Ii, Kuivaniemi. 16.07.2026
Aurora Sea Resort is starting the first construction phase of its new resort in Kuivaniemi, Ii. Located next to the Merihelmi property, the resort will bring a new travel destination to the shores of the Bothnian Bay. The first guests are expected to be welcomed in December 2026.
In the first phase, 15 sea-view villas will be built in the area, and the existing Merihelmi building will be renovated into the resort’s main building. Merihelmi will be developed as the heart of the destination, bringing together reception services, dining, a lounge area, the starting point for activities and a guest experience shaped by the sea view.
“This project is not only about creating a new place to stay. It is about launching a broader travel destination. Our aim is to strengthen the visibility of the coastal area of Ii and Kuivaniemi, increase year-round tourism, create new employment opportunities and build lasting cooperation with local companies,” says Minna Miettunen, CEO of Aurora Sea Resort and one of the project’s developers.
Aurora Sea Resort is built on the strengths of its location. The Arctic coast of the Bothnian Bay, the sea, light, ice, open horizon and strong seasonal contrasts form the core of the resort’s identity.
“The destination offers a unique combination of a cool maritime climate, clean nature, open horizons and strong seasonal contrasts — exactly the kind of elements that an increasingly hot Europe is beginning to look for in travel destinations. The area has true potential as an international travel destination, much of which is still untapped,” says Jenni Rossi, who is responsible for guest experience and brand image at Aurora Sea Resort.
Rooted in the local area
Aurora Sea Resort’s identity is built on a strong sense of place. This is reflected in practical choices from the construction phase onwards, and in the wider resort experience through activities, stories, materials and partnerships. The aim is that local identity is not only a theme, but something that can be seen in the resort’s decisions, cooperation and in the way guests encounter the people, services and stories of the area.
The aim is to create a year-round destination built around two distinct seasons. The winter season, the season of snowlight, highlights snow, ice, northern lights and the atmosphere of the Arctic coast. The snowless season, the season of sealight, is shaped by open water, long evenings, time spent in nature, fishing, sauna and moments by the sea.
Merihelmi is a building familiar to many people in the area, with a colourful and eventful history. As part of Aurora Sea Resort, it will take on a new role as the main building serving both international and domestic travellers. Its elevated location and open views over the Bothnian Bay make it a natural centre point for the resort.
“The destination is being developed with a long-term view and in phases. In the first phase, we are creating a high-quality foundation on which the services and local cooperation can be developed in a controlled way,” says Pekka Kokko, who is responsible for the construction of the villa area and the renovation of Merihelmi.
Aurora Sea Resort’s core team brings together expertise in construction, technical infrastructure, the travel industry, sales, programme services, guest experience and brand development. Minna Miettunen serves as CEO and is responsible for sales, the development of programme services and cooperation with local tourism entrepreneurs. Jenni Rossi is responsible for guest-facing operations, the brand, guest experience and strengthening the destination’s visibility. Pekka Kokko acts as an investor and is responsible for construction. Jari Pitkälä acts as an investor and strategic advisor.
The first phase includes 15 well-equipped sea-view villas, the renovation of Merihelmi, the preparation of reception and dining services, the development of sauna, food and activity services, and a cooperation model with local service providers.
Aurora Sea Resort is scheduled to open in December 2026.
About Aurora Sea Resort
Aurora Sea Resort is an arctic resort under development in Kuivaniemi, Ii, on the shores of Bothnian Bay. The destination brings together private sea-view villas, the services of the Merihelmi main building, sauna, dining, activities and local cooperation. The resort serves couples, families, small groups, event guests, and both domestic and international travellers year-round.
Aurora Sea Resort Oy has been granted investment support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, underlining the importance and regional significance of the project.
Media contacts
Minna Miettunen: minna@aurorasearesort.fi
Jenni Rossi: jenni@aurorasearesort.fi
