Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort is one of the few places in Alaska where the hotel and the attraction are the same thing. At the end of a paved road in the Chena River valley, around an hour northeast of Fairbanks, the resort has been welcoming guests to its mineral springs for over a century. Staying overnight changes the experience from a day tour into a proper retreat. You can soak late into the evening, return to your room, and step outside to check the sky without a long drive. The accommodation includes lodge rooms and cabins in different styles, and the grounds have a restaurant, a geothermal greenhouse, an ice museum and an outdoor activities programme that includes dog sledding, snowmobiling and winter walks. The valley is far from city lights, which makes it one of the best places in the region to see the aurora, and the resort can arrange wake-up calls if the lights appear while you sleep.

The hot springs are the centre of the stay. The outdoor rock lake is kept warm all year, and soaking in steaming water while snow falls or the northern lights ripple overhead is the experience that guests remember. Indoor pools and a spa add options for cold or rainy days. The Aurora Ice Museum, kept below freezing, has sculptures and an ice bar, and is open to guests and day visitors. Packages combine accommodation with activities, so look at the options before you book.

Plan on a minimum of two nights if you want to enjoy both the activities and the sky. The resort is remote, and the nearest large town is an hour away, so you will eat most meals on site. The restaurant serves a range of dishes including produce grown in the greenhouse, and prices reflect the location. Winter roads are plowed but can be icy, and rental cars should be suited to the conditions; many guests prefer to use the resort's shuttle or a tour.

Summer has its own appeal, with long days, hiking trails and the nearby Angel Rocks loop. The valley is green and quiet, and moose are common. The resort suits couples, families with older children and groups who want to relax. Rooms are comfortable but not luxurious, and it is wise to confirm what is included, such as access to the hot springs, which is usually part of the stay but may be limited at certain hours. Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops and a hat for winter soaks, and a flashlight for walking between buildings at night.