Summer Heat Got You Down? These Are The World’s Best Ice Hotels
You guys, it’s bloody hot — there’s no other way around it. While Australia is maybe the best place to spend your summer — what, with the world’s most iconic beaches, swimming spots and outdoor activities — you’ll need to plan a little getaway if you want to truly escape the scorching summer heat.
And where better to cool off than at a hotel literally made from (or for) ice? Here are the world’s best igloos and ice hotels.
Icehotel, Sweden
IceHotel in Sweden was founded in 1989 and is located just 200km north of the Arctic Circle. The unique frozen structure showcases the work of some of the most talented artists in the world.
This year marks the 28th time the structure has been built, and saw 28 artists from 11 different countries take part in the creative process.
Rates start at a reasonable $220 ($1430SEK) per night, and rooms can be booked online.
Levin Iglut, Lapland, Finland
Lapland, Levin Iglut‘s location, experiences six-month-long winters, which makes for optimal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. And because it’s located far away from populated areas, the skies are among the clearest in the world.
The igloos are made from an all-glass exterior, offering uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights and surrounding winter wonderland. Plus, each igloo is kitted out with the comforts of home, including a kitchen, bathroom and Wi-Fi, and is big enough to house four guests.
Rates start at $1000 per night, and rooms can be booked online.
Hôtel de Glace, Quebec, Canada
Hôtel de Glace and its wonderful winter events are inspired by the beautiful snow village of Jukkasjärvi in Sweden. Covering more than 3000 square metres and complete with 5m-tall ceilings in all 36 rooms, the hotel in constructed from more than 15,000 tonnes of snow.
The luxurious themed suites have the option of included fireplaces and private spas to keep you cosy through the cool winter nights.
Rates start at $430 ($425CAD) per night, and rooms can be booked online.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway
Located on Norway’s northern coast, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta allows guests to explore the contrast between staying in the cold while keeping cosy and warm at the same time.
Every year since 1999, the hotel has been built from scratch, entirely out of snow and ice. What started as six bedrooms has grown into a 30-room hotel, featuring four decorated suites, an ice chapel, ice bar and heaps of artwork.
Rates start at $470 ($3000NOK) per night, and rooms can be booked online.
