Magical Pond Nature Igloos

Easily the most beautiful place I have ever stayed at. The juxtaposition between the stunning natural beauty and the stunning modern buildings is incredible.

Peaceful and Relaxing Lovely pods with a very large comfortable bed and some clever storage under the steps. There is only a kettle, sink, coffee maker and a fridge so you won't be able to stay long without transport. The lights on the other pods (their pod number) and some of the pathways are on all night, so you don't get a complete blackout and it's only the ones at the very front that face the lake. It still feels private though. The firepit by the lake was nice and there are some clip on torches available as well as sledges and snowshoes you can use. It was lovely for 2 nights. Note that on Friday night when they have late night skiing in Ruka you can see the lights illuminating the sky nearby.

Beautiful property, very romantic 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!)