Whilst many of us dream of a holiday in the sun, others seek colder climes when going on an overseas adventure. But aside from the usual skiing and snowboarding breaks, a new trend in winter vacations is springing up across the world. Quite literally cool, ice hotels offer a unique experience for the most adventurous of travellers.
Quebec’s Hotel de Glace
Situated near the centre of Quebec, Hotel de Glace is currently Canada’s one and only ice hotel. Every January since 2001 artists have descended on the city to create a truly magical hotel complete with ice sculptures to reflect each season’s chosen theme. Hotel personnel manage to pack an awful lot into the two months the establishment is open, from telling folk stories to art workshops, making it a truly memorable place to visit.
Romania’s Hotel of Ice
Set in the heart of the country’s dramatic Faragas Mountains, Romania’s Hotel of Ice is the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. Built from new every winter using locally sourced ice blocks, the hotel has 12 guest rooms, a fully functioning restaurant and a destination ice bar. With little need for bottle coolers seen in more traditional hotels, the ice bar serves specially designed cocktails and a warming wine punch – much needed in such a chilly environment!
Sweden’s Ice Hotel
Perfectly placed for viewing the wonder of the Northern Lights, Sweden’s Ice Hotel is thought to be the world’s first and as such the place where the trend began. Initially nothing but an oversized igloo built in 1989, the hotel is now a much more elaborate operation. Offering a range of outdoor activities on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the hotel is now a haven for artists and thrill seekers alike.
Finland’s Snow Castle
The name says it all and the magic and mystery promised by such a title is delivered in spades within the walls of Finland’s Snow Castle. Each year, builders spend five weeks putting the remarkable structure together culminating in a romantic fortress complete with medieval style castle walls, an art gallery and even a chapel. For prospective guests who are worried about sleeping on what is essentially fridge warmth and comfort are provided by the soft and luxurious furs provided by the hotel. Carefully chosen lights of many colours complete the somewhat other-worldly experience of Finland’s wondrous Snow Castle. Relax and unwind in a cast iron baths like those available to you from http://www.wilsonsyard.com/products/bathrooms/baths-new-cast-iron.html.
Norway’s Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a country so closely associated with ice and snow, Norway actually has three ice hotels to choose from. But the furthest north is the 30 room Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Well equipped with a bar, a gallery and a chapel, the hotel also offers the opportunity to take part in traditional Nordic pursuits such as dogsledding and snowmobiling. With temperatures inside the hotel constantly below freezing, it is no surprise that most guests make the most of the hot tub and sauna facilities provided on site. But just like the other hotels mentioned, the Sorrisniva’s presence is fleeting as it melts away in the spring ready to be reborn as winter again takes hold.