Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Holiday in Lapland, tailormade, independent reviews
 Reviewed 4 Mar 2008 by Emma Davis |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all incredible to be honest. Driving the dog sleighs in the gently falling snow, with nothing but nature all around was probably tops. But Maya and Mikel are the most fantastic hosts, serving delicious food, giving great hugs, lending warm clothes and generally being superstars. Freshly cooked muffins in the morning, elk soup by a fire, just wish I had been there longer.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't go for the weekend - go for a week - or you will be desperately unhappy about leaving. I would recommend going for a week to totally chill out and get back to nature, read, eat nice food and do a different activity every day - it's other wordly so why rush back to your own?!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I did feel that apart from the awful truth that I flew there. It definitely benefited the locals in that any money that passed hands all went directly to them. It felt like the bus driver, dog owners, cafe owners were all our friends as a result and we really felt part of the community for our trip - or at least totally welcomed by the community. Half the guests stayed in local houses, and absolutely loved that. Seeing photos of the family etc...
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to go again, and this time I would definitely go for longer. I want to go back this time next year, for a week with a few close friends. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT.
| Reviewed 22 Feb 2009 by Michael Clarke | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending a night in a log cabin with a wood fire in the wilderness.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take contact lenses as your glasses freeze up! If going at this time of year take it slowly at first when going outside as the cold takes a bit of getting used to.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - local companies were used for excursions and care was taken not to disturb the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent - the scenery is beautiful and the activities were thrilling. The hosts took great care of us and the food was wonderful.
| Reviewed 19 Jan 2008 by Tasha Barlow | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We saw the northern lights on our first night. This was because our host stopped the car 3 times to look at the sky and showed us what to look for, and because we were very lucky with the conditions. But equally exciting was the dog sledging- with individual sledges! and a team of 5 dogs each, and fantastic guides. This was because of the local connections that our hosts have. And the food was fantastic too.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We booked at last minute. Not sure we got the cheapest flights possible from stockholm to Kiruna. The hosts at the Retreat provide all the details of how to book flights or trains.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10! best holiday. Good value for money.
| Reviewed 31 Jan 2009 by Judy Harrington | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Northern Lights on New Years Eve with a great group of people we met on the holiday. But other things were really memorable; a night at the wilderness lodge, dog sledding, visiting the ice hotel and just always the amazing light and skies. The retreat was also memorable for the warm and cosy atmosphere; the incredibly helpful and kind staff and the fun and good time we had with the other guests and the staff.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take local currency in case you want to book extra trips or buy anything. It is a small village and there is no cash point; the garage will sometimes change small amounts. Also alcohol is very hard to find and very expensive.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The Retreat was run by a local family and the activities were booked with local people running small family businesses so it definitely did benefit local people. The retreat had a very strong environmental and recycling policy and used local foods if possible, organic too. The main problem is that everything is very remote and there isn't much public transport so you do rely a lot on driving to get anywhere.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was wonderful - beautiful, interesting, healthy, relaxing...
| Reviewed 10 Jan 2009 by Isabel Villena | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Many, many things! The magical blue winter light; the sled dogs silent run trough a sheer white landscape; happily screaming our hearts out frolicking in the snow on a minus 20 centigrades night after a wonderful traditional sauna.
Standing openmouthed and teary eyed on a frozen lake while an unpolluted skyfull of starts and the unforgettable majestic dance of the Northern Lights compete for our attention...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just DO it! And don't worry about the cold; if a bunch of Mediterraneans from Barcelona could not only stand it but thoroughly enjoy it, anyone else can.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the people are as responsible and conscientious as anyone can be, and we think this
little local project can help in many ways in an area that can certainly use that help. Thank you so much to you all: Maya, Mika, Kumar, Agnes,...4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I never give the 5 stars because I'm simply unable to choose "the best of" anything, but the retreat is certainly up there with our very very best memories on this wonderful planet.
| Reviewed 10 Dec 2008 by Steve Syder | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's difficult to choose what was most memorable about this great holiday - the setting was like living in a Christmas card, the food was delicious, the staff friendly and attentive. The huskey sledging was probably our favourite excursion.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The Icelandic Horse Farm is very authentic - be prepared to brush and tack your own horse, and don't do an evening ride - you really can't see the glorious scenery that you can enjoy in daylight, and the chances are you will see the Northern Lights while you are at the retreat.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We undoubtedly put money into a small, local economy and so benefitted local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
As good as it gets! We had a great time. Mikael and Maya have worked hard to create a great house to stay in and they and the staff work tirelessly to give every single guest a great experience.
| Reviewed 25 Mar 2007 by Roni Zehavi | |
The vacation at this retreat was fantastic!!!
We have enjoyed it from tremendously from every aspect, starting with the hospitality of Mika and Maya, the organization of the vacation, the facility offered (it was clean and very convenient), and on to welcoming of all the guides of the various activities.
In addition, all the people we have encountered with had very good English, which turned the communication into a very simple one.
All together - a great week with remarkable hosts in a spectacular area!!!
Thank you very much.
We have enjoyed it from tremendously from every aspect, starting with the hospitality of Mika and Maya, the organization of the vacation, the facility offered (it was clean and very convenient), and on to welcoming of all the guides of the various activities.
In addition, all the people we have encountered with had very good English, which turned the communication into a very simple one.
All together - a great week with remarkable hosts in a spectacular area!!!
Thank you very much.