I went to Lapland on an adults-only trip – here’s why it’s better without the kids
WITH the (fake) fireplace casting an orange glow, we are hit by instant warmth as we fling open the doors to our cosy cabin.
The temperature is a stark contrast to what lies beyond the wooden walls of our new home for the weekend.
It is minus 25C and the surrounding houses are all smothered in snow.
But dripping in fairy lights too, they make for a picture-perfect winter wonder-land if ever I’ve seen one.
This was my first time visiting Lapland — in search of the magical aurora borealis.
The trip was my birthday celebration, and the Northern Lights Village in Saariselka, Northern Finland, was a great choice.
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Our three-day Aurora Romantic Adventure (the kids weren’t invited!) meant we would spend long evenings in a glass-roofed cabin.
While not cheap, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience it wouldn’t break the bank.
It felt almost cruel to go to such a Christmas hotspot without the kids, especially in December.
But our decision to leave them at home turned out to be a good choice.
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Stunning act of nature
We knew it would be cold, but nothing prepares you for the bone-chilling temperatures in Finland at this time of year.
We had brought ski wear and lots of layers, but were relieved the resort also offered everything clothing wise at no extra cost — as we really needed it.
Inside our cabin, the underfloor heating kept us toasty, while the in-credible glass roof directly above our bed allowed us to remain fully absorbed in the breath-taking scenery of tall, frosted trees and dark night skies.
There are numerous options for travellers chasing the natural phenomenon that is the Northern Lights, however there are no guarantees you’ll see them, whatever your destination.
With this in mind we wanted somewhere with other activities that would really get us in the mood for the festive season.
On the first day we headed on a husky safari, tucked up in a sleigh and driving through the snowy forest, pulled by powerful dogs.
Then it was on to the reindeer express, onboard another snug sleigh.
This was a more sedate affair and it felt like being in a Christmas movie — although sadly the reindeers’ hooves didn’t take off into the sky.
There was plenty of opportunity for romance on the trip, which included a visit to a sauna, topped off by a massage, and yet another private heated sleigh ride through frosty white scenery.
Trust me, it’s impossible to get bored of gliding along the snow with magical views at every turn.
When it comes to food, there’s plenty of traditional dishes and comfort grub, with the on-site restaurant serving everything from burgers to sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes, lingon-berries & pickles.
But like many other guests, we were only really here for one reason.
And nothing could beat our excitement for a potential glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights.
They are most visible on a clear night. And with the temperature continuing to plummet and a sky full of stars, we layered up and headed out on a snowmobile in search of the “light fantastic”.
Driving through the dark landscape has to be one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had, despite the bitter cold air nibbling at our skin.
After a couple of hours searching, we hadn’t spotted anything, so paused for a break in a cabin, our guide lighting a fire to warm up some traditional blueberry juice.
Still, the vast empty expanse filled with just snowy trees and stars was an unbelievable sight.
Making our way back to the village, we tried not to feel too downcast.
Then, all of a sudden our guide stopped us in our tracks and pointed excitedly up at the sky.
All we could see were a few wispy clouds.
“Just wait,” she said.
Within moments, those clouds morphed into colourful patterns — and there they were.
The green, shape-shifting, dancing lights we’d been so desperate to see had illuminated the entire sky.
We didn’t know what to do first — take photos (not easy when your hands are like blocks of ice) or just stand and stare in awe.
We did the latter, watching as the lights moved like a magical flock of birds across the sky.
Back in our cabins, still buzzing from seeing this stunning act of nature, we snuggled under the covers.
Admiring the wintery scene outside through our glass ceiling, my husband and I wondered whether people actually ever saw the lights from their cabins, as shown on the resort website.
Then, as if by magic, there they were in front of our eyes again.
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Exhilarated, yet slightly ex-hausted, we gazed up at the spectacular scene from the comfort of our bed, watching the lights swirl above our heads.
I don’t think there will ever be a better picture to fall asleep to.
Go: Lapland without kids
STAYING THERE: Three nights’ full board in a glass-roofed cabin at The Northern Lights Village in Saariselka costs from £1,153pp, including a husky safari, snowshoeing adventure, 60-minute massage, a private aurora-hunting experience, snowmobile trip and reindeer express ride.
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GETTING THERE: Finnair flies from Heathrow to Ivalo from £139 each way, stopping in Helsinki.
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