Magical Pond Nature Igloos

The location is so magical. We have never been to anywhere like this place. The customer service is truly the best! We sent an email about arriving late at night (reception closes at 11pm), they sent instructions about how to access our cabin, so check in was seamless. Reception also gave us a portable wifi connector when we mentioned we could not get wifi connection in our cabin. They went out of their way to pack our breakfast the night before we check out as we were leaving before breakfast starts (breakfast starts at 9am). Lammintupa is 10min walk away and truly a peaceful and magical walk. The only (minor) negative things were the bathroom towels were not the fluffy kind, felt more like a giant tea towel and the cabin is actually quite small. We took out the things we need from the suitcases, store them in the compartments available next to the bed and kept them closed throughout our stay. There were no rooms to keep 2 luggages open.

Our stay here was magical. It was definitely an experience we will remember for a very long time. The staff were very friendly and happily called to order taxis for us. You have to come here prepared. We knew we wouldn’t book dinner here so we made sure we had enough food supplies so we didn’t have to rely off of going into town every meal. The rooms are lovely and cozy. We made it work with two large suitcases and carry on luggage. The heated flooring was amazing.

So the only (big) rub is...I didn't know when I booked that it was the "off season". That mean's (1) no desk staff for the majority of the day, and alarmingly, the entire lobby area is locked from the outside during that time, and (2) the restaurant is not open at all. The first one was concerning given that I got dropped off by a cab in zero degree weather at night,not great if something goes wrong and I can't get into my cabin. The 2nd one was a big deal for me; I really was sold on the idea of lounging on the property for 2 days and not leaving (for meals). Scrounging for dinner was an unexpected, expensive, and interruptive negative to my short stay. Understand if the resort wants to go into eco-lodge mode, just be clear about it. This is a small one, but worth noting (staff) - I stayed in Igloo 4. The outside entry light of Igloo 5 reflects *directly* into the middle of the ceiling glass of Igloo 4 at night, which kind of kills the stargazing experience. Very nitpicky, not worth complaining about, and certainly nothing the designers could have predicted....but I would consider making those lights motion activated like the fireside lighting. That said, Kata is great, the breakfast was wonderful, the igloo was perfect, and I would definitely come back. I walked through the short trail behind the property and stumbled on a ~9 mile well marked cross country ski path, which conveniently goes right by the Ruka ski resort (read: lunchtime pint to break up the trail walk!)

We spent an amazing three nights here and absolutely loved everything about it. The igloos are compact but had everything we needed. It's so quiet and peaceful; everywhere was snow covered and looked beautiful. There are a total of 20 igloos all spread out, we were in one near facing the lake (frozen) and no one could see in to ours. Bed is super comfy, underfloor heating keeps them warm. Bathroom has underfloor heating too and dries quickly after a shower. There are snowshoes you can use free of charge too. Breakfast was buffet style and plenty of choice. We had a 3 course dinner each night too (you have to pre-book) very fresh and tasty and plenty of it. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Lammintupa activity centre is only a ten minute walk and they offer husky sled, reindeer sled, ice karting and other things. There is also a lovely cafe there. We would definitely recommend a stay here.

Absolutely beautiful property and stay. The reception staff could not be more attentive. We arrived late tired and starving and they accommodated us and got us snacks (best chessboard of the week). Free snowshoes to borrow just outstanding!