Pyhan Asteli

After visiting Norway Iceland and Sweden without a flicker of the Aurora I was placing all of my cards on Finland for my big 60 and I wasn't disappointed. From the very first night the Aurora was shining bright so this trip was already a win win. The Village it self is wonderful everywhere was spotless and very well maintained although I think it has only been opened a couple of years so that helped. We had three Tiago forest cabins and they were perfect great size with a lovely full size sauna in the bathroom couldn't fault the accommodation at all. WE had booked various trips in our package and these all went off perfectly the snowmobiles and husky sledging were great fun and the night trips hunting the Aurora was an experience I will never forget well looked after by Marco and Lizzy who were a great pair with lots of knowledge about the area and best places to spot the aurora Lizzy might have to brush up on fire making though lol. Food was excellent through out our stay we really enjoyed the choice of fish on offer and all in a lovely setting. Overall I would give this a 9.5 out of ten because nowhere can be perfect but this comes pretty damn close to achieving it thanks for creating great memories for my 60th.

We visited the NLV Pyha in the last week of November for 3 nights. This was the resort's second season, however they also have two other NLV locations further north in Lapland. For context, it was myself and my boyfriend on this trip and we booked the 'Searching for the Northern Lights' 3 night package, which is full board and includes all activities. Travel to/from the resort We were picked up from the arrivals gate at Rovaniemi airport along with a few other families and taken straight to the NLV. They drive is quite long (around 1hr40) so be prepared for this. We also had no issues travelling back, we were picked up along with other families from the resort on the way back. The transfers were all organised for free by the resort and I just emailed them to request that this was booked in advance. The Resort The NLV Pyha resort is smaller than the other locations, however still feels so magical. We were very worried about there being no snow before arriving, but thankfully it had snowed a few days before and stuck around so everywhere was still covered. I'd say if you were coming as a family, other than the activities you book, there isn't loads of things for families with young kids to do other than sledging (which of course is pretty weather dependent). As we weren't travelling with kids we're not actually sure of the options available for families, but I know there are lots of santa-themed activities to book. Aurora Cabin We stayed in an Aurora Cabin for the 3x nights and absolutely loved it. It's the cosiest little room and has it's own glass igloo which you can watch the Northern Lights from (which we were lucky enough to be able to do!). It's equipped with everything you'd need for a short stay and all of the cabins are just a short walk away from the reception/main area. There are also bigger cabins available for people travelling in groups/with family, but the Aurora Cabins are mainly just for 2 people or potentially a family with very small children. Food/Drinks We had the full board option included in our package, and I'd honestly really recommend booking full board just for ease. There isn't really anything at all within walking distance, so you'd have to pay for a cab to any restaurants or shops you wanted to visit. Being full board meant we didn't have to think about any of this. The main restaurant is buffet style which had lots of different options every day for lunch and dinner, including veggies, pastas, a variety of meat etc, and it was all very fresh. Breakfast was also great and had classic full English and continental options available. We were really pleased with the food available! Drinks other than the ones served at meal times had to be paid for at the bar. Activities Our package included a variety of activities throughout our stay, and we were sent our itinerary before arrival. Due to the lack of snow, a couple of activities had to change but we still really enjoyed the alternatives: Northern Lights Hike: This w

This is our third time in Lapland, we stayed twice in Ivalo, without kids, and our first time in RVN. Each time we stayed in Glass Igloo. By far, our experience with this hotel is the best. - Well-positioned and luxury-style Glass Igloo. - Great, always smiling staff, high-end customer service! - Good selection of activities. - Amazing location, quiet with tons of activity opportunities - Extra convenient for families with infants.

Just back from a 3 night stay in the Aurora Cabin. This has been one the best holidays ever. The romantic package was spot on, thoroughly enjoyed the many excursions, great attention to detail to ensure the best experience is had. The guides were really friendly and knowledgeable. All winter outer clothing provided and were good clean condition. Some lovely little extras like ample sleighs to transport your luggage/kids to and from. It really was the cutest little retreat. I would highly recommend!

This was easily the best holiday I've ever been on! The was place was amazing. The restaurant, Cabins, experiences were all 1st class. The staff are all wonderful and so very helpful. We have 2 Coeliac kids and they catered for them no problem. The buffet was great and a good different selection of hot meals every night. The actual location is stunning. A perfect winter wonderland! We were even able to walk on the lake down the road - only because one of the tour guides said it was safe to do so! Peaceful, which was amazing....although we were there early March, so outwith normal holidays. There was tons of snow, super cold sub zero temperatures, Northern Lights...what more could you ask for?! We did numerous 'experiences' too...all were fantastic. For example the Reindeer Express, 10K Husky Safari, Kids mini Snowmobiles, 2 hour adults snowmobile (kids were pulled along in a heated sleigh by the tour guide!), cross country skiing.....the list is endless!! Would 100 million % recommend and go back!!!!!

From the welcoming check-in process right through to the ending check-out this resort hotel was an absolute delight. Such welcoming staff throughout from reception, bar staff and waiting staff to the guides and staff at the safari house, they were patient, informative and super helpful too. The food (included in the package we bought) was served buffet style and never failed to delight. The selection was very varied and it was all super tasty, fresh and delicious. We stayed in an Aurora cabin which was spotless and well appointed. Sleeping under the beautiful Finnish sky was a delight that we never tired of. We packed a lot into our three night stay - and the resort provided us with everything we needed clothing, footwear, headgear and equipment - all were of a very high quality and super efficient at keeping us warm and safe. Special mention has to go to Boty for our evening Aurora hunting expedition and our snowmobiling morning, he’s a delightful person to spend time with and we felt very safe in his expert guidance. Thanks also to Ari (sorry if not spelled correctly) who took us out on the evening heated sleigh experience - we could have sat listening to his tales of Sami life and its culture in that Cotta all night, he was entertaining and very informative, a true gentle man. Thanks to Marko for the photography tips and the heated sleigh experience - you were very kind, super helpful and clearly very knowledgeable. Lastly thanks to Dani and Mira for our first evening’s walk through the forest on snowshoes- what an event that was - AND we got to see the Aurora on that evening (as well as the following night) - truly magical and we felt very lucky that we got to see them. The only (extremely slight and hardly worth mentioning) points that the resort could improve on was perhaps a few more hooks in the cabins to hang towels or clothing up to dry, and perhaps invest in a more robust toaster because the very small four slice toaster at the buffet with only two slots working meant a queue building up for toast at breakfast time. I only mention these because the resort asks for all feedback so hope this is helpful :) We had the very best experience at this resort hotel and have recommended it to everyone we know who might like to experience life above the Arctic Circle because it was a magical trip made even better by the place we stayed and the people we met - a heartfelt and huge thank you.