We were on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lapland in Finland, and hearing 'figgy pudding' and 'toffee' being called out, you'd be forgiven for assuming they were part of the lavish buffet at our hotel. But no, these were the names of the entertaining and knowledgeable 'elves' who were making our magical Christmas trip come alive. Where to stay in Lapland Our accommodation, the 4T Lapland Hotel Saaga , was a picturesque 40-minute drive from Kittilä airport, during which our elf pointed out places of interest, including the runway that Santa uses for take off and landing on Christmas Eve.
The hotel's location, nestled in the heart of the Yllasjarvi ski area, was the ideal base for everything this Arctic wonderland has to offer. The decor is a blend of cosiness and contemporary Scandi design, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the ever-changing sky, and a swimming and spa area comparable to any you would find in a luxury French alpine resort but also perfectly equipped for children. Our room had the added perk of watching skiers navigate the slopes from the comfort of our own beds.
It's only a 20-minute drive to reach all our planned winter activities , and with festive fairytales and quizzes from Figgy Pudding along the way, there wasn't a single cry of 'Are we there yet?' reports OK! . READ MORE: ‘I went to Mauritius assuming it would be a relaxing ‘fly-and-flop’ holiday but I was wrong’ READ MORE: ‘I discovered the perfect cosy Christmas hol.