Quite simply, one of the best holidays we’ve had. It’s a new hotel, and yes, there were one or two things that still need to bed in. But, those minor teething issues didn’t detract in the slightest from what proved to be an amazing holiday in a fabulous location. We stayed in two of the Aurora Tree Houses, with amazing views. Maybe I’d have liked some wardrobes rather than wall hooks but other than that they were great. The food was excellent, and contrary to some other comments, we found it sufficiently varied to try different things on each night of our 4 day stay. Whilst there you must try the spa, sauna and a winters dip in the icy lake water if you’re brave enough. The lakeside setting, surrounded by trees, is perfect, even more so if you are fortunate enough like us to see the Northern Lights in a clear sky. We enjoyed the distance from Rovaniemi, which added to the sense this was a special place, but it was still close enough to travel in for various activities. A mix of days spent relaxing in the hotel and spa followed by an excursion proved just right for us. No one place will be perfect for everyone but this was for us, and we hope to return in the future.
We’ve just returned from a 3 night stay at Bears Lodge (Winter Wonderland) with TUI. I’d read some mixed reviews so was a bit apprehensive, but can honestly say our stay was just magical from start to finish. The hotel itself is set round a frozen lake within a forest. The scenery was spectacular and it was very cosy at night with twinkly fairy lights outside. We stayed in a log cabin complete with log fire and sauna. The cabin was so warm and cosy and very clean. I really wouldn’t call it basic like some of the reviews I’d read. My children (and us!) enjoyed tobogganing down the hill onto the frozen lake. We also really enjoyed the food. Again, some of the reviews had said the food wasn’t the best, but it was honestly so good… really tasty and lots of different options, including plenty of options for gluten free people (like me). Breakfast was also delicious, again with lots of options including full English, continental, porridge and different types of homemade bread. The Tui day was absolutely amazing… one of the best days of my life! We did so much in the day (husky ride, Santa visit, reindeer visit / talk, ginger bread decorating, elf school) and it was extremely well organised. The snowmobile ride to see Santa made me quite emotional. The secluded location made it feel very special and intimate. I snuck my children’s letters to Santa to the elf who greeted us outside his cabin and Santa welcomed them in by name. There was also a good balance between outdoor/indoor activities so we weren’t out in the cold for too long. The elves and the reps made the day really fun. My children really enjoyed playing in the snow with them. I’m so pleased I booked Bears Lodge with Tui. It exceeded our expectations and I can’t really find the words to say how wonderful it was. Just pure magic!
Villa Lehtoniemi is a magnificent large villa in the middle of beautiful landscape by the lake, half an hour's drive from the center of Rovaniemi. Thanks to the villa's many large windows, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery inside the villa. It is also possible to view the northern lights, for example, from the bedrooms, which are 5 in total.
36 km to the northwest from Rovaniemi city center, lake Sonkajärvi 45 m (lake length 3.5 km, width 1.2 km), gently deepening sand beach, rowing boat. Gentle slope from the cabin to the beach, excellent sledding hill in winter.
Log villa, completed in 2022. Facilities on two floors. On the ground floor, large kitchen and bedroom with double bed. Also sauna, washroom, dressing room, utility room and WC on the ground floor.
In the three upper floor bedrooms, 2 separate beds in each, in one bedroom 120 cm wide bed. WC also on the upper floor.
Large terrace on the beachside. Around the villa is a field where hay crop will be harvested. There are some outbuildings on the plot that do not affect the use of the villa. Peaceful place at the end of the road, the nearest neighbor is a holiday cabin about 100 meters away.
In the owner's forest plot, there is a pond and lean-to shelter that customers can use. Nice outdoor destination in beautiful landscape at distance of about 1 km. The trails and forest roads in the area suits well for mountain biking, for example.
Services of Rovaniemi city center 36 km (e.g. shops, restaurants, program services, science centers Arktikum and Pilke and cultural center Korundi)
The Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village 45 km, airport 45 km.