic Direct. Mrs A Beaumont. Ice Hotel, Ripan, Wilderness Camp. 2019
Usually we like to travel to destinations like St Lucia however this year we thought we’d try someting different – and we loved every single minute! We had one night in the Ice Hotel in a Deluxe Cold Suite – complete with private sauna and bathroom facilities – which was all amazing. We then had an overnight husky safari in a wilderness camp.
This was just perfect, the facilities were basic but it’s what you expect in the middle of nowhere. The husky sledging was fantastic, I actually got a little emotional at how beautiful the environment is, the stillness and the quiet. Our last night we stayed at Ripan – where we enjoyed a fabulous spa (we upgraded with Arctic Direct to include the Spa bucket – well worth it!) and the food here was simply fantastic. We didn’t want to come home and will certainly be back to the Arctic and booking with Arctic Direct again soon!
Arctic Direct Review From N Porter. Nellim Wilderness Hotel 2019
I’m not sure we could pick a favourite bit! The whole experience was amazing! The staff and guides were great. The Aurora Bubble was an experience even though it was overcast the night we spent in it.
But what can we say about the Log Suite? Wow! Just wow!!! From the personal sauna, to the underfloor heating throughout……
If I was forced to pick a favourite part, though, it would have to be the views. Looking out of our windows, going out on the activities; the sheer beauty of this part of the world will stay in my memories forever. It was a stunning location.
We did see the Northern Lights, even though they were grey, not green. However, it didn’t matter. The 2 guides that took us on the Aurora Camp made the evening so special. They made a fire where we sat around it drinking hot berry juice, whilst they talked about the Northern Lights and told us folklore stories about Finland. It was a very magical night!
We will definitely be going back – with the kids as we think they would love it, too!
I have rated this Nellim aurora bubble trip in Finland way better than any Caribbean holiday we’ve been on. I loved every minute of it so thank you again for organising this trip for us. You got it absolutely perfect for us!
Arctic Direct Review From K Webber. Kakslauttanen 2019
We got to see the Lights two nights in a row!!! We were so lucky. The second night it happened was our night in the igloo and so we had the most amazing view. I think my husband was awake most of the night as the display started at 7pm and finished at 5am! It really was the perfect 40th treat for him! We have some incredible photos.
Arctic Direct Review From Caroline Gill – Sweden 2019
Some nights it was minus 32, usually in the daytime it settled between minus 20 and minus 25. We picnicked in the middle of the day at lunchtime around a camp fire.
We had the amazing good fortune of seeing The Northern Lights, they were spectacular for HOURS, we were extremely lucky. We saw them whilst our guide was digging an ice hole in the river so that we could collect water. hahahahahaha
I would go every year if I had the money, however sadly that is not the case. It was a once in a lifetime adventure, and I was not let down. xx
Arctic Direct Review from Janine FitzGerald. Ice Hotel, 2018
We have recently returned from the trip to the Ice Hotel and have to say it was great! A real experience and the itinerary that you had arranged for us worked very well.
You organised a day ice fishing which entailed 15km (about) of snowmobiling to the lake and we loved it. Didn’t catch anything and it was freezing cold but the guide Finn was excellent. We noticed that this was not an activity listed in the Ice Hotel brochure in reception so I think it was excellent that we had the chance to do this… and it was just the two of us which made it even more enjoyable.
So thank you – I would certainly recommend Arctic Direct.
Yours
Janine FitzGerald
Nicki Chapman reviewed Arctic Direct
We went to Kakslautannen resort with Arctic Direct in December and stayed in the east village which is smaller and quieter than the west village which is more for families. The place was beautiful with peaceful woodland walks in the snow and your companions being a few wild reindeer wandering through the trees. The husky sledding and snow mobiling was great fun and the reindeer sleigh ride relaxing. It was a good mix of activity and relaxation . Would definitely recommend it.
Jane Maddern reviewed Arctic Direct
Excellent service from Arctic Direct – Hannah was fab with info and coming back. It was quite honestly the BEST trip I have ever taken. Beautiful place and staff are fabulous! Glass igloo are amazing and the log cabins are so cozy.
Plus all the adventures planned run like clockwork. Cannot praise enough. Thank you all.
Nicole Gregory Arctic Direct Feedback
i would just like to thank you for an amazing stay at kaksulattion igloo resort!! We had the most amazing time, mindblowing! We will be booking with you again for another amazing week away very helpful and easy to communicate and get in contact. Thank you again
Nicole & Charlie
Trina Rance Arctic Direct review & feedback
I tried a few travel companies regarding a trip to Finnish Lapland and then I found Arctic Direct – so glad I did! Hannah’s knowledge and enthusiasm was so refreshing. Information and consistent follow up throughout the whole process was excellent. Kakslauttenen was everything I hoped it would be and more, I would not hesitate to use Arctic again for future travel arrangements. A great company with genuine enthusiasm and passion 👍
Review and pictures from Allison Stone. Ice Hotel Sweden. Arctic Direct
I am more than happy to give you our opinion on the weekend away in Sweden (Ice Hotel)
Everything was managed perfectly we had no problems with flights, baggage, booking in etc. The pre-paid trips were totally awesome and again we were all booked and expected. The accommodation in the warm rooms was more than adequate, clean and comfortable. The ice room – we upgraded to the executive suite (The Kiss) which made the whole experience a million times better. This was done very easily at the reception. Went to both restaurants and the food was fabulous. Very well presented and well cooked in both places. Again very different menus etc but nice to have a choice.
Excursions: – The dog sleigh ride (Saturday morning) was absolutely wonderful. The driver is to be commended and was very informative and it was very re-assuring to learn just how much they cared for the dogs, who were also extremely friendly and enjoyed a cuddle! I hope in some way you can get this relayed to him. The midnight snowmobile excursion (Sunday) was more than expected (no Northern lights unfortunately) and delivered a thrilling experience being able to drive the machines yourself.
… the whole package was very well executed and all my worries were waylaid either by your office or weren’t worth worrying about in the first place. Would have no hesitation in recommending you or using you again (once I have saved some pocket money – Sweden was far from cheap!)
THANK YOU
Regards
Allison Stone
Arctic Direct Feedback. Ruth and Angus: Visited Ice Hotel.
It was back in July 2016 when one evening my wife and I were discussing things on our bucket list, our must do activities and Ruth said to me, “it’s always been my dream to see the Northern Lights” “Ok” I thought, it’s your 40th in January next year so why not ‘Google it’ to see what’s available.
There were many websites offering trips but the Arctic Direct website caught my eye; It was detailed but not in my face and seemed to cover off what I needed to know. I decided to phone up for a chat and spoke to Matt who was incredibly helpful and nowledgable, not pushy and gave me all of the information I needed to know. I told him that I would like to do a bit more Internet research and that wasn’t a problem, I was left to do my research and phoned back a few days later to book our break. Matt and the Arctic Direct team handled everything for us and we’re brilliant. When I had questions (and never having been to the Arctic I did have questions) they got back to me very quickly with answers; they were excellent.
….and then there was the trip. From start to finish it was everything we could have hoped for. From mushing with huskies to the snowmobile safari to the fact that we saw the spectacular Northern Lights to order on Ruth’s birthday of course!) it was brilliant.
I would thoroughly recommend going to the Ice hotel, absolutely booking with Arctic Direct and hope you enjoy the entire experience as much as we did.
Angus and Ruth
Arctic Direct Reviews – Gladys and Karl Wharton: Visited Ice Hotel
We booked the Kiruna, Ice Hotel package for my husband’s birthday and it was incredible! Everything went without a hitch, from the airport transfers to the snowmobile excursion. We stayed in a Deluxe Suite and it was an inspired idea because not only could we enjoy a proper Ice Room and slept cold one night, but we also enjoyed the luxury of our own bathroom and a sauna! The food both at the restaurant at the Ice Hotel and the Homestead was amazing. We had one of the best meals we have ever had on our first night there. The excursions were brilliant and the staff at the Ice Hotel were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make you comfortable and welcomed. If this is on your bucket list, book this package you will not be disappointed. It is just enough time to really enjoy the surroundings, without feeling like you’ve rushed it and even have a chance to relax. Thank you Arctic Direct, will be using your services again with your sister companies to book our next adventure!
Gladys and Karl Wharton
Arctic Direct Reviews – Andy: Visited Kakslauttanen
A very enjoyable trip from beginning to end, in spite of the disappointment of not actually seeing the Northern Lights (something anyone who goes to the resort should be aware of and prepared for, I guess).
The organisation of the trip, from flights to transfers to activities to accommodation, was excellent throughout. We received our documentation about a month before departure and there was a clear itinerary of what we had booked, along with a helpful crib-sheet.
We went for 3 nights in a Kelo-Igloo, deciding to combine the comfort of a wonderfully warm lodge with the novelty of the glass igloo and a view from the bed of the sky and the snow. The accommodation was spotlessly clean and well-equipped, and we made good use of the sauna!!
Pick up at Ivalo airport was straightforward, as was check-in at reception. Although we were fairly late in arriving (about 8.00 p.m.), a meal was still available for us at the Aurora Restaurant. A word about the food. We were on Half-Board which is a set menu of one starter (usually soup), one main (or a vegetarian alternative) and one dessert. Other meals are available on each course, but these are extra and very expensive (and alternative soup is 10 euros per person). However, we only changed one course in three days and the food was overall very good, well-cooked and well-presented (the Spinach soup was excellent!!). Alcohol is, as expected for a Scandinavian country, very expensive. Next to the Aurora Restaurant is a small shop where you can get crisps, chocolate, milk, etc. (useful for a cup of tea back at the cabin, where there is a fridge if you need it!). One thing worth mentioning is that evening meal times are staggered and you need to book in advance – this is not a problem and also lets you get an early meal (say 5.00 p.m.) if you then have an evening activity to go to. At no time was the restaurant too crowded or overly busy, and the same can be said for breakfast (which is varied and well-stocked).
Activities were excellent, and well-organised, with clear electronic boards at Reception stating when events were taking place and when, and even confirming which Chalet, Igloo, Lodge, etc. was booked on which activity – we did the 2 hour Husky Sled, the Reindeer Aurora Hunt (sadly, without success) and the 2 hour Snowmobile – but there are other activities available. For all activities, warm outer clothing was made available and the organisers were very professional and engaging.
I would also recommend taking time to walk around the resort itself during daylight hours, especially if there is deep snow around. It is stunningly beautiful. The paths are well lit at night and care is taken by the resort to keep them free from deep snow and ice.
It’s difficult to think of anything that was unsatisfactory about our holiday to Kakslauttanen and, although it’s an undeniably expensive place to visit, the sense of unspoilt isolation and lack of thronging masses (surprising considering the size of the resort) along with the sheer fun of the activities available means it’s actually well worth the money!
Best Regards,
Andy Ritchie
Arctic Direct Reviews – Della Visited Ice Hotel
Having never heard of Arctic Direct, I was slightly apprehensive about booking our last minute trip to the Ice Hotel in Sweden. However, the chap who dealt with my booking was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, suggesting booking a husky ride and snow mobile excursions whilst organising our 3 night break.
We were thrilled to receive email confirmation immediately, with tips on travelling to this area enclosed. The airport check in and transfers were hassle free and we were delighted with our ‘Melt Down’ room in the Ice Hotel as well as warm accommodation. The setting, hotel, food, resort staff & excursions were truly wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our ice experience – would highly recommend visiting and booking with Arctic Direct and will definitely be travelling with you again !!!
Please email any other exciting weekends you come across.
Kind Regards,
Della Stocks
Arctic Direct Reviews – Richard Visited Ice Hotel
So often these days people only make contact when they wish to complain about something, so I wanted to just say thank you for organising such an amazing trip for my girlfriend and I.
It was very well put together timing etc for flights and couldn’t have asked for a better service and communication from you guys, we will make you come highly recommended to our friends and will certainly look use you again.
Thank you.
Kind Regards
Richard Lowrey
Arctic Direct Reviews – Harriett and Martin Visited Ice Hotel
We booked to go to the ice hotel for 4 nights. It was the most fabulous holiday, a truly magical experience. A husky sled ride and snowmobile tour are a must to experience the Swedish fika. The travel arrangements were well organised and all questions answered. It would have been good to know that no outer wear needed to be taken with us as the ice hotel provided everything needed for the entire stay at no extra cost. If we were to go again we would definitely book an art suite and hope there was an upgrade to a deluxe suite available on the night, as the heated bathrooms in the 365 hotel would have made it even more enjoyable! Just be warned that the cost of food at the restaurant is very expensive, however the ice bar is great!
Harriett Budden
Arctic Direct Reviews – John and Elizabeth: Visited Kiruna
Hi,
Just a quick thank you for organising our amazing experience at the Ice Hotel. The holiday far exceeded our expectations; it was simply magical!!
Merry Christmas to you all.
Regards
John and Elizabeth Rush
