If you're like us, you measure your life in moments and your breaths in experience. Yet the word, “breathtaking” is used so often these days – how many of us can say we’ve literally or proverbially been left without breath because of a fabulous or frighteningly beautiful experience? Our bevy of bucket list seekers and gypset wanderers are seeking to remedy this right quick. With all of the incredible experiences and wondrous locations we see daily, we’ve had more than a few of you reach out to ask us what’s on our proverbial Birthday Bucket List. We’re happily sharing one birthday bucket-list worthy adventure on said list each week, in the hopes of inspiring you to #getoutandgather.

We’d like for all of you to be left bereft of breath (temporarily, of course), because of a bucket list item so beautifully perfect, the very thought of it plays the notes of a song only you can hear. 

This week’s #TVRBucketList brings a new meaning to the word “glamping.”

Most of us think of ‘glamping’ as warm and seasonal, rose-colored sunsets and the sweet scent of campfire smoke wafting through our hair for days. Maybe a winding road trip culminating in a national park with luxurious accommodations in a dusky, dusty setting of natural magnificence. What if we told you that ‘glacier glamping is a) a real thing b) you won’t die of frostbite c) it will both literally and proverbially take your breath away? Saddle up, sojourners.

Inside Scoop

There are few places in the world one can experience the Northern Lights – also known as ‘Aurora Borealis.” According to the Northern Lights Centre, “the bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as 'Aurora borealis' in the north and 'Aurora australis' in the south.  Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.” Real talk, it’s mind-blowingly, dare we say, breathtakingly beautiful.

While viewing this magnificent occurrence would be bucket-list worthy on it’s own, having this tableau open before you from your very own climate-controlled, glass igloo is on another luxurious and once-in-a-lifetime level.

Find yourself in Finland. At the Kakslautanen Artic Resort, specifically. Choose from two or four-person igloo options throughout Northern Lights season which lasts from August 20th to April. Built from a special thermal glass, not only will you feel less than frosty, it also keeps the glass from fogging over, so your view will be as clear as the night sky – even when the temperature outside reaches soul-crushingly cold temps. That’s a real degree of measurement, if you’ve never experienced it. Each room also comes with luxurious beds, your own bathroom and access to a nearby sauna. Hello.

A Glacier Gathering?! Yes Please

This November, Kakslautanen Artic Resort is adding to their luxurious repertoire of beautiful glacier glamping options. As you many know, we revel in gorgeous places to gather and we are so excited to for  the addition of 16 Kelo-Glass Igloo-Log Cabins, perfect for group getaways & gatherings. That’s right, home on the range in the Finnish wilderness has never looked so good. Sleeping from 6-10 and featuring a private sauna, kitchenette and bedroom with a stunning glass roof, the log cabins are sourced from local Kelo pinewood. Think log cabin-glass-igloo hybrid for haute hibernation. 

For the extremely adventurous types, and let’s assume for the sake of the bucket list we’re building – this means you (when in Rome (or Finland) after all) you might want to spend a night or two in a snow igloo. While certainly not for the faint of heart, the resort will provide down comforters and all the warmth you need for a night in this frosty domicile.

Pillow Talk: Glacier Glamping 

This bucket list experience doesn’t end with simply gazing at a watercolor night sky from your own thermal-glass heated igloo. Oh no. The resort has a plethora of Aurora Borealis bucket-list experiences to keep on checking off that list. Ever thought you would safari outside of Africa or do so by reindeer? That’s right - don’t think you’re simply holed up in one of these fabulous ‘glacier glamping’ accommodations throughout the duration of your stay. Choose your own artic adventure – from a Husky or Reindeer Safari through the woods – a short jaunt or an overnight if you’re feeling beautifully brave, to a snowmobile or snow-tank (yes this is also a thing) which includes coffee breaks or a prepared lunch over an open fire. Overnights are also available. You can also go “Aurora Hunting” - chase this natural phenomenon through the Finnish woods by riding a sleigh or a reindeer at night. 

Sip and Socialize at The Igloo Bar

Not only are there adventures around every turn, but during your stay you’ll also experience traditional and fresh Finnish fare at two onsite restaurants as well hand-crafted cocktails at the local Igloo bar. Bellying up to an Igloo bar sounds like another check off that Bucket List.

A Fashion Muse

Even Ralph Lauren was so inspired by this locale, that they shot their Fall 2015 Ad Campaign here. Wedding dress inspo anyone?!

The Fall 2015 Ralph Lauren Collection campaign, photographed by Nelson.

Now go out and gather gorgeous ones, place ‘Aurora Borealis Glacier Glamping’ at the top of your bucket list and remember, adventures don’t have to be sunny and seasonal.  The desire to forge new paths and deviate from your comfort zone can and should span all seasons. Adventures abound, where there’s a will, there’s always a beautiful, beautiful way. Stay tuned for next week’s adventure dancing under the light of a disco ball in the jungle of Tulum! #TVRBucketList

Photos and Venue: Kakslautanen Artic Resort