The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden will open on 6 December 2013 for its 24th year, and yet again this formidable feat of engineering and artistry is guaranteed to wow guests and visitors alike.
I have been lucky enough to visit the ICEHOTEL on a number of occasions over the past years and I have been mesmerised on every occasion. However, it was not until I saw the Channel 5 programme ‘Mega Builders: Building the ICEHOTEL’ that I truly appreciated the effort, skill and time (and luck with Mother Nature) that goes into planning and developing the world’s original ICEHOTEL.
Cold accommodation at this remarkable property is divided into five categories: the Snow room; Ice room; Northern Lights suite; Art suite and Deluxe suite. All offer the opportunity to sleep in sub zero temperatures (–5 to -8ºC) but it is the Art suites and Deluxe suite that visitors will remember long after they return to the UK. These rooms (11 rooms in 2013/14) are individually designed by international artists, film directors, architects, product designers and visual anthropologists. I have witnessed rooms which have polar bears peering over the bed; beds placed in ice sculpted cars and boats and rooms with ice sculpted rockets and astronauts.
The 2013/14 Art suites and Deluxe suite will be no less spectacular. The winning designs – depicted below – will include:
- A London underground theme
- A room with Polar bears
- A Montmartre-inspired roof top setting
- A Frankenstein-like science lab
I cannot wait to visit the property again this winter. Roll on December.
Rachel Jelley,
Sunvil Discovery
Some of the winning bedroom designs:
