Skies Wide Open
Seeing the northern lights is a stunning experience on its own, but viewing the soft glow and vibrant colors from your very own luxury igloo or cube takes the aurora borealis to new heights.
Borealis Basecamp is just the place to do it. Located 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, the resort offers a few different accommodations to take in the views—all with a sumptuous flair and authentic Arctic wilderness experiences.
The most popular places to stay are the 31 clear-topped igloos set atop individual decks. Each igloo boasts luxury linens, elegant furnishings, a bathroom, a beverage bar, and a 12-foot ceiling that opens up so you can see the Arctic sky and all its wonders.
There are also eight cubes—larger luxury container-like accommodations nestled in the forest for an immersive experience—that include floor-to-ceiling windows, a treehouse bed, a full bathroom with heated towel racks, and more lavish amenities.
One cube suite provides the most space and sleeps up to five people. It has a single treehouse bed along with an en suite sauna, walk-in shower, soaking tub, and dedicated sitting area. You don’t even have to leave your bed to see the auroras, as the cube features a wall of glass for optimal panoramic views.
The accommodations are superb, but you will have to leave your space to eat. Still, it’s worth the trek out. Guests eat at Latitude 65, the resort’s on-site restaurant, which is thoughtfully set in a hand-built yurt.
Adventures abound on the resort and off. Borealis Basecamp offers reindeer and dogsledding excursions as well as helicopter tours if you want to see the lush Arctic forest and mountains firsthand. Those who prefer winter sports can cruise down the Trans-Alaska Pipeline on a snow machine to the alluring Wickersham Dome Trail or venture out on foot to explore the surrounding 100-acre boreal forest. The resort even offers one-hour portrait sessions with a pro photographer beneath the undulating lights of the aurora borealis—no selfie stick required.
Feeling more indoorsy? Not a problem. Guests can literally stay in bed and witness the aurora borealis or dine in at Latitude 65 while watching the northern lights dance across the White Mountains.
Two-, three-, and four-night packages include transport to and from Fairbanks, lodging, and select activities, with shoulder season prices beginning at $2,019.
“There are no other providers for a tour like this in our area, and it offers a great opportunity to get into the Alaskan backcountry without prior experience,” says Borealis Basecamp Operations Manager Rachel Bovey. The resort prides itself on offering a slate of high-quality experiences so guests don’t have to find tour operators on their own.