Are you planning to make 2020 the year to see the northern lights? A bucket-list experience that has long captivated adventurous travellers, the aurora borealis is a celestial phenomenon that occurs only a few months every year. The good news is, now is the best time to get a glimpse of the glowing lights. From a floating spa in Sweden to igloos in the North Pole, these new northern lights experiences will allow you to witness the natural spectacle—all in the comfort of luxury

1. Arctic Bath, Sweden

One of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2020, Arctic Bath is the world’s first floating spa, home to six overwater cabins on the Lule River and six cabins and suites on the shore. No matter which accommodation you choose, the property is ideally placed for experiencing the aurora borealis, which are best viewed between August to March. 

Go on an adventurous light excursion with nature and adventure photographer to capture the night phenomenon, or take an ice-cold bath at the floating spa under the northern sky for a truly revitalising experience.

(Related: 5 Scandinavian Hotels To Stay And See The Northern Lights From)

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Above (Image: Airbnb)

2. Aurora mobile cabins, Finland

Ever thought you could see the northern lights from a movable cabin? On winter nights, Airbnb host Esko will tow your cabin to the best spot on frozen Lake Inari to make sure you have the best aurora borealis views from the comfort of your bed.

December to April is the best time to visit, though in extreme weather conditions you can still experience the natural spectacle from the base camp, which comes with a living room, wifi, showers and a kitchen.

(Related: How To Do A Summer Holiday In Finland, By Dick Lee)

3. North Pole Igloos

Taking glamping to the next level, the new North Pole Igloos is a pop-up hotel located in the northernmost place on earth. Each of the 10 heated, igloo-shaped domes featuring an ensuite bathroom and a glass ceiling roof has been tested to endure extreme arctic weather conditions, allowing guests to view the northern lights from bed in a safe environment. 

As the North Pole is inhospitable and inaccessible during most of the year, the hotel will only be open in April—the only time when the area can be reached by helicopter.

(Related: Stay At This Pop-Up Luxury Hotel In The North Pole For US$100K A Night)

4. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

What better way to see the northern lights than sharing a glass igloo with a group of friends? But it’s not just any glass igloo—Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort’s new kelo-glass igloos are attached to a log chalet and can sleep up to six guests. 

Each features a private sauna, fireplace, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a stunning glass roof made from Lapland’s kelo pinewood. Take in the enchanting natural phenomenon and the Lappish wilderness from the comfort of your private hideaway.

 

5. The northern lights by hot air balloon

Sweden’s Aurora Safari Camp is introducing a hot air balloon aurora tour called “Aurora in the Sky”—a once-in-a-lifetime experience to check off two bucket list items in one go. Bookings will be available in May 2020 for a cool US$2,999.

The package includes a hot air balloon ride to see the aurora up-close from the sky, meals, private transfers, luxury glamping at Aurora Safari Camp & The Outpost, and a snowmobile adventure with lunch on the Arctic Circle.

(Related: 5 Bucket List-Worthy Travel Experiences)

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Above (Image: Aurora 360)

6. From a private charter flight

Witness one of the world’s greatest celestial phenomena onboard a private charter jet with the Aurora 360 Experience.

Guests will have an exclusive opportunity to admire the greens, reds and purples of the aurora borealis alongside award-winning Canadian photographers who can provide on-board photographic assistance, as well as guests speakers with a scientific background to answer questions related to the northern lights.

Find out more at aurora-360.ca

(Related: 3 Of The Best Luxury Private Jets In Singapore—Which Will Fit Your Lifestyle?)

7. Svart, Norway

Set to open in 2021, Svart, the world’s first energy-positive hotel will be located at the edge of a glacier in northern Norway. The futuristic design of the hotel features a circular shape that offers optimal views of the fjord, supported by sufficient solar energy to cover both the hotel operations and construction. 

With a prime location above the Arctic Circle, Svart unveils the magic of the northern lights on long winter nights.

Find out more at svart.no/en

(Related: Pen These Travel Destinations Into Your Holiday Wish List Now)

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