Overview
Key facts
- Duration:3 or more nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 4 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return from London to Ivalo (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return scheduled group shuttle airport transfers
- Accommodation: a minimum of three nights in a standard hotel room. (Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.)
- Meals: full board
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
TAILOR YOUR TRIP
A selection of winter activities can be added to your trip at an additional cost. Once you have chosen when you want to travel and for how long (we recommend a minimum stay of three nights) you can select as many or as few activities as you wish from the extensive range on the “Activities” tab and tailor your trip as required. All activities are individually priced and our Travel Experts can assist you with your selection and will then provide a personalised itinerary quotation for you.
Muotka is tucked away in the forests and fells of North-East Finland. It may be high above the Arctic Circle, but as you are in the heart of Lapland, you are assured of a warm family welcome.
The hotel is effectively surrounded by one big, snow-covered playground and this Pick and Mix holiday means that your family can sit down and choose how you want to explore it. We know from our experience that all families are different and will have different priorities so tailoring your time is a great way to please everyone.
It is all very simple, you choose the duration of your holiday (a minimum of three nights is required) and when you want to go. You then get to select the activities your family most wants to do and you build your own holiday together (with the help of our travel experts of course).
Whether your family is active and wants action-packed days or whether you are content just playing together in the snow, the choice is yours.
Your days can be filled with the likes of dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are reindeer encounters, sleigh rides and ice fishing trips to try too and that is just for starters.
At Muotka, it isn’t just a case of filling your days, oh no, this is prime Northern Lights holiday country and so we can also arrange many different Aurora hunts for you at night. You can search in a car, visit a hidden Aurora Camp or set off on foot using snowshoes.
Muotka also offers families a choice of accommodation. There are cosy rooms and log cabins with panoramic windows to decide between, as well as the chance to spend a night in a glass-roofed Aurora Kota.
If you need any help with your decision making then our family travel experts will be on hand to help and will use their firsthand knowledge of Muotka to make life as simple as possible for you. We also take the hassle out of packing as all of your cold-weather clothing is provided.
Image credits: Anthony Oberlin, Markku Inkilä, Visit Finland
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel
Nights: 1-3
Around 40km away from Ivalo Airport, and tucked neatly in the forests and fells of North East Finland, families will find Muotka Wilderness Hotel.
Owned by our friends Jouko and Mari, the hotel offers the same warm welcome as its sister property at Nellim.
The landscape around the hotel is stunning and offers families an easily accessible escape from the every day.
Read more about this accommodationThere are two main buildings, one contains the majority of the rooms and the other houses the reception, restaurant and the remaining cosy bedrooms. They are just moments from each other so there are no long walks for meals. There are also superior sauna rooms in separate buildings and some very special cabin options too, again, only a short distance from the hotel’s main restaurant. If you are considering upgrading to one of these options, subject to availability and a supplement, please speak to one of our Travel Experts.
Hotel facilities
- All meals are served in the hotel’s restaurant. Typically this is a buffet of options from which to choose. There tends to be a mix of international dishes alongside some local favourites. Dietary requirements can all be catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking.
- There is a sauna in the main building which is heated daily for guest use. Saunas are not the reserve of grown-ups in Finland and so this can be a family affair.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building
- Standard rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities but tea and coffee are available free of charge in the restaurant area
Room types
Standard rooms
All standard rooms are en-suite with shower room, wardrobe, hairdryer and nightstand and can be made up as either a double or twin. We can request adjacent rooms for you if available.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
Image Credit: Matt Robinson
Other options
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Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Wilderness Premium Rooms
Renovated in 2022, these are the newest rooms at Muotka and are larger than the standard Wilderness rooms at 269 ft2. Perfect for couples, the rooms feature a double bed, tea and coffee making equipment and are fully ensuite, with the bathroom having a shower and a hair dryer. Premium rooms are situated in a separate building (with its own sauna) adjacent to the reception and restaurant.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel - Superior Sauna Rooms
These sauna rooms are a great upgrade and can accommodate two adults and up to two children on extra beds. The rooms are located in separate buildings (each containing four sauna rooms) and are just a short distance from the main restaurant building. Each room is 34m².
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
Read more about this accommodationPlease contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Image credits: Muotka Wilderness Hotel
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Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Riverside Suite
In keeping with your surroundings, the Riverside suite is beautifully constructed from local “kelo” wood and combines traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. The suite contains a bathroom with shower and private sauna, a fireplace and tea and coffee making facilities. With a double bed and sofa bed, the suite can accommodate 4 people in comfort. The suite overlooks a small stream running through the grounds of the hotel.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request. Please contact our Aurora Experts for a quotation.
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Muotka Wilderness Hotel - Panorama Log Cabins
These cosy log cabins are a wonderful treat for families. They have large glass windows on one side so you can look out across the landscape and hopefully up at the sky, where the Northern Lights often appear. The cabins are very well equipped and have an en-suite shower room, private sauna, and log burning stove.
Read more about this accommodationThere is a queen size bed in each and space for two extra beds for children. There is a small kitchenette and kettle provided and hairdryers are available at reception if needed.
The cabins are just a short walk from the main restaurant building and are around 50 m² in size.
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request.
Image credits: Muotka Wilderness Hotel
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Wilderness Hotel Muotka - Riverside Log Cabins
The most spectacular accommodation available at Muotka, these modern log cabins are well situated with views over a river. Well appointed, with a fireplace in the spacious living room, together with a private sauna and kitchenette (and fridge), the cabins have sleeping space for 5 people. There is a double bedroom downstairs and three single beds in the loft. The cabins also contain hair dryers and tea and coffee making facilities.
Please note that these cabins require a minimum of 4 people to be booked
Please note: the hotel can usually accommodate your bed set up preference but this can’t be guaranteed. Upgrades available on request
Special Nights
Sleep in an Aurora Kota
Muotka is renowned as an Aurora viewing destination and so the hotel has created a selection of Aurora Kotas for guests to enjoy.
These part-cabin and part-glass tepee buildings are self-contained and situated a short distance from the hotel. The idea is that you can hopefully watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of the bed.
The Kotas are all 25m² with their own private sauna, double bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also room for two extra beds for children.
Please note: prices are based on you spending a night of your holiday in this unique accommodation and not keeping your original accommodation. If you would like to keep your accommodation, supplements will apply. Please speak to our Travel Experts for a full quotation.
©Anthony Oberlin
Activities
Keep yourself busy!
Activities
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Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Activities: please note that the activities are not included in the prices below. All you need to do is select your preferred activities from the 'Activities' tab and our Travel Experts will create a personalised itinerary quote for you.
Price based on: two adults sharing with one child (4-14) in an extra bed (excludes kotas)
Please note: if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Dates
Departure dates between | |||||
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Fri 20 Dec 2024
to Sat 28 Dec 2024 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1965.00
to £2200.00 |
Adult (extra night): £195.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1575.00
to £1765.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Sun 29 Dec 2024
to Mon 06 Jan 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1795.00
to £2010.00 |
Adult (extra night): £195.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1395.00
to £1560.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Tue 07 Jan 2025
to Wed 29 Jan 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1345.00
to £1505.00 |
Adult (extra night): £156.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1085.00
to £1215.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Thu 30 Jan 2025
to Sat 22 Feb 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1515.00
to £1695.00 |
Adult (extra night): £176.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1175.00
to £1315.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Sun 23 Feb 2025
to Fri 07 Mar 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1415.00
to £1585.00 |
Adult (extra night): £176.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1085.00
to £1215.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Sat 08 Mar 2025
to Tue 22 Apr 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1345.00
to £1505.00 |
Adult (extra night): £156.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1085.00
to £1215.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £102.00 | Enquire |
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times. This only applies to holidays that include flights.
Christmas and New Year Mandatory Supplements
Please note there is also a mandatory supplement if you stay on the 24th or 31st of December.
This is £77 per person on the 24th December and £55 per person on the 31st December.
If you have any questions at all please speak to our travel experts.
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2025/26 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around nine months prior to departure.
Departure dates between | |||||
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Fri 14 Nov 2025
to Fri 12 Dec 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1685.00
to £1895.00 |
Adult (extra night): £185.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1375.00
to £1545.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Sat 13 Dec 2025
to Fri 19 Dec 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£2065.00
to £2311.00 |
Adult (extra night): £225.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1605.00
to £1795.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Sat 20 Dec 2025
to Sun 28 Dec 2025 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£2255.00
to £2535.00 |
Adult (extra night): £225.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1815.00
to £2025.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Mon 29 Dec 2025
to Tue 06 Jan 2026 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£2065.00
to £2315.00 |
Adult (extra night): £225.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1605.00
to £1795.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Wed 07 Jan 2026
to Thu 29 Jan 2026 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1545.00
to £1735.00 |
Adult (extra night): £185.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1245.00
to £1395.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Fri 30 Jan 2026
to Sun 22 Feb 2026 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1745.00
to £1945.00 |
Adult (extra night): £205.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1375.00
to £1515.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Mon 23 Feb 2026
to Sat 07 Mar 2026 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1625.00
to £1825.00 |
Adult (extra night): £205.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1245.00
to £1395.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Sun 08 Mar 2026
to Wed 22 Apr 2026 |
Adult price (3 nights):
£1545.00
to £1735.00 |
Adult (extra night): £185.00 |
Child (4-14) (3 nights):
£1245.00
to £1395.00 |
Child (4 - 14) (extra night): £115.00 | Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
This holiday requires a minimum of 2 people to run, however, on some dates we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 24 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Minimum number of activities
Please note that you must book at least one activity to secure accommodation at Muotka Wilderness Lodge.
Specific Payment and Cancellation Terms for Muotka
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 14.12-06.01, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Prior to 25.09 - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- 26.09 up until departure date - 100%
For all other travel dates, the following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%
- 42 to 15 days prior to departure - 75%
- 14 or less days - 100%
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
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Booking, administration, communictaion, trip info, support was excellent. 07 March 2020 by Renju Karukayil
We enjoyed all the activites. We think, it is important to do few activites and enjoy it. We loved the hotel and location.
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All the activities very professionally organised 16 February 2020 by The Pindoria Family
We had a fantastic time and loved the activities.
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I will definitely be going again 12 December 2019 by The Rayner-Giannone Family
This is our second time of visiting Wilderness Hotel in Muotka, and it didn’t disappoint this time. The staff are so welcoming, the guides so incredibly helpful, understanding, and always go that extra mile. The activities on offer were really good, and kept 2 60 year olds and 10 year old twins, happy each day! It was just the most relaxing 3 days I’ve spent for years, if ever. I will…
Read more definitely be going again. Thank you Activities Abroad and Muotka!
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The staff were all so kind and helpful 16 December 2018 by The Guest Family
The accommodation was fabulous and the staff were all so kind and helpful. The activities (particularly the snowmobiling and cross country skiing) were ace!
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‘When can we go back to the same hotel? 13 December 2018 by The Rayner-Giannone Family
I would give it a 10 rating for telling everyone, but then it might get spoiled. What made our last trip so fantastic, was that on top of excellent accommodation, food and activities, the local people were so friendly, and the wilderness hotel itself was absolutely superb! It was just right in so many ways; it was cosy, small, but at the time we were there, full! My 9 year old twins, who were…
Read more treated so kindly and, always cheerfully, by the staff and manager, asked desperately ‘when can we go back to the same hotel?
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