Arctic Snow Hotel Rovaniemi

Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel Website for more information

Travel is something which both excites me and fulfills me. I spend my spare time reading travel magazines and searching for new destinations online. About two years ago I came across the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. I was so completely obsessed with this place that I drove my husband insane. You could literally stay in a glass dome and watch the northern lights dance across the sky. So when my husbands parents asked him where he wanted to go after Christmas, he was kind enough to mention Kakslauttanene. I don’t know if it was that he came around to thinking it was as cool as I did, or, that he couldn’t stand hearing about it anymore. Whatever it was I am so grateful!

Because of logistics Kakslauttanene wasn’t our best option so we decided to visit Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is located in the Laplands of Finland and pretty much has it all: northern lights, husky sleigh rides, reindeer sleigh rides, skiing, Santa Clause village, snow mobiles, among other activities. Besides the Northern Lights my favorite part of Rovaniemi was visiting the Arctic Snow Hotel. In the past I have visited London’s Ice Bar and the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace but never an actual snow hotel. Ever since first seeing the ice hotel in James Bond, Die Another Day, I have been completely fascinated. I even wrote about the worlds top six Ice Hotels in this post last year. The idea that you stay in something made completely out of ice was something I thought was strictly hollywood magic! Fourteen years later I know that hollywood has nothing to do with it, these places actually exist!

I am not sure what I was expecting but it was different than I had imagined. The detail that went into each suite, cafeteria, and bar were absolutely incredible! Each room had a different theme and each were separately mind-blowing. Be it the armed guard carved into the wall, the bear chair carved from a block of ice sitting in the corner, or the fireplace at the foot of one of the beds – the detailing and craftsman ship was unforgettable! As each hallway and room passed I continued to be more and more impressed! And don’t get me started on the chapel. It was absolutely chilling, in the best way possible!

Once inside the hotel it is warmer than you would expect so don’t worry about freezing to death! You will be shocked at just how cozy it is. I now understand how eskimos survive! All in all the hotel was quite magical! Whether you want to have a wedding in the chapel or just enjoy a glass of champagne in the bar, the Arctic Snow Hotel has it all! Something to add to your winter bucket list!

p.s. Fun fact: According to the Today show: What is one of the most stolen item in NYC right now? Canada Goose! They are seriously that amazing and everyone wants one! Just maybe put a lock on yours 🙂
If you like Canada Goose (i’m wearing the Trillium in the photos) and have been wanting to invest in one, now is your time! They are 20% off at Saint Bernard Sport with code CG20OFF! These things never go on sale so don’t miss this opportunity! shop it here

Photos of The Northern Lights of Finland

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The first time I saw the Northern Lights, a.k.a. Aurora Borealis, they were dancing across my computer screen as a child. I remember sitting there and just staring at them. Not sure if they were real or fake, only knowing that they looked like magic. When my mother-in-law told me we were going to see them after Christmas I almost died! It was something I had always wanted to do but never knew when I would actually do it! And here I was. I was actually going to get to see these magical lights! For the weeks leading up to our trip to Rovaniemi I prayed and prayed for clear skies. My worst fear was to travel all the way to the Laplands and not be able to see the Northern Lights due to poor weather (which happens more times than not). All I could do was stay positive and manifest clear skies! When the day came the weather was not looking great so I just kept envisioning the perfect night with the lights dancing across the sky – which is exactly what we got! The lights were an amazing thing to witness but very different than I had imagined. They weren’t exactly what I had chalked up in my head for all of those years but the second I saw the first image appear on my camera of those glowing lights, my heart skipped a beat. It was a real life moment I will never forget.

Now for the honesty – People’s first question is always – are they that spectacular in person? And that is tricky – yes and no. Because I shoot a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) camera I am able to slow the shutter speed down for an extended period of time which allows the camera to capture light in a way our eyes will never be able to. Because of that the colors and images you see on your camera is different than the colors and image you see with your naked eye. Meaning, these deep greens and vibrant reds instantly showed up on my camera screen but when I looked up to the sky I only saw a soft green light dancing across the sky. That being said, it is still an unbelievable experience to see this natural light show happening before your eyes. These green lights literally dancing across the sky like they are in fast forward is absolutely a bucket list check! Some nights the greens are more vibrant than others and some nights they don’t dance as fast across the ski. It all depends on the climate and weather!

If the lights are something you are wanting to see I definitely have a lot of tips on shooting them, which I learned the hard way! I plan to post that in the coming weeks so be sure to check back!

Best Views of Paris From Above

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Paris is an extraordinarily beautiful city. You can argue about its people or its government but you can’t argue its exquisiteness. Walking the streets and taking in the architecture, the cafe scene, the people, and the energy of the city is one of my favorite things. As beautiful as it is from the ground, it is breathtaking from above. Seeing the rooftops and monuments from a birds-eye-view is unforgettable. It is so quiet from above and being able to see Paris for miles is something I can’t put into words, it must be experienced for yourself!

Here is my list of the Best Views of Paris From Above:

Arc de Triomphe

Offers an amazing panoramic view of the twelve avenues departing from the Place de l’Étoile. Make your way up to the viewing platform for a great view over the whole Historical Axis – from the Louvre to the Grande Arche in the CBD of La Défense. I recommend heading here at dusk on a clear day to see Paris lit up in a golden light. It is everything you want, and more! If you can’t make it by dusk certainly go for nighttime. The twinkling lights below will be an unforgettable site.

Sacré-Coeur

Everybody goes to Montmartre to either see the church, historic Paris, or just to experience a place they have only ever heard about. Whatever the reason they make their way up the hill, they stay for the beautiful 360 degree views of Paris. The view of the Paris skyline from the top of the Montmartre Hill is one of the most famous spots in all the city. **tip: climb to the top of the Sacré Coeur for an unbelievable view of Paris and beyond

Tour Montparnasse
I must admit, this is my least favorite building in Paris. It is new and of modern design, 100% not what you want Paris to be. However, the view from the 56th floor makes up for its awkward placement and out of place design. From the 56th floor you will have a birds-eye view of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre and the Luxembourg Garden. The open-air roof-terrace is opened to the public and is best for taking photos of Paris’ most famous monuments and landmarks.

Musée d’Orsay
Believe it or not, there are great views from the rooftop of this superb museum, and they’re included in the regular admission fee.

Galeries Lafayette

A rival to the Printemps department store, the terrace might give it a leg up. Sipping on a glass of wine while staring at views of the Grands Boulevards district, Notre-Dame and Panthéon make the Galeries Lafayette a spectacular place to spend an afternoon.

Eiffel Tower

I am so embarrassed to say that I only just experienced the third platform of the Eiffel Tower. It has some of the most incredible views of Paris, which stretch for 70 km, as far as the outskirts of the French capital, Charles de Gaulle airport and the countryside beyond its suburbs. If you want a more up close and personal view of Paris, stop at the second platform where you can view some of the city’s most famous monuments in detail. Because the Tower is a pretty far west you will get the true experience of Paris but not as good of 360 panoramic views like the Tour Montparnasse.

Printemps Haussmannian
Although not quite as high as terraces of other monuments, the free-platform of department store Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann gives a fine view over the roofs of Paris, particularly those of Haussmannian buildings. There is a good perspective leading to the Madeleine Church and the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Notre Dame

At 69 metres high, the South tower of Notre-Dame offers magnificent view over West Paris (from the Eiffel Tower to La Défense and Sacré Cœur). You should stay as long as the guards will let you in order to fully appreciate the moment. This extraordinary view also provides a different perspective of the cathedral’s greenish roof, as well as the clocks and the gargoyles.

Institut du Monde Arabe

I was able to experience this spot with a local photographer, Mary Quincy. She shared her secret spot with me and it was so amazing! As well as being a beautiful building, with interesting architecture, there is a great view of the River Seine, Notre Dame, and Ile Saint Louis. There is a really cute cafe at the top where you can sip on tea and take in the views.

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