In the Lap-land of luxury

Yes it’s that time of year again, the lights have been hung, the tree dressed and the stockings nestle ornamentally over the fire place; everyone’s thoughts and conversations revolve around one thing, Christmas!

This in turn, got me thinking about all things festive and it didn’t take too long before I began to consider my ultimate Christmas holiday. At first I considered a jet setting escape to a remote South Pacific island, or a cruise around the Caribbean Sea, but something wasn’t quite right. I am, after all, a bit of a sucker for the festive season and as wonderful as a winter beach break might be and is for thousands of people who spend Christmas in warmer climates, I wanted something a little bit more conventionally romantic for my luxuryholidayideas.com yuletide eulogy.

A winter trip to Scandinavia and Lapland in particular seemed like a great choice, the scenery is stunning, the people are warm and friendly and have an excellent relationship with we Brits and you are almost guaranteed a white Christmas. Even for couples or families who’d rather spend the actual day at home with their loved ones, as a build up to the 25^th a trip to Lapland is a magical experience that can really bring you closer to your loved ones and might even have you believing in Father Christmas again.

Lapland, contrary to common thought is not actually a country but a region largely within the Arctic Circle which encompasses parts of Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The area offers some of the most stunning landscape in Europe with beautiful snow dusted forests, frozen lakes, glaciers and mountain ranges. One o f the best ways to experience Lapland as well as metropolitan Scandinavia is a twin centre holiday, taking in a capital city as well as a rural Lapland adventure. Start off with touring some of the most vibrant and architecturally fascinating cities in Northern Europe staying in luxury at either the Grand Hotel, Sotckholm, Oslo’s Holmenkollen Park Rica Hotel or the Crowne Plaza in Helsinki.

You’re Lapland accommodation can very from well established resorts and hotels, similar to those mentioned above, or for a more private, intimate experience you could opt for a luxury Cabin rental and boutique lodge. One of Sweden’s most popular and unique places to stay is the Icehotel, whether or not you would consider this encounter a luxury is a personal opinion but I can assure you that it will be like no other. In Finland a favoured destination is the Kakslauttanen Hotel, which offers guests an incredible choice of domicile diversity. From incredible glass igloos, to the icehotel-esque snow igloo or the cosy comfort of the log cabins the Kakslauttanen is like five hotels in one.

The winter months also provide the best period to witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon, Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. This elegant display of charged particles sequentially dancing to the draw of the earth’s magnetic field is one of the most spectacular sights on Earth and draws tourists from around the globe.

Along with the popular sights come a range of exclusive activities including winter sports, husky drawn sleigh rides, nature walks, wildlife spotting and that all important visit to Santa Claus.