With so many areas of Lapland to explore, I decided to go on another exploration trip, this time to Phya, and I managed to drag a colleague along with me - the poor soul!
To make sure I would return home equipped with all the inside knowledge for my clients, I wanted to try out the local transport, so ordered our bus ticket before leaving the UK and arranged to be collected from Rovaniemi airport! We landed a bit late so I called the bus driver whilst taxing to the stand and he promised he would wait for us which he did.
In hindsight maybe getting a bus late at night to a new hotel, hence the bus driver didn’t know where to drop us, was not the best idea. Anyway, we made it, and descended the coach (the only people on it at this point) and he pointed to a building up a small track. Unfortunately it was not our hotel and we found ourselves abandoned in the dark in a snowstorm with no phone signal in leggings and a t-shirt! Before long, survival mode kicked in, we flipped open our suitcase and put on all our snow gear and decided to go in search of our hotel! Luckily, and to our delight, our hotel turned out to be only a 5 minutes walk away through the blizzard. But at least I could say we had tried out the local transport… Thankfully the bus drivers have since been told where to stop.
Exhausted, and now boiling, we decided to call it a night!
Nothing could have prepared us for the view we would wake up to. The hotel was surrounded by serene natural beauty, and overlooked a crisp white lake - it really was something you’d see on a postcard.
We were staying at a brand new hotel called Kurulas, meaning hidden from time, and boy is that true! With just 17 suites, a restaurant, large sauna and hot tub, this really is a hidden gem.
The beds were the comfiest I have ever slept in and rooms feature a freezer that is in fact a warming cupboard for clothes - the best thing ever! Rooms also featured other sources of warmth including a sauna and underfloor heating, all which were put to good use of course! The beds are positioned so that when you draw back the curtain you feel like you are sleeping right on the lake, with a balcony to gaze at the Northern Lights if your lucky enough to see them - which we were!

Porridge and Berries before a day exploring Lapland.
After a warming breakfast of porridge and berries we were off for our first ever ski lesson, again you can take the bus to the ski school which is 10 minutes away. Alternatively if you are a good skier, just across the road are the ski lifts to the intermediate and advance runs. Emmy was very patient and we managed to stay standing, and had a big smile on our faces most of the time - helped by the hot chocolates from the café just at the bottom of the slopes!
Pyha itself, is a great family friendly quaint ski resort with a handful of restaurants and a grocery store. Many will be pleased to hear that there is a pub half way along the hill where you can watch skiers on the slopes! At the top of the slopes you’ll find a hotel and restaurant with log cabins and suites perfectly placed for those looking for a ski-in-ski-out trip!
We made our way back to Kurulas for our husky ride. After a short transfer we arrived at the husky farm, where I met the founder and fell in love with Seymour, a blue/brown eyed gorgeous huskie. We were given a crash course on how to mush a sledge, along with some crazy hand signals! Whilst the first group went off mushing, we heard tales of the huskies whilst sipping on delicious hot berry juice in a nearby hut.

The stunning sauna in hotel Kurulas in Phya, Lapland.
Then it was our turn! We were escorted to the sledges where some very noisy and excitable K9’s were waiting for us! I must admit we were rather nervous, but after getting used to the speed of the huskies, we savored every moment! They took us on the most picturesque sleigh ride across frozen marshland, which by the looks on their faces, they enjoyed just as much as we did. After our ride we had some time for husky cuddles and even got to meet the cutest husky puppies.Â
On our second day we met the lovely Myynti, who gave us a tour round the beautiful Pyhatuturi hotel. With Pyhlinna cabins and Kultakero suites at the top of the slopes - there is a great range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation to suit couples, families and larger groups too!. Each hotel offers the choice of more basic rooms but also alternative options, some with incredibly luxurious suites!Â
In summary, my trip confirmed that Pyha did not disappoint and offers so much a truly authentic Lapland experience and offers the option to add skiing to your trip too. The added attraction of the Amethysit mine is also a real bonus and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights - twice - a bucket list experience. I would highly recommend Pyha for travelers seeking the perfect Lapland family holiday or couples Lapland retreat, and am ready and waiting to design your bespoke Lapland holiday package!
Pyha we can't wait to return!
Sarah x
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