Fantastic Holiday despite no sight of the aurora due to snow filled skies. Quick stop in Helsinki and a spot of ice skating. On to Ivalo and Kakslauttanen Resort, the glass igloo was warm and comfortable and a novel experience. Food choice was limited but on asking alternatives were provided and all was very good. Would recommend taking a variety of snacks if travelling with children however. Highlight was the husky sledding an amazing experience not to be missed - you get to run your own team of dogs / sled in pairs taking turns to “drive” through scenery that’s good for the soul! Note children can be passengers only but the staff were amazing and very patient and understanding of our 10year old daughter with ASD and sensory processing issues. Day 3 taxi transfer to Hotel Korpikartano on the shore of Lake Menesjarvi - never felt safer on icy roads. This was a school before being converted to a hotel. On arrival first impressions, after having visited Helsinki / Kakslauttanen, was that amenities were basic and we were a little unsure of the set mealtimes and limited choice of menu. But the saying “never judge a book by its cover” should be heeded. This is a great place to stay for families. The hotel was warm, clean and comfortable, the food good , wholesome, healthy and very tasty (with us replicating the dishes to eat at home since our return). The set meals worked well around planned excursions. The staff, all of them, could not have been more accommodating and friendly and we would like to say a big thank you. They were very kind and understanding of our daughter and went above and beyond including arranging a special meal for the 3 of us at short notice so we could experience “reindeer” and making pancakes over the open fire on Valentine’s Day (thanks Anne). Excursions included; snow shoeing on our first evening, where we made friends to last, Sampo and Veera were fantastic guides; snowmobiling on the frozen lake with Marti (probably still laughing at my sense of direction or lack of); and last but not least “ taste of the reindeer herder” trip with Petri. It was a privilege to be welcomed by him and his wife who gave us a great insight into the Sami culture. We hope to return again. Just the right mix of activity and relaxation in beautiful surroundings and a holiday we won’t soon forget. Thank you MNT!

by Nethercote, Norwich on Feb 25 .

We all had a really wonderful time? The holiday was all that we could wish for. And more. The accommodation was rustic warm and very welcoming The food home cooked and great just what was needed. The activities brilliant, we really got a glimpse of life as a reindeer herder and as a dog sledder. Our Australian family were entranced. The extra clothing and boots supplies were of really good quality and kept us warm at minus 30degrees so much so that we didn't need the ski salopettes that we took. And we did see the Aurora! Travel with Finnair was excellent. Thank you for all you help and guidance in arranging the holiday we very much appreciated it Kirsi.

by Baugh McAullay, Wetherby on Jan 08 .

We have just returned from an amazing long weekend trip to this beautiful region of Finland, our first experience of the extreme northern hemisphere! We were warmly welcomed at Ivalo airport by Timo who whisked us away in the minibus through breathtaking and remote countryside on roads that would bring Britain to a standstill! After a further warm welcome from Anne at Hotel Korpikartano, followed a lovely lunch made specially for us, we settled into our comfortable accommodation. By then we couldn't wait to experience the Finnish outdoors first hand. There was no need to worry about adequate outer clothing - we were well kitted out from the start from a large selection of padded suits, gloves, hats and boots for the duration of our stay. What better way to familiarise ourselves with the arctic conditions then to be children again and slide vigorously downhill on sledges outside the hotel - and in the dark! Our local excursions were expertly led by Sebastian and included snow shoeing at night through the woods - just magic and such a privilege to experience the silence and beauty of the Arctic night. This was followed by animated conversation over firelight in the cabin by the lake! Snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing all featured in our packed weekend of adventure and fun. Despite the cold the activities were totally absorbing and in such beautiful settings, it often felt surreal. The 'icing' on the cake was definitely the trip to the Reindeer Farm led by Petris who pulled us on a sled on the back of his snowmobile. The rapid journey through the woods and across lakes, sitting on reindeer skins and covered in rugs can only be likened to an incredible dream. I kept thinking I would wake up any minute. We arrived in a clearing and sat amongst the reindeer who wandered happily around us. Again more fascinating conversation as we drank coffee prepared on the camp fire by Petris and soaked up the scenery and ethos of the Finnish landscape! There was much celebration on our last day as the sun made its first appearance since November! Also it was late on our last night when many of the hotel residents wrapped up and gathered with their cameras in -26 conditions on the frozen lake to witness the northen lights spectacle - a moment that we had patiently waited for. After each trip out our hotel room was a welcome refuge alongside a wonderful sauna bookable for all residents for private use. Genuine warmth and friendship prevailed throughout our stay thanks to Ana Timo and their wonderful team. Although basic, the home cooked meals were very tasty and included locally sourced meat and fish. This was a short break that we will never forget. We very much hope to return to Menesjarvi to explore the activities in more depth and make further fascinating discoveries about the Sami culture. Mary and Trevor Burgess

by Mary Burgess, Felixstowe, Suffolk on Jan 28 .

It was a great trip with beautiful lights, lovely hosts and an amazing relaxing time. :)

by Cherish Tay, Singapore on Jan 13 .