I was recommended to Dawn in early 2021 when she was looking for a family Lapland trip to meet Father Christmas the following year.
I knew that Santa’s Lapland 3-night option would be perfect for her young boys and as they booked early, I was able to secure them an upgrade to a family apartment with its own sauna. I love this wonderful review of their recent trip...
It's hard not to get carried away talking about this trip - we really couldn't have had a holiday that created such magical memories even if we had spent a million pounds on it!
We booked a family trip to Saariselkä in Lapland two years in advance and poor Amanda has had to deal with me being as overexcited as a child for that whole time. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her, and she had plenty of helpful advice too.
From the moment we left Gatwick, we were in Christmas heaven. We did a quiz on the plane, and when we landed, a bunch of cheeky elves kept the children busy (definitely not quiet, they are five and seven!) whilst we collected our bags and spoke to the amazing reps, who guided our holiday so effortlessly and perfectly.
Our accommodation was lovely - traditionally Finnish - and we really enjoyed the in-apartment sauna, which Amanda secured as a complimentary room upgrade! What a bonus!
The food was so fresh, of excellent quality and in real abundance - we ate far too much! Beware all the free hot berry juice and cake! We had to cut the five-year-old off as it got him very 'excited'!
Saariselkä is beautiful, remote and unspoilt. We had a great balance of trips and activities and were nestled on the side of northern Europe's biggest toboggan run (free to use, as were all the toboggans that are left all over the resort) and also a wonderful country park.
We took a short hike to the Aurora Cabin one evening and toasted marshmallows over the open fire. It was breathtaking! We loved the quiet wild nature of the resort; it gave us plenty of quality family time.
Our highlight of many was the search for Santa day. The husky and reindeer sleigh rides were obviously magical, and I have to say the sleigh ride to meet Santa in the dark through the woodland was particularly memorable for the children.
We arrived in the middle of a candle-lit elf snowball fight! There were lots of other activities and small shows including child-size snowmobiles, an ice bar, ice fishing, reindeer wrangling, snow hockey, and yet more free hot berry juice plus unlimited pancakes with jam.
When asking the children what their favourite memories are, they answered seeing Santa and being taught how to make a perfect snowball by the reps. Unfortunately, Daddy wasn't too keen on the fact they can now make and throw these, as surprisingly he seemed to be the perfect target!
The reps were fantastic, giving us lots of space to be together as a family, and didn't interfere with our experience. However, if there was any hint of a child being uncomfortable or the parents needing a breather from their 'darling' kids, they were there, playing with them, singing with them, and making them laugh the hardest I've ever seen them.
It was the most beautiful holiday for views and making precious memories. It was not at all commercialised, to the point we struggled to spend the Euros we took with us.
If this is a holiday you are unsure about booking because of cost, do it, you won't know until you have been, but it was worth every single penny.
Thanks again Amanda, for a wonderful holiday.
Dawn
