Reviewed 29 Dec 2009 by Caroline Bond
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were lots of exciting opportunities for adventures such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling, wilderness experiences and so on. For me though, the most memorable parts of the holiday were the simple things we did together as a family - making gingerbread in the old bakery, working on a 'snow cave', tobogganing and making the best snow angels ever! The food was also a huge highlight for us - we were constantly delighted by our meals, particularly the feast on Christmas Eve. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for, but meat-eaters shouldn't be put off by that!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take thermal underwear and comfortable clothes to layer underneath your outdoor gear. I also heartily recommend a balaclava! The outerwear provided by the Retreat is just right for purpose so don't buy anything like snow boots if you won't need them again.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think so. The retreat works with local people who provide the activities on offer. Recycling/re-using is encouraged and facilitated and the efforts to minimize impact on the environment are evident at the retreat.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Delightful, awe-inspiring, heart-melting. Breath taking scenery and perfect peace. The hosts are friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming without ever being intrusive or making you feel rushed at any time. Christmas was wonderful here and made so much more special by the traditional candles replacing streetlights and the visit to Santa in his cottage. My children (aged 9 and 11) happily suspended any disbelief and didn't ever mention television or sales shopping!
Reviewed 29 Dec 2008 by Samantha Stott
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of our holiday was memorable. In fact, it was the best holiday we have ever had! Maya, Mikel and all the staff at the retreat made us feel welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The food was exceptional, the location beautiful, the house warm, welcoming and beautifully decorated and the local people friendly. Right from the beginning, at the planning stage, Maya was extremely helpful and patient, even going so far as to contact the rail company on our behalf for details about night train ticketing. Mikel was a brilliant host and spent a lot of time with us, making sure that everything was just so.
The programme of activities was well thought out and offered something different to the packages available on the high street. At no point were we rushed and we had plenty of time to take in everything that was going on. We really felt that our experience was authentic and gave a true taste of the place we were in. All of our stay was wonderful although if I had to select some highlights I would say that the husky tour, seeing the Northern Lights and meeting Santa in his cottage stood out . The latter was magical and really got us into the Christmas spirit.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are planning on using the night train, which I would recommend, book early and also make a telephone booking. I tried several times on the website but there was a problem with it accepting my international telephone number. I had no problems when I spoke to a member of the booking staff though. Also, if possible, add a couple of days onto your stay. We wished we could have stayed longer (we stayed 3 nights) and were very sad to leave.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes to both parts. The retreat is environmentally friendly and the activities that we took part in had a minimal impact on the environment. We were also encouraged to use public transport. Local people were employed by the retreat in various way and we were also invited to join in local celebrations.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A five star holiday that I would recommend to all (and indeed have been doing!). Perfect in every way.
Reviewed 29 Dec 2007 by Deborah Finn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me it was the dog sledding and the visit to the Sami reindeer herder. The dog sledding was invigorating, just difficult enough to be genuinely challenging and involved us travelling through beautiful forested land and across frozen lakes. The dogs were so energetic and hard working but also really sweet, friendly dogs. The reindeer herder was fascinating and the real deal, not some packaged up 'reindeer herder experience'. I felt like I was getting an honest glimpse into a completely different way of life. For Josh, my little boy, the best bits were the toboggan session and the gingerbread making.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want to go on the overnight train up to Lapland, then make sure you get in early to book your sleeping compartment. If there are 3 or fewer of you then it's worth the extra money to get a 3 berth rather than a 6 bed couchette section. The tickets go on sale some particular day in December and they sell out pretty much that day.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think so. The trips all involved local people trying to make a living in a difficult environment, particularly the dog sled workers and the Sami reindeer herder. Many of the activities were low impact, like toboggan, dog sled, cross country skiing.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was absolutely fantastic. It makes me want to go and live in Sweden.
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